Venues
The mission at the Clayton Center for the Arts is to play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of our citizens, bolstering cultural and economic vitality, strengthening tourism, and expanding arts education opportunities for artists of all ages.
We are a gathering place for arts and culture in Blount County, the home of Maryville College’s Division of Fine Arts, the professional stage for local schools performing arts programs, and for youth arts groups.
Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre
The Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre is a spacious proscenium theatre with continental seating in the orchestra and balcony. The stage is 106-feet wide and 39-feet deep with a 47-foot proscenium opening. An orchestra shell is available for use if desired. With a maximum seating capacity of 1,068, including 71 pit seats, the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre is the Center’s largest performance space.
Harold and Jean Lambert Recital Hall
The Harold and Jean Lambert Recital Hall is a 244-seat venue with a stage measuring 39 feet by 30 feet and is located across the plaza from the Center’s main building. There is a spacious lobby with a concession area. The Recital Hall was designed with acoustical perfection as the goal. One of the Steinway pianos is housed in the Recital Hall and used for Maryville College, community and professional concerts. The Holtkamp organ was taken from the Fine Arts Building prior to its demolition and installed in the Recital Hall in the fall of 2010.
Haslam Family Flexible Theatre
The Haslam Family Flexible Theatre, housed in the Center’s main building, is a flexible performance space measuring 60 feet by 44 feet and has a seating capacity of up to 200 depending on seating configuration. This black box venue can be adapted to performances in the round or to more conventional presentations.
DENSO Gallery
The DENSO Gallery in the main Clayton building is one of 3 art galleries in the Clayton Center. The art gallery serves as home to local and regional collections and exhibitions. The galleries will typically be open during normal business hours and during special events. The DENSO Gallery is located in the main Clayton Center building.
Blackberry Farm Gallery
Located in Building B of the Clayton Center for the Arts, Blackberry Farm Gallery is home to Maryville College student and faculty art as well as regional and national collections and exhibitions.
William “Ed” Harmon Gallery
The William “Ed” Harmon Gallery is located in the Recital Hall Building at the Clayton Center and opens to the Blackberry Farm Gallery.
La Dolce Vita Gallery
Adjacent to the DENSO Gallery, La Dolce Vita Gallery can be used in conjunction with the DENSO for larger exhibits, or as a space for smaller exhibits. T
William Baxter Lee Grand Foyer
The William Baxter Lee Grand Foyer measures 78 feet by 46 feet, has two sweeping staircases leading to the balcony and 15 chandeliers with more than 1700 hand-blown glass orbs running the entire length of the foyer. It can accommodate more than 250 for a sit-down dinner, has two concession areas and access to a catering kitchen. The Blount Memorial Hospital Box Office is located on the left side of the Baxter Lee Grand Foyer.
The Plaza
The Plaza between the two Clayton Center buildings measures 95 feet by 58 feet and can accommodate up to 500 people. Once in the Plaza, please enjoy taking a look at the marble tiles of the 9 Greek muses laid into the surface directly in front of the main building. Also take note of the honorary and memorial brick pavers. The Wellspring of Ideas fountain located in the Plaza at the center of the spiral representing the Golden Mean flows from Spring to Fall.
Fulmer Family Special Events Room
The Fulmer Family Special Events Room is located on the balcony level of the Center’s main building, can accommodate up to 40 people for receptions, meetings or conferences. It measures 32 feet by 18 feet and has a beautiful view looking towards downtown Maryville. The room contains photos and memorabilia from Coach Phil Fulmer’s time as coach of the University of Tennessee.
