Despite all of the recent cold rain, ice, sleet, sledding, and snow, I know that you are just as ready to get out of the house and work and work on warming up your soul. Lucky for you and all of us that live around Nashville, we are surrounded by the best of two worlds that I find are key to discover love in everyday life: music and visual art. After all, it’s all about Big Love isn’t it?
And speaking of Big Love this week, if you don’t know yet, you need to know about the rising star that is Jonathan Sexton and The Big Love Choir. Amidst a budding tour, recording a new record, and gaining an ever-growing fan base of new friends consisting of like-minded, good-hearted people, Sir Sexton and his crew are traveling back into town this Thursday packed with positive vibes, melodic rhymes, good weather and times for all to enjoy. The Big Love party is going down this Thursday, January 13th, inside 3rd and Lindsley at 9pm. . Do yourself a favor and BE THERE!
To keep this warm theme of love around this week, leave it to a few local women to spice up the art scene with motherly care. Specifically, TAKE CARE: Biomedical Ethics in the 21st Century is a group exhibition comprised of Libby Rowe, Adrienne Outlaw, Kristina Arnold, Sher Fick and others to consider our civilization’s unease with modern family planning, maternal and fetal care, childbirth and child rearing and make their mark and personal statements via their striking art. These women have taken it upon themselves to apply their creative sides to make the most of such a great opportunity to show others how to better appreciate the complexity of current personal decisions made in a rapidly changing world by mothers and/or soon to be mothers. If you are ready and willing to also make the most of this wonderful opportunity and exhibition, you can start this Friday, January 14th at 855 Highway 46 S in Dickson, TN for the Opening Art Reception for TAKE CARE: Biomedical Ethics in the 21st Century and a few other exhibitions as well from 6-8pm. If you can’t make it by on Friday’s big night, you can stop by to see all this extraordinary work at some point before the run ends on February 5th.
Then, Saturday gives us all the chance to be heard and learn more things about what we are capable of doing for the community at large.
First, the Parthenonis looking for people who are interested in history and art and enjoy talking to people. Specifically, they are beginning a new Docent Training Class on Saturday, January 15th and looking for people who are interested in learning more about ancient Greece, Nashville history and American art and in sharing that knowledge with others. Classes taught by museum staff and local scholars, docents range in age of 17 to 70, give tours to school groups and individuals, answer questions, give directions, and act as ambassadors for Nashville and the Parthenon. If this sounds like something that will make you smile and ask for additional information, call the Parthenon at 615-862-8431 or email at info@parthenon.org.
Secondly, and certainly not for the least, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts is celebrating inauguration day for Tennessee’s next governor, Bill Haslam, by offering FREE admission and extended hours this Saturday, January 15th. Not only is admission FREE, worthy of repeating in itself, but the Frist is extending their hours of admission until MIDNIGHT that evening alongside a number of special activities planned from 5-9pm. A sneak peak of some of the fun to be had at the Frist besides witnessing legendary works of The Birth of Impressionism before its run ends January 23rd is various FREE music in the Grand Lobby (Kristin Hubbard Jazz Trio followed by classical Spanish guitarist Carlos Enrique) as well as special gift shop sale rates with increasing discounts as the night gets later (discounts starting at 5% and then increasing to 15% by the end of the night) among other things in store for the big event. Trust me; it will definitely be worth the trip.
So if you are banking on hand and feet warmers alone to get you through the present winter storm and on the horizon, then you better get up, get out, and do something out of the norm and possibly written above. It will do your body and soul much good. Whether it is music or the arts that you are currently craving, check out any or all of the events mentioned and prepare yourself to pleasantly be surprised.
Enjoy your day and do your part to help spread the good word for the art and Nashville’s heart.
Nashville grassroots nonprofit Adventures Inside a Campus for a Cure hosted an evening of art, music and conversation about cancer at The Rutledge Fri., Nov. 12, 2010. The evening featured works from local artist Jeff Bertrand and performances by Venus Hum, Starlume and Trenton, with all proceeds from the door benefiting Gilda’s Club of Nashville.
“The mission of Adventures Inside a Campus for a Cure is not to find a cure for cancer directly, although we would all love for that to happen, but to ‘cure’ the lack of dialogue about this all-too-common disease,” said Campus for a Cure’s Founder and President Chuck Beard.
The evening of art, music and discussion kicked off with an artist reception by mixed-media visual artist Jeff Bertrand, followed by three hours of some of the area’s finest music. In between sets, those who have been affected by cancer were invited to the stage to share their testimonials.
“Daddy, Daddy, why didn’t you tell us you had pancreatic cancer?” was a question Nashville activist, Genma Holmes, and the audience asked as part of an interactive conversation with her deceased grandfather. “If you had told us you had cancer we could have helped you.”
Holmes’ conversation was followed by the personal statements of both cancer survivor Molly Secours and artist Jeff Bertrand. Currently, Bertrand’s father is battling cancer. Proceeds from the sale of Bertrand’s work at the event will go towards his father’s medical bills.
Jeff Bertrand image courtesy of John Brassil
Trenton kicked off the evening with their uplifting tunes. Voted Best Local Band in
Nashville in 2009 and runner up to Kings of Leon in 2010, Starlume followed with their accessible-pop, darker overtones, and full, cinematic sound.
Starlume image courtesy of John Brassil
Venus Humrounded up the evening’s musical line-up with the eclectic electronic stylings of Kip Kubin and Tony Miracle merging with the powerful yet angelic vocals of Annette Strean. The band was formed in Nashville more than 10 years ago and is now geographically separated–with Strean living in New York, Kubin remaining in Nashville and Miracle in the Midwest–but they reunited for this rare Tennessee show.
