May 26, 2020
The Tennessee Theatre has released a new glass-blown ornament, an updated replica of the theatre’s iconic vertical sign. Depicting the “Tennessee” blade, the keepsake ornament is available for purchase at www.tennesseetheatre.com/giftshop and at the May 27 pop-up shop at the theatre. Proceeds from the ornament sale will benefit the Tennessee Theatre during its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the Tennessee Theatre first created a limited-edition ornament of the blade in 2016, it quickly sold out. A second run of the handcrafted keepsake was offered via pre-order, and it also sold out. Since then, ornament collectors have added beautiful lobby chandeliers, Mighty Wurlitzer replicas and a 90th anniversary piece celebrating the milestone – but many patrons bemoaned missing out on the iconic blade sign.
Tennessee Theatre blade ornament
“The blade sign ornament is back,” Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock said. “This gorgeous glass-blown ornament is a replica of the Tennessee Theatre’s vertical sign which shines brightly over Gay Street, an omnipresent reflection of downtown Knoxville’s infectious energy and a beacon for visitors to our great city.”
With red adornments added to reflect the blade’s detail, the new ornament once again was designed by European artisans with exquisite care. Each shimmering ornament, which measures just over 5.5 inches high, was crafted by hand during a seven-day process, creating an heirloom to be cherished.
Ornaments can be purchased for $50, and proceeds will benefit the Tennessee Theatre.
“The theatre has been closed since March 14, and 95% of our revenues have been lost during that time,” Hancock said. “It’s very hard to see our beloved theatre go ‘dark,’ and we’re looking forward to the day when we are open again to entertain you.
“Until then, our ornament sales come at a perfect time, allowing our patrons to plan ahead for holiday gifts and decorations – and take a little piece of the theatre home with you while you can’t visit. It also provides a way to lend support during this time when we have experienced significant financial loss.”
In addition to purchasing ornaments online, patrons can visit the pop-up gift shop on Wednesday, May 27, from 11a.m.-2 p.m. The temporary gift shop will be located under the theatre’s marquee canopy at the entrance on Gay Street. Curbside shopping also will be available for those who wish to remain in their cars. Shoppers can park on Gay Street in front of the theatre entrance, and staff will take orders and deliver purchases to the vehicle.
For more information about the Tennessee Theatre, visit www.tennesseetheatre.com.
About the Tennessee Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with maintaining and preserving the historic theatre and ensuring diverse arts and cultural entertainment remains in downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit www.tennesseetheatre.com.
