Visiting artist Scott Conary will give a free public talk about his artwork, the evolution of his process and the artists who have inspired and informed his work on Friday, Sept. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. at Townsend Atelier, 301 E. 11th St. Information: 423 266-2712, www.townsendatelier.com.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day
In recognition of National Public Lands Day, Tennessee State Parks and State Natural Areas invite the public to take part in ranger-led hikes, volunteer projects and interpretive programs at all 56 state parks on Saturday, Sept. 30.
National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with just three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Now in its 24th year, NPLD is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands, which make up more than 30 percent of America’s landscape.
Information: www.tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/national-public-lands-day-hikes.
Women’s Fund Voices luncheon
The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga will host its fifth annual Voices Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Stratton Hall. The doors will open at 10:45 a.m. for the Power of the Purse Silent Auction and the program will conclude at 1 p.m.
Shelley Zalis will deliver the keynote address. Zalis is the founder of the Female Quotient, which works with corporations to advance equity in the workplace.
She is also the host of a new Bloomberg series entitled “Walk the Talk,” which is focused on gender equality and the importance of women in executive leadership. Zalis will speak about the importance of gender-balanced teams.
In addition, the Women’s Fund will present a check to the winner of the Nightingale Network grant.
The Nightingale Network supports local nonprofits that serve women and girls. The finalists are Chattanooga Room in the Inn, TechTown and Girls, Inc.
Proceeds from the event will support the WFGC’s work at the state and local levels to advance policies that protect and advance women and children, the Nightingale Network and partnership organizations across Tennessee that support women and girls.
Visit www.chattanoogawomensfund.org to purchase tickets or contact Emily O’Donnell (423 443-9915) to purchase a table. Individual tickets are $65 and tables start at $600. Corporate sponsorships for the event are still available.
3 Sisters Music Festival
An abundance of bluegrass entertainment will be served Oct. 6-7 during the 11th annual 3 Sisters Music Festival. Held at Ross’ Landing, the free event will feature top names in contemporary and traditional bluegrass.
Music will begin Friday at 6 p.m. with music by local bluegrass favorites and festival hosts, The Dismembered Tennesseans. The Stray Birds will perform at 6:50 p.m. and the Jeff Austin Band will take the stage at 8:10 p.m. Del McCoury will end the night with a set beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Food from a variety of food trucks, beer, wine, whiskey and non-alcoholic drink concessions will also be available. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. No outside food or beverages will be allowed.
This event is sponsored by Fletcher Bright Realty and the City of Chattanooga and produced by Chattanooga Presents! Information: www.3SistersBluegrass.com, 423 265-0771.
Choral Arts of Chattanooga
Choral Arts of Chattanooga will begin its 2017-18 season Friday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Second Presbyterian Church ,700 Pine St. The “Our Musical Heritage” program will include music by Aaron Copland, Jackson Berkey, Peter Wilhousky, Randall Thompson, Roland Carter, Moses Hogan and more. The audience will hear folk songs, parlor tunes, songs of the heartland, songs of battle, American hymns, spirituals and a special benediction. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students with an ID and free for ages 10 and under. Information: www.choralartsofchattanooga.org.
Urban League Equal Opportunity Day
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga will present its annual Equal Opportunity Day breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Chattanooga Convention Center. John Hope Bryant, founder and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, a nonprofit financial services network, will be the keynote speaker. This year’s event theme is “Urbanomics – The Breakdown of Economic Inequality.”
Bryant has been an advisor to the last three sitting U.S. presidents. At the request of Bryant, President George W. Bush signed the first executive order establishing financial literacy as the policy of the federal government in the nation’s history in 2008. President Obama appointed Bryant to serve on his new U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans in 2014.
To recognize corporate and individual leadership in the region, the Urban League will give out three awards at the event: the Inclusion by Design Award; the Community Impact Award; and the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award.
The Urban League is offering several sponsorship levels or individual tickets for the event. All proceeds from the event will support the organizations programs. Information: www.ulchatt.net, 423 756-1762 or lsanchez@ulchatt.net.