Venus Hum image courtesy of John Brassil
“‘Cancer’ is a big, scary word.” Beard concluded. “We believe that the more we can create a platform for conversation about it, the more barriers will crumble and the more hope and resources will rise above despair.”
If you are a fan of this page or have ever seen this site, then you have definitely noticed that I like to spread the love around to all of the art happenings in the Nashville area. That being written, this week to weekend is pretty much all about the Frist Center when it comes down to what you need to write in your calendar to do list. I shouldn’t beat around the bush and pretend to waste your time.
To jump kick start your dome and get your life into perfect rhythm, please look no further than the two acts that the Frist has lined up for your listening pleasure free of charge in their always pleasing Music in the Grand Lobby series for this Thursday and Friday nights respectively. First up, on Thursday, October 14th, from 6-8pm, you might find yourself tapping your feet or dancing right out of your seat to the sounds of Tommy Keenum. Tommy might break out his unique touch of sax, percussions and soulful vocals to woo away any troubles you may think you currently have in your everyday life and make you ask yourself where you can buy his music to take home with you. The answer; you can listen to his entire performance, donate to the tip jar, and purchase a CD right there on the spot! I highly recommend it for any music lover of all styles.
Another recommendation that will be shared right here, right now, is that you return to the Frist Center on Friday, October 15th, from 6-8pm for another round of Music in the Grand Lobby presenting the majestic sounds of Mister Hazelwood and the New Transcendentalist (also completely FREE of charge of admission to witness). Take a break from your normal Friday routine and bask in the melodies sure to knock you out by the talented Joseph Hazelwood and a revolving cast of guest musicians that mostly derive from Nashville’s progressive east side (yes, I am bias). Specifically, so you have some sort of general grasp of what I’m kind of blindly leading you towards with only your faith in my good word, Mister Hazelwood’s sound will win you over with its other-worldly spin on modern folk-pop that resembles a perfect blend of Mississippi blues with American folk and a side of 1960’s psychedelic rock acts.
And as if the two musicians described above weren’t enough entice you to the Frist’s doors, well shiver me timber … the Couture may be long gone (sad for everyone), but leave it to the Frist Center to follow up that smash hit of an exhibition with that of The Birth of Impressionism that opens this Friday, October 15th! Yes, get don’t keep those dress-up on the town clothes in the closet too long. You’ll want to get ready and tell all of your family and friends that you have another date together at the Frist Center … now.
The Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee d’Orsay is truly a blessing for Nashville if you didn’t know already. The Frist Center is one of only three venues worldwide (let me repeat … one of only three venues worldwide!) to host this important exhibition from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris (France, not Kentucky-although they have fine art there as well), which is dedicated to the art of the early modern period (1840’s through the early 20th century). The exhibition of 100 works (including 17 that will be seen only in Nashville) will leave you in awe. The exhibition will run thru the 23rd of January, 2011.
Also, on Saturday, October 16th, at 10am, the Frist Center will feature a Free admission (first come, first served) Hays Lecture Series in their Auditorium featuring Stephane Guegan, curator, Musee d’Orsay, among others. The guest speakers will enlighten and entertain all those in attendance while presenting interesting conversation pieces and lessons about the brilliant exhibition at hand. If you intend on seeing The Birth of Impressionism, this is the next best thing to simply sitting in the waiting room for your friends to call and invite you in.
Aside from the Frist Center, you can always visit the numerous other art galleries open throughout the weekend. One other thing I can happily guide all you creative folks toward is the following:
Untitled Artists Group has extended their registration and payment deadline to Sunday, October 17th for their annual hit of a show called the GLOW Show. Click here for details.
Once again, thanks for reading the above and sharing the love. Hope to see you at some of the events and feel free to say hello.
Does it have anything to do with the feeling of days getting shorter and nights lasting longer or is it just pure coincidence that this weekend for artistic artastic fun commences on Thursday instead of the typical Friday? I think it might be a little bit of both, but the following events will surely make you agree that sometimes it’s simply better to make things happen instead of waiting for the perfect time. I’m certainly excited … are you ready for this?
Ready or not, here it goes. Forget two for Tuesday, this Thursday has just about all that you can handle in three unique events happening at three unique locations.
First, Katrina Estes Hill cordially invites you (and you and YOU and you) to make a grand appearance and take it all in at the same time while visiting her Opening Reception on October 7th at 5:30pm at the Rosenzweig Art Gallery if you’re on a road trip down to Columbus, Mississippi (well worth the drive to help support or share this link with others in that neck of the woods to help support a Nashville girl done good).
Gary Grier: Just Everyday Living - at TSU from October 4-29.
Second, if you find yourself around the area of Tennessee State University’s Hiram Van Gordon Memorial Gallery say around 2-5pm on Thursday, you can by all means drop in to see the Opening Reception for Gary Grier: Just Everyday Living. Grier has received many honors in his career up to this point and feels great about his next exhibition on display until the 29th of this month. Grier’s current works are influenced by his environment—what he sees every day around him: the people, the places, things often overlooked (with a focus on urban living). Come let it be and let Grier shed a light of beauty and reality on thee as he tries to uncover the substance on the surface and find the truth of the everyday soul.
