The Tennessee Arts Academy offers many events that are free and open to the public. They are listed below. You may find additional information about these events throughout the TAA website. Visitors are asked to register in advance by calling the TAA Office at 615-460-5451. Once you have registered and are confirmed, you may sign in and pick up your name tag in the lobby of the Massey Performing Arts Center. If you have questions or desire further information, please contact the TAA office at taa@belmont.edu or call at the above listed number.
Please check back regularly as we add events.
The Tennessee Arts Academy Summer Institute offers many events that are free and open to the public. All events will take place on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and are listed below. You may find additional information about these events throughout the TAA website. Visitors who wish to attend any of the events listed below are asked to register in advance by calling the TAA Office at 615-988-6250 or registering online by clicking this link. Once you have registered, been approved, and are confirmed via email, you may sign in and pick up your name tag in the lobby of the MTSU Student Union Building. You must register in advance in order to attend the following events. If you have questions or desire further information, please contact the TAA office at taa@tnartsacademy.org or call at the above listed number.
Please check back regularly as we add events.
4:00 – 5:30 PM
OVERTURE
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
PERFORMANCE
ARKAI
Electro-Acoustic Violin and Cello Concert
The performance by ARKAI is made possible by generous gifts from the Country Music Association Foundation; Amy Savell, in memory of Sara and Las Savell; and Talmage Watts.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
PERFORMANCE
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
GO! Contemporary Dance Works
ALICE: A Revolutionary Ballet
The performance of ALICE: A Revolutionary Ballet by GO! Contemporary Dance Works is made possible by a generous gift from Jeanette and Bill Watkins.
1:20 PM – 2:15 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Ricky Ian Gordon, speaker
Opera & Musical Theatre Composer
The appearance of Ricky Ian Gordan is made possible by a generous gift from the Country Music Association Foundation.
4:30 – 6:30 PM
ART EXHIBITION OPENING AND RECEPTION
MTSU Todd Art Gallery in the Andrew L. Todd Hall
The Myth of Absence by Kandy Lopez
July 7–August 1, 2025
Artist Talk with Kandy Lopez
5:15 PM
MTSU Todd Art Gallery in the Andrew L. Todd Hall
The Myth of Absence by Kandy Lopez is cosponsored by the MTSU Department of Art and Design and the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation with additional funding made possible by generous gifts from Rena Ellzy and Solie Fott.
11:30 PM – 1:00 PM
TAA ART EXHIBITION OPENINGS AND ART CRAWL
featuring
Tennessee’s Best of the Best Student Art Exhibition
MTSU Andrew L. Todd Hall, First Floor Galleries
July 8, 2025 – August 2, 2025
Connections: Tennessee Art Education Association Member Exhibition
MTSU Andrew L. Todd Hall, First Floor Galleries
July 8, 2025 – August 2, 2025
STARS: The State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase
MTSU Andrew L. Todd Hall, First Floor Galleries
July 15–July 18, 2025
The Myth of Absence
by Kandy Lopez
MTSU Todd Art Gallery in the Andrew L. Todd Hall
1:20 PM – 2:15 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Chaz Guest, speaker
Visual Artist
The appearance of Chaz Guest is made possible by a generous gift from the Hays Foundation, established by Marlene and Spencer Hays.
5:00 PM
STUDENT & TEACHER ARTIST RECOGNITION CEREMONY & RECEPTION
MTSU Andrew L. Todd Hall, First Floor Galleries
Tennessee’s Best of the Best Student Art Exhibition and Connections: Tennessee Art Education Association Member Exhibition are cosponsored by the Tennessee Art Education Association and the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation and are presented in partnership with the MTSU Department of Art and Design. The STARS: The State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase exhibition at the Tennessee Arts Academy Summer Institute is sponsored and organized by the Tennessee Art Education Association and co-sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation.
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TENNESSEE ARTS ACADEMY VISITORS’ DAY
Visitors are welcome to attend classes and activities throughout the day.
(Pre-register by calling 615-460-5451 or register online by clicking on this link. Once registered and confirmed, pick up your nametag on the day of the event in the lobby of the Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Building.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
PERFORMANCE
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Triple Play: Cumberland County Playhouse Presents! Musical Theatre Performance Excerpts
The performance by the Cumberland County Playhouse is made possible by a generous gift from Thane Smith, in memory of Pat Smith.
1:20 PM – 2:15 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Victoria Clark, speaker
Actor, Director, Educator
The presentation by Victoria Clark is generously sponsored by the Tennessee Book Company, in memory of Cavit Cheshier.
11:20 AM – 11:50 PM
PERFORMANCE
T. Earl Hinton Hall, Wright Music Building
Middle Tennessee Choral Society
Vocal Ensemble Performance
The performance by the Middle Tennessee Choral Society is made possible by a generous gift from HCA Healthcare Foundation.
11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
TENNESSEE ARTS ACADEMY ARTS EXPO, VENDOR FAIR, AND ARTIST MARKET
MTSU Student Union Grand Ballroom
The TAA Arts Expo and Vendor Fair will offer display booths from leading music, theatre, and visual art vendors and arts-related organizations. The Artist Market will feature original art, crafts, and jewelry for sale, created by talented TAA Summer Institute artist/participants. Music, balloon making, and plenty of snacks, will enliven the proceedings.
1:50 PM – 2:45 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Norm Lewis
Actor and Musical Theatre Singer
The appearance of Norm Lewis throughout the Academy week is made possible by a generous gift from Thane Smith, in memory of Pat Smith.
