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 online by clicking this link. Once you have registered, been approved, and are confirmed via email, you will receive instructions to sign in and pick up your name tag. 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 615-988-6250.
Visitors who wish to attend any of the events listed below should register online by clicking this link.
4:00 – 5:30 PM
OVERTURE
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
PERFORMANCE
Young Concert Artists on Tour
Cello, Piano, Saxophone Concert
The performance by Young Concert Artists on Tour 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)
New Ballet Ensemble
Peter and the Wolf
The performance of Peter and the Wolf by New Ballet Ensemble and School 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)
Eli Yamin, speaker
Pianist, Composer, and Educator
The appearance of Eli Yamin 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
My View: Midwest Memories by Gregory Steele
July 7–August 1, 2026
Artist Talk with Gregory Steele
5:15 PM
MTSU Todd Art Gallery in the Andrew L. Todd Hall
My View: Midwest Memories by Gregory Steele is co-sponsored by the Middle Tennessee State University Department of Art and Design and the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation and is made possible by generous gifts from Rena Ellzy; The Fott Family, in memory of Solie Fott; Flowerree McDonough; and the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation.
11:30 AM – 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 7, 2026 – August 1, 2026
Connections: Tennessee Art Education Association Member Exhibition
MTSU Andrew L. Todd Hall, First Floor Galleries
July 7, 2026 – August 1, 2026
STARS: The State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase
MTSU Andrew L. Todd Hall, First Floor Galleries
July 7, 2026 – August 1, 2026
My View: Midwest Memories
by Gregory Steele
MTSU Todd Art Gallery in the Andrew L. Todd Hall
1:20 PM – 2:15 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Joyce J. Scott, speaker
Visual Artist, Sculptor, and Quilter
The appearance of Joyce J. Scott 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
TAA Visual Art Recognition Day is made possible by a gift from the William Rollins Fund for the Arts of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
My View: Midwest Memories by Gregory Steele is co-sponsored by the Middle Tennessee State University Department of Art and Design and the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation and is made possible by generous gifts from Rena Ellzy; The Fott Family, in memory of Solie Fott; Flowerree McDonough; and the Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation. Tennessee’s Best of the Best Student Art Exhibition and Connections: Tennessee Art Education Association Member Exhibition are co-sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Academy and the Tennessee Art Education Association and are presented in partnership with the Middle Tennessee State University 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. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Middle Tennessee State University College of Art and Design. Special thanks to Jimmy Mumford, MTSU Department of Art and Design Chair; Eric Snyder, MTSU Gallery Coordinator; Rick Rishaw, MTSU Gallery Preparator; and to Jim Dodson, the founder and creator of the Best of the Best and
Connections exhibitions.
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TENNESSEE ARTS ACADEMY VISITORS’ DAY
Visitors are welcome to attend classes and activities throughout the day.
(Pre-register for Visitors' Day 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.)
Visitors' Day at MTSU has been made possible by a generous gift from the Dettwiller Foundation.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
PERFORMANCE
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
The 129th Army Band of the Tennessee Army National Guard
Orchestral Concert
The performance by The 129th Army Band of the Tennessee Army National Guard is made possible by a generous gift from HCA
Healthcare Foundation.
1:20 PM – 2:15 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Marc Shaiman, speaker
Award-Winning Lyricist, Composer, Orchestrator, and Performer
The appearance of Marc Shaiman is made possible by a generous gift from Tennessee Book Company, in memory of Cavit Cheshier.
11:20 AM – 11:50 PM
PERFORMANCE
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Nashville Children's Theatre
Seussical the Musical
The performance of Seussical the Musical by Nashville Children's Theatre is made possible by a generous gift from Thane Smith, in memory of
Pat Smith.
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 and other artists. Music, balloon making, and plenty of snacks will enliven the proceedings.
The TAA Arts Expo, Vendor Fair, and Artist Market is generously sponsored by INSBANK.
1:50 PM – 2:45 PM
MUSINGS
Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building (BDA)
Betsy Wolfe
Actress and Musical Theatre Singer
The appearance of Betsy Wolfe throughout the week is made possible by a generous gift from Thane Smith, in memory of Pat Smith.
