Winter Arts Guide 2025

Abigail Morici | Memphis Flyer

With exhibits, plays, musicals, and experiences, it’s time to celebrate the arts.

Last year, we told you about the arts, but by the very next day, we didn’t know what you did with it. This year, to save you from tears, we’ve made you something special: the Winter Arts Guide. Let it be your guiding light for the exhibitions, plays, musicals, and more that ought to be on your radar this winter.

ON DISPLAY

“Concomitant”
Jared Small’s solo exhibition.
David Lusk Gallery, through Dec. 20

“Mary K VanGieson: Chasing the Ephemeral”
Prints, sculptures, and installations using alternative materials.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, through Jan. 4

“Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South”
Illuminating the processes and practices of Black Southern quilters. 
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, through Jan. 4

“Time Is a Hearer”
Paintings by Sean Latif Heiser.
Beverly and Sam Ross Gallery, through Jan. 9

“Ocean Size”
Riley Payne depicts the fracturing of language, humor, and reverence for nature.
Tops Gallery at Madison Avenue Park, through Jan. 10

“Fiber Arts”
This interactive exhibition celebrates the diversity and creativity of fibers.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, through January 11

“L’Estampe originale: A Graphic Treasure”
Featuring 95 works of graphic art by 74 artists.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, through Jan. 11

“drupe”
The first solo exhibition for Brooklyn-based Amelia Briggs.
Sheet Cake Gallery, through Jan. 17

“Major Arcana”
The first of a two-part exhibition series inviting artists to reimagine each card of the Tarot deck.
Sheet Cake Gallery, through January 17

“Sense of Belonging” 
Amy Pleasant’s effort to create space and visibility for all.
Sheet Cake Gallery, through Jan. 17

“Reflection + Ritual + Refuge”
Brantley Ellzey’s solo exhibit.
Crosstown Arts, through Jan. 22

“James Viste | Let Me Tell You A Story”
Filled with whimsy, humor, memories, and anecdotes.
Metal Museum, through Feb. 1

“Bettye’s Bin: The Personal Archives of Stax Songwriter Bettye Crutcher”
Celebrating one of the most remarkable voices in soul music history.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music, through Feb. 22

“Tributaries: Kat Cole | Meditations”
Ephemeral gestures in glass, enamel, and steel.
Metal Museum, through Mar. 8

“Stage”
Justin Williams’ sketches and paintings transform the city’s musicians and performers into vivid portraits.
Ugly Art Co., December 6

“Roger Allan Cleaves: A World on Fire”
Exploring community, immigration, and celebratory rituals.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Jan. 11-Apr. 12

“Black Artists in America: From the Bicentennial to September 11”
Artistic styles and viewpoints within African-American art during the last quarter of the 20th century.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Jan. 25-Mar. 29

“Memphis College of Art, 1936-2020: An Enduring Legacy”
Reflecting on the school’s historical impact and legacy.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Feb. 25-Sept. 2026

ON STAGE

Junie B. Jones The Musical
Based on the popular children’s book by Barbara Park.
Playhouse on the Square, through Dec. 20

If Scrooge Was a Brother
An urban spin on A Christmas Carol.
Hattiloo Theatre, through Dec. 21

The Wizard of Oz
Visit the mystical land of Oz.
Playhouse on the Square, through Dec. 21

A Tuna Christmas
The annual Christmas Yard Display Contest is about to commence.
Playhouse on the Square, through Dec. 21

Handel’s Messiah
A stirring and majestic experience. 
Germantown United Methodist Church, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. | Lindenwood Christian Church, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. | Maples Memorial United Methodist Church, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol ’25
Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge goes on a spiritual journey.
Theatre Memphis, Dec. 5-23

Annie Jr. the Musical
With everyone’s favorite little redhead.
Germantown Community Theatre, Dec. 5-21

Cabaret Noel 10: An Emerald Christmas Special
The beloved Memphis holiday cabaret.
TheatreWorks @ The Square, Dec. 5-7

Christmas Gems
Two one-act plays at once. 
Tennessee Shakespeare Company, Dec. 5-17

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
A joyful night of music and community.
Orpheum Theatre, December 5, 8 p.m.

