What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm

The Arts Center

Name: The Arts Center
Address: 320 N White Street, Athens, TN, 37303, US
Telephone: +14237458781

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The Arts Center

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We provide opportunities for the expression of creativity and for the appreciation of the arts.

https://linktr.ee/myartscenterathenstn

Our mission is to enrich the quality of life and make a difference for our community by providing opportunities for the expression and appreciation of the arts.

10/30/2026

Grab a warm drink and some snacks, and join us for a table read!

On Tuesday, December 15, at 6:00 PM, we'll read and listen to "Elf the Musical" (based on the movie starring Will Ferrell and Zoe Deschanel) in the Peggy Dow Performance Center. This table read is led by Traci McKenzie. Later, on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 PM, we'll read and listen to "Alice By Heart" in the Peggy Dow Performance Center. This table read is led by Ethan León.

About Elf the Musical:
Would-be elf Buddy is raised unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity, and helps everyone remember the true meaning of Christmas.

About Alice By Heart:
In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, they escape into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

You can choose your level of participation—whether you want to sit back and enjoy listening or jump into the roles with us! 📖🎭

10/29/2026

Want to make handmade holiday gifts but are short on inspiration?

We can help!

Check out seasonal classes and one day workshops that will get you in the holiday spirit AND help you check off that list!

UPCOMING CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
Portrait Drawing
meets TUESDAYS, November 3-17, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Holiday Trees
select a session:
SATURDAYS, November 7-21, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
OR
MONDAYS, November 9-23, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Watercolor Workshop
meets FRIDAY, November 13, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Oil Painting Workshop
meets SUNDAY, November 15, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The Studio
meets MONDAY, November 23, 3:00 - 4:30 PM

Holiday Ornaments
select a session:
SUNDAYS, November 29-December 6, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
OR
MONDAYS, November 30-December 7, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Colored Pencil Workshop
meets TUESDAY, December 1, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Soft Pastel Workshop
meets SATURDAY, December 12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

To learn more and register, visit athensartscouncil.org/classes

CHECK IT OUT!
"Pottery Studio"
Past and current AACA pottery students can practice in the studio for $20 a month! Certain restrictions apply. Learn more at athensartscouncil.org/pottery-studio

10/29/2026

The Arts Center is closed for the rest of today, Thursday, October 29.

If an event for this evening is canceled, rescheduled, or moved, you will receive a message from the person in charge. If you receive no message, the event (class, meeting, rehearsal) will continue as planned.

Thank you for your understanding.

Information and tickets are available on our website 24/7:

athensartscouncil.org

10/28/2026

LAST CHANCE to see these FREE exhibits at YOUR Arts Center.

Don't miss our annual "Open Exhibit and Competition," which features work by local artists that celebrates America's 250th and is available for viewing in the Willson Exhibit Room.

Also available for viewing through October 30 is "Threads of Resistance, Stitches of Hope," featuring textile work by local group Resist-Stitch, in the Hallway Gallery.

While you're there, stop by the Peggy Dow Performance Center and see "American Witches" by Chattanooga-based artist Adam Romano, who asks the viewer to imagine what it's like to be the subject of a witch hunt.

All three exhibits are available for viewing now through October 30, 2026, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and during special events.

Images: 1. Three images: a set of clay shaping tools, a charcoal drawing with pencils, and a set of paint brushes, with text from above for Open Exhibit
2. graphic with two fabric art pieces that look like quilts, with text from above for Resist-Stitch exhibit
3. graphic with a painting of a witch being burned at the stake, with text from above for Adam Romano exhibit.

10/28/2026

We've got secular and sacred holiday favorites coming your way!

Featuring stirring choral arrangements, intimate small-group numbers, and standout solo performances, "A Choral Christmas" will help you ring in the Season!

Performers in "A Choral Christmas" include: Matthew Crabtree, Michelle Dannel, Tim Frazier, Crystal Hall, Julie Offutt, Sarah Offutt, Rusty Patterson, Liz Shreck, Mike Simmons, Pam Thigpen, and more!

Show dates for "A Choral Christmas" are:
Friday, December 4 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 PM

"A Choral Christmas" is directed by Mike Dannel, Athens Community Theatre music director and performer, as well as longtime music director and minister of music at East Athens Baptist Church.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36008/production/1282465 🎟️

10/27/2026

Let's give a round of applause to our Best in Show winner of our Open Exhibit and Competition:

“Bad Hair Day” by Judy LaVoie

This year's judge, Adam Romano, had this to say about the Best in Show winner:
“Superb technical application, hilarious expression. Great signature.”

