I must tell you that it has been quite the refreshing week the past 7 days. In that time, I have met with two friends; one new and another from back in the day. Both had in-depth talks about the art scene in Nashville and how it is above and beyond what they first imagined before taking a closer look in person for themselves. It was not only nice to hear special things said about something that I care about and live within and beside every day as much of you reading this right now do as well, but it was even cooler to know that both of these people are about to jump head and heart first into the art scene instead of just talking about it with others. Whether it is helping to promote the art scene via writing about it to spread the news to others or grabbing a pen or paintbrush for themselves to create what is going on in their dome, it was inspirational to me to see just how unique Nashville’s art scene has become. Sometimes it is easy to forget just how great a place we live in is - where personal expression is for the most part free of censorship or judgments and the art community as a whole (galleries and fellow artists) are so warm and welcoming to newcomers trying to make their mark as well.
Sorry for the mini-novella above without specifics, but I just thought it was worthy to share those sentiments to you all to keep the outlook on the creativity going on around Nashville right now in perspective. I truly believe that many of the artists that call Nashville home at the moment will be known around the world in the years to come in due time.
That said, here are a few things going on this week and weekend around our city that might inspire you as well. First, an exhibit that has already had it’s opening reception a few weeks ago but is worth checking out any weekday that you have time to attend is “Common Languages: recent work by Stacey Irvin and Victoria Boone.” Found at The Marnie Sheridan Gallery at Harpeth Hall School (3801 Hobbs Road), and running thru February 16th, the gallery hours are Mon.- Fri., 8am – 4:30pm is well worth the trip. It’s a great opportunity to see commonalities between humanity and far-off cultures via paintings and world-class photography.
Date specific, tonight, Monday, January 23rd, kicks off the week right with the first of a 3-part series this week at Watkins. This week, Watkins is presenting three films by award-winning director and filmmaker Natalia Almada. Tonight, at 6pm in the Watkins Theater, “El General" is showing. Almada’s work addresses the history and politics of Mexico from the perspective of ordinary people and everyday life. I will tell you more about the two additional films after another brief event for Tuesday, but know that all of the 3 films at Watkins this week will be open and FREE to the public.
Then, Tuesday, January 24th, presents you with a historical option for the ages. It may not be as historical as Eddie George presently as Julius Caesar at Belmont on stage (who would have thunk it?), but deals with art and history nonetheless. The Parthenon is having another symposium called “Music, Healing and Sacred Space in Classical Greece: a New Interpretation of the Thymele of Epidauros.” Dr. Peter Schultz will be there to lecture while offering solutions to the puzzling meanings behind the mysterious, elaborate round building at the healing sanctuary of Asklepios near Epidauros that has kept smart people guessing for ages now. Other possible solutions presented are music-based as well, but the symposium is bound to be entertaining as the others before. It will take place at 7pm, with a reception following. Admission is FREE, but reservations are required at (615-862-8431).
On Wednesday, instead of hearing about history, it is your chance to make it. You can be a part of “Souper Bowl II!” This event will go on display at the Mid-south Ceramics (also known as the Clay Lady’s Artist Co-op and Galleries at 1416 Lebanon Pike Bldg. A) opening from 6-8pm. Although the exhibit will run thru Feb. 2nd, Wednesday is a chance for you to get soup and bread that will be served at the opening reception. Also, those attending are asked to bring a can of soup and/or donate $1 to their favorite bowl. The money from the cans of soup collected will be given to the Nashville Rescue Mission to help feed the homeless. It is a chance to yet again see good art, meet good people, and do great things for the community.
If you decide to bypass the Souper Bowl II or leave before the end of the event, you can still catch the 2nd Almada film at Watkins of the week. On Wednesday, January 25th, again at 6pm at Room #804, the film “Al Otro Lado” will show. And wouldn’t you know that the following night, Thursday, January 26th, also at 6pm, Almada will be on hand to show the special screening of her film “El Velador.” Not only will Almada be on hand, she will kick off the Thursday with a reception before the movie at 5:30pm. There will also be a discussion and Q&A led by Watkins assistant professor of art history Tom Williams immediately following the movie. Overall, it is a one-of-a-kind experience FREE for you to attend and enjoy. I should note and not boast that I attended another reception and movie screening for Wayne White a few years ago at Watkins and it was top notch. Watkins is a gem for art lovers and brings in people that are relevant and entertaining all at the same time. Remember, ALL screenings of the films above are FREE and open to the public. Just show up.
For the weekend, you can rest or crawl on your own around the art studios and galleries around town. The weather may be chaotic, but the art in this town is dependable to keep you smiling and enjoying the days at hand. We are living in a very unique time in art in general and in my humble opinion (I’m sure Mayor Karl Dean would attest) Nashville and the region around us is as fertile as any other location for labor and fruit that will flourish for many years to come. Just by showing up and sharing the word we are all a part of this.
Enjoy your week ahead and have a great day. Thanks for coming my way today.
much love,
chUck
ps- And if you or any of your creative friends would like to be a part of a very special annual Nashville event this Memorial Day Weekend, here is your chance to answer the call for artists for the 5th Annual Hands Together in Flatrock Music & Arts Festival. To be considered, you need to email art.flatrockfestival@gmail.com to schedule an Artist Review Session on one of the following Saturdays: Feb. 4th, 18th, March 3rd, or 17th. You’ll need to prepare and bring a small portfolio of 3-5 artworks to show your Artist Review Session, and the deadline to apply is March 10th. I’ll post this again next month, but it will be better for you to apply as early as you know you are interested. It is a fantastic festival for everyone who participates and attends. Best of luck to all who apply themselves … for the festival and in general.
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