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 atWatkins.  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, butreservations 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 tobring 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)Nashvilleand 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 Nashvilleevent 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.

This Thursday, January 12th, from 6:30-8:30pm, lots of people are gathering for a party to help benefit Safe Haven Family Shelter.  The party is located at The Berger Building (162 Rosa L. Parks Blvd), featuring circus photography by the talented Allen Clark, various performers, live music by the band Bear Cub, a silent auction of artwork, and other surprises.  Oh, I forgot to mention that the fiesta is called “Museum & Menagerie: A Circus Celebration from Past to Present.”  There will be rare treasures on hand from the Ringling Museum, and there are seats left for you to be a part of this magical night.  Tickets are $65 in advance (purchase online- http://ow.ly/865TE) and $75 at the door.  For more information about the night email rwilkins@safehaven.org, but know that every dollar and attention paid towards Safe Haven is much deserved and priceless.

Also this Thursday, January 12th, in case you want to pre-game the Safe Haven shindig, YOU are cordially invited to attend the opening reception at Vanderbilt University’s Fine Arts Gallery for their exhibition titled “The Arts of Japan.”  From 5-7pm, you can check out early 17th century paneled screen paintings, 18th century paintings made in mineral colors and gold leaf, a huge range of blue and white porcelain fine ceramics, textiles, scrolls, rare books, outstanding examples of graphic arts, and much much more.  The exhibition will run through February 26th, but Thursday is a chance for you to see it from the beginning … where the reception and exhibition are FREE and open to the public.

Then, skipping to Saturday, January 14th, you can wake up smiling at the fact that you can be the cool parent or aunt/uncle by happily bringing the kiddos over to the Frist Center either at 10:30am, 1pm, or 3pm for their Kids Club: “Flipping” over Film session.  This month’s featured Kid’s Club activity will help kids design and make an original flip book that tells the story they want to tell about their own miniature mystery-inspired by the Frist Center current exhibition of Tracey Snelling’s “Woman on the Run.”  This activity in particular is designed for kids aged 5-10, but know there are other activities on site at the Martin ArtQuest Gallery for kids of all ages to discover, explore, and create art all day long.

Then, Saturday afternoon gives you a chance to treat yourself to meet a living legend in the arts appearing at The Arts Company.  From 2-4pm, the celebrated Village Voice Photographer Sylvia Plachy will be on site taking in the latest exhibition “The South Through Eight Lenses And A Code.”  Plachy will present her own work, provide insights into the creative process as a whole, and talk about behind her famed photographic stories that will be followed by a Q & A session for those in attendance.  Again, this exhibition will run through February 24th, but this is your chance to meet and greet with a living legend and be amongst the best photographers fromNashville and the area sure to be in attendance as well.

And if you aren’t catching up on your NFL Titanless Playoffs on Sunday, January 15th, and don’t have anything planned, why not swing back by the Frist Center any time between 2-3pm in the Auditorium to take in Artful Tales: “An African Cinderella Tale.”  It is FREE to attend, while seating is first come, first seated, and this specific Artful Tales is one where you will be able to listen to an African Cinderella story that explores virtue and naughtiness.  Then, after the story, you’ll have the chance to weave colorful paper “cloth” inspired by the colors and shapes ofAfrica.

Like I said, this week and weekend gives you a chance to surround yourself with good will, good art, and good people.  With NFL football on the side, what more could you ask for mid-January?

Happy New Year if I haven’t seen you in person to tell you myself.  Keep up with the positive changes and viva tu resolution!

much love,

chUck

Second and fivemost, other than taking a look at the visual video above by the lovely efharper, I should recap a few creative spots and lots that we hit along our trek before trekking home to Nashville.  Long story short, if you are ever near Sedona, Arizona, you should stay with or stop by and talk to Mike and Milena at Cabin Wren B&B.  It is close enough to go hike the must hikes of Bell and Cathedral Rock inside town and far away from everything else chaotic in your life going on at the moment.  If you are near Albuquerque, New Mexico, after you have already driven around the Grand Canyon and took a picture near the Pollos Hermanos (aka Twisted) filming spot from Breaking Bad, you should rest your soul at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm.  It’s not every day where you can eat, sleep, make cozy fires, take cooking classes, pick your own fruit or surround yourself with the splendid smells from the lavender farm all on one site.  And lastly, to bring Sedona and Breaking Bad altogether, you might even stumble upon taking a few pictures of your own, but you might be lucky enough to meet up with talented artist and photographer Alex Bershaw to see the world through his creative eye too.

Now that that shout out has been shouted out, back to Nashville art once again.  And what better way to kick off the New Year than with some new art shows.  You won’t have to wait for the weekend if you drop by the always pleasant Zeitgeist Gallery this Thursday, January 5th, from 6-8pm, to experience the opening reception for “Exhibit Your Symptom: a group exhibition.”  Everyone is invited to the party this Thursday in conjunction with the Hillsboro Village Merchants Association Art Walk at 1819 21st Avenue South.  Zeitgeist, who always prides itself for finding and showing talented artists that not only pursue commercial gallery careers, but also can be found showing in museums, alternative artist-run spaces, and university galleries in Nashville and around the World.  Exhibit Your Symptoms is no different.  Comprised of such featured arists as Caroline Allison, Patrick DeGuira, John Donovan, Richard Feaster, Brady Haston, Alicia Henry, Megan Lightell, Vesna Pavlovic, Greg Pond, Terry Rowlett, Hans Schmitt-Matzen, Brent Stewart, Manuel Zeitlin, and Lain York, this is going to be a show and year like none other! 

