For anyone with an artistic spirit, the city of Nashville, Tennessee might not come to mind, but it is growing. Best known as the heartland of country music, this southern gem is also an under-the-radar mecca for creatives. Also check out our guides on Instagram and Google Maps for an easy experience.
1. The Frist Art Museum
Begin your creative journey at the Frist Art Museum. Situated in a beautifully converted Art Deco post office, the museum is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside. The Frist doesn't have a permanent collection, ensuring a constant rotation of exhibitions, from contemporary and modern art to classical European styles and everything in between. Artists will find inspiration in the breadth of work on display and the hands-on Martin ArtQuest Gallery where visitors of all ages are invited to create and experiment with different mediums.
2. Fifth Avenue of the Arts
Nashville's historic downtown core is home to the Fifth Avenue of the Arts, an artistic district that is an essential destination for any art enthusiast. Every first Friday of the month the whole block opens up their galleries and awakes the artists of Nashville. Venture over to the Arts Company, a pioneering space that introduces groundbreaking exhibitions monthly. After exploring these galleries, take a moment to absorb the vibrant street murals adorning the nearby buildings, further proof of Nashville's thriving art scene.
3. Hatch Show Print
For a taste of Nashville's rich artistic heritage, a visit to Hatch Show Print is a must. One of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the United States, Hatch Show Print is a living connection to the traditional craft of poster making. Here, you'll have the chance to observe master craftsmen at work, learn about the art of printmaking, and even try your hand at creating your own piece. Their walls, plastered with a colorful array of vintage and modern posters, are a testament to the timelessness of great design.
4. Art Urban
Art Urban is a new, vibrant and inclusive hub for the arts, known for its unique glow-in-the-dark splatter paint room. Offering both private and public parties catered to all ages, it nurtures creativity in a safe and fun environment. Its engaging adult painting parties, guided by talented local artists, provide exciting cultural experiences and a platform to unlock everyone's inner artist.
5. Turnip Green Creative Reuse
Turnip Green Creative Reuse is a lesser-known but worthy unique, eco-friendly creative hub that recycles discarded materials into art supplies, offering a vast array of materials for artists and educators, and promoting sustainability and creativity through workshops, community events, and an inspiring retail space.
Overall, Nashville is a canvas, brimming with inspiration at every corner. So whether you're an artist seeking stimulation, a connoisseur in search of beautiful