February 4 - Be an art buyer for a day
Join Friends of African American Art on February 4 at 6:30 p.m. as they help the Hunter Museum of American Art choose a piece of contemporary African American art to become a part of its collection. You must be a member of Friends of African American Art to vote on the purchase. The event will take place at the Hunter, and is free to members. Friends of African American Art is an interest group formed by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Hunter for art lovers interested in preserving and showcasing African American art. For more information on how to join, contact the membership department at the Hunter at 423-267-0968.
February 5 - Free first Sunday at Hunter
Treat your family to a day of free gallery exploration and a performance by the Creative Underground at the Hunter. Noon to 5 p.m.
February 6 - Drink wine to support animals
Support McKamey Animal Center as you enjoy an evening of food and wine, courtesy of ChatO’ Brassier and Athens Distributing. The evening will include a chance to win a door prize, including dinner for two at ChatO’ Brassier with an overnight stay at DoubleTree Hotel. Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Place: ChatO’ Brassier. Cost: Twenty dollar donation to McKamey. Call ChatO’ at 423-305-1352 to reserve a spot for you and a guest.
February 7 - Special movie event
Join The Arts & Education Council for a screening of “Strangers No More,” the Oscar-winning documentary about a school where children from 48 countries and diverse backgrounds come together to learn. Many of the students arrive as refugees running away from poverty, political adversity and genocide. The film follows several students’ struggle to acclimate to life in a new land while slowly opening up to share their stories of hardship and tragedy. With tremendous effort and dedication, the school provides the support these children need to recover from their past. Following the film, stay for a panel discussion with community leaders and a reception. All ages are welcome. Admission is free but registration is encouraged. At Bright School from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
February 9 - Manuel Barrueco to Perform at Lee
Lee University will host internationally renowned guitarist Manuel Barrueco at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center as a guest for Lee’s Presidential Concert Series. Tickets will be available at the Lee University Box Office in the Dixon Center, or by calling 614-8343, one week prior to the concert between 3 and 6 p.m.
February 10 - J. Ledford Hamilton book signing
Author J. Ledford Hamilton will be available to sign copies of her novel, “L’Chaim to Life,” February 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pasha Coffee & Tea, located at 3914 St. Elmo Avenue. In the book, trouble starts brewing in Maggie Sanders’ neighborhood when residents discover the new renters next door are Jews. J. Ledford Hamilton’s novel “reveals the burden of discrimination and the loving choices that can conquer it,” Tate Publishing says.
February 11 - Raised bed gardening workshop
Crabtree’s Joel Houser will teach you how to construct, plant, maintain and care for a raised bed garden, as well as answer any questions you have about this gardening technique. Raised beds can be a good option for urban gardeners, especially if you have any concerns about the health and safety of your soil. They can also improve drainage, help control soil quality, and make your garden more easily accessible. Cost is ten dollars for the public; members get in free. RSVP to ajaeger@crabtreefarms.org by February 7.
February 11 - Manifest to offer a beautiful night
Christian Collier’s “Manifest” series will feature “The Beautiful Nights Poetry Show” at The Camp House, located at 1427 Williams Street. Several of Chattanooga’s youngest and brightest poets, including L-Poole, LaJuan White, Marcus Ellsworth and more, will take to the stage and explore both the highs and lows of love. The doors will begin at 8 p.m. The event will get underway at 9 p.m. Admission is eight dollars at the door. For more information, email Christian Collier at thespeakeasypoetry@gmail.com.
Through February 12 - Ensemble Theatre’s “Falsettos”
Join Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga for James Lapine and William Finn’s “Falsettos,” running through February 12. Performances take place Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Center, located at 1918 Union Avenue. “Falsettos” is a musical about one man’s self-discovery in a world of traditions, expectations and desires. Tickets are available at www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com, by calling 423-987-5141 and at the box office. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. Free parking is available behind St. Andrews Center.
Through February 12
The Importance of Being Earnest at the Chattanooga Theatre Center
The Chattanooga Theatre Center is performing “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the quintessential Oscar Wilde comedy, through February 12. Show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. In the classic play, dashing men-about-town John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pursue fair ladies Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. Matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both men to cover their on-the-sly activities – not to mention the disapproval of Gwendolen’s mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell. Call 423-267-8534 for ticket information.
Beginning February 16 - Theatre to debut spring plays
The play, “Eleemosynary,” will open the spring theatre season at Lee University. Performance dates are February 16-20 at 7:30 p.m. and February 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Edna Minor Conn Theatre. “Eleemosynary” focuses on the lives of three Wesbrook women: eccentric 75-year-old Dorothea; her jaded middle-aged daughter, Artie; and Artie’s bright 16-year-old daughter, Echo. Playwright Lee Blessing presents vignettes of the lives of the three women as they struggle to define themselves both as individuals and as part of a family unit. In this poignant study of familial relationships, Blessing highlights the human need for connection and forgiveness. This play is recommended for ages 12 and up.
February 24-26 - Unique antiques
Take in the Houston Museum Antiques Show & Sale, coming to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo’s Centennial Hall February 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and February 26 from noon to 4 p.m. A special preview brunch with early buying privileges will take place Friday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The event will feature more than 30 well-known dealers who display and sell antique furniture, glass, ceramics, paintings, prints, linen and jewelry. Call 423-267-7176 for ticket information. All of the proceeds will benefit the Houston Museum for Decorative Arts.
February 25 - Let’s plant something together
Learn how to start and maintain a successful community garden at Crabtree Farm’s free workshop. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
February 25 - Scenic City Half Marathon and 5K
Time: 8 a.m. Place: Tennessee Pavilion. Register online by February 21 at www.sceniccityhalfmarathon.com. The Scenic City Marathon runs through the heart of Chattanooga, over the Tennessee River via the historic Walnut Street Bridge, and back along the river by way of the scenic Tennessee Riverpark. In an effort to give back to the community, the Chattanooga Track Club, which presents the race, is featuring a special charity challenge. A portion of each participant’s entry fee will be donated to the charity of his or her choice.
Through April 13 - Free tax preparation through Alexian
AARP Tax-Aide is providing free tax preparation through Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors at 250 East 10th Street on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through April 13. Appointments are required and can be made by calling Beverly Boyers at 755-6106.