Eye-Full of Paris Weekend - A Celebration of the Arts
(August 23, 2010) It’s music, it’s theater, it’s art, it’s the annual Eye-Full of Paris Weekend in historic Downtown Paris. Celebrating visual and performing arts, the event takes place the last full weekend each September and is sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association (DPA).

“These three days focus on an incredible array of live music, children’s activities and fantastic artwork with an emphasis on demonstrations,” said DPA President Mike Key.

• Eye-Full of Paris will begin with Commercial Bank’s Noon on the Square concert, Friday September 24 on the lawn of the Henry County Courthouse. Visitors will enjoy local favorite, John Austin McDaniel. Project Graduation will offer delicious lunch fare and the

• Friday evening is a big night for lovers of the out-of-doors when the
  Wildlife Awaits Show and Sale opens at Lee Academy of the Arts at
  6:00 p.m. Friends of the Wildlife Refuge sponsor this combination of painting, pottery, fiber arts and photography. The exhibit showcases the region’s beautiful creatures and scenery. Cash prizes are awarded to winning artists in both youth and adult categories. Entry forms are online at www.tnwrfriends.org.

• On Saturday, September 25, potters, quilters, painters, jewelers, calligraphers, metalworkers, woodworkers, basket makers, fiber artists and others will fill the courthouse lawn for Arts ‘Round the Square. This event, sponsored by the Paris-Henry County Arts Council (PHCAC) and the Downtown Paris Association runs from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
  “One of the unique aspects of this festival is that the artists not only display and sell their works, many of them also demonstrate,” said Arts Council Director Mary Lodge. “So whether you’re looking to purchase or simply to learn, this is a must-see event.” Five cash prizes will be awarded to participating artists. Entry forms are online at ww w.phcarts.com.

• A wide variety of musicians perform on two, courthouse lawn stages presenting non-stop entertainment throughout the day. ‘Jamaica Me Happy’ steel drum band kicks things off at 10:00 am. Hear them at http://www.utm.edu/departments/finearts/percussion/audio.htm. Next up is Keith Moody with a blend of Americana roots-rock with a twist of country pop. Hear his tunes at keithmoody.com. Garcia and Scott round out the day with tight harmonies and driving rhythms. To
  listen, log on myspace.com/garciaandscott. An abundance of
  delicious food will be available from local vendors.

• KidZone Live! the event’s children’s area on the courthouse lawn features interactive art and music activities for children throughout the day. Sponsored by Youth for the Arts, it includes exciting musical performances by Scott Myatt and Steve Short and the Henry County High School Madrigals. Also taking the stage will be the popular Krider Children’s Theater and Bethel Renaissance Theater.

• The second evening of Eye-Full of Paris features the entertaining, “Let’s Tango in Paris” hosted by the Paris Ballroom Dance Club. The dress is casual; the venue is Lee Academy for the Arts Lunchroom. Free ballroom dance lessons are from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. with free dance exhibitions from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Participants may pay $10 to enjoy the rest of the evening featuring dancing and refreshments. For more information visit SchoolForTheArts.com.

• Music lovers will gather September 26, on the courthouse lawn for Downtown Churches Rejoice. This afternoon of music and food in a relaxed atmosphere features a variety of singing styles from many of the churches that call Downtown Paris home. Lunch will be available for purchase.

• The weekend concludes Sunday evening with a festive concert at Paris Winery featuring the ‘Trifekta’. Other Eye-Full of Paris special activities include the Tasty Morsel Contest and Best Picnic Site, as well as signature wine tasting. No picnic basket? Come early and enjoy a delicious meal in the winery’s bistro. Get more information at pariswinery.com

Eye-Full of Paris began in June, 2006, with Paris-Henry County Art Council’s first Arts Round the Square (ARTS) held on the courthouse lawn. In 2007 the council partnered with the Downtown Paris Association; sites and dates were expanded. That same year the event was renamed and received funding from the Tennessee River Resort Act.

The mission of the Downtown Paris Association is to promote prosperous business activity and community involvement while encouraging preservation of the downtown area. Visit them online at www.visitdowntownparis.com or call DPA President Mike Key at 731-642-9271.