Third, if you’re not on the road and you need something closer to home than Grey’s Anatomy or The Office, capture a bit of present history discussed at the Parthenon. On Thursday, October 7th, Dr. Joe Rife, Associate Professor of Classical Studies and Anthropology at Vanderbilt, will speak about Life and Death at a Port in Roman Greece: Recent Investigations at Kenchreai. It might sound a lot smarter than the vocabulary they’ll use on this week’s episode at Seattle Grace Hospital, but I’ll assure you that it will be just as entertaining and believable than trying to jumpstart a heart of a deer in the back of a pick-up truck (Emily makes me watch). The lecture will take place at the Parthenon at 7:00 pm, with a reception following. Admission is free, but reservations are required (862-8431).
And then there was Friday … the fresh day. Nothing says fresh days to me quite like a birthday celebration. Birthdays are times of renewal, more specific than a New Year’s resolution, it’s also a time to not only mark another line on the log of life, but to run full steam ahead in the next lap around the sun. Why am I talking about birthdays and running full steam ahead anywhere at all? Well, look no further than the birthday bash for Jack Silverman. Specifically, drive on down to The Family Wash and join in the fun with the sights and sounds and delicious foods of the Jack Silverman Ordeal Birthday Bash! This Friday, October 8th, from 9-11:30pm, bring your festive self and many more to help Jack and his beloved band celebrate, check out some new tunes, eat some shepherd’s pie, and drink some local beer. Your presence is the only present that Jack wished for this year.
And Friday shall become Saturday; a day when most everyone is a happy camper. And speaking of happy campers, come out and see Andrea Steele and her happy camper playwear at her lovely booth at the Loveless Café’s annual Biscuits and Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, October 9th. Andrea’s colorful clothing is for the kid in all of us. There are short sleeve tees and onesies (for the actual kids) on sale right now, and she also has some gift items such as bibs, burp cloths, and plush toys (definitely for the actual kids). So bring your smiles and meet Andrea and her work. She takes orders on the spot as well.
Not to forget to mention one the of the best celebrations that will last the entire month of October, please make the time to check-in at the new Talula Gallery at 114B, South 11th Street (In the same house as Pied Piper Creamery, next to Beyond the Edge). In Talula, from October 9th-November 1st, you’ll find the Plowhaus Artists’ Cooperative presenting its 9th Annual Celebration of Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead).
Tulala Gallery hours are the following: Tuesdays through Fridays: 3pm – 6pm, Saturdays: 11am – 6pm, and Sundays: 12noon – 5pm.
Also at Talula Gallery:
Community “Day of the Dead” Art Workshops:
• Paint and decorate a movable wooden skeleton: children’s workshop Tuesday, Oct. 12 4-6pm and Sunday, Oct. 17: 3-5pm
• Build a clay bird mask : adults or children Sat. Oct 9 from 2-4pm
• Create a shrine for a loved one. An age old tradition of the day of the dead holiday. Adults only: Friday Oct. 22, 5-7pm.
To sign up for a workshop or for more information email: talulagallery@gmail.com or call 615-262-1060
And with that, I bid you great day and good evening until we meet again sooner than later.
Thanks for sharing this link and for being a good person.
Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone to learn things about yourself and to truly see how lucky you are most of the time without really knowing or thinking about it constantly. That said, occasionally I like to venture outside of the Nashville city limits to peruse through other rural and urban art worlds that surround our thriving local art scene to see just how we are and to observe how wonferfully Nashville’s influence extends and is pleasantly affected by those close to us. I find it both refreshing and inspiring to say the least.
This weekend, as the sun continues to shine and the cool fall breeze rolls off the Cumberland River and down the street where you live, let it take you away. Near or far, it does not matter, but let it take you away. I have a few spots that some friends have mentioned to me that might just peak your interests and allow you the time to get back by Sunday’s final football game without stress.
If you find yourself driving down the road around the general area of Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro, TN, on Saturday, September 18th, say around 10am-4pm, then you’ll drive smack dab into the Greenway Art Festival. Free attendance for the public, you will be amazed by an extraordinary gathering of the finest artisans in Middle Tennessee. The annual event, which expands by the year in talent and numbers, will display and sell works of oils, acrylics, watercolors, pottery, sculpture, glass and more in countless artist booths. With enough art to satisfy your creative hunger, there will also be trailside music, food vendors, and activities for children that make it the perfect locale for your entire family to relax and enjoy a care-free picnic that is sure to rival any plans you have of just sitting in the backyard mowing your grass all day long.
If the winds blow you up north by chance, wouldn’t you know that there is another unique and exceptional art show that will hit you close to home? Yes; the answer is yes, you will know about it. Artists On Main Painting Society has scheduled an art show called 100 for 100. Located at 214 North Main Street in Goodlettsville, TN, on Saturday, September 18th from 9am-5pm and Sunday, September 19th from 11am-4pm, 25 percent of all sales will go directly to Hands On Nashville designated to help for the recent flood victims in Tennessee. Not only will proceeds go towards a noble cause, but the thing about this exhibit is that it prides itself on featuring and providing affordable art pieces by local artists for all art lovers. There will be no excuse why every attendee, including the young and novice buyer, can’t or won’t be able to leave with the piece of art that they fall in love with and feel they must have in their home. With 100 pieces of art for less than $100, artists doing ‘live’ paintings during both days of the event, live music, refreshments (also including and never excluding wine tasting), and larger/more pricey work also on display inside the gallery as well, this event is destined to give everyone a heartwarming experience and relief from the flood that touched all of us in the area.
And if the wind blows you even farther to the north, and you have already been privy to experience CreekFest , Harvest, or any other delightful night off of Penny Lane, then know you are more than likely more than welcome to join the work party for CreekFest 2010 fast approaching. I’m sure Richard won’t mind an extra helping hand preparing for the annual fun as long as the only thing you bring is a positive attitude and the only thing you take are good memories and an impeccable friendship.
