While everyone is understandably anxious to return to some form of social normality, the harsh reality of the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic demands that potential viewers thoughtfully weigh the risks versus rewards involved, not just to oneself, but to others. I list the following upcoming events with an important qualification. When visiting arts and performance venues, please remember that you bear responsibility not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of those around you. Wear a mask to protect others and be vigilant about keeping a safe social distance. And, importantly, adhere to the rules and regulations that each organization have instituted in accordance with the local health authorities.
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The East Tennessee Historical Society re-opened its Museum of East Tennessee History on August 1, but with the necessary caveats for the safety of visitors.
• Wear a mask or cloth face covering at all times (masks are available on site)
• Make regular use of the hand sanitizing stations located throughout the building
• Stay at least six feet away from anyone not in your household
• Follow one-way path markers
• Stay at home if you are sick
The museum’s current featured exhibition is Black & White., Knoxville in the Jim Crow Era  featuring the stories of African American artists Beauford Delaney, Joseph Delaney, and Ruth Cobb Brice, with contributions by guest historian Robert J. Booker.  The exhibition, which opened February 20, 2020 right before the Museum closed, and has now been extended to provide visitors’ access to this important part of East Tennessee’s past.
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Tennessee Stage Company was forced to cancel its annual Shakespeare on the Square performances this summer, but is pursuing an alternative. The company, together with Ijams Nature Center, 70/30 Creatives, and the Knox County Health Department, are offering Shakespeare OFF the Square, with a special performance of Much Ado About Nothing in the somewhat wide-open spaces of the Ijams Visitor Center lawn. Seating capacity is limited to 50 audience members at each performance.
Much Ado About Nothing runs for three weekends only, Thursday-Sunday, August 6 – 23, starting at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. Admission is FREE, but registration is required. Donations to Tennessee Stage Company and 70/30 Creatives are encouraged. [Some of the performances may already be fully subscribed.]
Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. No coolers. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed at all times. Some concessions available.
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The Emporium Center has had to alter its visitor policy, requiring visitors to make an appointment by calling 865-523-7543. Nevertheless, the August exhibitions open on Friday, August 7.
• Work by Recipients of Bailey Opportunity Grants
• Héctor Saldivar: Mis Raises (My Roots)
• Mark Hipshire and Emma Slaymaker: Shared Spaces
• Paula Thomas: Evoked in Resin
The Arts & Culture Alliance Summer Members Show continues through the end of the month.
Opening reception for August exhibitions: Friday, August 7, 5:00-7:00 PM
Other viewing hours by appointment only, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tel: 865-523-7543
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The Knoxville Museum of Art is open Wednesday – Sundays, 1 PM – 5 PM, but with a reservation system in place. Click here to make a FREE reservation.
The featured exhibition, Beauford Delaney and James Baldwin: Through the Unusual Door, continues through October 25.Â
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