Sponsored by Bristol Herald Courier, Proud Partner of Believe in Bristol

State of the Arts Weekend Kicking off June 8 with Sculpture Unveiling and Extended Business Hours Downtown

June 06, 2012
The second annual State of the Arts weekend kicks off this Friday with the reveal of a “LOVE” sculpture at 629 State Street the location of the new CityMac building. This unveiling will ignite the weekend-long celebration which plays host to a large variety of arts and entertainment activities held throughout downtown on June 8, 9 and 10. With over 40 events happening including art sales, a kids day, and an art contest, and extended hours for many businesses downtown on Sunday, Bristol is geared up to be the premier arts and entertainment destination for the area this weekend.

“We are particularly proud of all the arts events that have been planned for the weekend, as there is something for absolutely everyone,” says Katherine Bowman, Associate Director of Believe in Bristol. “In addition, we have many businesses that will be open especially for State of the Arts on Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.”

The new CityMac on 629 State Street will be open all weekend, and 9:30AM on Friday a unique permanent sculpture will be unveiled on the side of that building. It's 6' tall by 13' wide and spells the word L O V E with musical instruments crafted with steel by local artisans Seth Thomas and John Jones. This sculpture was the brainchild of the Believe in Bristol Arts and Entertainment District Committee and was made possible by the Virginia Tourism fund.

Bristol is one of only 11 sites across Virginia chosen to create a LOVE artwork as part of a new, statewide initiative of the Virginia is for Lovers campaign. The Bristol LOVE artwork will promote the message that “love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation” and showcase the city’s rich musical heritage. Visitors will be encouraged to take a picture with the LOVE artwork and share on social media at www.Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Twitter using the special hashtag #LOVEVA.

Over 40 events are planned for the weekend starting at 9:30 am on Friday morning and going through the evening of Sunday, June 10. Some of those events include Art D’Vine , a gallery hop and wine tasting on State Street, State of the Arts Kids Day, State of the Arts POWER HOUR arts competition and a special Music and Movies in the Park. A full schedule of events will be available on the website calendar at www.believeinbristol.org .

All local media are invited and encouraged to come experience our celebration of Bristol’s creativity.

For more information, contact Katherine Bowman, Associate Director of Believe in Bristol at 423-573-2200 or email kbowman@believeinbristol.org.

State of the Arts — Schedule of Events

June 06, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
9:30 am: Press conference and “LOVE” artwork unveiling at CityMac building, 629 State Street
Noon: The Paramount Center kicks off “Tunes at Noon” with Tim Landis and Friends
4 pm: Beer Tasting at Inari Wines
5:00pm—The Bistro will be offering a special State of the Arts menu on the 8th and 9th for $25. See website for details
6pm – 9pm: Art D’Vine, A Gallery Hop and Wine Tasting on State Street @ Kil’n Time, Benjamin Walls Gallery, 606 State Street Gallery, One of a Kind Gallery, One Night Stand Gallery, blowfish emporium and the new gallery at CityMac
The Great Smokey Mountain Bluegrass Band will be performing at CityMac, 629 State Street
7pm: Crooked Road General Store presents Jeff and Sheri Easter at The Paramount.
7:30pm: Mambo Lessons at Bristol Ballet
8pm: A Great Disaster to perform at Machiavelli’s
9pm: Steve Gilbert with Dallas Danger to perform at Acoustic Ale House
The Jay Storm Project to perform at O’Mainnin’s
10pm: Now You See Them to perform at 620 State

