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The Art Center is supported under an agreement between the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. We thank the Tennessee General Assembly and the Tennessee Arts Commission for their support.

The Center offers many community events throughout the year. Some are monthly activities, others are held annually. Both types of events are enjoyed by both members of the Art Center and the community at large. Among them are:


Hot Pots/Cool Art

Hot Pots/Cool Art FUNdraiser centers on the ceramic arts and the Raku technique in particular. HOT POTS features a public raku firing where individuals purchase a bisqued piece of pottery that has been created by Art Center potters, then glaze the piece with the assistance of our instructors or student potters, before walking the piece through the drying, firing, and smoking processes. This ancient artform is fascinating to watch and/or participate in. The resulting collaborative works are beautiful originals to keep or give as gifts.

Hot Pots enables all our members and friends to become raku artists for a day. Participants may purchase pieces that have already been created and bisque, glaze them and walk them through the three step firing process. During the waiting phases of these activities, participants may engage in other activities such as an auction of finished artwork, including our "trash can surprise" - our answer to the "grab bag" - brown bag surprises, and mini-studios in stamp carving, artist trading cards, beading and more!


For our members and their guests, a preview party on the evening of October 8th will offer a chance to have first choice selecting pieces and a time to glaze before the general public. Some pieces may actually get fired on Friday evening, others have the opportunity to dry overnight and will be first in line on Saturday morning.

The Hot Pots Auction will end on Saturday at 3 PM, winners declared and complete. Make your plans now so you won't miss it!

Art A La Carte

Held at noon on the fourth Friday of each month, Art A La Carte is a series of brown bag luncheons that may include video tours of other museums or special exhibitions, profiles of national , international and regional artists and their work, and features on specific media and techniques for handling that medium. Occassionally, artists will offer slide presentations of regional work, gallery tours of their exhibitions in the Art Center galleries, or demonstrations with discussion. Call the Art Center for a specific schedule. Guests should bring a bag lunch. The Center provides coffee and tea. Art A La Carte is free and open to the public.



Flea Market

Get ready for the summer Flea Market which, as always, will be surprising. You'll be able to find many interesting & unique items, from iris bulbs to upholstery fabric, garden trellises to handmade pottery. Popular books; from arts & crafts mediums to mystery, suspense, and romance novels to cookbooks. There's a little something for everyone. All proceeds go to support the Art Center - any items left at the end of the day are donated to other worthy local charities. We do request that any items contributed be clean and in good condition. We will be glad to provide an IRS letter and form for donations received.


Gallery of Holiday Shops



Gallery of Holiday Shops and Bake Sale is our annual fine art and craft sale held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving of each year. Gallery of Holiday Shops features handmade fine crafts such as jewelry of all descriptions, functional and fine craft ceramics, baskets, hand-forged ironwork, crocheted accessories, small quilted items, handcrafted wooden boxes, and a wonderful array of paintings and photography by regional artists.

At the same time, we offer a fabulous sale of homebaked goods contributed by our membership. Cooks and non-cooks alike, stock up on the specialities of local culinary stars for holiday entertaining and gifting.



Souper Bowl



Local and regional potters create functional works-of-art (bowls) that are filled with delicious soups or chilis at this fundraiser for the Art Center. Your "Souper" meal includes soup of your choice, homemade bread, decadent dessert & coffee or tea. You'll take home a beautiful soup bowl!

















 

VOLUNTEER!


We have opportunities at all special events for volunteers. Participation is fun and educational. No matter what your talent - we can use your help. Whether you can cook, count, do art, or just like people there is a job for you!






The Oak Ridge Art Center is open to the public seven days a week. Admission is free, but donations are very welcome.

Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday–Monday: 1–4 p.m.

©2010 Oak Ridge Art Center