Illuminate Your Creativity with Mosaic Lamp Workshops

Issue #630

03 Sep

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 77

📰 Farmer’s Market This Thursday!

🗓️ Illuminate Your Creativity with Mosaic Lamp Workshops

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

Today’s Record High: 98 in 2011 — Record Low: 50 in 1987

Writing Retreat for Survival and Healing

The Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA) is excited to announce its fifth Generative Writing Retreat for Survival and Healing, taking place October 4th–5th, at The Birdhouse in Knoxville. This two-day retreat provides a safe, supportive environment for sexual assault survivors to explore creativity through writing, reflection, and community.

Open to writers of all backgrounds and experiences, the retreat will feature workshops led by an impressive lineup of poets and writers from across the country, including Jezmina Von Thiele, LySaundra Campbell, Bell McEntire, Dena Igusti, and Michelle Guerrero Henry. Sessions will cover topics such as accessing the inner child, journaling for reclamation, writing through trauma, and exploring magic and culture in storytelling. Participants will also enjoy group discussions, readings, an open mic, and dedicated time for writing.

The retreat runs from 10 AM Saturday through 4 PM Sunday, with meals, writing supplies, and group activities included. Thanks to a generous grant from the Poetry Foundation, all fees for selected applicants will be waived, requiring only a small refundable deposit to hold a space. Overnight accommodations and transportation will be the responsibility of attendees.

For more information, visit sundresspublications.com or email [email protected]

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for ten days of family-friendly excitement—the Tennessee Valley Fair is back from September 5th–14th, at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center in Knoxville. Celebrating over a century of tradition, this beloved annual event highlights East Tennessee’s rich heritage, agriculture, and creativity. More Info

Looking for a thrilling night out? The Dinner Detective brings its interactive, true‑crime murder mystery dinner show to Knoxville, merging captivating storytelling with a delectable meal. On select weekend nights throughout 2025 - guests are invited to the Hilton Knoxville Hotel (501 West Church Avenue) to step into a real-time, suspenseful world full of intrigue and laughs. More Info & Tickets

Boating Safety Course - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will host the BOAT AMERICA boating safety course on Saturday, September 6th, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at Carson-Newman University, 1645 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City. Register by September 3rd by emailing [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.

Step back in time and celebrate the rich traditions of the Cherokee people at the Cherokee Fall Festival, happening September 6th–7th at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, TN. More Info

Creative Writing Series - The UT Creative Writing Program is hosting a special evening celebrating the debut short story collections of two of its accomplished alumnae: Samantha Edmonds and Mariah Rigg. The reading will take place on Monday, September 8th, at 7:00 pm in the Lindsay Young Auditorium of John C. Hodges Library, Room 101 on the UT campus at 1015 Volunteer Blvd. Admission is free and open to the public. More Info

Network & Learn - Break the Stuck: Mastering Momentum to Breakthrough - Are you a professional woman feeling stuck in your business or personal growth? On Tuesday, September 9th at 11:00 AM, eWomenNetwork Knoxville is hosting “Break the Stuck: Mastering Momentum to Breakthrough to an Unprecedented Level of Success” presented by Felicia Searcy. Led by Abigail Tiefenthaler, this in-person event will give you tools to overcome procrastination, beat self-doubt, and finally gain the momentum you’ve been missing. More Info & Register

Step into a world of ancient wisdom and earth-based traditions at Ancient Lore Village on Saturday, September 13th, at 11:00 AM. The Village invites you to a hands-on workshop, Healing Arts of the Ancients: An Herbal Medicine Workshop, where nature, folklore, and wellness come together in an immersive experience. More Info & Tickets

On Tuesday, September 16th, Knoxville’s premier entrepreneurial event, 865 Fest, returns with a full day of inspiration, networking, and innovation at Bridgewater Place. Formerly known as Startup Day, this annual celebration brings together founders, investors, executives, and business leaders to spotlight the region’s growing startup ecosystem. More Info

Get ready for... Camp GalFunction: A 2-Year Celebration! Grab your marshmallow roasting sticks for the ultimate end-of-summer camp-themed celebration! Join us on Tuesday, September 16th at 7 PM as we celebrate two incredible years at The Hub Pro Studio with a night full of cozy, camp-inspired fun. More Info

Ever wondered what truly makes a tea a “tea”? On Wednesday, September 17th, from 6:00–8:00 PM, The Kraken’s Cup Tearoom invites you to “What is Tea?”—a guided tea tasting workshop designed to introduce participants to the six distinct types of true tea. More Info & Tickets

Grab your clubs and join the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and fundraising at Golfing for Kidneys on Thursday, September 18th, from 2:00–5:00 PM. The event will be held at Topgolf Knoxville (11400 Outlet Drive, Farragut). More Info

On Wednesday, September 24th, from 6:00–8:00 PM, Volunteer Cookie Co. return to the Kraken’s Cup to host a hands-on Fall Cookie Decorating Class. More Info & Tickets

On Friday, September 26th, the Knoxville Technology Council’s Women in Tech presents the fourth annual Women in Tech Expo: Grow Better Together, a full day dedicated to connection, empowerment, and professional growth. This year’s expo will bring together a diverse group of women from across industries to share inspiration, strategies, and opportunities to thrive both personally and professionally. More Info & Tickets

A Night Out with New Friends | Dinner with Strangers - Looking to expand your social circle and enjoy a memorable evening in great company? A Night Out with New Friends: Knoxville | Dinner with Strangers 2025 offers just that—a unique dining experience designed for mingling, connection, and making new friends over a delicious meal. These events turn the usual dinner out into something far more exciting and meaningful. More Info

Networking:

Veterans:

Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

New Class: Dog Training 101 at Zoom Room Knoxville/Hardin Valley

Have you ever wanted to understand why dog training works—not just the commands? A brand-new Dog Training 101 class is here to give you the foundation you need. This class is perfect for first-time dog owners, handlers looking to sharpen their own skills, or anyone curious about the theory behind positive reinforcement training.

In this hands-on and discussion-based course, they cover the essentials of modern dog training: the difference between positive and negative reinforcement, how punishment really works (and why we don’t use it), and the psychology that drives how dogs learn.

You’ll get practical guidance on using equipment like harnesses and leashes—learning which ones work best for training and how to use them safely. (Hint: wrapping the leash around your hand six times is NOT the answer!) Explore clicker training—why it’s effective, how it helps speed up learning, and when to use it with your pup.

Dog Training 101 runs Wednesdays and Sundays at 5:00 PM and Fridays at 12:00 noon. If you’re ready to build confidence, learn proven techniques, and strengthen your bond with your dog, head over to our website and reserve your spot today! About Zoom Room & Register

Illuminate Your Creativity with Mosaic Lamp Workshops

Add a little sparkle to your fall with Craft for Art’s Mosaic Lamp Workshops, coming to Knoxville on October 4th–5th (various times), at 6200 Papermill Drive NW. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll learn the ancient art of Turkish mosaics and design a one-of-a-kind lamp guided by skilled instructors.

Choose from a variety of lamp styles—including candle holders, table lamps, swan lamps, and more—with prices ranging from $79 to $169. Each workshop includes all materials, hands-on instruction, and a sweet break with Turkish delight and tea before you finish your glowing masterpiece to take home.

Whether you’re looking for a unique outing with friends, a thoughtful gift idea, or simply a new creative hobby, this class offers the perfect chance to let your imagination shine. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early! More Info

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.