Saturday, June 9, 2012
8:00am: Cooking Demonstration with Chef Armond from The Burger Bar. Chef will be fixing his Farmers Market wrap and quesadilla from fresh ingredients found at the market that morning
9am: Teens Watercolor class with Claudia Rutherford at 606 State Street Gallery
9 am—noon: State of the Arts Kids Day. Terra Cotta pot painting, cookie decorating, movement class, face painting, balloon animal crafting, martial arts demonstration and magic show in the Tri-Summit parking lot.
10:00—5:00pm—Mountain Empire Comics located on 6th Street will host a special sidewalk sale as well as a ballon artist
10am—5pm: Bridgeforth Design Studio (6th Street) will feature live demonstrations by Brian Bridgeforth as he creates concept art for the book, “A Western Tale” by local author Clint Blevins. Free art prints will be given out while supplies last and there will be free cookies and drinks for the kids. Face painting available.
10am– 5 pm: Live magic will be performed at Top Hat Magic Supply (6th Street). You won’t believe your eyes!!!
11:30 am—12:30 pm: State of the Arts POWER HOUR art competition. Artists from all over the area are invited to come to the Farmer’s Market and complete a work of art of their choosing from start to finish in 1 hour. Prizes will be given—for more details, please contact the Believe in Bristol office 423-573-2200
11:30-12:30pm: Appearances by Bristol Ballet ballerinas in window of 519 State Street
Noon: Kids Painting workshop at blowfish emporium, pre-registration is required
1 pm: Open Photography Forum at 606 State Street Gallery—If you want to improve your photos or would simply like to contribute to a photo discussion, 606 Gallery will be hosting 4 of their exhibiting photographers who will share their time with you.
2pm—6 pm : Bring your dog to Holly Help (14 Sixth Street) and we'll guide them through creating a Muttsterpiece of their own to hang proudly on your walls. All canine visitors will receive a free bandana and pet wallet alert card just for stopping by.
3pm: AiPP member-guided walk beginning at State Street Farmer’s Market
3pm– 4pm: Appearances by Bristol Ballet ballerinas in window of 519 State Street
4pm: Wine Tasting at Inari Wines
5pm: The Bistro will be offering special State of the Arts menu for $25. For more information, please visit the website
5pm: Music and Movies in Cumberland Square Park. The featured movie is the 2011 remake of “Footloose” starring Julianne Hough, Andie MacDowell and Dennis Quaid

Sunday, June 10, 2012
11:00– 5:00pm—CityMac Gallery will be open
Benjamin Walls Gallery, One of a Kind Gallery, blowfish emporium, 606 State Street Gallery will be open special State of the Arts hours today from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Kil’n Time will open special State of the Arts hours from 1pm to 5 pm and are offering a $10 “splatter platter” special. You can create fun, spontaneous art by flinging glaze at a plate. It is a quick no-mess way to produce a very professional looking result.
1:00—5:00pm—Vinyl Extravaganza at Sessions 27. Come down and listen to their great vinyl collection and take part in their vinyl repurposing project
1:00—5:00pm—Elements and Other World Gallery will be open and offering amazing State of the Arts Discounts

Weekend WideEvents:
Benjamin Walls Gallery—offering 10% off on custom framing
One of a Kind Gallery—”Rising Art Stars” show throughout the weekend, featuring work of young, promising artists in the area
606 Jammers will be playing throughout the weekend at the gallery. Bring your guitar, banjo or voice and join in the fun
606 Starving Artist Sale—Participating artists at 606 Gallery will be offering 30% off the regular price of select merchandise
Blowfish emporium—offering 15% storewide discount all weekend
Elements and Other World Gallery at 600 State Street will be offering 30%-50% discount throughout the store

All events are subject to change without notice, please visit beilieveinbristol.org calendar of events for the latest updates!

Downtown Bristol Blog

Bristol Chamber of Commerce Hosts Legislative Wrap Up Meetings

June 12, 2012
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce will host Legislative Wrap Up Meetings with both Tennessee and Virginia Legislators. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for the local business community to meet with legislators to hear different sides of current discussions, share ideas and ask questions concerning the legislative session.
Click here to read more.

Presentation to Highlight John C. Breckinridge Life

June 11, 2012
In commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Dr. John Gaines will be the guest speaker for a public meeting of the Bristol Historical Association on Monday June 11. The meeting will be held in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room at the Bristol Public Library at 6:30pm. Gaines will present the program highlighting the exceptional life of John Cabell Breckinridge.
Click here to read more.

Crooked Road General Store presents JEFF & SHERI EASTER

June 08, 2012
Friday, June 8th at 7:30pm — Whether you’re listening for the first time, or have been a faithful follower for years, Jeff & Sheri Easter are bound to touch your soul. It’s hard to find in today’s market anything quite as pleasant as what you’ll find in their gospel concerts. But be prepared... you’re about to be blown away. Jeff and Sheri Easter are just that good! This event is sponsored by the Crooked Road General Store in memory of Dan Owens. Proceeds will benefit the immediate needs of Bristol Regional Medical Center cancer patients through the Wellmont Foundation. Tickets $18.00 in advance, $23.00 at the door.