We would also like to note four Honorable Mentions that have been awarded this year.
“Collage with Dancing Lesson, Thomas Eakins, 1887” by Holly Doucette
“Jennie Shelton Memorial Church, Lemontville, TN” by Mona Bliscerd-Banks
“Iris” by Bobbie Schoss
“Maple River” by Paul Semenoff

Our annual "Open Exhibit and Competition" features visual art by local artists. The exhibit is available for viewing now through October 30 in the Willson Exhibit Room.

Images:
1. graphic with photo of Best in Show winner of Open Exhibit and Competition
2-5. graphics with photos of Honorable Mentions of Open Exhibit and Competition

Photos courtesy of Holly Doucette.

10/27/2026

“Make them hear you.”
Make them remember you. Last chance to audition is TONIGHT!

ACT director Tyler Peaden and music director Matthew Crabtree welcome you to come audition for "Ragtime" and help bring this powerful story to life.

"Ragtime" is the Tony Award-winning musical about early-twentieth-century America that tells the story of three families in the pursuit of the American Dream.

🗓️ AUDITIONS: Monday & Tuesday, October 26 & 27 at 6:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: The Arts Center
🎭 SHOW DATES: (Friday - Sunday) February 19 - 28
🖊 DETAILS: Bring a song to sing (details below) and be prepared to read from the script
📋 AUDITION FORM: Fill out the audition form ahead of time or when you arrive for auditions (if filling out at auditions, please bring all schedules, to mark conflicts)
❓ WHY AUDITION? Because you wanna go out and tell the story, you love singing powerful music, or you’re obsessed with American history

Auditionees who plan to use a track for their song should submit track via email: [email protected]. Please include your name and the title of the song in the subject of the email.

📅 Mark your calendars - tickets go on sale December 4. Don't miss out!

Fill out the audition form here: https://forms.gle/QBk4sLPBoSqVvvpu7

For more details and to explore other exciting opportunities with Athens Community Theatre, visit athensartscouncil.org/auditions

10/26/2026

Join us for a cozy Arts on the Side!

The art AND the meal are FREE!

Drop in Tuesday November 17 between 5:00 and 7:00 PM to enjoy a soup supper catered by ARAMARK Collegiate Hospitality. You can see two exhibit receptions, while enjoying our "Piano Walk," where patrons move from lobby, to music wing, to the Peggy Dow Performance Center and back, listening to seasonal music played by various local pianists.

Arts on the Side started as a FREE arts program in 2016 during the lunch hour on select Tuesdays. Back then, you brought your own lunch and the art was on us. We’re pleased to bring it back—better than ever—with a catered meal and arts activities meant to encourage fellowship and shared creativity. The program is still FREE and activities may include concerts, jam sessions, visual arts activities, art demonstrations, table reads, and more.

10/26/2026

“Make them hear you.”
Make them remember you. Auditions for Ragtime start tonight!

ACT director Tyler Peaden and music director Matthew Crabtree welcome you to come audition for "Ragtime" and help bring this powerful story to life.

"Ragtime" is the Tony Award-winning musical about early-twentieth-century America that tells the story of three families in the pursuit of the American Dream.

🗓️ AUDITIONS: Monday & Tuesday, October 26 & 27 at 6:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: The Arts Center
🎭 SHOW DATES: (Friday - Sunday) February 19 - 28
🖊 DETAILS: Bring a song to sing (details below) and be prepared to read from the script
📋 AUDITION FORM: Fill out the audition form ahead of time or when you arrive for auditions (if filling out at auditions, please bring all schedules, to mark conflicts)
❓ WHY AUDITION? Because you wanna go out and tell the story, you love singing powerful music, or you’re obsessed with American history

Auditionees who plan to use a track for their song should submit track via email: [email protected]. Please include your name and the title of the song in the subject of the email.

📅 Mark your calendars - tickets go on sale December 4. Don't miss out!

Fill out the audition form here: https://forms.gle/QBk4sLPBoSqVvvpu7

For more details and to explore other exciting opportunities with Athens Community Theatre, visit athensartscouncil.org/auditions

10/24/2026

Stop by The Arts Center TODAY during Pumpkintown! We’ll have paints and pumpkins ready for your fall designs, as well as a Pumpkin House selfie station!

It’s fun for all ages, and best of all: it’s FREE!

Join us on SATURDAY October 24, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (while supplies last) at YOUR Arts Center!

(Image) a child's hand is seen painting a pumpkin, and a photo of a man and his child posing for a selfie at the Pumpkinhouse.

Friendly City Festivals

Address

320 N White Street
Athens, TN
37303

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+14237458781

Website

http://www.athensartscouncil.org/, https://linktr.ee/myartscenter

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