And in keeping with the times, before you totally rid yourself of the old before bringing in the new, don’t forget to stop by Tinney Contemporarythis Saturday, January 7th, from 6-9pm, to catch the closing reception for “Suchness: New Works by Jaq Belcher.”  Suchness, an exhibition of works by New York-based artist, Jaq Belcher, has been a successful show showing since last December as a collection of work as a recording of her past 20 months (hand-cut paper pieces serving as imprints of significant events in the artist’s life.  The Exhibition will fully end its run on January 28th, but this Saturday provides a great time to stop by and join the celebration of its success.

Speaking about success, you don’t need to look any further than the art in The Arcade on the second floor to see that Nashville’s independent art scene is in full swing and the future is now.  Somewhere near the always fascinating Blend Studio and Twist Gallery you can find many of the art answers and questions you may be looking for at the impressionable COOP gallery space, Space 75 in The Arcade to be precise.  Whether you want to decipher your dreams or see how others out there are dreaming, a good spot to start is to check out jonathan paul gillette’s “my deepest fear is true, my reality is the case.”  With the work on display this Saturday, January 7th, around 6pm in accordance with the First Saturday Downtown Art Crawl that lasts from 6-9pm at most everywhere, this is a great chance and spot for your creative mind to wake up and start something fresh this coming lap around the sun.  Don’t hit the snooze button and go back to sleep this time around.

To end this round like I began it, with photography and moving pictures of all sorts, you should also know about the photographic exhibition that includes Chuck Arlund, Jerry Atnip, Nicholas Dantona, Robert McCurley, Mark Mosrie, Jerry Park, Pierre Vreyen and the great David Farmerie that is going down at The Arts Company this Saturday, January 7th, within the Downtown Art Crawl hours.  The S8uth Through Eight Lenses & A Code will help you open your eyes with the help of the eyes that make up South Light Photographers.  If anything else, it will be an enjoyable time with fun talk, critical thinking, possibly a little drinking of good spirits all around, and anything but a waste of a good night.

So with all that love above I wish you all a good night and great beginning to another blessed year ahead!

much love,

chUck

PS- ONE more thing honorable to mention … this Sunday, January 8^th marks the LAST CHANCE to SEE To Live Forever!  To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum has been a prize like no other for everyone who has recently visited the Frist Center for the Visual Arts during its stay, but it is leaving for good by the end of this weekend.  Alongside special movies in the auditorium, music in the lobby, architecture tours, and much more going on throughout the weekend at the Frist, this is a perfect opportunity to send the mummy off with a bang!  You won’t regret making it a point to walk like an Egyptian one last time in such a grand art museum.

Instead of holding you up like Green Hill’s traffic, I just want to make a quick reminder of things on my list to share with you so you don’t forget about them before the New Year ahead.

First things first, DO NOT WAIT or HESITATE to do your last minute gift shopping down on the EAST SIDE of town.  Remember, you have until Christmas Eve night to purchase one-of-a-kind creative gifts at Bryant Gallery’s Christmas Show and Art & Invention’s Holiday Art Show (in the gallery and the idea hatchery).

Secondly, be sure to stop by the station of Cheekwood’s Botanical Garden to see “Trains! Tennessee in G” before they pull out for good on December 31st.  It might not be as bright as the lights at Opry Mills or as cool as the Ice show in that same neck of the woods, but it is worth witnessing before it is gone for good.

Third, don’t forget about visiting the Frist Center fun to be had.  The gift shop has countless deals going on right now for the holidays.  The Egyptian exhibition is coming to an end in the near future, and now is the time to get out of your seat and see a real, living mummy decked out in the halls!  Need I write more?

There are several holiday deals going down at nearly every art gallery in town this week/weekend.  Don’t be a humbug … help the local art scene end 2011 with a bang that will shoot us into 2012 with smiles, hope, and a promise of a brighter and better day to come.

Have the hap hap happiest holiday season you’ve ever had.  Whether you are on the road, on the couch, or in the air, please take time to share the good word about your local art wherever you are and show the creative folk that keep the heartbeat of your streets going know that you truly care!

much love,

chUck

ps- I have extended the submission deadline for Number: 70in case you or any of your friends would like to submit possible stories for the next issue.  Even if you don’t write, you might know someone who does.  Even better, you might know of someone who might want to advertise with Number.  Either way; send us what you got and let me know ahead of time if you are working on either a story or advertisement. THANKS!