The Paramount starts Tunes at Noon!

June 08, 2012
Friday, June 8th at Noon — Tim Landis & Friends! Tim Landis, Bristol’s favorite Basso, returns to the Paramount’s Tunes @ Noon Summer Concert Series stage with another one of his popular programs of song with more of his musical friends. Enjoy an exciting mix of old and new, classical and classic, and some Southern Comfort Americana. Admission is by a suggested donation of $5.00, and we will also be collecting non-perishable items to donate to the Bristol Emergency Food Pantry.

"The Apple Experience" is HERE!

June 08, 2012
Please help us welcome CityMac & CityMug Café to Historic Downtown Bristol. Both are opening for business Friday, June 8th, 10am! CityMac is an Apple Specialist & Apple Service Provider focused 100% on Apple and Mac products. If you have your eye on a new iPad, iPod, or Mac computer, look no further than the state-of-the-art user-friendly store located at 629 State Street, Bristol VA. Recognized as an Apple Premium Service Provider, CityMac’s staff performs in-warranty and out-of-warranty service and repairs. Software support, data recovery, data transfer and extraordinary customer service. To top it off, CityMac will also provide free daily workshops on Apple products, as well as more advanced or specialized trainings for a nominal fee. When you’re ready to switch or upgrade to a new Mac, they’ll help you make a seamless transition!
Click here to read more.

Bob Seger Tribute Set for Downtown Center

June 07, 2012
The Full Moon Jam Concert and Tribute series continues on Thursday, June 7, 2012 after a great kick-off. The first in the event series saw almost 2,000 people coming to the Downtown Center to hear the tribute to Rod Stewart. The next tribute series will feature Silver Bullet a band playing tribute to the much celebrated and skillful musician, Bob Seger. The concert begins at 7PM on the grounds of the Downtown Center located at 810 State Street. There is no charge for the concert event.
Click here to read more.

Beaver Creek Storytellers are back!

June 07, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 606 State Street, Bristol TN-VA, The 606 State Street Gallery will present The Beaver Creek Storytellers!. Admission is $5.00. Refreshments at intermission, and the event is free to members. Ask about our annual membership. http://bristolstorytellers.weebly.com.

Arts and Entertainment District to Again Offer Kids Art Camp

June 06, 2012
Sign your kids up today, these sessions will fill up quick! Believe in Bristol and the steering committee for the Arts and Entertainment District of Downtown Bristol are pleased to announce registration is now open for their arts-based summer camp for children called “Who Art You? Find Yourself at Art Camp”. The camp will be offered for two weeks during the summer, the first session will be held June 25-29, and the second session will be held July 23 -27.
Click here to read more.

Artist Barbara Carter will display her artwork at the Bristol Public Library's Virgie R. Fleenor Art Gallery during the month of June

June 06, 2012
Barbara Carter began her love for art as a child when she would draw or paint on notebook paper and the backs of old envelopes. “I used whatever was handy: crayons, pencils, watercolors and even burnt matches.” This display runs June 1st – June 30th at the Bristol Public Library in the Virgie R. Fleenor Art Gallery. The library is open Monday- Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday- Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m.-5 p.m. For questions about the Art Gallery or any other library programs, call 276.821.6148.
Click here to read more.

Sessions 27's pick of the week is the new Mynabirds album Generals.Check out this great review by Melissa Locker and swing by Sessions 27 for your copy!

June 06, 2012
The Bright Eyes band member steps in front of the mic for her sophomore album "Generals" When Laura Burhenn burst onto the scene in 2010 under the moniker The Mynabirds, she quickly showed that she had what it takes to stand out in a crowded sea of singer-songerwriters. The Mynabirds’ debut, What We Lose in the Fire, We Gain in the Flood, was a folk-pop siren call filled with playful tunes and outstanding vocals. The debut showed her roots as a member of Bright Eyes’ touring band, calling to mind some of ConorOberst’s evocative pop.
Click here to read more.

Downtown Bristol Blog

Upcoming Events