As for me, I’ll continue to do the best I can and hope that my friends, family, and our beloved Titans do the same! Whatever you get into, be safe and enjoy your time. You can’t get it back once it’s gone so make it all count. Maybe I’ll see you around town, but if not know I’ll be back here soon enough to give you the scoop on everything going down next weekend. Until then … take care and thanks for sharing the good word about the heART of Nashville.
Well, on paper and right here for now, it certainly can be both. Here I go.
This weekend is set up to be one for the ages. Whether you are prepared to meet your maker, jumping in a river for fun, biking out in the sun, or going for a long run, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of your time. And typing of runs, this weekend will mark the start of quite a run for a local artist in Jeff Bertrand.
To be specific, Bertrand is kicking off his Saturday, August 28th, with a dynamic show alongside some of his favorite creative people around town. Located at the always hip Billups Art, sixteen local artists from all walks of artistic life are coming together to showcase their latest works combined in the format of the diorama. The exhibition, Diorama-o-rama 2010, consists of unique themes, ideas and construction within the concept of diorama (a term that is understood as a 3-dimensional miniature or life-sized scene in which figures, stuffed wildlife, or other objects are arranged in a naturalistic setting against a painted background). Other artists contributing are the following: Charles V. Bennett, Dustin Dirt, Brooke E., Dave Fritts, Brandt & Aurora Hardin, Mai Harris, Julian Herrera, Jessica Hill, Jonny Lashley, Kevin Presley, David Pound, Amanda Sekulow, Brittany Danielle Smith and Greg Veach. Diorama-orama 2010 will take place from 6-9pm, Saturday, August 28th, at Billups Art, and for only $5 at the door you are promised to witness the most fantastical combination of Barbie Dolls, G.I. Joes and other 3-Dimensional retellings of your childhood classics. Not to forget, that the scene will be serenaded by the musical stylings of Ronnie Lee Twist and the Future Cats providing a stellar soundtrack for your night.
I’d like to take a short break from the epic run that I referenced for Jeff Bertrand’s near future and come back to that next week for next week’s event on my radART for aWesome things happenings around the Nashville area, and shed a little light of attention upon another cool happening this Sunday, August 29th. The Mad Platter Restaurant is opening its doors from 1-3pm for an art opening reception created by Lisa Stevens of the Paper Finch Studio to show the latest and greatest of her spectacular paintings. Free to the public, food and drinks provided shall provide anyone that drops by to see the art and Lisa with a perfect transition to carry over the easy from your Sunday morning. Trust me, the food and the paintings will be a sufficient recipe for a pleasant day had by all willing to make the time.
Okay, now I have to run … literally (among other things). Take it easy out there and feel free to share this story, news about these events, and basically the love behind the heART of Nashville.
But the East Nashville Tomato Art Fest is so delightful; and since you know exactly where to go, tomato … tomato … TOMATO! Ohtay; so I’ve been away from the keys for a few weeks. I must apologize if you’ve even noticed the slight absence of consistent weekly word jumbles to support the local art scene how I seem fit. I need to come clean and admit that this particular gig ain’t for the hungriest of starving writers if mula is what you’re in it for, mixed with the fact that I’m T-minus 3 weeks from an attempt to transform into an official Ironman (the type this is much cooler and respected than an Robert Downey Jr. mind you), but I also wanted to share with you and everyone you share this site with that I don’t just blow hot air about the local art scene and artists every time I have written or choose to write to fill space in a timely manner. Honestly; I haven’t had too much time the past 3 weeks to write up to par, but I also haven’t been inspired out of the ordinary either. That being written and read, let me announce that my inspiration has come back in full force by the very fruit/vegetable that I used to despise unless it came from a bottle with 57 varieties made in a factory.
That’s right, my taste buds and creative love for the arts have changed since way back when and I am proud to say that I am a full-fledged tomato lover at this point in my budding life. In fact, I can pinpoint a monster transformation to this point dating back to a mere 3 years ago when a good friend told me to visit Art & Invention Gallery one particular Tomato Art Fest day to peek into the wonderful world of East Nashville. Never did I imagine in a million and one years at the time that I would participate in the alley artwork the following 3 years (counting this year side by side with the lovely ef harper), marry an artist that had artwork at that very Tomato Art Fest (the same lovely ef harper now Beard), and live within walking distance of the magical world that Meg and Bret continue to amaze and astound people of all walks and veggie/fruit tastes.
This Saturday, August 14th, 2010 marks the 7th annual Tomato Art Fest at Five Points, 1106 Woodland Street in East Nashville. It has grown from a small neighborhood event into a ripe festival with over 20,000 in attendance that proudly (and all the while smiling) brave the heat of August to come out and play in an array of ways. The Tomato Art Fest is a stellar showing of community and participation. It is a family event where everyone is encouraged to enjoy the shared fun and imagination brought to you by the spectacle of the tomato. There are non-stop activities in the general vicinity to Art & Invention pretty much constantly from the Tomato Art Preview Party 6:30 pm on Friday, August 13th, to the 5th Annual Tomato 5k on Saturday morning at 7:30am, to a Second Line Parade at Fanny’s House of Music at 10am, to live music in the streets until after the sun goes down (I am particularly inspired and partial to tell you about The Mary Nails show at 7:05 pm due to the aWesomeness that is sure to make all the tomatoes explode at once after the first song hits the streets), to anything and everything you can imagine tomato-related in between (see their website HERE for details about events and times. I’m kind of hoping for a “salsa” dance/tomato themed activity for 2011. I’ll keep you posted.).
