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October 05.2025
2 Minutes Read

Discover How Omari Booker and Jennifer Haston Capture Nashville’s Heart Through Art

Confident individual in a blue shirt symbolizing the Nashville art community.

Celebrating Nashville's Artistic Spirit

Nashville is not just known for its music; it's a vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and community. The Soundwaves Gallery, aptly named THE HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE, encapsulates this essence by highlighting local talents who contribute to the heartbeat of our city. This exhibition, featuring works from 44 local artists, showcases the profound connection between community and creativity that makes Nashville unique.

Meet Omari Booker: A Champion of Freedom Through Art

Introducing Omari Booker, a multidisciplinary artist whose journey began in the halls of Montgomery Bell Academy and blossomed at Tennessee State University. With a strong foundation in graphic design, Omari’s oil paintings and murals reflect his impactful philosophy: FREEDOM THROUGH ART. His artwork not only serves as a visual feast for the eyes but also as a beacon of hope and encouragement, reminding us of our inherent freedom and creativity.

One of his notable pieces, “Alex and Ash,” captures the spirit of camaraderie in the North Nashville art community. In this vibrant scene, subjects frolic beside a sculpture by Jenna VanFleteren, signifying the joyous collaboration and mutual support found within the Nashville arts scene.

Jennifer Haston: Bridging Creativity and Community

Next, we spotlight Jennifer Haston, a dedicated Visual Arts Program Coordinator at Friends Life Community. Her work empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to unlock their creativity and express themselves artistically. Jennifer’s mixed-media piece, “Love Story,” uses the metaphor of dance to depict Nashville’s diverse identities shining through light and color.

This artwork pays homage to resilience and unity, showcasing how mutual support amongst friends, family, and community members empowers us to overcome challenges. Jennifer captures Nashville's spirit—one of creativity, passion, and a celebration of our shared humanity—through her vibrant art.

The Importance of Local Support for Arts and Community

Exhibitions like THE HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE serve not just as a showcase of artistic talent but also as a call for local engagement and support. Especially for families, community volunteers, and nonprofit supporters, these events are opportunities to step out, explore local culture, and contribute positively to the community. By attending and supporting local artists, we help nourish the ecosystem that fosters creativity and innovation in Nashville.

Join the Movement: Connect with Nashville Local Unplugged

If you enjoyed learning about the artists and their incredible work, stay connected with the vibrant happenings in our city! Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive updates and insights into local events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives.

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12.03.2025

Discover How New ABC Board Members Are Shaping Nashville's Creative Culture

Update Welcoming New Leaders to ABC Nashville The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville is buzzing with enthusiasm as we welcome three exceptional new members to our Board of Directors: Brittany Macon, Marca Barr, and Eric Cook. Each of these talented individuals brings unique skills and experiences, aiming to contribute to Nashville’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Spotlight on Brittany Macon Brittany Macon is a real estate attorney at Polsinelli, where she champions real estate developers and corporate clients through the twists and turns of commercial transactions. Having graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South and Vanderbilt Law School, Brittany is passionate about mentoring within her community. She is actively involved with Monroe Harding, an organization dedicated to foster care, and has previously served as chair for Sewanee Village Ventures. Brittany is not just a legal expert; she is also a devoted family member, looking forward to welcoming her first child into the world. Her commitment to nurturing both the community and her family shines bright in Nashville. Eric Cook: Champion of the Arts Meet Eric Cook, the Director of So+Co Community Initiatives, a fund designed to uplift underrepresented creatives in Nashville. Eric’s journey began as an employment defense attorney with a wealth of experience, including a significant role at Lyft overseeing litigation strategies. His philanthropic efforts aim to expand access to existing arts programs and introduce new opportunities for emerging artists. This dedication reflects his deep respect for Nashville’s artistic diversity and speaks to his vision for a more inclusive creative community. Marca Barr: A Steward of Community Health With a career starting at HCA Healthcare, Marca Barr is a vital player in the Revenue Cycle leadership at Parallon. She specializes in projects that enhance patient safety and healthcare efficiency. Her passions extend beyond her professional life; Marke embraces outdoor activities with her family, enriching her connection to Nashville's natural beauty. She is committed to fostering trust and collaboration in her professional endeavors, making her a role model for upcoming leaders in the community. Community Impact: Strengthening Nashville’s Cultural Landscape The Arts & Business Council continues to play a crucial role in weaving arts into the fabric of Nashville life. With these new board members, they are not just enhancing leadership; they are also reinforcing a commitment to serve vital causes, including youth programs, foster care advocacy, and health initiatives. These areas are critical to ensuring Nashville remains a nurturing environment for both artists and the community. Get Involved: Join the Movement! Are you inspired by the contributions of Brittany, Eric, and Marca? Involvement in local initiatives is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether through volunteering or participating in community events, your engagement can enrich the lives of those around you. Let's build a connected and thriving Nashville together! If you enjoyed this story, why not stay connected? Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive local information. @nashvillelocalunplugged

