Exhibitions

HELEN LAFRANCE

State Gallery + Studios (The Forge) / 217 Willow St. October 12 - November 16th

Helen LaFrance (1919 - 2020) was a self-taught Black American artist from Graves County, Kentucky, celebrated for her poignant depictions of vanishing rural life. LaFrance depicted scenes steeped in nostalgia—family gatherings, church rituals, and everyday activities, earning her renown as a memory painter despite a lack of formal training.

LaFrance's work has found its way into numerous esteemed collections and exhibitions, including the Speed Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, and the National Black Fine Arts Show in New York City.

This October, The Forge is proud to present a special exhibition of Helen LaFrance, covering a large collection of her iconic Memory Paintings, as well as a selection of her later works, ‘Revelations’. This initiative is made possible through supporting grants from The TN Arts Commission, The Tennessee Titans, Metro Arts Council and the prolific collection of Bruce Shelton, under whose guidance LaFrance’s work is available to The Forge.

The exhibition will be on view October 12th through November 16th, with a special opening reception and several public events throughout its term. (Opening October 12th, Exhibition October 12th - Nov 16th).

Please inquire for purchasing availability or to make an appointment outside of regular viewing hours (Mon-Fri, 10am to 6pm). The Forge is located at 217 Willow St, Nashville Tennessee, 37210. Info: www.theforgenashville.org.