As the temperatures are cooling down, the Memphis arts scene is heating up — with exhibitions, performances, and unique experiences. See for yourself in our Fall Arts Guide.
“Black American Portraits” at the Brooks
In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, the general public was flooded with images of Black pain and suffering. From news stations to social media feeds, these images, proliferated by modern technology, were and are instantaneous with nothing, really, to prevent them from surfacing on our screens.
To counteract this, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) curated the “Black American Portraits” exhibition, filled with portraits celebrating and depicting Black joy, power, and love. And now the exhibit has made its way to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
As a majority-Black city, Memphis needs this, says Brooks executive director Zoe Kahr. “It’s so important to see every Memphian reflected back in the museum.”
Though this exhibition originated in Los Angeles, the Brooks has included additional pieces to lend the experience a Memphis touch. An Augusta Savage sculpture is on loan from the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, and works by Jarvis Boyland, Derek Fordjour, Catherine Elizabeth Patton, Jared Small, Ernest Withers, and the Hooks Brothers Photography Studio punctuate the gallery walls. “We wanted to highlight talent in Memphis and show it in a national context,” Kahr says.
With 129 pieces of art in total, the sheer number of works, encompassing a variety of media and spanning over 200 years in history, is in itself a feat. “One of the things that struck me about this show and taking it here is just this idea of abundance,” says Patricia Daigle, the Brooks’ curator of modern and contemporary art. “So there’s this idea about being prolific, and the impact of what it means to see this many portraits of Black people in one space.”
“Black American Portraits” is on display through January 7th. For more information about the exhibition and its related programming, visit brooksmuseum.org.
Tom Lee Park Activates the Community Through Creativity
In 1925, Tom Lee rescued 32 passengers from the numbing waters of the Mississippi River. The steamer they were on had capsized, and the Black river worker, passing by in his small wooden skiff, soon became their hero, even though he couldn’t swim. Today, his bravery is largely forgotten, but with the recently completed renovation of Tom Lee Park, named in his honor in 1954, the folks with Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) are hoping to change that and to inspire Memphis to channel his spirit of community, heroism, and selflessness.
For the renovation, MRPP commissioned Chicago-based and world-renowned artist Theaster Gates to create an art installation, complementing David Alan Clark’s Tom Lee Memorial, which depicts Lee in a moment of heroism. Gates’ A Monument to Listening overlooks this original sculpture and features 33 “thrones,” representing those Lee saved in 1925 and Lee himself.
All the thrones are made out of the same basalt stone, are the same height, and are marked with imperfections — all except for one that’s taller and “is perfect in a sense. That’s the one that represents Tom Lee,” says Michalyn Easter-Thomas, MRPP director of education initiatives and strategic partnerships. The idea is that all who sit upon the thrones are made equal and are (almost literally) given an equal platform from which to listen and to be listened to.
To enrich visitors’ experience with the sculpture, MRPP has enlisted three organizations to curate activations: UrbanArt Commission, the Orpheum Theatre, and The Big We Foundation, a collective of local Black artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. These activations are expected to be unique experiences that will evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, celebrate creativity, and foster dialogue.
So far, activations have included an American sign language class with UrbanArts Commission and an open meeting with The Big We Foundation. More activations will be held through the end of the year, and next year, a new cohort of curators — this time creative individuals — will build upon the work of the current group. “And ‘creative’ doesn’t necessarily have to be the arts,” adds Easter-Thomas. “We’ve searched out folks in the food scene, in architecture, in philanthropy. It’s really about how you envision connecting Memphis to the Tom Lee story — how can we ensure that everybody knows this story?”
Keep up with the activations surrounding A Monument to Listening at Tom Lee Park on MRPP’s social media and at tomleepark.org.
Iris Collective Introduces Its Small Business Series
When Iris Collective rebranded from being the Iris Orchestra in 2022, the group began to think of itself not as a concertizing organization, but as a “community music organization that does concerts,” says Iris’ executive director Rebecca Arendt. “The idea is that everything we’re doing is with community rather than for community.”
Over the years, Iris has mentored hundreds of high school and middle school students in Memphis and Shelby County, regularly visited patients at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and worked with memory care and nursing home patients at retirement homes — just to name a few examples of the collective’s commitment to community.
For the 2023-2024 season, Iris will be debuting its new Small Business Series, through which they will partner with three small businesses to highlight the intersection of entrepreneurship and the arts. “It’s a fun and nontraditional way for people to engage in music and dialogue around things that are important to them,” Arendt says.
The first performance of this series will take place in December at the soon-to-be-opened Cafe Noir, Jasmine Settles’ bookstore that specializes in highlighting BIPOC and LGBTQ authors. Cremaine Booker, aka ThatCelloGuy, principal cello for Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and Jackson Symphony Orchestra, will perform and will work “with an author of Cafe Noir’s choosing to put together a program that talks about being an artist from an underrepresented community.”
