OVERTURE!
Sunday Opening Celebration & Reception
The Tennessee Arts Academy opening session (Overture) provides participants with the first of many dazzling performances, a preview of the week ahead, and an opportunity to meet faculty and fellow members of the Academy. An opening message and introduction of Academy instructors is followed by the highlight of the afternoon. A nationally renowned young artist in concert presents a remarkable performance that sets the bar high for the remainder of the Academy week. Following the performance and content area introductory meetings, TAA hospitality is on full display as participants are treated to an elegant buffet reception in the Curb Event Center Maddox Grand Atrium, complemented by multiple entertainment options.
ARTIST TALK
Professional Arts Exhibition Official Opening and Reception
On Monday afternoon, the official opening of the professional TAA art exhibition is held from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Leu Art Gallery (Lila D. Bunch Library) on theBelmont campus. At 5:15 PM, Academy participants and members of the public are encouraged to attend a special Artist Talk. The exhibition’s guest artist will discuss selected works from the show, explore the background for creation of the works, and answer questions from the audience. A lovely reception is held and music is provided.
BELMONT MANSION TOUR
High Tea in the Mansion
Participants are invited on Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 PM for a tour of the historic Belmont Mansion. The mansion, constructed between the years 1849 and 1859, is one of the most elaborate antebellum homes in the South. Participants will be allowed to visit the entire estate. The event features Susan Ramsay playing hammered dulcimer in the Grand Salon. Light refreshments are served.
TAA ART CRAWL
Student and Teacher Recognition Ceremonies Conclude the Afternoon
The mansion tour is part of the larger Tuesday afternoon TAA Art Crawl. Visit the Belmont Mansion and then take time to view the three TAA art exhibitions located in the Leu Art Gallery, Gallery 121, and the lobby of the Leu Art Building. Free admission is also offered for the Frederick Hart Studio Museum and the Gallery of Iconic Guitars Museum. For complete information on the TAA Art Crawl click here.
TAA VISITORS' DAY
An Open Invitation To Experience the Academy
Wednesday is the official TAA Visitors' Day when an open invitation is extended to all interested individuals who wish to visit and participate in TAA activities. TAA Visitors' Day begins at 8 AM and ends at 5 PM. TAA donors, sponsors, business representatives, arts organization directors, college and university professors, political dignitaries, Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation Board members, TAA alumni, local school and school system officials, Tennessee Department of Education administrators and many others from across the state are invited to be guests of the Academy. TAA participants are encouraged to invite their principal and other school and school system officials to attend. Visitors are encouraged to attend classes, view the TAA art exhibitions, experience the musings and performances, and sit in on any of the day's activities. All TAA guests are invited to a complimentary lunch buffet in the Belmont Harrington Place Dining Hall. Visitors are asked to complete and submit a Visitors' Day Reservation Form in order to make a reservation to attend Visitors' Day. Once the form has been reviewed and approved by TAA staff, visitors will receive an invitation by email. Visitors may pick up their name tag, a daily schedule, and instructions at the Visitors' Day check in location on the day of the event in the lobby of the Massey Performing Arts Center on the Belmont campus. Only visitors who have successfully completed the form in advance and been approved will be allowed to participate. If you need assistance or additional information, please contact the TAA office by email (taa@belmont.edu) or telephone (615-460-5451). Click here for the Visitors' Day Reservation Form.
BRAVO!
The Tennessee Arts Academy Awards Banquet and Performance
The annual Bravo! Tennessee Arts Academy Awards Banquet and Performance is a highlight of the Academy week. Academy participants and special guests are treated to an elegant appreciation dinner on Wednesday evening. A major figure in the arts world is recognized and honored by TAA. To round out the evening, attendees are treated to a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to see, hear and meet a nationally/globally acclaimed artist. Click here for more complete information on this event.
TAA ALUMNI DAY
Delicious Ice Cream Social Wraps Up the Afternoon
An exclusive invitation to attend the Academy’s Thursday plenary sessions is extended to all TAA Alumni Association members. The day’s activities start with the daily performance at 11:15 AM followed by a visit to the TAA Arts Expo and a complimentary lunch in the Belmont Harrington Place Dining Hall. In the afternoon, guests are encouraged to attend the musing session, visit the TAA art exhibitions, and attend one of the many Interlude sessions. At 5:15 PM the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation sponsors its annual Ice Cream Social. Alumni Association members and all participants who donate to or win a bid in the Tennessee Arts Academy Silent and Online Auctions receive a special invitation to attend this yummy event in the Belmont Beaman Student Life Center. Entertainment is provided for the occasion. Please contact the TAA office by email (taa@belmont.edu) or telephone (615-460-5451) to make a reservation to attend.
TAA ARTS EXPO
Vendor Fair and Artist Market
The Tennessee Arts Academy Arts Expo, Vendor Fair, and Artist Market is held each year on Thursday during the Academy week. National, state, and local vendors specializing in arts related products, along with arts organization from throughout the state, display their wares and interact with Academy participants. Numerous visual artists also display and sell their handmade items during this very festive event. Click here for more complete information on this event.
TAA FINALE LUNCHEON
The Academy Chorale Presents Its Annual Concert
The Academy activities conclude with the Academy Luncheon in the Curb Event Center at 11:30AM on Friday. This event brings together the diverse experiences of the Academy week and reinforces the importance of arts education in classrooms across Tennessee and America. Each year at this event the Academy honors a Tennessee educator for their achievements in the arts. During the luncheon, as with all Academy events, lively music is performed to create a festive atmosphere. The highlight of the luncheon is the Academy Chorale presentation. The Chorale, composed of more than 100 Academy participants, is featured in performance and conducted by a member of the TAA music faculty. As the Arts Academy ends its yearly session, the message that is sent to all participants clearly inspires and challenges them to live their calling to the fullest.