Whether it is live music you seek, the bloody Mary contest to quench your thirst, the local businesses that have booths promoting their specialties with a side of tomato twist to check out, the local art and artists that fill the streets, Art & Invention and the galleries and fences all around the area with a plethora of eclectic tomato styles and collective goodness for your hungry soul, the Tomato Art Fest 2010 is guaranteed to truly amaze you all yet again and stay true to its motto, “The Tomato … A Uniter, Not A Divider-Bringing Together Fruits and Vegetables.”
Soooooo; basically all you need to know is tomato this Saturday, August 14th, Art & Invention, the best Tomato art you’ll ever see … ever, tomato, Five Points, East Nashville, inspiration is back in full effect, let’s go, let everyone know, tomato, tomato, TOMATO!
TOMATO ART FEST 2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, AUGUST 12, 2010
Wine Tasting at Rumours East: (Sponsored by Rumors East / Woodland Wine Merchants / Best Brand Distributing)
What a treat! Rumours East is hosting a wine tasting that will pair 5 different delicious wines with 5 of their own tomato inspired dishes. After attending this evening, you will know what wines to drink to make those tomatoes taste even better!
WHERE: Rumours East / 1112 Woodland Street
WHEN: Thursday, August 12, 2010
TIME: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
COST: $20.00 / person (reservations not required, but are highly encouraged)
CONTACT: 615.262.5346 / http://www.rumourseast.com
On Saturday, August 14, 2010, Rumours East will open at 10:00am and serve tomato themed food throughout the day and into the night!
Here’s a sampling of the tomato goodness you will find on their menu:Bloody Mary’s, caprese salad, BLT’s, gazpacho, & fried green tomatoes
Tomato Wine Dinner at Marche: (Hosted by Marche / Woodland Wine Merchant)
Help kick off the Tomato Art Festival at Marche Artisan Foods. Co-hosted with Woodland Wine Merchant, the evening’s menu features a four course tribute to the tomato with accompanying wines. How does it get any better than that?
WHERE: Marche Artisan Foods / 1000 Main Street
WHEN: Thursday, August 12, 2010
TIME: Dinner begins at 6:30pm
COST: $40.00 / person (reservations required)
CONTACT: 615.262.1111 / marcheartisan@bellsouth.net
Friday, AUGUST 13, 2010
Tomato Art Preview Party: (Sponsored by Art & Invention, Nashville Farmers’ Market, and Tilted Palm Beverages)
Always a popular event, the Tomato Art Preview Party offers the art lover a wonderful night of sights, sounds and flavors! Party-goers get to be the first to view this year’s tomato art while enjoying delectable food, live music, and Bloody Mary’s compliments of Tilted Palm.
This year, we have a special treat for you. In the spirit of our motto, “the tomato…a uniter, not a divider- bringing together fruits and vegetables”, we will unite culinary talents from both East & West Nashville by featuring tomato inspired dishes from collaborating chefs. Our two chefs are (insert drum roll here):
2010 Iron Fork Winner Chef Andrew Hunter
Holland House Executive Chef Christian Dye
Our chefs will be honoring the tomato in deliciously delightful ways featuring produce & more from Nashville Farmers’ Market farmers & merchants. Join us for this first-ever unification of tomatoes & culinary talents!
You can also expect a few surprise treats that night, and as always- there are PriZeS to be won!
This promises to be the best crop of tomato art to date, so register now to reserve a place for you and your friends!
And remember, space is limited, so hurry to secure your spot in tomato history!
WHERE: Art & Invention Gallery / 1106 Woodland Street
WHEN: Friday, August 13, 2010 (Friday the 13th was never so lucky!)
TIME:6:30pm – 9:00pm
COST:$25.00 (reservations required)
CONTACT:615.226.2070 / artandinvention@earthlink.net
Haphazard Happenings With Purdie And Friends-Modern Silent Pictures
There will be three Modern Silent Pictures shown Friday night before the Tomato Art Fest. They will have a live piano accompaniment by Marc Ridgeway of Jackson, MS. The shows are free but donations are greatly appreciated.
WHERE: ArtHouse Gardens /1108 Woodland Street
WHEN: Friday, August 13, 2010
TIME: Starting at 7:30pm
NEW! Tomato Bicycle Art Show Opening Party: (Sponsored by Eastside Cycles)
Join us for the opening reception of the first ever tomato art bicycle art show. Artists have made art on (or with) bicycles and bicycle helmets. Come see the amazing things they have created! (The show will be up all day on Saturday, August 14th, beginning at 10:00 am)
Bloody Mary Competition: (The Preliminaries!): (Sponsored by Three Crow Bar)
Think you have the best Bloody Mary recipe in all the land? Well, this is your chance to let the world know about it! Once again, Three Crow Bar is hosting this very popular event to see who has this year’s best Bloody Mary, and will be accepting entriesfrom July 14, 2010 – August 12, 2010 Entry forms can be picked up any time after July 14th at 3 CROW BAR, http://www.3crowbar.com. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, only 10 entries will be accepted in a lottery-style selection process. Winners of the lottery will be notified on Friday the 13th, and return to 3 CROW BAR Saturday, August 14th, at 3:00 PM so that the judges can crown (well, it’s not really a crown) the best Bloody Mary of 2010.
Saturday, AUGUST 14, 2010:
Tomato 5K: (Sponsored by Margaret Maddox YMCA)
Jog, walk, or run this exciting race that will take runners through the heart of Historic East Nashville’s neighborhoods and unique local businesses! Make a day of it and stay for the Tomato Art Fest!
