In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Mostly Cloudy with a High of 69

📰 Family Fun Day: A Creative Celebration at the Knoxville Museum of Art

📰 Knoxville Seeks $25M Federal Grant for Pedestrian Bridge to UT Campus

📰 Running for a Cause: A Father's Marathon Mission for His Children's Health

📣 Business Spotlight: Painting With Friends: Knoxville's Creative Getaway

🗓️ Upcoming Events - Many New Events Added

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send us the Details!

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Knoxville Seeks $25M Federal Grant for Pedestrian Bridge to UT Campus

The City of Knoxville is making another attempt to secure a substantial federal grant, this time seeking $25 million to support the much-anticipated construction of a pedestrian bridge that would connect the city to the University of Tennessee campus via the Tennessee River.

The grant in question is a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Despite an unsuccessful application in 2023, the city remains hopeful about this year's submission.

Should the grant be awarded, the proposed bridge would create a direct pedestrian route from the area between the Food City Center and Pratt Pavilion, extending over to Clancy Avenue in South Knoxville.

Family Fun Day: A Creative Celebration at the Knoxville Museum of Art

Mark your calendars for a day of creativity and family fun at the Knoxville Museum of Art! Our beloved Family Day is making its return on Saturday, March 16th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This biannual event is a fantastic opportunity for families in the area to come together for an engaging and enjoyable day out, all at no cost.

The museum will come alive with a variety of hands-on art activities, all inspired by the KMA's impressive permanent collection and the dynamic visiting exhibitions. It's a perfect chance for both kids and adults to dive into the world of art through interactive experiences.

And there's more to look forward to! The day will be filled with lively entertainment including:

- The toe-tapping tunes of the Fountain City Ramblers

- Imaginative face painting by the artists from Royal Magic Events

- Colorful balloon creations by TN Celebration Balloons

- Delicious bites from Dave’s Dog House to keep your energy up

Don't miss out on this day packed with music, art, and fun for the whole family. We look forward to seeing you there and creating wonderful memories together!

Running for a Cause: A Father's Marathon Mission for His Children's Health

Pose the question to anyone on their reasons for tackling a marathon or half-marathon, and you'll receive a myriad of responses. For a select few, it's ticking off an item on their life's to-do list. Some are motivated by the desire to fulfill a New Year’s resolution. Yet, for James Harrison, the motivation is deeply personal: his children.

Both of Harrison's children have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a condition that affects the circulation of red blood cells, leading to potentially severe pain that can be alleviated through blood transfusions.

Painting With Friends: Knoxville's Creative Getaway

Painting With Friends has carved out a niche in creativity and companionship. This painting studio brings a unique blend of art, community, and warmth, ensuring that whether you arrive alone or with companions, you leave with new friends. Celebrating its inaugural year, Painting With Friends has quickly become a beloved destination for those seeking a welcoming space to unleash their creativity.

Founded by Lana Hughes, a passionate advocate for creativity and community, Painting With Friends is the culmination of her dream to merge design, events, and art into a singular, enriching experience. With a background in Sunday School teaching, Art Masters Classes, and entrepreneurship, Lana brings a wealth of experience to this venture. Her vision was clear: to create a space where the community could gather, socialize, and paint in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and inviting.

What Makes Painting With Friends Unique?

Familiar Vibes: The studio's design, inspired by iconic settings from the TV show ‘Friends’, offers a cozy, nostalgic environment that feels like a home away from home.

Welcoming: With a name like Painting With Friends, guests are instantly part of the family. The studio's trivia games with sticker prizes add a fun, interactive element to painting sessions.

Experienced Instructors: The team comprises seasoned professionals in arts and events, with extensive experience working with children, the elderly, and the disabled, ensuring a rewarding experience for all guests.

Lana’s' deep roots in the Knoxville area reflect in Painting With Friends' commitment to community engagement. From teaching art in public schools to advocating for a safer, freer world for families, Lana's previous endeavors underline the studio's mission to be a force for good and creativity in the community.