Nutcracker: Land of Enchanted Sweets
The timeless tale of Clara and her nutcracker.
Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School, Dec. 5-7

The Wedding Singer
Based on the hit comedy film.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, Dec. 5-7

Tía Pancha: A Christmas Story
Cazateatro’s special bilingual adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
TheatreWorks @ The Evergreen, Dec. 5-24

Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Discover how a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J.R.R. Tolkien, forever changed C.S. Lewis’ Christmas celebrations.
Halloran Centre, December 6, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tennessee Ballet Theater Presents Clara & The Nutcracker
The classic holiday story.
Michael D. Rose Theater, University of Memphis, Dec. 6-7

Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker
A magical holiday adventure.
Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 12-14

Gospel Talk “Christmas Revue” feat. Elizabeth King, The Jubilee Hummingbirds, and Vintage Souls
Experience the power and spirit of Memphis gospel.
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Esprit de Corps Dance Company’s The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, Dec. 12-14

Galleries of Sound: Memphis Youth Symphony Holiday Performance
A one-hour concert featuring Memphis’ most talented young musicians.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Dec. 13, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Germantown Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Concert
An annual holiday favorite including a sing-along.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

Memphis Matters: Stories of Patience
Be a part of a collective experience like no other.
Theatre South, First Congregational Church, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
The magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic.
Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 16-21

Make the Yuletide Gay with Crys Matthews, Flamy Grant, and Heather Mae
Don your gay apparel and cozy up next to three award-winning songwriters.
Green Room at Crosstown Arts, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Magic of Memphis
Experience Memphis’ most beloved holiday tradition.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

sex/work
A 30-year-old virgin, an escort, an aging conservative news anchor, and a stripper all desperately pursue what it means to be a woman.
Playhouse on the Square, Jan. 9-25

The Linda Ronstadt Experience
Vocal powerhouse Tristan McIntosh’s stunning portrayal of Linda Ronstadt in the prime of her career takes you back to a time where Ronstadt ruled the airwaves.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, January 16-27

The Outsiders
A story of friendship, family, and belonging.
Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 20-25

The Klezmatics
A pioneer of klezmer revival.
Buckman Arts Center, Jan. 22, 7 p.m.

Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical
Inspired by Alanis Morisette’s 1995 album. 
Playhouse on the Square, Jan. 23-Feb. 22

Always a Bridesmaid
Four friends keep their high school promise to be in one another’s weddings.
Theatre Memphis, Jan. 23-Feb. 8

The Barber of Seville
One of the most justifiably beloved operas of all time.
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, Jan. 23-24

Vijay Gupta
An Iris Collective debut.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.

Savannah S. Miller’s The House
The winner of Season 54’s Teresa Jordan Emerging Local Playwright Competition.
Germantown Community Theatre, Jan. 29-Feb. 1

Dreamgirls
Follow an all-girl Motown singing group on the path to superstardom.
Hattiloo Theatre, Jan. 30-Mar. 8

Live Rich Die Poor, Zora Awakening
The life, wit, and wisdom of Zora Neale Hurston.
Halloran Centre, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.

JOB
A psychological thriller.
Playhouse on the Square, Jan. 30-Feb. 15

The Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare’s comedy takes to the radio during WWII.
Tennessee Shakespeare Company, Jan. 30-Feb. 15

Brahms Symphony No. 4 & Trumpet Virtuoso
A profound and majestic work, plus a virtuosic showcase for the trumpet.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m.

Withers to Wonder — Celebrating the Songs of Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder
Featuring Take 6, Nnenna Freelon, and Clint Holmes.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
European-style clowning, juggling, balancing acts, and of course, very talented pets.
Buckman Arts Center, Feb. 5, 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

The Revolutionists
An irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution.
New Moon Theatre, Feb. 6-22

Jazz in the Box: Bryan Eng Trio
The hottest little jazz club around.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, February 6, 7 p.m.

Winter Mix
Original Ballet Memphis works.
Ballet Memphis Studio, Feb. 13-15

Yonder Mountain String Band
A driving force in roots music.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, Feb. 13, 8 p.m.

Mandy Barnett Sings Patsy Cline
Mandy pays tribute to the life and legacy of Patsy Cline.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Day with Kortland Whalum
A night of music and romance with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.

The Sound of Music
The beloved story of Maria and the von Trapp family.
Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 17-22

Rise
Collage Dance’s celebration of joy, tradition, and cultural legacy.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Feb. 20-22

Eunbi Kim & Iris Musicians 
Pianist Eunbi Kim creates intimate experiences that transcend the conventions of the piano recital.
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’
A hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship.
Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Mamma Mia!
A classic jukebox musical based on the songs of ABBA.
Theatre Memphis, Feb. 27-Mar. 29

Godspell
Revisiting the idea of Jesus as a revolutionary figure.
Germantown Community Theatre, Feb. 27-Mar.15  

Shifting Shapes

Down, down, down Oakleaf Office Lane in East Memphis, snuggled in a pocket of trees, sits the new ShapeShifter Art School and Gallery. Though its outside is boxlike and modern, with sharp edges and corners, its inside curves and meanders, bringing guests into galleries and classrooms through metallic entryways, or “portals.” 

“When you walk into our galleries, we want you to feel like you’re coming into another world,” says co-founder Pam McDonnell. “… We came in here and we were like, ‘Let’s start shifting shapes.’”