START TIMES:
Children’s Fun Run: 7:00 AM
Tomato 5K: 7:30 AM
PLACE: Five Points at the corner of Woodland and 11th Street
Tomato Fairy/Elf Costume Contest: (Sponsored By Fairy Tales Bookstore)
Join us for a Tomato Fairy contest! Get out your glitter, your wings, hats, twinkle toe shoes, and your elf ears! Fairytales Bookstore is hosting a Tomato Fairy/Elf costume contest ½ hour before the parade at the tomato fest in East Nashville.
The contest is open to all ages and genders, with prizes for all contestants. We look forward to seeing you there!
WHERE: the lot behind Fanny’s House of Music/ 1101 Holly Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 8:30am
CONTACT: 615.915.1960 / tammy@fairytalesbookstore.com
PARADE! A New Orleans Style Second Line:
COME JOIN US to strut your tomato stuff at this hilariously fun event! Feel free to get silly and costumed, or just join us as we march down the street! Musical instruments welcome!
The Second Line Parade for this year’s Tomato Art Festival will be led by Halfbrass.
Born under the influence of classic New Orleans tradition, Halfbrass creates festive atmospheres out on the street and all the way back to the stage by mixing second-line brass band music with funk, jazz and rock. Audiences love Halfbrass for their unique sound and party-like shows.
The parade steps-off at 9:00am in front of Bongo Java. It follows part of the 5k run course and then ends at the Main Stage on the corner of Woodland & 11th Street.
Dress up in your favorite tomato (art) costume, bring an instrument to play, and let’s hit the streets!
WHERE: Right in front of Bongo Java Roasting Company / 107 South 11th Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 9:00am
CONTACT: 615.915.1960 / tammy@fairytalesbookstore.com
Bongo Java Kids Event: (Hosted by Bongo Java East)
Start your Tomato Art Fest experience early atBongo Java Roasting Co. and East Cafe with a fresh-brewed cup ‘o Joe and an Egg Bomb. Wake up while the children create their own tomato fun with sidewalk chalk, balloons and other crafty stuff!
The folks from Grins Vegetarian Cafe will be there dishing up samples of their tomato taste sensations. The Las Paletas frozen pop cart will be there too!!
Bongo East Café hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm (Paletas & Grins treats in front of the store until they are gone!)
WHERE: Bongo Java / 107 South 11th Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME:9:00 am – noon
CONTACT:615.777.3278
Tomato-tinis at Magnolia Spa:(Sponsored by some Hip Chicks)
Complimentary Tomato-tinis at Magnolia Spa! Stop by for a cocktail, a tomato facial, a chair massage, or just have your to-mat-toes painted red! Let Magnolia Spa find the Hot Tomato within you with our fab spa services. Walk-ins only…but remember, first come is first served!
WHERE: Magnolia Day Spa / 1000 Main Street / Walnut Exchange
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME:9:00am – 5:00pm
COST: Chair massage-$1.00/minute; tomato facials-$10.00; painted to-ma-toes $1.00/toe; Tomatotinis? ON THE HOUSE!
CONTACT:615.262.6652
Tomato Art Show: (Hosted by Art & Invention Gallery)
We think there is no finer collection of tomato art to be found east of the Mississippi, and maybe even in the entire tomato-eating world! Now, we realize this is a bold statement, so you will just have to come out and see for yourself if you think we are correct in our assessment!
WHERE: Art & Invention Gallery / 1106 Woodland Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00am-8:00pm
COST: FREE
CONTACT:615.226.2070 / artandinvention@earthlink.net
Tomato Bazaar:
Over 100 vendors will arrive early to tempt and delight you with their wares…from artists to small businesses to fabulous food, our vendors aim to please!
WHERE: Five Points, East Nashville
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00am – 6:00pm
CONTACT: http://www.tomatoartfest.com for a list of vendors and vendor map
3rd Annual Bobbing For Tomatoes/Tomato Toss:(Sponsored by Wags & Whiskers)
Bobbing for (real) tomatoes, tossing (faux) tomatoes at a target, prizes, treats for the pooches, wading pools to cool hot paws…fun for pets and those who love them!
WHERE: Wags & Whiskers (At East Nashville’s 5 Points, between Red Door & 5 Spot, under the Hip Zipper)
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00 am – 1:30pm
CONTACT:615.228.9249
Stand for Children Tomato Jewelry-Making: (Sponsored by Stand for Children)
Stand for Children, a national organization that seeks to make kids’ needs a higher political priority,
will be welcoming children and their families/caregivers to make simple, tomato-inspired jewelry with us outside our new East Nashville office. Come learn about our grassroots organization and find out how you can become a successful advocate for your (and all of Tennessee’s) children. We will have a “mister” by our table as well, so stop by and cool off under the water!
WHERE: 123 South 11th Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
KidFest: (Sponsored by East End Methodist Church)
Inflatables! Face Painting! Tomato Head Painting! Free fun for children of all ages!
Fairytales bookstore will be on hand with a Mr. (or Mrs.) ToMaTo HeAd craft project.
And as if that were not enough, there will be boy scouts serving refreshments, and homemade jams, jellies and kraut available for purchase. Yum.
WHERE: The park at the corner of 12th & Holly Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME:10:00am – 2:00pm
CONTACT: revdiane@bellsouth.net
Fun For Kids at artEMBRACE: (Sponsored by YCAP / artEMBRACE)
Join us at the Y-CAP Building for some GREAT AIR-CONDITIONED FUN! Try your hand at West African drumming and printmaking, or make a mixed tile piece! Fun for kids of all ages!
