This week in the Arts:

Special Events

The Hunter Museum of American Art is offering Free First Sundays on Sunday from 12-5 p.m. with free museum admission, craft activities, and a performance by the Sweet Adelines International’s Scenic City Chorus. Visit www.huntermuseum.org for more information.

The DeKalb County Fiddlers' Convention will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, at Fort Payne Middle School in Fort Payne, Al. Contest registration begins at 11 a.m. CST, and contests start at 12 p.m. and last on into the evening. Call 256 845-2224 for more information.

Visual Art & Film

The "Southern Journeys – African American Artists of the South" exhibit continues at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center through Wednesday, Aug. 11. For more information, call 266-8658.

"Skins and Skeletons" by Team Lump continues at AVA through Friday, Aug. 27. For more information, visit www.avarts.org.

The Arts & Education Council Back Row Film Series continues Thursday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. with the showing of The Greening of Southie at Green|Spaces. Visit www.artsedcouncil.org to purchase tickets.

The Jewish Cultural Center will host the Center Stage: 92nd Street Y Series beginning with the showing of an interview with writer and broadcaster Mitch Albom on Monday at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.jewishchattanooga.com.

“Street Art,” an exhibit of graffiti type airbrushed art on canvas by Maximo Ortiz, will be on display Aug. 4-30 at The Arts Center in Athens, Tn. Call 745-8781 or visit www.athensartscouncil.org for more information.

River Gallery will host the opening reception for "New Imagery" on Friday, Aug. 6, from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, call 265-5033 ext. 5 or visit www.river-gallery.com.

The opening reception for Paul Fontana's "Horizons" exhibit will be held at In-Town Gallery on Friday, Aug. 6, from 5-8 p.m. Call 267-9214 or visit www.intowngallery.com for more information.

Townsend Atelier will host classes in Beginning and Advanced Watercolor Techniques with instructor Durinda Cheek each Monday from Aug. 9-Sept. 13. Visit www.townsendatelier.com for more information.

Theatre, Music & Dance

The Hunter Museum of American Art concludes its celebration of All American Days with a musical performance by The Light on Thursday at 6 p.m. Visit www.huntermuseum.org for more information.

The Book of Liz continues each weekend through Saturday, Aug. 7, on the Circle Stage at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. Visit www.theatrecentre.com for more information.

The Nightfall Concert Series at Miller Plaza continues Friday with performances by Plants and Animals at 8 p.m. and opening act Ramble Horse at 7 p.m. Call 265-0771 or visit www.nightfallchattanooga.com for more information.

The Hamilton Community Theatre presents its production of The Belle of Amherst by William Luce Thursday - Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church. For ticket information, call 304-7156.

Comedian Joe Mullins will perform at the Tennessee Valley Theatre on Saturday at 7 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 365-7529.

Musicians Matt Kinman and Jonathan Ferrell will perform Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Barking Legs Theater. Call 624-5347 or visit www.barkinglegs.org for more information.

Beginning Spanish Guitar lessons will be offered for eight weeks beginning Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Advanced Spanish Guitar lessons will be held Thursdays, Aug. 5-Sept. 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the St. Andrews Center as part of the Latino Arts Project. Call 629-9872 or visit www.st-andrewscenter.org for more information.

The Community Players will present Smoke on the Mountain at The Colonnade Civic Center Friday, Aug. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 7, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 706 935-9000.

Writing, Literature & Poetry

Musician and author Dr. Tom Bibey will sign copies of his novel, The Mandolin Case, on Friday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Smokin' Ed's BBQ. Call 843-5223 for more information.