The Browsing Room is very pleased to announce a group exhibition entitled Firmament: Early Artists in Residence at The Downtown Presbyterian Church.
Gallery Reception: Saturday, December 7th, 5-8pm
About the Exhibit: Firmament: Early Artists in Residence at The Downtown Presbyterian Church is a documentary reflection on the work of artists who were the first to occupy studio space at The Downtown Presbyterian Church. This exhibit features art created by the church’s early artists-in-residence during the period from 1998-2005.
The church is known for its 1851 Egyptian revival architectural style more than for the second building that was added in 1917. In the 1960s the church shuttered the 1917 building’s 3rd and 4th floors, which three decades later became an inspiration for art studio space. Surrounded by peeling paint and discarded church pews, these artists inhabited a forgotten space and brought new life to it just as Nashville’s downtown fortunes were beginning to change.
Various media including press clippings, exhibit posters, and photos will be shown alongside the artwork. These elements combine to highlight the profound impact this unique space had on the artists and in turn how the artists impacted the church, the downtown community, and the larger Nashville art scene.
About the artists:
Tom Wills, whose family had long attended the church, began painting in the space in 1995. Shortly after that, his friend and fellow artist, Todd Greene joined him on the 4th floor of the abandoned 1917 portion of the church building. A few years later, Herb Williams and Julie Lee were invited to join them with the enthusiastic support of the then pastor, John Hilley, and the church elders. Andy Harding, Linda Sack, and Kimberly Naranjo followed to form the first cohort of artists in residence who began work in the studio spaces between 1998 and 2000.
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Date/Time
Date(s) - Dec 7, 2024
5:00pm - 8:00pm