The following performances in this series will take place at Music Box in January and ARCHd in March. “As you know, these are all very small environment venues,” Arendt says, “and so you can get up close and personal. Not only will you get to hear great music, but you’ll be able to talk back and forth, express ideas, and use it as a chance to see how arts can make our community better. … The Small Business Series speaks to where we want to be, where we want to have that shared artistic experience, and we feel that one of the best ways to do that are small environments where people can come together with a shared interest.”
Cremaine Booker performs on Friday, December 8, 5:30 p.m., at Cafe Noir. Tickets are $20. For more information on Iris Collective and its upcoming season, visit iriscollective.org.
ON DISPLAY
“Hued”
Rachelle Thiewes’ jewelry empowers its wearer through rhythmic repetition, architectural forms, and vibrant auto paint.
Metal Museum, through January 28
“Overstuffed”
This exhibition features mixed media fiber artists Sharon Havelka and Paula Kovarik. Gallery talk on October 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
ARTSmemphis, through December
“The Molasses Man & Other Delta Tales”
The show serves as an anthology of stories based on Ahmad George’s life and experiences with people they’ve encountered here and not.
Crosstown Arts, through January 21
“Young, Gifted and Black”
This show champions an emerging generation of artists of African descent. One of the artists, Sadie Barnette, will give an artist talk on November 2 at 6 p.m. An artist panel will take place on November 14.
Clough-Hanson Gallery at Rhodes College, through December 9
“Lens Language”
Explore the depths of love from behind the lens of MadameFraankie and Kai Ross. Opening reception on October 7, 4-7 p.m.
TONE, October 7-December 12
“Woven Arts of Africa”
This comprehensive visual exhibition defines the major woven artistic styles and traditions derived from cultural/regional groups from all over Africa. Opening reception on October 7, 3-5 p.m.
Art Museum University of Memphis, October 7-January 20
“Commune”
Memphis artist Kaylyn Webster’s paintings capture, with quiet honesty, the divine aspects of communing with those we love. Artist’s reception on October 26, 2-3 p.m.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, October 8-January 7
Zaire Love
Zaire Love’s films and photography honor, amplify, and immortalize the stories and voices of the Black South. Artist’s reception on October 27, 5-8 p.m.
Beverly + Sam Ross Gallery at Christian Brothers University, October 16-December 10
“Black Artists in America: From Civil Rights to the Bicentennial”
This exhibition considers the various ways in which Black American artists responded to and challenged the cultural, environmental, political, racial, and social issues of the era from the Civil Rights Movement to the Bicentennial.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, October 22-January 14
ON STAGE
Shout-Out Shakespeare Series: The Tempest
Tennessee Shakespeare Company performs the Bard’s final romance for this free outdoor series. The final two performances will be ticketed.
Various locations, through October 29
Father Comes Homes From the Wars
An explosively powerful drama about the mess of war, the cost of freedom, and the heartbreak of love.
Hattiloo Theatre, through October 22
Variations on a Theme
Opera Memphis presents a new series of intimate, curated evenings of vocal music in all its forms.
Opera Memphis, October 7, November 11
Funny Girl
The indomitable Fanny Brice becomes one of the most beloved performers in history.
Orpheum Theatre, October 10-15
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Ballet Memphis reimagines the iconic Shakespearean play.
Playhouse on the Square, October 13-15
Blithe Spirit
A spiritualist, a crime writer, an ex-wife back from the dead — what more could you want from this farcical and outrageous play?
Lohrey Theatre at Theatre Memphis, October 13-29
Moody Conducts Beethoven 5
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra performs this revolutionary work.
Crosstown Theater, Friday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, October 15, 2:30 p.m.
Underwater Bubble Show
This show incorporates drama, pantomime, dance, puppetry, juggling, aerial arts, acrobatics, contortion, sand art, and imagery with the beauty of soap bubbles. Participants of all ages will delight in this colorful, magical utopia that merges science, light, and imagination.
Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, October 26, 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Carmina Burana
Opera Memphis and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra present a Halloween-inspired concert.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, October 28, 7:30 p.m.
Randall Goosby & Zhu Wang: Rising Stars
This phenomenal duo returns to Memphis.
Harris Hall at University of Memphis, October 28, 7:30 p.m.
Beetlejuice
This musical brings Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film to the stage.
Orpheum Theatre, October 31-November 5
Orchestra Unplugged: Scary Music – Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique
Journey to the depths of the visionary composer Berlioz’s mind and music.
Halloran Centre, November 2, 7:30 p.m.
Sons of Mystro
Brothers Malcolm and Umoja interpret reggae classics, American pop songs, and their own creations, accompanied by a DJ and a drummer.
Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, November 2, 7 p.m.
Silent Sky
The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, who changed the public’s understanding of the heavens and Earth.
Next Stage at Theatre Memphis, November 3-18
Schoolhouse Rock, Live!
This show is based on the cherished animated series that taught generations of youth.
