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.
Experiential Design Student Show
October 16 – December 06
Leu Center for the Visual Arts Lobby
Experiential Design students in the Watkins College of Art share recent projects.
Upcoming Exhibitions
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.
January 02 – February 21
Leu Gallery
Reception + Talk: Jan 16 from 4-6pm
Among the Beyond is an undergraduate alumni exhibition presenting works of art and design by Watkins College of Art graduates. This year's faculty-nominated, alumni co-curators are Matt Christy ('07) and Blythe Colvin ('20). Join us as we celebrate our alumni's ongoing professional achievements, welcoming them back to share inspiring tales from their creative journeys after graduation!
January 02 – February 21
Gallery 121
Reception + Talk: Jan 23 from 4:30-6pm
In Ways of Seeing, Benjy Davies expresses a seamless fusion of life and art that blurs the lines between observation and creation. Inspired by Ai Weiwei's philosophy, Davies’ works in pen/ink, acrylic, oil, and printmaking techniques explore themes of nature, perception, and personal narrative. Delve into his ongoing "Daily Drawings" series, a testament to the interconnectedness of existence, while immersive large-scale pieces challenge perceptions of reality and illuminate the human experience through the lens of radical acceptance and introspection.
January 06 – 30
LCVA Lobby
Reception + Talk: Jan 30 from 4:30-6pm
This exhibition of the Blend Studio Collective seeks to create discourse addressing contemporary arts and culture. Artmaking has always been a series of questions and answers engaged through creative thinking and problem-solving. This challenge is examined in the work of EveryThing is FigureOutAble within an exploration of discovery and experimentation through the perspectives of diverse Nashville based artists.
February 03 – 20
LCVA Lobby
Reception + Talk: Feb 20 from 4:30-6pm
Discover the transformative potential of art! Power in Art is an inspiring exhibit featuring the works of artists from Daybreak Arts, Friends Life Community, and HAPI, Inc. These inspiring organizations elevate the diverse talents and personal stories of artists who use their creativity to overcome challenges, foster community, and advocate for social change. Join us in celebrating the resilience, innovation, and boundless spirit of these incredible artists, and witness firsthand how art can inspire, empower, and connect us all.
March 10 – May 23
Leu Gallery
Reception + Talk: Mar 27 from 4-6pm
From Where Loss Comes is a photography exhibition by Pradip Malde that takes an unblinking look at how sacrifice and belonging are deeply rooted in the human experience, specifically through female genital mutilation (FGM) and cutting in Tanzania.
March 10 – April 04
Gallery 121 + LCVA Lobby
WCA Awards Gala: Apr 03 from 4-6pm
The Watkins College of Art and Kappa Pi student organization presents the professionally juried Annual Student Exhibition. Join in the celebratation of student success with this display of our students' best work!
April 14 – May 02
Gallery 121 + LCVA Lobby
Reception: May 01 from 5-7pm
The Watkins College of Art at Belmont University presents an annual exhibition of fine arts majors' senior thesis projects. This exhibit culminates in a reception that includes the presentation of senior design portfolios.
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.