I can’t think of a better way for the Nashville art scene to kick off the 2012 month of Valentine than what it has in store for use around town this week. In fact, I can’t even think right now about how to build it all up or elaborate more on the events than simply coming right out and telling you where and when to go see them all live.
First, forget your two for Tuesday deals and delay it two more days after that for Thursday. This Thursday, February 2nd, go west my friends to the Hillsboro Village art walk. It is there, starting at 6 pm, where you’ll find two of my favorite things going down this Thursday. From 6-7:30pm, you can turn the corner to The Belcourt to find Jeff Bertrand’s “Turn the page” exhibition. Combining classic books with instant classic portraits of classic authors and other historical characters, Bertrand’s style is more than remarkable and original cover art; it is both remarkable and original. By using used books as backdrops, Bertrand allows you to gain depth in his latest exhibition into his creative world that is truly beyond words. You won’t be able to judge his entire scale of art by these covers, but it is definitely a wonderful beginning for all those willing to take the time to see them. Then, just down the street at Zeitgeist Gallery, you can catch the opening reception for Vesna Pavlovic’s “Search for Landscapes.” The artist will be present from 5-8pm for her first solo exhibition at Zeitgeist. Often described as other wordly in her own past exhibitions, “Search for Landscapes” develops around a group of found slides which depict one American family’s travels around the world during the 1960-80’s. So take your own trip down the west side of town Thursday night to join on the fun, take your own pictures, and write your own stories with those who are doing it for a living.
Then, speaking of hanging side by side with spectacular artists, you won’t have to look any further than this month’s Collectors Art Night on Friday, February 3rd, from 5:30-8pm. The event is FREE but limitations of space always require an RSVP (by emailing 5thAvenueOfTheArts@gmail.com or contacting any of the 3 galleries to RSVP). With Cocktails beginning at 5:30pm, the party really gets going at 6pm at The Arts Company. At 6pm, at The Arts Company, 3 prominent Nashville art collectors in Jack Spencer, Billy Frist, and David Conrad will be discussing what draws them to photography and why. Then at 6:45pm, painter Ed Nash will be at The Rymer Gallery to speak about his current series opening this weekend at The Rymer and how his evolving deep spirituality translated to the canvas of his abstract artwork. Finally, at 7:15pm, New York painter Peri Schwartz will be on location at Tinney Contemporary to take on questions about her new paintings and drawings in “The Architect Within.” Overall, it is a perfect blend of artists, art talk, and amazing art that reflect a solid week and weekend of fresh art around town.
As far as the weekend and Saturday, February 4th, goes, the First Saturday of the month Downtown Art Crawl will be jam-packed with opening receptions, art aficionados, and loads of gallery walks. One in particular that I want to highlight involves Nashville’s heART’s close friend, Nashville-based artist Lori Anne Parker-Danley. She is bringing her “The Garden of Evolution” to Twist Etc. from Feb. 4th-26th. A multimedia installation, this exhibition includes a new series of mixed-media painting, additional works, found objects and effects, and a sound component by local guitarist and composer John Danley. On top of the creative artwork by Lori, it is no coincidence that this ‘body-centered’ exhibition opens the first week of American Heart Month to support the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign by ‘Going Red’ on opening night and 10% of the artist’s proceeds will be donated to Go Red For Women. As always, I’ll let the artist tell the rest of the story. That said, she will be at the opening reception this Saturday night to share her heartfelt creativity and story.
I have to run, literally, but I hope this is a good preview of another amazing week and month ahead for you all. Thanks for stopping by and sharing these events and stories to others that you think will care.
much love,
Comments