As part of ShapeShifter’s mission, which was honed over kitchen-table conversations and late-night phone calls, co-founders and fellow artists Elizabeth Alley, Melissa Dunn, Nikii Richey, Lisa Williamson, and McDonnell wanted to address what Memphis lacks in serving teachers in the arts. “Our programming is really teacher-centric,” McDonnell says. “If you have happy teachers, you’re gonna have happy students.”

Starting this coming January, ShapeShifter will offer single-day classes and three- to six-week courses on topics ranging from Sketching Your Everyday World to Unsticking the Artistic Process. At December 20th’s Holiday Open House, guests can learn more about these class offerings from the teachers, who are local practicing artists throughout Memphis.

These classes will take place in two classrooms on-site that flank the gallery space, and upstairs is an open studio for artists to be in community and work. “We’re selling 18 spots for that, and they’re $25. And so people can come, they can leave their stuff,” McDonnell says.

“We want anyone and everyone [to sign up for these classes],” she adds. “Our dream is to fold in people who might be retired and have time to take classes with people who have just graduated from college and need a studio space. Really amazing things happen when generations start to share creative space together.”

Meanwhile, the gallery space will rotate with work, with a focus on installation and conceptual work. To celebrate ShapeShifter’s opening in November, the gallery’s first show, “Polishing the Stone,” features art by the five founders, the title referencing the attentive labor behind creating and building their school and gallery. “‘Polishing’ is not about perfection but about contact — the way time, touch, and persistence reveal what lay hidden beneath the surface,” reads the artist statement. 

That title, in turn, ties back to ShapeShifter’s philosophy. “We want to remind people that art is not about making a magnificent piece that everybody loves,” McConnell says. “It’s about cultivating soul and spirit and bringing everybody back to the benefit of making and creating. … So we talk about play a lot in our teaching philosophy. You’re not trying to make something, you’re trying to play, and sometimes something really good comes out of it.” 

“Polishing the Stone” is now on view through December 23rd, Thursday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Sign up for classes or a studio membership at shapeshifterartschool.com. ShapeShifter Art School and Gallery is located at 680 Oakleaf Office Lane. 

From Overton Park to Downtown

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art announced that it will open its new Downtown campus to the public in December 2026. Once there, it will be renamed the Memphis Art Museum. 

Designed by Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and Memphis’ archimania, the building will occupy an entire city block. “We are fitting into the Downtown fabric,” said Jeff Rhodin, chief revenue officer for the Brooks, on a recent tour of the work-in-progress site. “So the building is designed to be part of the pedestrian experience Downtown.”

With the museum’s glass facade, Rhodin added, “You’ll have a world-class art experience spilling out from the museum onto the sidewalk.”

Already both the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee, with more than 10,000 works in its collection, the museum will expand its existing gallery space by 50 percent in its new location, with five galleries with 18-foot ceilings. The new space will also offer more art-filled free public spaces, including a community courtyard and rooftop sculpture garden — an “art garden in the sky,” as Rhodin called it, with stunning views of the Mississippi. 

The museum will have a café, store, education areas, classrooms, and event areas, able to accommodate more than 400 cultural, creative, and community-based initiatives.

“The building was definitely designed for art first, but it’s also designed for people,” Rhodin said. “So we have traditional gallery spaces, but we have lots of spaces for people to connect through programs, for food and beverages, but there’s still always art there.” 

See an inside look at the Memphis Art Museum construction project here. 

A Permanent Display

As anyone in her position would, Keyana Dixon never imagined her brother, Tyré Nichols, would be a victim of police brutality. With a background in criminal justice, she knew her family would have not only the overwhelming grief of it all to wade through but also the justice system, the federal trials, the state trials, the civil lawsuit, the press. “My family and I, we kept saying, ‘Once this is over, once this is over, once this is over, we’ll be able to do X, Y, Z, like, we’ll be able to grieve.’”

Even now, two years later, it’s not “over.” Two of the former officers pleaded guilty in both state and federal court, while three were acquitted by a state jury earlier this year and await federal sentencing. The civil trial date has been set for 2026.  

Yet recently, Dixon’s focus has been able to shift to happier memories of her brother, away from his final, tragic moments. She’s been able to fulfill his dream of having a gallery show, though posthumously. 

The show, “Tyré Nichols: Photographic Legacy,” premiered over the summer in two parts at Jay Etkin Gallery. Etkin is a friend of Nichols’ and Dixon’s stepfather. This fall, the gallerist announced that the exhibit will be a permanent mainstay.  

“This exhibition isn’t just a tribute to Tyré’s life — it’s a platform for his voice as an artist, for his vision,” Etkin says. “We want people to experience what he saw, to witness his sensitivity, his humor, his eye for beauty. It’s a chance to know Tyré not through tragedy or headlines — but through his own lens, through Tyré’s eyes.” 

“Tyré Nichols: Photographic Legacy” is on display at Jay Etkin Gallery, 942 South Cooper Street, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Contact Jay Etkin about purchasing work at 901-550-0064, available framed or unframed.