"A Man Named Pearl"
Saturday, June 28
Tennessee Aquarium
$5 for AEC or Aquarium members, $10 for non-members
5 PM Topiary demonstration by Pearl Fryar on the Aquarium Plaza
6:30 PM Film Screening of A Man Named Pearl in the aquarium auditorium
7:45 PM Discussion with Pearl Fryar
Pearl says it all started when he decided to spruce up his yard and try to win the yard-of-the-month contest in Bishopville, South Carolina. “Once I got started, I couldn’t stop,” he told a writer for Charleston magazine in 2006.
He started out salvaging seeds from a local nursery in order to sculpt his yard into a message of peace, love, and goodwill. His finished product caught the eyes and admiration of art and botanical enthusiasts alike, eventually finding its way onto the small screen on CBS' Sunday Morning and onto the big screen in a documentary feature film called A Man Named Pearl.
Mr. Fryar will be in attendance as the Arts & Education Council (AEC) partners with the Tennessee Aquarium and the Shaking Ray Levi Society to host a special screening of A Man Named Pearl on Saturday, June 28, as the first event in the AEC’s 2008 Back Row Film Series. Co-produced by Chattanooga’s own Shaking Ray Levi Society, A Man Named Pearl is a subtle and intriguing film that opens both hearts and minds. It offers an upbeat message about respect for both self and others, and shows what one person can achieve when he allows himself to share the full expression of his humanity.
Special thanks to the Tennessee Aquarium and Shadow Distribution for making this event possible!
Purchase tickets in advance by calling 423-267-1218 or buy tickets online.
View the film trailer
This event sponsored by 
“Balancing the Scales: The Chattanooga Trial of U.S. v. James R. Hoffa”
July 10
Loose Cannon Studios
1800 Rossville Boulevard
Free with a $5 suggested donation to the AEC Back Row Film Series
6 PM Opening reception
6:30 Film screening and discussion with the filmmaker Barry Cammon
In 1964, Teamster President Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of jury tampering in a federal court in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Forty years later, this trial, which severely tested the limits of American justice, remains an important topic of historic interest. Featuring interviews with numerous trial participants and observers, this recent documentary (2008) explores the difficulties of finding justice in a high profile, high stakes "trial of the century." It was shown at the Hamilton County Courthouse during the 2008 Judicial Conference of the 6th Circuit in May. The Back Row Film Series offers one of the ONLY chances for the public to see this intriguing film about an important event in Chattanooga history!
Special thanks to CreateHere, Loose Cannon Gallery, and Advanced Video Solutions for making this event possible!
Buy Tickets Now!
Read more about the Jimmy Hoffa trial on the Times Free Press website.
"Food and Film Night - New Orleans Theme"
Friday, August 15
Loose Cannon Gallery
1800 Rossville Boulevard
$15 for AEC members, $20 for non-members (includes film and food)
6 PM Social Hour
6:30 PM Film screenings and culinary presentations
View documentary film shorts about the reconstruction of New Orleans while enjoying the culinary sensations of Chattanooga's own Blue Orleans Creole restaurant.
Call 423-267-1218 to purchase tickets in advance, or visit our registration page.
"The Life and Times of Norman Blake"
Thursday, September 4
Rhythm and Brews
$5 for AEC members, $10 for non members
6 PM Social Hour
7 PM Film Screening
A special bluegrass performance will follow the film screening. More details to come!
Buy tickets now.
