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If you’re like me and grew up in the Nashville area when a family outing to Cheekwood was your idea of an art crawl, you know how vastly abundant our beloved “Athens of the South’s” artistic landscape has become. Even still, the Belle Meade estate remains a cornerstone within the arts community inspiring so many galleries and art houses within the Nashville area. From classics to newcomers, these five art galleries are sure to jumpstart your very own artistic adventures.       

1) Chauvet Arts Nashville

Although Chauvet opened its doors in 2020 in the Arts District of Downtown Nashville, this gallery is steeped in history from its actual space to its name dating back more than 32,000 years. With a mission “ to empower artists and ignite greatness in all of us,” Chauvet celebrates the best of local and regional artists championing all that is the American South with exhibits such as its current “Americana Sunshine: A Playful Summertime Journey.” The gallery’s art director, Jorge Arrieta describes the show as “a tribute to the carefree days of summer. All of the fun things like sunny days, playing in the lake, the smell of a neighbor’s grill, live music, fireworks, are simple experiences we have to be grateful for.” Make sure to also make Chauvet one of your stops on downtown’s recurring First Saturday Art Crawl. 

2) Tinney Contemporary

Somewhat an OG of the Downtown Nashville Arts district, Susan Tinney actually helped start the First Saturday Art Crawl in 2006. Since those days Tinney Contemporary — located on 5th Avenue — has become a leader within the downtown arts community and Nashville as a whole. Currently exhibiting “Plastic Sunrise” which explores a “re-presentation of history and a nuanced meditation on the overlooked-everyday,” you’ll find shows at this gallery throughout the year showcasing artists from around the world. In partnership with the luxe Bobby Hotel, just around the corner, Tinney also presents The Collection at Bobby — a quarterly rotating exhibit within the boutique hotel’s public spaces. 

3) David Lusk Gallery

A staple within the Memphis art community since 1995, David Lusk Gallery found its second home within the Wedgewood-Houston community of Nashville in 2014. Spanning seven decades of teaching art to college students, and workshops across the country, consider this gallery an in depth study on fine and contemporary art celebrating a three-fold mission of dedication to art, education, and vocation. Throughout the month of August, you can check out the DLG Daily Art Summer Camp – an online exhibition. Each Tuesday an evite announces that week’s artists and their works paying homage to summer. These pieces of art are for sale and range in price point, medium, and style.  

4) Modfellows

One of Nashville’s younger galleries, Modfellows set its roots within Nashville’s Grassmere neighborhood in 2019. Indicative of the gallery’s name, the kind of art here is meant to inspire a whole new generation of art collectors with modern styles never intended for a gold-leafed frame or stark environment. Think bold statements and perspectives all housed within an unassuming space. You’ll find Modfellows one of those places that will make you want to shake the hand of your new favorite artist. The gallery also focuses on the secondary market selling rare works from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Currently in the house, Sam Price’s collection entitled “Eigengrau” takes a literal approach to the German word meaning “intrinsic gray, signifying the color seen through closed eyes at night.” Get your dream journals ready for this one! 

5) Leiper’s Creek Art Gallery

Emulating the charm of Williamson County’s rural Leiper’s Fork community, Leiper’s Creek Art Gallery is housed in a former gas station and was founded by Lisa Fox in 2001. Fox takes pride in the fact that her gallery isn’t “highfalutin'” and encourages guests to “bring your kids, bring your dog.” But, don’t let her lack of pretension fool you. The gallery is filled with masters at their craft with a strong emphasis on local artists – drawing collectors and art enthusiasts to this haven of creativity. The Leiper’s Fork icon has also become a destination for painters en plein air from across the country due to its beautiful surroundings. Still, you can simply pull up a chair in this warm and inviting space to chat all things art with Fox and her gallery director, Amy Smith. Yes, I know that Leipers Fork isn’t in Nashville. But, trust me! Even the scenic drive will inspire you.