Call for Papers – Due Jan. 1st, 2012
Number: 70 – Arkansas Art
Number: magazine seeks articles and reviews for publication in its February 2012 issue. The theme for the issue is Arkansas Art. Through this topic, it is intended to provide an in-depth look at the art world of Arkansas from the major museums and institutions to the rural folk art, galleries, and community arts organizations. Submissions can include discourse on established or emerging Arkansas artists; new and old surviving in a tough economy; and public or private art movements ongoing in the area.
In addition to writing focused onArkansas, Number: always seeks writers for reviews, interviews, and regional updates. These writings can be about current or recent exhibitions taking place in the region or about artists residing in the region showing outside of the tri-state area of TN, MS, and AR. Specifics for each type of submission are found below.

FEATURE ARTICLES:
· 1500-2000 words
· Addresses theme of the issue
· Includes 2-3 digital images to support the writing

REVIEWS:
· 500-1000 words
· Critical discussion of works presented in exhibitions
· Title of show/exhibition, name of artist, location, and dates of exhibition noted at the top of the page.
· 3-5 digital images from the exhibition or of the artists work

INTERVIEWS:
· 1500-2000 words
· Provided in interview format that includes the question
· Short introduction to the artist or interviewee
· 5-10 digital images of the artists work

REGIONAL UPDATES:
· 500 words
· Provides a look at what is happening with the visual arts in your area
· 2-3 digital images to support writing

Guidelines for all writers:
· Submissions are typed in 12 point font, double spaced
· Italicize titles of works of art and books
· Submitted as a .doc (not .docx)
· Include author name, affiliation, and contact information (email, address, and phone #)
· High resolution JPEG or TIFF images (300 dpi @ 5”X7”)
· Cutlines for each image that includes artist name, title of work, size, year, medium and photo credit
· Author cutline (a short descriptive sentence about you)

All submissions must be submitted electronically toChuck.Beard@numberinc.org by January 1st to be considered for publication. Authors of works selected for publication will be notified by January 13th and provided a contract for compensation. Questions regarding submission guidelines and number publication can be directed to Chuck Beard at Chuck.Beard@numberinc.org.

Number is a non-profit art journal that strives to stimulate critical discourse on the contemporary visual arts by educating, advocating, and informing the arts communities of the Mid-South region. Past issues of Number: are available at www.numberinc.org

http://fristcenter.org/calendar-exhibitions/detail/this-week-at-the-frist4

With that said and shown, tomorrow night, Thursday, December 15th, in accordance with the major Holiday sales ongoing around Woodland until December 24th at bothBryant Gallery and Bret and Meg’s wonderland, there will be a monumental book signing at Art and Invention Gallery.  From 4-8pm, local artist Janet Lee will be on hand to sign your copy of her latest masterpiece, Marvel’s graphic novel adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma for which Lee did all of the illustrations.  If you don’t already have a copy, do not worry.  Meg will totally hook you up.  And not only will Janet Lee be there to sign your new copy, she will also be doingFREE, quick sketches for anyone who asks!  Do yourself a favor and stop by Art and Invention tomorrow … and every day there after.

Then, Saturday, to keep with the festive spirit of the times, roll on over to Cheekwood if you want to bypass the traffic and waiting times and see Santa in a more natural setting. This Saturday, for a mere entrance fee of $10, you can take part in cookie decorating, a magic show, arts and crafts, live music, beautiful decorations, a professional 4×6 picture of you with Santa, and don’t forget to check out the Trains exhibition before they pull out on December 31st.

And when you leave Cheekwood, ready for the night life, why not head on over to The Grand Opening for Cadillac Tramp Designs and False Flag Art of “The Front.”  For the cost of $2, The Front (located at 1022 4th Avenue South) will open in the grandest of style.  From 7pm-whenever you leave, all ages are welcome to see live music, LIVE painting and art by such artists like Adrienne Bailey, Jon Buko, Bryan Deese, Katy Fischer, and Skip Pollock. This Saturday’s sneak peak party will give you a chance to enjoy some tasty treats, tramp brew, live art, and also give you a preview of The Front’s upcoming artist showcase “American Made” happening on Friday, January 13th, 2012.  So take advantage of this one-of-a-kind venue with the intentions of providing a creative space for emerging artists with unique perceptions, completely uncensored, and a gem of an opportunity to show art that might not be kosher at other galleries for the public.  Stop by if you want something different this weekend and if you can’t make it feel free to email them directly to ask any questions atfalseflagart@gmail.com.

Remember to drop by and shop in all of the local art galleries for any and all of your basic and extremeHolidaygifts for the next two weeks.  I will do more of a recap next week for last minute gift ideas, but enjoy your week and weekend ahead in the nice time.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and share it with others you think might care about local art and artists.

much love,

chUck

I need to start off by making a correction of sorts that was (as most things are) out of my control.  The Symposium in September for the Parthenon was cancelled, but now it is re-scheduled!  The Parthenon is happy to announce that their Symposium from September, called “Really, Really Early Music: Songs of Ancient Greece” will be held this Thursday, December 8th.  A concert, lecture by the Nashville Early Music Project at the Parthenon will begin at 7pm.  A reception will follow and admission is totally FREE, but reservations are required (call 615-862-8431).  The presentation will discuss issues and difficulties in reconstructing and resurrecting the music of ancient cultures, and the concert will feature performances of surviving ancient music from the Golden Age to the early Christian Era … really, really fascinating stuff.

