Von Reisch Photography
It’s no secret that Nashville is home to a wealth of artistic talent.
And Nashville’s young talent is no exception, with artistic abilities that rival even the most experienced artists. At the 16th annual Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition, visitors of all ages can experience breathtaking works from students across Middle Tennessee spanning grades 6 through 12. Selected works in drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and digital media will be on display in the Parthenon through March 3. In a blind process, a panel of judges evaluated more than 600 works submitted by Middle Tennessee public, private, and homeschooled students to create this stunning showcase. We chatted with Parthenon curator Jennifer Richardson about this exciting exhibit and its impact on the community.
An Eye for Art: Art and music were always my favorite classes. My teachers often included a bit of history through storytelling to give context to the songs or artwork. We were encouraged to experiment and collaborate, which helped me bond with other students and learn to take risks in a safe environment. In college, I took an art history class and I fell in love with it immediately. Art history allowed me to look through the eyes of people from other times and places; it was the history of human creativity, and I was hooked. During graduate school, I started working as a fine art specialist at an auction house. I loved working so closely with the artwork but yearned to inspire a love of art with people who thought art wasn’t for them. When I moved to Tennessee, I began teaching art history to college students pursuing other majors. It felt kind of like being the opening act because I had to win them over. I learned how to engage the disinterested students through stories and by making the material relevant to them. Eventually, I got the opportunity to work in museum education at the Parthenon. I loved developing programs and activities to engage visitors with the collection. When the position of curator opened, I was hesitant to even apply because I didn’t want to give up education. I stepped in to curate a couple of exhibits and realized I could continue to educate through curation but in a larger way. I still collaborate and work closely with our education department; we have a great team.
Exceptional Talent: The Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition is an opportunity to see the work of Middle Tennessee’s most talented young artists. It is the most varied exhibit of the year at the Parthenon, including a wide range of media: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and digital media. The perspectives of these artists are incredibly valuable. Many of them have developed a level of emotional maturity and empathy that surpasses adults. They are learning to present themselves to the world and express what is important to them with topics ranging from mental health to the environment, family dynamics, social justice, nostalgia, and war. The Tennessee Art Education Association coordinated a panel of three judges to evaluate the submissions in a blind process. The judges selected artworks for first, second, and third place in each grade level and a Best of Award for each art category. Selections were also made for Best of Show, Best of High School, and Best of Middle School. Choices were made based on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision or voice.
Get Inspired: The timing for this year’s exhibit coincides with STEAM Expeditions at the Parthenon for approximately 2,100 sixth graders. Seeing the artwork of other students on the walls of the museum will enhance their experience and is sure to inspire them. The quality of the artwork is very impressive and many of the adult visitors marvel at the skill of these students. I think the themes can sometimes surprise or puzzle older visitors, but that creates an opportunity for conversation and growth. Too often the Parthenon is seen as a site for tourists and overlooked as the city’s museum. We have a strong desire to connect with our local population.
Community Connection: I doubt that many people equate museums with a sense of belonging, but we are working to change that. By including exhibits, education programs, and events that appeal to students, we create a connection that can grow. There are fewer spaces in Nashville that are more open and artistic than Centennial Park. In addition to the Parthenon, people can take classes in music, dance, or visual arts at the Centennial Performing Art Center and the Centennial Arts Center—all are Metro Parks facilities. Free exhibit openings, programs, concerts, and festivals throughout the park are made possible by Centennial Park Conservancy. CPC is dedicated to activating the museum and the park to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all.
Lasting Legacy: My biggest hope for this exhibit is that the students will come to the Parthenon and bring their siblings, parents, grandparents, and friends. The size and history of our building guarantee an awe- inspiring experience, and I want these students to know they are now a part of that history too. The Parthenon was created as the Fine Art Building for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897. It embodied the artistic and educational ideals of the city of Nashville. We continue that great legacy today and want to help the people of Tennessee realize this is their history too. We are owned and operated by Metro Parks and few people realize this is the city’s art collection. When they understand that, they tend to take more interest and pride in the museum.