Community Calendar

What makes a plein air painting stand out from the field? Join Plein Air Smokies judge Lori Putnam for a closer look at the award-winning works from this year’s event.
Putnam will share what caught her attention, what she considered as she selected the winners in each category, and what made these paintings rise to the top. Many of this year’s featured artists will also be on hand, making this a unique opportunity to hear more about the creative and judging process behind Plein Air Smokies.
Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply curious about how a judge approaches a competition, you’re invited to join us for this free public conversation.
About Plein Air Smokies
Twenty nationally acclaimed artists will set up their easels across Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding region on Sept. 19–26 for Plein Air Smokies, a weeklong celebration of art, landscape, and the practice of painting outdoors.

Plein Air Smokies is hosted by Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, a nonprofit outdoor school located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Proceeds support Tremont’s hands-on outdoor education programs through scholarships, allowing more people to connect deeply with nature.

Plein Air Smokies is presented by Toyota Knoxville and Lexus of Knoxville, with additional support from Anakeesta. A complete schedule, featured artist profiles, event registration, and updates are available at pleinairsmokies.org.

We ain't afraid of no ghosts! Join us on October 2nd for a spooktacular evening of science and cinema!

As part of the Historic House Museums of Knoxville's Movies at the Museums series, we're excited to host a FREE screening of Ghostbusters (1984). Before the movie, enjoy a talk from Quinn Argall, Collections & Exhibits Director at the American Museum of Science and Energy, as he explores the science behind ghosts and hauntings.

Bring a few blankets and chairs, friends and family, and maybe a few proton packs! Gates open @6pm; movie starts at dusk.

Join local authors including D.L. Winchester, K.R. Stinson, Zach Thomas, and more for a book fair at the Jefferson City Library!

The Declaration of Independence was written during a war. What does that change about how we understand it? Join us on October 3rd at 12pm for a lecture and book signing with Dr. Christopher Magra, author of America’s First War: The Military History of the Declaration of Independence, published by the University of Tennessee Press. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the book reframes the Declaration as a deliberate military instrument, examining how it legitimized the American rebellion, rallied domestic support, and helped secure crucial foreign assistance during the war.

Additionally, join us before the lecture as the Stephen Holston Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution lead a liberty tree planting and dedication ceremony on site, beginning at 11am.

It will be a day full of Revolutionary history and fresh perspectives on understanding the founding of our country!

Blount Mansion’s Semiquincentennial Celebration Lecture Series with Dr. Katy Chiles - Phillis Wheatley and the Black American Revolution

This lecture is sponsored by The National Society of Colonial Dames Knoxville Town Committee to honor America’s 250th Anniversary!

Blount Mansion is proud to present Dr. Katy Chiles of the University of Tennessee. She will speak on ”Phillis Wheatley and the Black American Revolution.”
Phillis Wheatley was a Black poet enslaved in Boston during the American Revolution.

This talk discusses how her poetry takes up the themes of liberty, freedom, and slavery and how she started the African American literary tradition.
Katy Chiles is an Associate Professor of English and Affiliate Faculty in Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee. Her first book, Transformable Race: Surprising Metamorphoses in the Literatures of Early America was published by Oxford University Press, and her scholarship has been funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Philosophical Society, and the American Antiquarian Society. With Professor Cassander Smith (University of Alabama), she is Co-Editor of Early American Literature.

• Lecture will start at 6pm
• The special speaking event will be at Blount Mansion Visitors Center, 200 West Hill Avenue, Knoxville TN 37902.
• Limited free parking onsite
• $10 Donation suggested at the door. Cash and card accepted
• RSVP to Rose@BlountMansion.org

We are delighted to invite you to the 7th World Congress on Public Health & Epidemiology (WCPHE 2027), scheduled for July 26–27, 2027, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with virtual participation available.
Theme: “Advancing Global Health Through Innovation, AI, Equity & Resilience”
This distinguished international congress will bring together public health professionals, epidemiologists, physicians, researchers, academics, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and students to exchange knowledge, explore emerging developments, share research, and foster meaningful collaborations that contribute to advancing global health.
Learn more at: https://publichealthmeetings.com/
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the global public health community, discover new perspectives, and contribute to shaping a healthier, more equitable, innovative, and resilient future.

We are delighted to invite you to the 7th World Congress on Public Health & Epidemiology (WCPHE 2027), scheduled for July 26–27, 2027, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with virtual participation available.
Theme: “Advancing Global Health Through Innovation, AI, Equity & Resilience”
This distinguished international congress will bring together public health professionals, epidemiologists, physicians, researchers, academics, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and students to exchange knowledge, explore emerging developments, share research, and foster meaningful collaborations that contribute to advancing global health.
Learn more at: https://publichealthmeetings.com/
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the global public health community, discover new perspectives, and contribute to shaping a healthier, more equitable, innovative, and resilient future.