Similar to last week when Thursday’s instant classic music from Carolina Story playing on the Eastside leading the way into a memorable weekend of art and living all around, this week’s music leads the way right into a historic East Side finish of sorts.  This Saturday night, December 10th, from 6-9pm, marks an Open House Reception at Studio East for “The f-Stops Here.”  This grandiose event that you shouldn’t miss is a juried exhibition of recent work by six Nashville photographers that are not only great artists, but really great people as well.  All six participants are members of an underground group of female photographers located in Nashville and throughout the mid-South.  Comprised of Andee Rudloff, Emily Naff, Kay Ramming, Laura Carpenter, Stacey Irvin, Wendy Whittemore, with the Juror Sharon Lee Hart, this special exhibition will only be on view for TWO DAYS alone!  After the reception Saturday night, the doors at Studio East will be open on Sunday, December 11th, from 1-4pm to wrap up the show.  As mentioned previously, Studio East is going to make a transition in the coming months into Lockeland Table (a new restaurant scheduled to open in early Spring 2012 and become not only a reflection of life on the East Side of Nashville but also a leader in local restaurant style, food preparation and education, and originality in all facets … basically the Studio East of food).  To help along this transition from the extraordinary things that owner John Guider and studio partner Stacey Irvin have enjoyed and produced in 3 short years of creativity and excellence at Studio East, the reception for The f-Stops Here, the final exhibition at Studio East, will have a reception menu prepared by the renowned chef Hal Holden-Bache, an artist with food in his own right and co-owner and executive chef of Lockeland Table. 

If you are around the area this weekend, it would be an honor for John and Stacey, all of the participating artists in this one-of-a-kind photography show, and the next tenants of the historic spot of 1520 Woodland Street if you take the time to pay homage to the wonderful work that has been accomplished there since 2008, what is to come in the near future for the fresh new Lockeland Table, and to bid John and Stacey farewell to that memorable address as they embark on new creative adventures located in the heart of Nashville from new and different spot.

Then, after you good-bye to Studio East one last time on Sunday, continuing with the Frist’s Holiday Concert Series after last weekend’s superb showing from the very talented Blair School of Music’s Suzuki Strings last Saturday and the stellar group Nashville in Harmony last Sunday, this coming Sunday’s show on December 11th won’t be anything short of amazing either.  This Sunday, at 2pm, FREE admission in the Frist Center Auditorium will allow you to fully appreciate The Nashville Flute Choir as they get you revved up to visit the rest of the museum and truly start celebrating the holidays up ahead.  It is a great way to wrap up your weekend like a holiday gift after beginning it with music again on Thursday night and then rambling around all of the festive galleries and art shows around town the rest of the weekend. 

This is a very special time of year for galleries, art, and local artists in general.  Please find the time to help support the marvelous talent that we are fortunate to have in our city of Nashville.  The efforts you make to help these creative folks will bear imagination and original artistic creations for years to come.

So come, come with the kick drum!

much love,

chUck

Regardless of whether you are lucky to find the time and/or email for a very special HOME concert tomorrow night, Thursday kicks off the weekend stretch of shows and artastic events all over town to get your out and about.  You can be sure as always about this time of the month that the Hillsboro Village Art Walk will be kicking it per usual with all of their fantastic shops, artists, and deals for you to fully enjoy.  One location I highly recommend dropping by thisThursday, December 1st, anytime during the 5-9pm Art Walk, is Zeitgeist.  This Thursday they have invited Nashville’s own, Hollow Ox, for an evening of crafted sound from a four-piece stellar ensemble of musicians. Also while there, you can catch artist Ward Schumaker’s “Geography Lessons” that will be on view through December 17th.  Geography Lessons is a showing of works on paper and handmade/handbound books.  And speaking of handmade books of art, Nashville’s Brown Dog Bindery will be at the Sarratt Holiday Festival this Thursday for you to meet the artists and their work on opening night, December 1st, from 4:30-6:30pm.  While perusing the Holiday Festival, you can shop with a purpose this Holiday by supporting regional artists (THAT should be a theme here and everywhere for your holiday shopping in my humble opinion).  It’s Sarratt Art Festival’s 21st Anniversary and it might just be the best yet (207 Sarratt Student Center).  Brown Dog Bindery will be on hand from Dec. 1st-11th with various times throughout and celebrating big time on December 4th from 4-6pm for Sarratt Holiday Arts Festival’s 21st Birthday party in case you wanted to know.

