The Watkins College of Art invites the public to enjoy gallery exhibitions and related programming. A current list of Events & Exhibitions can be found here, and admission is always free.
Upcoming Events
Exhibition Schedule
Through the Eyes of Red Grooms
August 21 – December 06
Reception + Talk: September 05 from 4–6pm
Leu Gallery in the Lila D. Bunch Library
Through the Eyes of Red Grooms is a comprehensive exhibition highlighting the artistic evolution and enduring influence of Nashville-born artist Red Grooms, renowned for his whimsical yet incisive portrayal of American culture. Grooms is celebrated for his spectacular pop-art constructions of urban scenes. This exhibition was curated by students in the Spring 2024 Museum Studies course offered by the Watkins College of Art and largely features artwork from the Tennessee State Museum's collection.
The Unity Flag Project
October 07 – November 08
Gallery 121
Reception + Talk: Oct 10 from 4:30–6pm
The Unity Flag Project was initiated in 2019 by Assistant Professor of Art Education Dr. Meaghan Brady Nelson and invited creatives from across the United States to make Unity Flags. Participants, who represent more than 30 states, created 3' x 5' flags to demonstrate “purple empathy,” a concept indicative of the optical blending of blue and red coming together to engage in bipartisan civil discourse. This exhibition reminds us all to pause, listen and learn from one another with respect.
Stand Up and Vote!
August 19 – October 04
Reception: September 12 from 4:30–6pm
Leu Center for the Visual Arts Lobby
Stand Up and Vote! features a selection of political posters curated from former politician Ronnie Steine's private collection. These compelling designs are meticulously crafted by artists, political parties, community organizations, candidates, and even musicians, all united in their call to inspire citizens to register to vote and actively participate in the democratic process. Each poster uniquely amplifies the importance of civic engagement, highlighting the power of every individual to make a meaningful impact through their vote.
Upcoming Exhibitions
October 16 – December 06
Leu Center for the Visual Arts Lobby
Experiential Design students in the Watkins College of Art share recent projects.
November 18 – December 06
Gallery 121
Reception + Talk: Nov 21 from 4:30–6pm
Johnson County High Carnival features a collection of carnival attraction installations exploring the dynamics of limited, finite resources. Familiar carnival attractions are reimagined in the context of dynamic historical, familial, naturalist, and mathematical concepts. This collection originated from a provocative 1892 newspaper article quote referring to a grisly hanging that occurred during the Johnson County, Wyoming Range Wars.
This exhibit is the culmination of many years of creative research for Dan Johnson, including a Spring 2024 sabbatical.
The Watkins College of Art invites the community to enjoy exhibitions and related programming. All galleries are free and open to the public. Sign up to receive the monthly WCA Gallery Newsletter and stay up to date on the latest open programming. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you have questions about our galleries? Please reach out via email to Katie Mitchell, Director of Galleries & Programming.
Galleries
The Watkins College of Art operates four art galleries in Nashville that promote the exhibition of current student, faculty, alumni, and contemporary artists.