OVERTURE!
Sunday Opening Celebration & Reception
The TAA Summer Institute 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 Summer Institute. 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 Summer Institute 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 MTSU Student Union Ballroom, 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 Todd Art Gallery on the Middle Tennessee State University campus. At 5:15 PM, TAA Summer Institute 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.
THE REEL DEAL
Food, Film, & Filmmakers
Unwind with a special TAA evening event featuring "Classic Cinema." This unique experience includes the screening of a feature film followed by a virtual Talk Back session with one of the filmmakers who helped create the movie. Share insights and get behind-the-scenes details on all aspects of the production. Enjoy tasty snacks, connect with lively conversation, and let the film spark new ideas for your own creative work!
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 Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) MCallie Dining Hall located in the Keathley University Center. 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 MTSU Student Union building on the MTSU 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.tnartsacademy.org or telephone (865-988-6250). 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 TAA Summer Institute 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 TAA Summer Institute 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 MTSU Student Union building 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.
