Sam Dunson, Shooting
This Black History Month, we are fortunate to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to art produced by noted local, and mostly local, African American artists. Over the past two weeks we have informed you about art available to view at several locations around town. This week, we’ll focus on some works that can be viewed downtown, on Jefferson Street, and in Hendersonville.
Men of Winter, a fine art exhibit in celebration of Black History Month, will be on display in historic Monthaven Mansion in Hendersonville, TN. The exhibition opens with a reception on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 3 pm to 6 pm. Poetry performance 4pm: featuring: James Floyd “The Jefferson Street Poet” Henry L. Jones, M-Dot the Poet, & Robert Sells & music from Ernest “Sax Man” Newsom. You are invited, as the reception is free and open to the public. When you go, use this GPS address: 1010 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Contact the gallery for hours at (615) 822-0789.
“This exhibition represents a collective of Tennessee-based, male artists who are addressing their creativity based on these contemporary times,” says Carlton Wilkinson of Wilkinson Arts, the curator for the exhibition. “They will be showcasing their perspective of circumstances of their existence. We are in the still winter as there is an environment of social and economic chilliness in our world. However, there remains the projection of hope, continuity and productivity as we prepare for a new season for renewal.”
The outstanding roster of featured artists includes Carlton Wilkinson (Nashville); Thaxton Absholam Waters (Nashville); Jamaal Sheats (Fisk University/ Nashville); James Threalkill (Nashville); Omari Booker (Nashville); Leroy Hodges (Nashville); William Buffett (Nashville); Jairo Prado (Nashville); Samuel Dunson (TSU/Nashville); Henry L. Jones (Hendersonville); Daniel Arite (Nashville); Charles Michael Graham (Nashville); and Michael McBride (TSU/Nashville).
Omari Booker, The Revolution is Yours Oil on Panel 24×24
Saturday, February 6, Refinery Nashville hosted the opening of art by Nashville native Omari Booker. Booker’s showcase entitled “DiverCity” is inspired by his observation of the growth of Nashville. Pieces from the exhibit reflect Booker’s diversity in his artistic subject matter and the influences associated with growing up Nashville. A music soundtrack accompanies the visual art exhibition. Wedgewood/Houston has long been a neighborhood driven by strong artisan relationships, and has functioned as a historic home for many art studios. Embracing the neighborhood culture, every month, Refinery Nashville, located on 438 Houston St, opens its doors for Nashvillians to experience a free art and music walk. The events will continue throughout the year, featuring a different local artist on the first Saturday of the month, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with free beverages, coinciding with Nashville’s Art Crawls.
Rymer Gallery downtown on the Fifth Avenue of the Arts opened a phenomenal exhibition by Sam Dunson entitled “_ ack History.” Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm. A conversation with Sam Dunson and Paul Polycarpou is scheduled for Thursday, February 18. The event starts at 6pm and the conversation begins at 6:30. Come meet the artist and explore his work at 233 – Fifth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219. Call (615) 752-6030, or vist the official website at: www.therymergallery.com
