Add Row
Add Element
Nashville Local Unplugged Logo
update
Blazer Digital Media
update
Add Element
  • Home
  • Happenings
    • Nashville Must-Do
    • Nashville Cafés
    • Nashville Culture
    • Nashville Hustle
    • Nashville Eats
    • Nashville Nightlife
    • Nashville Pulse
    • Nashville Unplugged
    • Nashville Vibe
    • Nashville Voices
    • Nashville Music
  • Nashville Business Spotlight
June 18.2025
2 Minutes Read

Discover Leroy Dawson's Art in Nashville's Starting XI Gallery

Joyful man at Nashville art gallery event with sneaker display.

Explore the Heart of Nashville's Art Scene

Nashville is well-known for its vibrant music scene, but there’s so much more that the city has to offer. This year, the Soundwaves Gallery unveils the Starting XI, an exciting initiative celebrating local artists and community spirit through the lens of soccer. The exhibition will showcase 11 unique pieces of art created from soccer-related materials by talented local artists, including the distinctive work of Leroy Dawson.

The Artistic Journey of Leroy Dawson

Leroy Dawson is not just an artist; he’s a storyteller who uses his talent to connect with the Nashville community. As part of the Periscope Class of 2023, his eclectic style draws inspiration from varied themes and mediums. Whether it’s stickers, canvas illustrations, or customized apparel, Leroy’s passion for drawing shines brightly in "The Heart of Music City", a captivating piece in the HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE gallery. This initiative breathes life into the streets of Nashville, giving locals a platform to express their creativity.

Soccer and Community Unite

The Starting XI art pieces will be unveiled alongside the HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE exhibition throughout the 2025 Major League Soccer season. Not only do these artworks showcase local talent, but they also highlight Nashville’s rich culture and community spirit. The collaboration with the Nashville SC Community Fund ensures that the proceeds from the auctioning of these art pieces will support valuable community projects.

Why This Matters To Us

For families in Nashville, events like these can foster a sense of connectedness. They serve as reminders of how art, sports, and community service intertwine, building a network of support and creativity. The local nonprofit scene thrives on these initiatives, providing opportunities for volunteer work and family engagement. This summer, as you plan family outings, consider visiting the Soundwaves Gallery. It’s a chance not just to appreciate art but to understand its impact on our vibrant Nashville mission initiatives.

Support Local Artists and Nonprofits

Participating in events like the Starting XI not only enhances the Nashville community’s cultural footprint but also allows families to engage in civic activities that matter. The art pieces resonate with the essence of Nashville, promoting values like kindness, creativity, and support for local causes. Considering the upcoming opportunities for Nashville charity fundraisers, you can choose to support initiatives that create deeper connections within the community.

Get involved!

As we anticipate the unveiling of the Starting XI this season, don't miss your chance to connect with the artists and the compelling stories behind their works. Expand your understanding of Nashville's culture by attending the exhibition and consider participating in volunteer opportunities offered by local nonprofits.

Find out how you can help, learn, and even benefit from resources like Nashville’s youth programs or charity events. Together, let’s uplift our community and celebrate the spirit of creativity that defines us.

Nashville Culture

13 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
12.14.2025

Discover Nashville Zoo's Hands-On Conservation for Puerto Rican Crested Toads

Update Hands-On Conservation: The Journey of Puerto Rican Crested Toads The conservation efforts for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Peltophryne lemur) showcase a powerful collaboration between local zoological institutions and global conservation initiatives. At the forefront of these efforts is the Nashville Zoo, which has actively participated in breeding and conservation programs for this endangered species since 2008. Turning the Tide: A Conservation Success Story Thanks to Nashville Zoo's dedicated work, their team saw significant success in their conservation endeavors around 2012 when they introduced a hormone cocktail called Amphiplex. This innovative approach to breeding has allowed them to produce over 33,000 tadpoles for release back into Puerto Rico, with a record-breaking 6,681 tadpoles shipped in 2025 alone. This remarkable achievement underlines the effectiveness of ex-situ conservation efforts to support in-situ (native habitat) conservation. The Importance of Community Engagement Conservation isn't just about the animals; it's also about building relationships within the community. During her recent trip to Puerto Rico, Pia Sandonato, an Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo, engaged directly with local conservation initiatives. She assisted in hands-on fieldwork, experiencing first-hand the challenges these toads face in their natural habitat and learning the significance of community involvement in conservation. Tackling Challenges with Local Collaboration Pia's trip highlights the urgent need to address various challenges threatening the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, including habitat loss, invasive species such as marine toads, and the impacts of climate change. The collaborative work among various zoos, local communities, and organizations like the Puerto Rican Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) is critical in creating effective strategies for habitat restoration and toad population recovery. Future Directions in Conservation Looking ahead, the Nashville Zoo's engagement in the Puerto Rican Crested Toad’s conservation project points to an optimistic path. With support for the establishment of new breeding habitats and the conduct of educational programs focused on the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship, Nashville Zoo plays a vital role in ensuring a future for this unique species. How You Can Help Conservation efforts like those for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad remind us of the collective responsibility we share for our natural world. Interested families and animal lovers can participate in similar initiatives by educating themselves and engaging in local conservation efforts. As the Nashville Zoo highlights, every individual has a role to play in protecting our planet's diverse species. If you enjoyed this story, why not stay connected? Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive local information and updates about events that celebrate the joy of nature and wildlife conservation in our community!

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.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*