The Circuit Playhouse, November 11-December 22
NutRemix
New Ballet Ensemble presents an electrifying and innovative production set on Beale Street.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, November 17-19
Take the Soul Train to Christmas
This holiday spectacle is a time machine through the evolution of the African-American Christmas experience.
Hattiloo Theatre, November 17-December 17
The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a powerful twister and finds herself in the mystical land of Oz.
Playhouse on the Square, November 17-December 22
SIX
This new original musical about Henry VIII’s six wives is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.
Orpheum Theatre, November 21-26
Who’s Holiday
See a whole new side of Cindy Lou Who.
The Circuit Playhouse, November 24-December 22
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
A unique combination of high-energy Irish dancing, original music, storytelling, and sensuality.
Orpheum Theatre, November 29
The Importance of Being Earnest
Tennessee Shakespeare Company presents Oscar Wilde’s trivial comedy for serious people.
Tabor Stage, November 30-December 17
A Christmas Carol
Ebenezer Scrooge returns to the stage for this holiday tradition.
Lohrey Theatre at Theatre Memphis, December 1-23
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play
A radio-play adaptation of the Christmas classic.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, December 1-3
Magic of Memphis
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra offers a beloved holiday tradition, complete with a collage of Memphis performing groups.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, December 2, 6:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker
Ballet Memphis’ production promises to delight in both familiar and unexpected ways.
Orpheum Theatre, December 9-17
Clara & the Nutcracker
Tennessee Ballet Theater presents a charming rendition of the classic tale.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, December 10, 2 p.m.
The Nutcracker Ballet
This production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet features dancers from Center’s Esprit de Corps Dance Company.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, December 15-17
AROUND TOWN
First Wednesdays at the Brooks
Every first Wednesday the Brooks will have incredible live music.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, first Wednesdays of the month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jazz in the Galleries: Saturday Series
Every third Saturday of the month enjoy good jazz and great times in the galleries at the Brooks.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, third Saturdays of the month, noon-2 p.m.
Munch and Learn
Every Wednesday during lunchtime, join the Dixon for presentations by local artists, scholars, and Dixon staff sharing on a variety of topics.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m.
Super Saturdays at the Brooks
The first Saturday of every month, the Brooks will have free admission from 10 a.m.-noon and art-making. (PS: Every Saturday, admission is free from 10 a.m.-noon.)
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, first Saturdays of the month, 10 a.m.-noon
Free Family Day
On the second Saturday of each month, the Stax Museum offers free admission for everyone. There will also be food trucks, games and activities, arts and crafts for children, bouncy houses, face painting, balloon artists, and live music.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music, second Saturdays of the month, 1-5 p.m.
Art History Lecture
The Brooks’ art history lectures series covers virtually every aspect of human history and experience, with new topics each week.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Fridays through October 27, 12:30-3 p.m.
Artwalk
More than 40 local artists will be on hand selling a variety of handcrafted items at this year’s Artwalk.
V&E Greenline, October 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Teen Arts Fest
Young artists (ages 13-19) are invited to an informal social and networking event.
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, October 14, 2-5 p.m.
Repair Days
Bring your metal items to the Metal Museum to have them restored to their former glory.
Metal Museum, October 19-22
Family Fun Day
The Metal Museum hosts a day of free hands-on activities, demonstrations, and kid-friendly games, plus free admission to the museum.
Metal Museum, October 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
RiverArtsFest
This two-day festival is a celebration of fine arts and fine local music with live artist demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages.
Riverside Drive, October 21-22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Art on Fire
Enjoy live music, tastings from local restaurants, drinks, an art sale, and a roaring bonfire.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, October 21, 7 p.m.
Indie Memphis Film Festival
This festival presents a range of independent features, documentaries, and short films from all corners of the world.
Various locations, October 24-29
Night at the Museum
AMUM will have several interactive, kid-friendly programs inspired by the visual arts in the collections that will bring the museum to life.
Art Museum University of Memphis, October 27, 5-8 p.m.
Día de los Muertos Festival & Parade
The Brooks, along with the Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group, invites you and your family to honor your ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, October 28, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Collage’s Annual Gala
This brunch is an enriching affair with performances by Collage’s world-class professional company and students from the Collage Dance Conservatory.
FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park, October 29, 2 p.m.
ARTSmemphis Anniversary Celebration
ARTSmemphis celebrates its 60th anniversary with a dynamic, lively, interactive, immersive, and spirited evening.
The Kent, Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m.
Oak, Willow, and Maple: A Celebration of Public Art by Martha Kelly
Martha Kelly and Elmwood Cemetery will unveil a new public, permanent art installation.
Elmwood Cemetery, November 19, 3-5 p.m.
Raised by Sound Fest
This free event showcases local and regional talent, honoring Memphis music, new and old, across genres.
Crosstown Concourse, December 12, 1-11 p.m.
¡Christmas Fiesta!
Learn about the Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean with Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group, Opera Memphis, and the Dixon.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, December 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.