Exciting Offerings and Future Plans:

Painting With Friends hosts classes on Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm - 9pm, and Sunday afternoons from 4pm - 6pm, catering to a diverse clientele. The studio's flexible approach allows guests to personalize their experience, from selecting paintings for group events to choosing canvas sizes and styles that suit their artistic aspirations. With a nominal reservation fee and varied class costs based on canvas selection, Painting With Friends makes artistic expression accessible and customizable.

For those eager to immerse themselves in Knoxville's thriving creative scene, Lana Hughes is the person to connect with. Reach out via email at [email protected] or call at (865) 232-9336. Book your spot online at PaintingWithFriendsStudio.com and discover the joy of painting in good company.

Painting With Friends isn't just a studio; it's a community space where art and friendship blossom. As Lana Hughes and her team continue to inspire and welcome guests, Knoxville's artistic landscape is all the brighter for it.

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected]

Community:

Free Veteran Breakfasts: Provided by the United Veterans Council of East TN, Coffee at 8am, Chow Line at 8:30am, Saturday, March 9th at Hillcrest Community Church, 1615 Price Ave., Knoxville and Kodak Church, 2923 Bryan Rd., Kodak

Senior Health Expo: Free vision & hearing screenings and more, on Wednesday, March 6th at the Pilot Family YMCA from 10am - 1pm, Cost: Free, More Info

Writing About Your Hometown: The Knoxville Writer’s Guild presents local author Marilyn Mascaro on Thursday, March 7th at 7pm at Addison’s Book Store - this event is free to the public.

Snap, Crackle, Stop - A Self-Defense Class for Realtors: A self-defense class SPECIFICALLY designed for Realtors is happening on Thursday, March 7th at 10:30am, LIMITED spots so make sure to RSVP at https://snapcracklestop.splashthat.com/ , Questions, call (865) 297-3650

Farm Animal Baby Cuddling: from 3pm - 5pm every Saturday in March (March 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th), at the Friendly Farm, Get your tickets!

Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Tennessee Children’s Home: Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and a drink for $5 at Aubrey’s Cedar Bluff on Saturday, March 16th from 8am - 10am. Tickets

Used Book Sale at Powell Branch Library: on Saturday, March 16th from 10am - 5pm

Used Book Sale at Farragut Branch Library: on Friday-Saturday, March 22nd-23rd from 10am - 5pm

Successful Seed Starting in Six Easy Steps: hosted by Knox County Master Gardners, on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am - 11:30am at the Bloom Center, Attendance is free, but registration is required Register Here, space is limited to 20 registrants

Crafts:

Drawstring Easter Treat Bag - Sewing class (machine): at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville, Thursday, March 14th at 5:30pm, More Info

Embellished Cold Process Soap Making with Elizabeth: at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville, Sunday, March 17th at 2pm, More Info

Food & Drink:

Tea Tasting Workshops: at the Spice & Tea Exchange - Black Teas on Tuesday, March 12th, Green & White Teas on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30pm. Cost: $30 per person per workshop. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Easter Afternoon Tea: with teas, finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and guitar music, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Sunday, March 31st at 3pm or 5pm. Cost: $55 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Kids:

Kids and Youth Afternoon out, Spring Break Style: at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville, Wednesday - Friday, March 13th - 15th, various times, More Info

Music:

Mighty Blue with Tangled in Blues: at the Concourse on Friday, March 8th at 6:30pm, More Info

Gospel Plowboys: Union County Opry at Union County High School on Saturday, March 16th at 7pm, More Info

Kelle Jolly & The Women in Jazz Jam Festival Band: on Friday, March 29th at the Concourse, More Info

Theatre:

Theatre 23 Presents ‘As it is in Heaven’ by Arlene Hutton: set in the 1830’s Shaker society, showing Friday - Sunday, March 15th - 17th, About, Tickets

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