WHERE: 1021 Russell Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
CONTACT: 615.259.3418 Find Your Thrills At Kustom Thrills Tattoo: (Sponsored by Kutom Thrills & Octane Gallery)
The head tomato at Kustom Thrills Tattoo Studio has many new and exciting things planned for this year’s Tomato Art Fest!
Kustom Thrills will be giving out Tatmatoes (temporary tattoos) and if that isn’t enough, they will also be showing “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” on the big screen inside their studio. And if THAT isn’t enough, Octane! Art Gallery (located inside Kustom Thrills) will be displaying the Killer Tomato Art Show, featuring art from Kustom Thrills’ artists along with several local artists.
WHERE: Kustom Thrills / 1000 Main Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00 am – evening
CONTACT:615.226.3009/ http://www.kustomthrills.com
Bicycle Tomato Art Show:(Sponsored by Eastside Cycles)
In celebration of all things tomato, Eastside Cycles is sponsoring a Bicycle Tomato Art Show. This is your chance to revel in the wonders of the bicycle and tomato-inspired art. Eastside Cycles will be open in our new location in Five Points and will exhibit your art inside and outside our building.
We will have two categories for Bicycle Tomato Art:
Helmets. Helmet art will be hung or placed either inside or outside our bike shop during the show.
Bicycles. All bike art will be displayed outdoors. Bike frames must be able to stand upright on their own and withstand weather.
Space is limited and we will accept art request submissions on a first-come, first-served basis. If you make the cut-off, bicycle artists may submit 2 pieces of art, one of which must be tomato-themed.
A jury will select the Best of Show, which will win a brand new bicycle and bragging rights. Several cash merit prizes will be awarded.
Billups Art will host their Second Annual TomatOlympics in the alley behind Beyond the Edge.
Come and show off your ‘Mater Cannon and see just how hard you can throw a tomato! Prizes will be awarded to the person with the fastest throw of the day and to the person who gives the most accurate guess as to how hard they might throw a tomato. (For example, if you throw your first tomato at 66mph, the second at 68mph and you guess that the 3rd will be 67mph and you are correct, then you win!) We will have a Jugs gun on hand to clock each throw…last year’s fastest tomato was an impressive 89mph!!! (Now that’s a hummin’ tomato)
WHERE:Billups Art (In the building behind Drifters BBQ, next to Beyond the Edge)
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00am – 6:00pm
CONTACT: billupsart@gmail.com
Billups Art Fair: (Hosted by Billups Art)
Billups Art will be hosting their 2nd Art Fair during the Tomato Art Fest.
Just make a turn at the Beyond the Edge parking lot and head to alley to see the work of many talented local artisans. We will have everything from jewelry to oil paintings.
Throughout the day, you can step into Billups Art and catch a breather in the A/C, get a cold drink from the bar, check out more artwork, and listen while some amazing singer-songwriters perform for you.
Come back in the evening after the sun goes down and hear one of the best Singer/Songwriters in town, Isaac Hayden. Hayden, originally from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will be releasing his Live Album, “Disarm Me”. With his mellow grooves and incredibly diverse voice, he is sure to melt all of your tomato hearts! Isaac will begin his performance at 9p. Cover will be $5/byob.
WHERE:Billups Art (In the building behind Drifters BBQ, next to Beyond the Edge)
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 10:00am – 6:00pm
CONTACT: billupsart@gmail.com
Tomatoes and Wine: (Sponsored by Rumours Wine Bar)
Saunter over to Rumours East for some cool wine cocktails and a refreshing tomato-inspired menu. Caprese Salad, BLT’s, gazpacho, and fried green tomatoes are just a few of the taste sensations that await you! Enjoy drink specials all day long including Bloody Mary’s (naturally).
WHERE: Rumours East Wine Bar / 1112 Woodland Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: beginning at 10:00am
CONTACT: 615.262.5346
Heirloom Tomato Tasting/Organic Farmers:(Sponsored by Turnip Truck)
With the heirloom tomatoes already overflowing in their produce department, The Turnip Truck is ready to celebrate the TOMATO!
During the Tomato Art Fest they will have an Heirloom Tomato tasting along with plenty of their homemade Tomato Basil Hummus and Gazpacho available for sample and purchase. Please stop in while you are exploring the festivities!
Giant Ice Cream Sundae Extravaganza:(Sponsored by Pied Piper)
For kids ages 2 – 10! Calling all kids to help build the largest ice cream sundae in East Nashville! The reward for all this work? You get to EAT the ice cream!
WHERE: Pied Piper Creamery
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: High Noon
CONTACT:615.227.4114
How Many Tomatoes in this Jar:(Sponsored by Wonders on Woodland & Back East)
Guess how many tomatoes are in our vintage candy jar and win a PRIZE!!!
Come on, Better Boy, count the Big Beefs and maybe you can beat Mr. Stripey for the Moneymaker title and catch a little Sun Gold. So taxi on over to the contest Easy Girl for an entry blank, guess the number of them little Gold Nuggets in the Pineapple jar. If you’re the closest GUESS-TOMATER, you’ll win the Mortgage Lifter prize basket.
Your guess is as good as vine!
WHERE: Wonders on Woodland & Back East / 1110 Woodland Steet
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: Collecting entries during business hours beginning Thursday, August 12 – Saturday, August 14 at 2:00pm
CONTACT:615.226.5300
Red Head Competition:(Sponsored by Tomato Art Fest)
No registration needed, just show up with your tomato red locks! This contest is open to all red heads- men, women, boys, girls, and those whose red hair is just NOT REAL!
Emceed by the fabulous Earl Brewster.