But before you go and get all festive out on the nightlife Thursday night, why not pre-game it over on the East Side of town to see their Watkin’s 2011 Senior Graphic Design Show called “Roast.”  Roast will feature works by BA Graphic design degree candidates Ryon Nishimori, Chris Stewart, and Anna Stout this Thursday, December 1st, from 6-9pm, at Anode (926 Main Street).  The one-night-only exhibition is FREE, open to the public, and will have refreshments on hand provided by Beve coffee.  Then, after you stop by that show to get a little education on, you can roll over to the pARTy that is a benefit art exhibition, sale & cocktail reception!  From 5-8pm, at 716 Division Street (next to FLYTE), “POW! Pop culture …” is a group exhibition that explores the various iconic artifacts of popular culture including mass advertising, mass product design, celebrity, and Americana.  10% of all art sales will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Nashville and will also serve as the launch for “Habitat for Artists”; a new partnership of creative talent and Habitat initiatives.  Sponsored by Budweiser and FLYTE, you know there will be ample amount of cold beverages at hand if you wish to partake.  There will be paintings, a short film, and also Richard Courtney (Co-Author of Come Together: The Business Wisdom of the Beatles on site to speak and sign books.  The exhibition isFREE and also open to the public so go tell a friend and run and tell that.

After all that, Friday seems to understand that you were all over the town the night before and really lets you relax by offering a casual night at the 5th Avenue of the Arts Downtown Nashville Collectors Art Night.  This Friday, December 2nd, from 5:30-8pm, you can obtain a few more cocktails to get back into the saddle again, with appetizers by Sambuca and desserts by The Cupcake Collection, and then enjoy art talks the rest of the evening.  At 6pm, at The Arts Company, you can join a conversation with painter Charlie Buckley and photographer Chuck Trotter about their Nashville-centric exhibits.  At 6:45pm, at The Rymer Gallery, join them and local collector and designer Susan Bashamspeaking about the art of purchasing and placing fine art.  At 7:15pm, be there at Tinney Contemporary to listen to New York-based artists Jaq Belcher talking about her new exhibition, Suchness, that features her process of creating beautifully patterned and complex works from single sheets of paper meticulously hand-cut (Suchness actually has an opening reception the next night, Saturday, December 3rd, at Tinney Contemporary from 6-9pm).  The 5th Avenue of the Arts is a RSVP event to attend.  To RSVP, please email5thAvenueOfTheARts@gmail.com like NOW.

And then there was Saturday, the first Saturday of the month of December.  Nothing gets me in a joyful mood about art and creativity quite like seeing original work from Twisted Sisters.  Lucky for all of us, they will have art at “See Art, Love Art, Buy Art!”  That’s right; this Saturday, December 3rd, from 10am-5pm, you can find the latest Twisted Sisters art at the Tennessee State Museum as part of theHoliday Artisan Bazaar.  Admission to the event is FREE, and I promise you that you won’t find any gift as original as these anywhere.

Then, if you feel the creative bug after seeing Twisted Sisters’ art, in the early afternoon, from 1-4pm, you can venture to Watkins College of Art, Design, & Film to visit their Open House.  There will be ample amounts of FREE, hands-on activities and demonstrations by faculty instructors in clay, printmaking, metal casting, book making and more.  All of this is fun is provided as a preview to Community Education’s “Unleash Your Creativity” Winter/Spring 2012 session.  It’s never too late to learn something new, and you never know … Watkins might just have the thing you are looking to get into this coming year in your spare time.

But back to that spare time you have Saturday night.  Here is a rundown of a few highlights around town that you can skip and jump to throughout the night:

*Art and Invention Gallery is having their Holiday Art Show Opening Night Party!  From 6-9:30pm, join Meg and Bret for their 10th annual “Holiday Art Show.”  A group of over 75 artists have handmade smaller works of art perfect for the holiday shopper looking for whimsical, exquisite, and everything in between in all price ranges to leave you happy and satisfied.

*While on that side of town, don’t forget to drop in at theBryant Gallery Christmas Show that will run through Christmas Eve.

*Or to see the great deals at the Hip Zipper!  Hip Zipper is proud to have their very own Holiday Open House from 6-9:30pm.  The Holiday Halls of the Hip Zipper will be “Decked Out” for the season with festive delights for you to enjoy and take with you.  Not only that, they offer a 25% OFF your total purchase when you ‘Check-In’ to Hip Zipper through Facebook while at the Open House!

*And before you leave the East side, don’t forget to make an appearance at the always fun Studio East before they shut their doors at that location for good to make way forLockeland Table in the coming year.  While they are stillStudio East, they are celebrating an artist’s reception this Saturday, from 6-9pm, for Paul Harmon’s latest work.  JoinJohn and Stacey for the big pARTy and open house!

*Downtown you will never be bored.  I say drop by the Arcadeto find a few regular spots of fun at the same location.  You never go wrong with Twist that’s for sure.  You can stop byCOOP to see “live-prime-real-time: Matthew Page, Dmitry ‘dima’ Strakovsky.”  You can mosey down the hallway to Blend Studio to see the opening reception for“Small Work: By 12 Nashville Artists” at the same time.  I will go into more detail for the above next week, but it is worth checking them out this weekend during the open receptions.

*Also Downtown and at the same time, be sure to take notice of LA Bachman.  She and others will be a part of the opening reception for “Small Packages Exhibit” alongside the “Gifty Pleasures Exhibit” at The Rymer Gallery from 6-9pm.

