Margaret Johnson, the longest-serving student at the Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University, loves her work. She loves it so much that she even got a tattoo on her left calf of Diddly, the fiddle-playing opossum that is the museum’s mascot.
“I wanted this tattoo,” Johnson said, “because Diddly watches me work and I ask him where things are when I can’t find them. He’s like a little good luck charm.”
Now in her fourth year at both ETSU and the museum, Johnson accepts and catalogs donations and other artifacts. Her favorite project is annual inventory.
“It’s fun. I get to assess different kinds of artifacts, describe them in great detail and photograph them for our public records,” she said.
The Dickson, Tennessee, native is a history major with a double minor in heritage interpretation and museum studies and parks and recreation management. Her work with the Reece Museum will go a long way in helping her achieve her goal of becoming a collections manager.
“It will help a lot because it teaches me how to properly run collections and do inventory,” she said. “My current position also supplies me with leadership, teamwork and time management skills.”
The Reece Museum is an integral part of the vibrant arts community at ETSU, which offers a variety of art exhibits, musical performances, theater productions and more throughout the year. The following arts and other events on the ETSU campus in September are open to the public, and are free unless otherwise noted:
Music
Guest Artist Recital: Dr. Ryan Fogg
Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
Pianist Dr. Ryan Fogg, who recently made his Carnegie Hall debut, is described as “brilliant, with a high level of polish, impressive technical command, musical understanding, and sensitivity.”
Faculty Recital: Dr. Steph Frye-Clark and Louisa Peng
Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
Dr. Steph Frye-Clark, associate professor of tuba and euphonium and a nationally recognized champion of LGBTQ2S+ composers, will be joined by pianist Louisa Peng in this recital.
Faculty Recital: Dr. Monica Song
Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
Award-winning pianist Dr. Monica Song, an adjunct faculty member and collaborative pianist in the Department of Music, will perform in recital.
Faculty Recital: Louisa Peng
Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
ETSU collaborative pianist Louisa Peng will present a recital titled “Story in the Keys.”
The Black Jacket Symphony: ‘The Era of Yacht Rock’
Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
The Black Jacket Symphony returns to perform classic rock songs from such iconic artists as Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and more – note-for-note, sound-for-sound. Tickets range from $35-$40.
Fine Arts
‘Memory to Material & Objects’ Exhibit
Continuing through Sept. 12 – Reece Museum
In this collection, Knoxville-based artist LaKesha Lee used found objects, including old photographs, textiles, ceramics and everyday artifacts, as a material language to explore memory, history and cultural traditions. A reception will be held Sept. 4 from 5-7 p.m.
‘Bound & Threaded Stories’ Exhibit
Continuing through Sept. 12 – Reece Museum
Working with artist LaKesha Lee, participants in the Reece Museum’s Teen Renaissance Camp in June created an installation that showcases storytelling through wall quilts, soft sculpture and fiber art.
‘The Sun Speaks in the Language of Light’ Exhibit
Continuing through Sept. 19 – Slocumb Galleries
In his works, artist Benjy Russell takes traditional Choctaw crafts, such as basket weaving, pottery, beadwork and embroidery, and pulls them into sculptural works and photographic “drawings.” A reception and artist’s talk will be held Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.
‘Of the Measure That Has Gone Before’ Exhibit
Continuing through Sept. 19 – Slocumb Galleries
Nashville artist Gary L. White explores folkways, identity and the experiences of the “Southern Other” in his work. A reception and artist’s talk will be held Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.
‘Layered, Woven & Pierced: Appalachian Soul A Year On’
Sept. 4-Oct. 18 – Tipton-Ashe Gallery, 401 Ashe Street
This exhibit of works by numerous regional artists commemorates the anniversary of Hurricane Helene and serves as a moment for reflection and healing. It is the inaugural exhibit in the new Tipton-Ashe Gallery in Johnson City’s historic Ashe Street Courthouse. Special events include an opening reception on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., a “Conversations” reception on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. and an inaugural reception and artists’ talk on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. ETSU and regional officials will speak at these events.
‘The Place Speaks’ Exhibit
Continuing through Dec. 12 – Reece Museum
This exhibit exploring how sacred histories are presented through visual art in Appalachia highlights works by the Rev. Jimmy Morrow and other Appalachian and Southern artists, as well as significant artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection. ETSU’s Dr. Jennifer Axsom Adler will give a gallery talk titled “Rendered in Place: History and Genealogy as Sacred Practices in the Folk Art of Reverend Jimmy Morrow” on Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.
Theater/Cinema
Bud Frank Cinema: ‘Jaws 50th Anniversary’
Sept. 5, 7 p.m. – Bud Frank Theatre, Gilbreath Hall
ETSU’s Bud Frank Cinema will screen this classic Steven Spielberg thriller based on the novel by Peter Benchley.
Bud Frank Cinema: ‘Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)’
Sept. 19, 7 p.m. – Bud Frank Theatre, Gilbreath Hall
In this 2025 Sundance Film Festival breakout hit, lives intertwine around Green Lake as a girl learns to sail, a boy fights for first chair, two sisters operate a bed-and-breakfast, and a fisherman is after the catch of his life.
Public Talks and More
‘Hope After Helene: Financing Disaster Recovery’
Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
This community forum focused on rebuilding and revitalization in the wake of Hurricane Helene will feature local leaders, financial experts and organizations involved in disaster relief and economic restoration. Free tickets are required for admission.
Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative Fall Feature: Poet Li-Young Lee
Sept. 24, various times and locations
Legendary poet Li-Young Lee will take part in an Afternoon Conversation with ETSU Poet-in-Residence Dr. Jesse Graves at 1:30 p.m. in the D.P. Culp Student Center forum (room 311) and deliver an Evening Reading at 7 p.m. in the Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall.
Family Weekend
September 26-28
Families of ETSU students are invited to enjoy campus events, a tailgate party, special tours and more during this annual weekend celebration. Registration fees range from $20-$70.
