CITY SPOTLIGHT
NASHVILLE
Not just notes
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the art—and the artists—they have chosen to work with.
My most memorable artist encounter was at Alan LeQuire
Studio, located in a nearby neighborhood. He is the creator of
“Musica,” the 40-foot tall bronze sculpture of nine nude, danc-
ing figures that’s located near Music Row.
“People can tour the gallery and, often, go to the studio and
see Alan working on a sculpture. To meet the artist and be a
witness to a work in progress is a unique experience,” says
studio manager Elizabeth Cave.
During our visit, a student was working beside the famous
sculptor, who views teaching as his obligation. “You work a life-
time developing a craft, and then you pass it along,” LeQuire says.
He talked about the foun-
tain that will soon be added
to “Musica,” joking that the
constantly moving water will
become clothing for the dancers.
Then he told about his other
form of artistic expression:
The same hands that can mold
metal also strum a guitar and
pick banjo strings.
Alan L eQuire with
“This is Nashville,” he says.
“Musica” model
“Everybody plays.”
As much as music plays a central role in Nashville, the city
is also flush with other types of artists. We visited neighbor-
hoods, streets and studios where talented people showcase
the work—the art—they are proud to express.
We were exploring 12 South, an area loaded with high-
end, hip stores and eateries. (The not-so-hip might call it
12th Avenue.) We visited the jewelry studio and showroom
of Judith Bright and the luxury leather goods studio of Peter
Nappi. As we strolled past more studios and boutiques, one
of my fellow journalists declared, “Nashville is a place where
people make their dreams come true.”
I agreed with him. His statement is different than a more
common phrase, “where dreams come true.” People here
make it happen.
And it’s not all high falutin’ goods in 12 South. We had a
great time sampling popsicles at Las Paletas, owned by two
sisters who grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and want to share
a cool part of their culture. We also learned about Nashville’s
craft beers at Filling Station, where owner Brandi Soda gave us
samples of Bearded Iris, TailGate and Yazoo.
“This is the real Nashville,” she says. “We’re like one ginor-
mous neighborhood here in 12 South.”
On another day, we spent the morning visiting galleries on
5th Avenue of the Arts. The owners of each business described
3:29 PM
discover
cheekwood
Enjoy year-round programs and exhibitions throughout 55 acres of gardens,
an art museum, and the spectacular Cheekwood mansion.
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Booking Group Tours Now
Dressing Downton™ | June 17 - September 10, 2017
Cheekwood Harvest | September 23 - October 29, 2017
Holiday LIGHTS
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October 2017
|
November 24 - December 31, 2017
Special rates available for groups of 15 or
more with complimentary admission for driver
and group leader. Enjoy a self-guided visit or
choose from a variety of tours focusing on art,
gardens, history or the best of everything.
Visit Cheekwood.org, call 615-353-6965, or
email [email protected] for more
information.