*Bennett Galleries Nashville will also have an opening reception for the annual exhibition of new works by Scott E. Hill.  If you are around, don’t miss it!

*One more gift for the night, since I’m on a roll here and have a little more time to divulge all this information your way, you should know about the deal that the Tennessee Art Leaguehas going on.  They have a special event for December in the form of a Holiday Art Sale!  TAL will again offer extraordinary smaller, framed and unframed artwork, created by its talented members at special, greatly-reduced prices.  Portions of the profits of any artworks sold will go to TAL’s Building Fund.  Also: found at Premiere Gallery, Ray Sandusky’s exhibit of“Lids & Finials,” and found at Ethel Smith Gallery, Elizabeth LaPenna’s New Horizons exhibit.

But before I leave you here for a much needed rest, be sure to mark your calendars, if for nothing I’ve said above so far this week, to visit The Family Wash this Saturday night at 9pm.  It is there where you will not only find the best food to warm your belly and soul during the cold weather, but you will find yourself back at HOME with the sounds of Humming House and the soon to be legendary Carolina Story!  Carolina Story has been hard at work for months on their new album called “Home”, and they are throwing a CD Release show/party at The Family Wash for everyone that wants to join them and the fun.  I have heard the CD and I must say that I’ve had it on repeat for several weeks now in my rotation everywhere I go.  It is very impressive and worth listening to … over and over .  YOU can either buy a copy for you and all your friends at the live show or HERE!  Released online as of yesterday, Carolina Story shot up past the likes of James Taylor, Gillian Welch, and other household names on the iTunes singer/songwriter list all the way to #2 … FACT!  Christmas has come early again indeed!  Boom … go get you some.

I hope to see you at one or a few of those places above, but with or without you, there will be a fun time had by all who do.

much love,

chUck

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kins might just have the thing you are looking to get into this coming year in your spare time.

But back to that spare time you have Saturday night.  Here is a rundown of a few highlights around town that you can skip and jump to throughout the night:

*Art and Invention Gallery is having their Holiday Art Show Opening Night Party!  From 6-9:30pm, join Meg and Bret for their 10th annual “Holiday Art Show.”  A group of over 75 artists have handmade smaller works of art perfect for the holiday shopper looking for whimsical, exquisite, and everything in between in all price ranges to leave you happy and satisfied.

*While on that side of town, don’t forget to drop in at theBryant Gallery Christmas Show that will run through Christmas Eve.

*Or to see the great deals at the Hip Zipper!  Hip Zipper is proud to have their very own Holiday Open House from 6-9:30pm.  The Holiday Halls of the Hip Zipper will be “Decked Out” for the season with festive delights for you to enjoy and take with you.  Not only that, they offer a 25% OFF your total purchase when you ‘Check-In’ to Hip Zipper through Facebook while at the Open House!

*And before you leave the East side, don’t forget to make an appearance at the always fun Studio East before they shut their doors at that location for good to make way forLockeland Table in the coming year.  While they are stillStudio East, they are celebrating an artist’s reception this Saturday, from 6-9pm, for Paul Harmon’s latest work.  JoinJohn and Stacey for the big pARTy and open house!

*Downtown you will never be bored.  I say drop by the Arcadeto find a few regular spots of fun at the same location.  You never go wrong with Twist that’s for sure.  You can stop byCOOP to see “live-prime-real-time: Matthew Page, Dmitry ‘dima’ Strakovsky.”  You can mosey down the hallway to Blend Studio to see the opening reception for“Small Work: By 12 Nashville Artists” at the same time.  I will go into more detail for the above next week, but it is worth checking them out this weekend during the open receptions.

*Also Downtown and at the same time, be sure to take notice of LA Bachman.  She and others will be a part of the opening reception for “Small Packages Exhibit” alongside the “Gifty Pleasures Exhibit” at The Rymer Gallery from 6-9pm.

*Bennett Galleries Nashville will also have an opening reception for the annual exhibition of new works by Scott E. Hill.  If you are around, don’t miss it!

*One more gift for the night, since I’m on a roll here and have a little more time to divulge all this information your way, you should know about the deal that the Tennessee Art Leaguehas going on.  They have a special event for December in the form of a Holiday Art Sale!  TAL will again offer extraordinary smaller, framed and unframed artwork, created by its talented members at special, greatly-reduced prices.  Portions of the profits of any artworks sold will go to TAL’s Building Fund.  Also: found at Premiere Gallery, Ray Sandusky’s exhibit of“Lids & Finials,” and found at Ethel Smith Gallery, Elizabeth LaPenna’s New Horizons exhibit.

But before I leave you here for a much needed rest, be sure to mark your calendars, if for nothing I’ve said above so far this week, to visit The Family Wash this Saturday night at 9pm.  It is there where you will not only find the best food to warm your belly and soul during the cold weather, but you will find yourself back at HOME with the sounds of Humming House and the soon to be legendary Carolina Story!  Carolina Story has been hard at work for months on their new album called “Home”, and they are throwing a CD Release show/party at The Family Wash for everyone that wants to join them and the fun.  I have heard the CD and I must say that I’ve had it on repeat for several weeks now in my rotation everywhere I go.  It is very impressive and worth listening to … over and over .  YOU can either buy a copy for you and all your friends at the live show or HERE!  Released online as of yesterday, Carolina Story shot up past the likes of James Taylor, Gillian Welch, and other household names on the iTunes singer/songwriter list all the way to #2 … FACT!  Christmas has come early again indeed!  Boom … go get you some.