WHERE: The stage behind Fanny’s House of Music/ 1101 Holly Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 2:00pm -3:00pm
Biggest/ Littlest/Ugliest Tomato Contest: (Sponsored by The Nashville Farmer’s Market)
We love UGLY tomatoes! That’s right, the uglier the better. We also love those big tomatoes and the teeny weeny ones, too! And this year, we also want to see your prettiest, most artistic and TASTIEST tomatoes as well!
Enter your tomato to win those coveted Ugliest Tomato/Biggest Tomato/Littlest Tomato PRIZES by 1:00pm on Saturday, August 14, at the Farmer’s Market Booth!
Tomato Haiku Competition:(Sponsored by The Book Fool)
Ladies and Gentlemen. Step right up for this year’s Hot Tomato Haiku Contest! For the third year in a row, Nashville’s Tomato Art Fest plays host to the hottest, rowdiest haiku contest in the South. If you’ve got the poetic urge, why not vent it with us?
Prizes for this year’s winning haiku include an iPad® for Best of Show, gift certificates to local shops for each Category winner, and the people’s ovation and fame forever!
WHERE: Main Stage at the corner of Woodland Street & 11th
WHEN:Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: Winners announced at 2:00pm
Recipe Contest: (Sponsored by The Nashville Scene)
Soup and sandwich, soup and sandwich… who doesn’t want to eat the perfect soup and sandwich? It is the perfect combination for a meal. And since it is such a perfect combination, we chose it as our theme for
this year’s recipe contest!
Your task is to create the most magnificent tomato inspired soup or BLT recipe you can, and enter it in the 2010 Tomato
Art Fest recipe contest. We can’t wait to taste the magic you create. And you can’t wait to win all our fabulous PRIZES. Go get some tomatoes. Be crafty in the kitchen. Experiment with family tasters. Have fun, and send get your entries in!
Bloody Mary Competition (THE FINALS): (Sponsored by 3 Crow Bar)
The top 10 Bloody Mary finalists will return to 3 CROW BAR on Saturday, August 14, so that our 3 expert judges can crown the best Bloody Mary of 2010.
WHERE: 3 Crow Bar / 1024 Woodland Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 3:00pm
CONTACT:615.262.3345
Beautiful Tomato Contest: (Hosted by Alegria)
Here is how it works: Take an ordinary tomato, and dress, adorn or decorate it as if it
were an entrant in a beauty contest or headed to a costume party. (It helps to think of
your tomato as a small, round person who is just ripe to get dressed up and go out
on the town!) Call today to enter yourself in this great contest!
WHERE: Fannys House of Music Stage / 1101 Holly Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 4:00pm – 4:30pm (Entries must be at Fannys by 4:00pm to enter)
CONTACT: Alegria / 615.227.8566
Wet Burrito Contest: (Sponsored by Nuvo Burrito)
It’s time for the 2nd Annual Wet Burrito Contest!
That’s right, 24 hungry contestants will race to eat their burrito the fastest…while being hosed down with water.
Four winners will receive one-year memberships to the Burrito of the Month Club, with awards going to “Fastest Face-Filler” and “Best in Show”.
The event begins with the selection of the contestants. Judges will be looking for contestants that will best represent Tomato Art Fest and Nuvo Burrito in the year ahead, so they will be looking for outlandish outfits, sexy swimwear, tomato-themed ensembles, Spongebob Squarepants and/or superhero costumes… body paint encouraged, but not required.
The burritos will be vegetartian and there will be separate heats for guys and girls. To pre-register as a potential contestant, send an email with your plans to sean.p@nuvoburrito.com
We will be accepting last-minute registration at Nuvo Burrito up until 30 minutes prior to the event.
WHERE: Nuvo Burrito / 1000 Main Street
WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME: 5:00pm
CONTACT: sean.p@nuvoburrito.com / 615.517.2923
And speaking of Big Love this week, if you don’t know yet, you need to know about the rising star that is Jonathan Sexton and The Big Love Choir. Amidst a budding tour, recording a new record, and gaining an ever-growing fan base of new friends consisting of like-minded, good-hearted people, Sir Sexton and his crew are traveling back into town this Thursday packed with positive vibes, melodic rhymes, good weather and times for all to enjoy. The Big Love party is going down this Thursday, January 13th, inside 3rd and Lindsley at 9pm. . Do yourself a favor and BE THERE!
To keep this warm theme of love around this week, leave it to a few local women to spice up the art scene with motherly care. Specifically, TAKE CARE: Biomedical Ethics in the 21st Century is a group exhibition comprised of Libby Rowe, Adrienne Outlaw, Kristina Arnold, Sher Fick and others to consider our civilization’s unease with modern family planning, maternal and fetal care, childbirth and child rearing and make their mark and personal statements via their striking art. These women have taken it upon themselves to apply their creative sides to make the most of such a great opportunity to show others how to better appreciate the complexity of current personal decisions made in a rapidly changing world by mothers and/or soon to be mothers. If you are ready and willing to also make the most of this wonderful opportunity and exhibition, you can start this Friday, January 14th at 855 Highway 46 S in Dickson, TN for the Opening Art Reception for TAKE CARE: Biomedical Ethics in the 21st Century and a few other exhibitions as well from 6-8pm. If you can’t make it by on Friday’s big night, you can stop by to see all this extraordinary work at some point before the run ends on February 5th.
So if you are banking on hand and feet warmers alone to get you through the present winter storm and on the horizon, then you better get up, get out, and do something out of the norm and possibly written above. It will do your body and soul much good. Whether it is music or the arts that you are currently craving, check out any or all of the events mentioned and prepare yourself to pleasantly be surprised. 
examine this... 