Exhibitions

FIRMAMENT: EARLY ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE AT DOWNTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Browsing Room Gallery (Downtown Presbyterian Church) / 154 Rep. John Lewis Way N. November 2 - December 20th

This exhibit is a documentary reflection on the work of artists who were the first to occupy studio space at the Downtown Presbyterian Church. The church is known for its 1851 Egyptian revival architectural style more than for the second building that was added in 1917. In the 1960s the church shuttered the 1917 buildings 3rd and 4th floors which three decades later became an inspiration for art studio space. At the time, this situation was more of a "happening" than a "program" as it developed organically and was continually improvised. Tom Wills, whose family had long attended the church, began painting in the space in 1995. Shortly after that, his friend and fellow artist, Todd Greene joined him on the 4th floor of the abandoned 1917 portion of the church building. A few years later, Herb Williams and Julie Lee were invited to join them with the enthusiastic support of the then pastor, John Hilley, and the church elders. Andy Harding, Linda Sack, and Kimberly Naranjo followed to form the first cohort of artists in residence who began work in the studio spaces between 1998 and 2000.

Surrounded by peeling paint and discarded church pews, these artists inhabited a forgotten space and brought new life to it just as Nashville's downtown fortunes were beginning to change.

The Browsing Room Gallery exhibit features art created by these early artists in residence during the period from 1998-2005. Various media including press clippings, exhibit posters, and photos will be shown alongside the artwork. These elements combine to highlight the profound impact this unique space had on the artists and in turn how the artists impacted the church, the downtown community, and the larger Nashville art scene.

Author Joe Nolan will be giving a talk at 6:30pm in conjunction with the opening reception and the release of his new book, Nowville: The Untold History of Nashville’s Contemporary Art Scene.

Image: Andy Harding, Link, wood and steel, 30 x30 x 7 in., 2003