I hope to see you at one or a few of those places above, but with or without you, there will be a fun time had by all who do.

much love,

chUck

I think it is important, just as important in opinion and possible fact, as making the effort to visit your local gallery exhibition down the street that you take delight in the simple art that life offers you at every second you turn around.  Don’t believe me?  This weekend take the time to smell the proverbial sweet rose or potatoes.  Be thankful that you have a turkey to eat, shoes on your feet, a wishbone to pick and gamble on, and ample amounts of good-hearted people surrounding you to make any day a great one.  It is in this day and time in particular where we shouldn’t worry about making extreme last minute travel plans if they are stressful for everyone involved.  Simple gesture: be thankful where you are, who you are, and who you are with.

Quick note to help me flip the script this week, you don’t have to rely on others like myself to guide you where to view and purchase art.  Believe it or not, you might have it in you to make your own creative designs to brighten up your walls, homes, and life.  This long weekend ahead is a perfect time to disregard all of those Black Friday (in my opinion dark in so many ways) deals and spend more time looking close to home and seeing all of the little projects and things you can do for yourself to make your personal home a better place to live in (mind, body, soul, and do-it-yourself projects around the house).  No amount of coupon or money is worth spending when the best deal you could ever imagine is finding inspiration to get things done at home (plus you save gas money on top of the rest of the money and time you won’t waste).  Whether you do a painting, fix your bathroom, read a book, write a poem, or make a dinner with friends, creative inspiration is all around you if you take a second to dive in.

And if you try and don’t feel like the results of your efforts are worth hanging on the wall for others to see for themselves, you can always ask your friends over to help you.  I am lucky to be married to once such creative soul I can always default to at any second (I am thankful for her in my life every single day), but I am also fortunate to know other people to call friends who are simply amazing.  One such amazing friend that is currently making a few fun ideas into a reality to make our home (which not only serves as a lovely home but simultaneously as an art gallery for creative friends) better is the always smiling and very talented Miranda Crump.  If you don’t know her art, you should.  Click HERE to see a glimpse inside her artistic world.  But I’m getting ahead of myself here.

My point to all of the above, for stepping aside from my usual trip down Nashville art gallery row for one week before jumping back on board before next weekend, is that NOW (this weekend for starters) is the perfect time for you to slow your crazy and hectic life down wherever you are, feel grateful for everything you have, and be thankful that you are living in a time, place, and around so many good people (I say all of this because I am bias in thinking that if you are reading this that you are somewhat educated and hang around similar good-hearted people that I feel blessed to be around most of the time) that you can fully appreciate and find yourself in awe in the delight of a friendly, insightful conversation, in a single bite of a wonderfully made pumpkin pie, and any moment where you can simply close your eyes amidst company and feel happy and content.  There is art to be found everywhere as long as you are open to seeing and feeling it.  Don’t ever forget that or take it for granted (any day of the year for that matter).

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours this weekend.  And I would feel bad if I didn’t give you my annual recommendation that at some point this weekend you watch two of my absolute favorite holiday movies: Plains, Trains, and Automobiles (I’ll see you tomorrow then … Gobble, Gobble! J ) AND Home for the Holidays.  Watch them both and thank me later.  I promise if none of the above helps you feel better then I am at a loss of words.

much love,

chUck

ps- Go Centre College Football Praying Colonels!!!!!

Also Friday, November 18th, you can stop by LeQuire Gallery in Green Hills from 5-7pm for the opening reception for local legend Franne Lee’s latest works of art.  Franne Lee, artist, is an exhibition that will be filled with every aspect of Franne’s delightful imagination.  Because everything artistic with Franne is always so fantastical and creative, I really can’t tell you anything about it other than it will amaze you.  All I can say for sure is that it all will be exhibited through December and you should stop by to check it out.

Then, this Saturday, November 19th, marks the perfect time to drop byBryantGalleryto bypass the holiday rush just around the corner.  That’s right, The Christmas Show is starting. BryantGallery, starting November 19th, from noon-5pm, will be presenting 20+ artists showing work suitable for gift giving of any holiday occasion.  It is a bit early, but it might just be the perfect time to get exactly what you want if you are looking for something totally original, priced reasonable, and made locally.

And speaking of something fun going on throughout the entire weekend ahead, you definitely need to know about the weekend of fun to be had at Cheekwood.  On Saturday, November 19th, at the ‘Kids Corral’ from 10am-2pm, kids of all ages can make western-inspired art and craft projects, pioneer crafts and frontier games.  There will be guided tours at 10am and 1pm.  At noon there will be a demonstration and ‘fly by’ by S.O.A.R (Save Our American Raptors). And then on Sunday, November 20th, from 1-3pm, there will be live music by the Craig Duncan Cowboy Duo and a guided tour to boot.

