Centennial Art Center Celebrates 50 Years with a Homecoming Exhibit this April

Metro Parks Centennial Art Center Gallery punctuates its legacy of art with a Homecoming exhibit April 4-28, 2022, through a display of art by former staff, students, and instructors. A celebratory Anniversary Event and Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with remarks at 7:00 p.m.

This Homecoming exhibit celebrates 50 years of artmaking and community education showcasing art by just a few of the many, many talented artists who studied or worked in the Metro Parks Visual Arts Programs at Metro Community Centers throughout the city. This exhibit brings together a sampling of artists, many of whom began or spent their careers dedicated to Metro Parks Visual Arts Programs and other Nashville art communities.

Centennial Art Center opened April 23, 1972. Despite its complicated history, the center has had a lasting and far-reaching effect, helping to lay the very foundations of the vibrant Nashville art community that exists today. This popular program, dedicated to community arts education, has engaged talented instructors to teach painting, pottery, sculpture, weaving, jewelry-making, batik and more to children, adults, and seniors throughout the city. Staff and artists created and/or partnered with community organizations to create popular art festivals and craft shows such as Legend of the Blues, Celebration of Cultures (Celebrate Nashville), and the beloved Tennessee Craft fairs, many of which continue to this day. In addition, Centennial Art Center has displayed art exhibitions of local artists and created murals for the communities it serves. Many former students and instructors have created local businesses or have become independent working artists. These dedicated individuals continue their work to ensure the success of this wonderful visual arts community.

Centennial Art Center and Metro Parks and Recreation's Visual Arts Programs continue to provide quality art and cultural experiences. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of art making and community education with this Homecoming exhibit. On display April 4-28, 2022.

Centennial Art Center Gallery is free and open to the public. The exhibit is open April 4 through April 28, 2022. The Anniversary Event and Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with remarks at 7:00 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call Centennial Art Center at 615-862-8442, visit online: Metro Public Visual Arts or on facebook.