11.23.2025

Connecting Art and Community: Explore Alexis Jones' Impact at Nashville SC

Update Art Meets Community: The Heart of Nashville In the vibrant city of Nashville, art, and soccer have come together in a creative partnership that not only showcases local talent but also serves a greater purpose. The Soundwaves Gallery's latest exhibition, titled THE HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE, features a unique collection of artworks known as the Starting XI, comprised of 11 exclusive pieces crafted from soccer-related materials by talented Nashville artists. These artworks will be auctioned off at the end of the season, with all proceeds benefiting the Nashville SC Community Fund, which focuses on enhancing the community through sports and art. The Inspiring Work of Alexis Jones One of the standout pieces in this collection comes from the innovative artist Alexis Jones. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi and now making her home in Nashville, Alexis has a knack for turning waste materials into stunning art. This particular piece showcases her commitment to sustainability, utilizing leftover acrylics and wood scraps from local businesses to create a captivating, abstract bird's-eye view of a soccer stadium. "Recycling materials and reducing waste is at the core of my work," Alexis shares, highlighting her desire to challenge herself with each creation. By blending digital techniques with traditional materials, she embodies a new approach to art that resonates deeply during a time of ecological awareness. Her piece is on exhibition at the Soundwaves Gallery in GEODIS Park, alongside a rotating display of 44 works from local artists curated in collaboration with Nashville’s Arts & Business Council. A Collective Effort for Positive Change The Nashville SC Community Fund stands as a beacon of hope, promoting initiatives that enrich local neighborhoods. Their focus revolves around empowering youth, fostering health, and building inclusive communities. Beyond funding art exhibitions, they support programs that allow young people to take charge, lead initiatives, and make impactful decisions. With the community and art intertwined, programs like the Starting XI highlight the importance of cultural engagement through sports. The auction of these artworks not only elevates local artists but also fuels community-driven projects that address disparities and foster engagement. Joining in the Spirit of Giving As we witness these creative expressions come to life, it's crucial to recognize the ripple effect their success creates within Nashville. By participating in the auction or supporting local artists, community members are contributing to a thriving ecosystem. Engaging with local art isn't just about appreciating beauty; it's about participating in a movement of social impact and philanthropy. For those inspired by Alexis's artistic journey, consider how you might interact with art in your own community. What materials can you recycle? How can your creative voice echo the sentiments of local needs? Art has the incredible power to reflect and respond to our society, revealing stories that demand attention. A Call to Action: Stay Connected with Nashville Local Unplugged If you enjoyed this story and are eager to learn more about local initiatives in Nashville, why not **stay connected**? Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive local information, updates on community events, and ways you can engage with meaningful causes throughout the city. Together, let’s support the artists and organizations that keep Nashville’s heart beating strong.

11.13.2025

Explore Local Art and Community at Nashville's Soundwaves Gallery

Update Nashville Celebrates Local Artists Through Soccer-Inspired ArtThe Soundwaves Gallery at GEODIS Park is alive with creativity as it showcases ‘THE HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE,’ a captivating exhibition blending the world of soccer with the vibrant artistry of local talent. This season, artists Taylor Walton and Jennifer Folsom's remarkable contributions to the Starting XI promise to engage Nashville families and fans alike.Meet Taylor Walton: A Voice for ChangeTaylor Walton, an African-American visual artist from Chattanooga, uses his art to confront critical social issues. His piece CITY OF GOD is a stunning combination of acrylic paint, oil pastels, team memorabilia, and more—all mounted on plexiglass from a Nashville SC substitution board. Walton’s work not only showcases soccer but also reflects on serious themes of race and socioeconomic disparity, capturing the weight of the Black experience in America.Growing up in the South, Walton faced societal challenges, which fueled his passion for art as a means of expression. He combines diverse techniques like illustration and printmaking to create impactful narratives, demonstrating how sports can intersect with personal and cultural history. His artistic vision aligns with Nashville’s rich landscape of storytelling, making it essential for residents to support local creators, especially those who address vital community themes.Jennifer Folsom: Fiber Artist Transforms Game MaterialsAlongside Walton, Jennifer Folsom’s work, In the Net, utilizes upcycled soccer goal netting—demonstrating that art can evolve from the everyday. The conical book structure of her piece integrates diverse materials like indigo and black walnut ink, inviting viewers to reflect on community connections. Folsom's artistic journey draws from her experiences as a fiber artist actively engaged with Nashville's crafting community. Her aim is to fuse craft with storytelling and heritage, capturing the spirit of teamwork that so resonates in sports.As Programs Chair for the Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance, Folsom has empowered numerous makers, turning her focus on how the craftsmanship of local artists can influence the cultural narrative of Nashville. By reimagining soccer materials, Folsom heralds how tradition and innovation can coexist, thus echoing Nashville’s commitment to creative growth.The Community Impact of Soundwaves GalleryThe Soundwaves Gallery initiative isn’t only about art; it’s a call to action for Nashville families, volunteers, and civic-minded individuals to come together and embrace local culture. Each artwork will be auctioned off at the end of the season to support the Nashville SC Community Fund, aimed at enhancing the lives of youth through sports initiatives and community enrichment programs. This reinforces the importance of community involvement—not just in art appreciation, but in nurturing social impact through support for local charities.Attending the Soundwaves exhibit provides families an opportunity to connect with their local artists, engage in meaningful conversations, and inspire the next generation of creators. As families gather to celebrate art and sport, they are also fostering a community spirit rooted in empathy, creativity, and support.

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