Also Sunday, November 20th, back at the Frist Center is Artful Tales: “Never Rush to Judgment: The Mongoose and the Snake.”  Back in the Auditorium and FREE; first come, first served again, Artful Tales is a monthly interactive family program that combines the oral tradition of storytelling with hands on art-making activities to explore the stories and cultures mentioned from around the world.  This month’s story about the mongoose derives from an Indian folktale.  This program is part of theFristCenter’s wildly successful Connecting Cultures exhibition.  And to top all the above off, Monday, November 21st is Senior Monday at theFristCenterfrom 10am-5:30pm.  Seniors receive half-price admission, free admission for them if you bring a canned food item for Second Harvest Food Bank, and discounts galore in the gift shop and café surrounded by live music from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s prived by Snappy Pappy from 12:30-1:30pm.

That is all … back to the grind and loving it.

Thanks for dropping by again.

As you were, busy but happy.

much love,

chUck

ps- Before I forget about the best thing around combining books and art this weekend around town, you need to know that local artist Jeff Bertrand is having a “Turn the Page” (a Yeoman’s Book show) show this Saturday, November 21^st, from 6:30-8pm at Yeoman’s in the Fork (4216 Old Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN  37064).  Bertrand is back to giving some old books new life and a new look by creating art on and in the covers and pages while exploring methods of his creative depth.  He has incorporated paint, photos, skeleton keys and colored thread to add to the overall feeling of the works.  It is truly remarkable work as always if you ask me.  Don’t miss out!

With that said, I need to give a shout-out to the past and present at hand.  The past- last weekend I forgot to mention a nod to the 2nd annual “Salon des Refuses” at the Tennessee Art League that had a special pre-holiday art sale to benefit the Tennessee Art League.  Located at 808 Broadway, you might want to stop by and see the leftovers of their smaller and less formally finished artwork still available for purchase in the sale including works of canvas, paper, sculpture, jewelry, textiles and other stuff.  The present- alsoTONIGHT is another chance for you all to witness the rising local band Eastern Block at 12th & Porter (114 12th Avenue North) starting at 8:30pm sharp.  You won’t regret it!

Also going on right now something that you won’t regret being a part of is a one-of-a-kind kickstarter project that is made for kids and the kids inside all of us.  Local artist Lindsey Bailey has created a collaborative art project called Deliciously Happy.  It is a multi-faceted project that will culminate in a gallery installation at Belmont University with your help to complete.  It is a project about showing how important art is as a tool to spark people into sharing ideas and working together.  An offshoot of Bailey’s graduate research, the gallery show features partnerships with students from 3 Nashville-area schools: the University School of Nashville, Bordeaux Elementary, and Lead Academy and sculpture students from Belmont University.  Students of each school will construct social issue-based stories and create coordinating performance paraphernalia.  Each workshop session and the final performance will be documented in still images and video.  To this point, Bailey has completed 12 of the 24 workshops through self-financing it, but NOW help is needed to reach the finish line.  The project needs more supplies, an editor to pull all of the videos together, and transportation for the students to attend the gallery opening to see their work and talk about it to the public is also needed.  Take a look at the project and how your help will help it become realized and help make a difference for the future … the kids of today.  See that link HERE-www.kickstarter.com/projects/586300314/deliciously-happy.

All of the above brings me to this coming Saturday, November 12th, 2011.

First, if you are looking for unique, LOCAL, one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family, then yet again you should drop on by the next Porter Crossing Arts Market this Saturday afternoon from noon-9pm at the intersection surrounding The Family Wash.  It is FREE, INDOOR, and is a wonderful experience to be had by all every second Saturday of every month between September-December.

Second, The Arts Company is hosting the 2nd annual Ads2Art Charity Art Auction with the help of the Advertising Federation of Nashville.  The purpose of this event is to raise awareness for the Nashville Advertising and Arts Community and to also raise funds and awareness for the Nashville Downtown Partnership’s 5th Avenue of the Arts initiative.  The event will start with a Patrons Party and gallery tour at 6pm and the Ads2Art Event will go from 7-9pm.  It is $35 for admission at the door and $45 for the Patrons Party and event admission).  There will be food, beverages, jazz, and a chance to bid on some amazing works of art.  It is all sponsored by Nashville Arts Magazine and its feature editor Paul Polycarpou will serve as the guest auctioneer for the art live auction.  You can RSVP by contacting Samantha Pyle at 615-305-3460 or Samantha@werkshopmarketing.com.

Third, you should definitely at some point this weekend or month stop by The Rymer Gallery to see the legendary local photographer John Guider and his new work called “View From A Small Boat.”  Here is a sneak peek of what you’ll see HERE.  Simply put, Guider sees and captures things that we feel.  He is that good.

I think I’ve given you plenty to think about and go out and see for a few days ahead.  There is always more out there beyond the above, but I hope that you find everything you are looking for.  Thank you for reading and sharing with others.

much love,

chUck