If you love art like I do, go to Richland Fine Art and walk around. Promise you will like what you…read moresee. This beautiful gallery has a conglomerate of original art work. I loved the oil paintings and dreamed of where in my house I could hang each piece. Then I looked at the prices! However, I don't think they are outrageous for well know regional artists' original pieces. Remember good art is an investment! Richland hosts great events such as open houses, showings, and meet the artists parties from time to time. Check out the web site for details. This was a fascinating way to spend a hot summer afternoon. Also makes me realize how little artistic talent I have! But makes you appreciate those who have it all the more.

Richland Fine Art is a large gallery located on the upstairs level of Grace's Plaza, just past the…read moreMall at Green Hills. Although most of the paintings here a very conventional (children playing on the beach, still lives, agricultural landscapes, European streets, luxurious portraits, etc.), I did see a few more innovative pieces too, including a drippy-looking abstract painting in bold primary colors, a very realistic portrait of two old-timers playing folk music in a community center, and some neat impressionist wilderness scenes by Gavin Brooks. Most of the artwork at Richland is large-scale and very pricey. But they weren't kiddiing when they called it "Fine Art" - all of the paintings here are vibrant and professional-looking, clearly created by highly trained artists. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and don't seem to mind if you wander in without necessarily intending to make a purchase.

The Carl Van Vechten Gallery is a real gem. It's split in to two galleries. The main gallery…read morefeatures the Alfred Stieglitz collection which has Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, O'Keeffe, and Stieglitz... all here in Nashville. Downstairs is the second gallery which has rotating exhibits. Both galleries are housed in a historic building on the Fisk University campus.

So, Nashville isn't really a visual arts town. So I was excited when my mother-in-law asked if I…read morewanted to visit this gallery on the Fisk University campus. We visited on a day they were still setting up an exhibit, so the pieces were missing their signage, but the students at the front desk were happy to answer our questions when they could! It's a small gallery, but with interesting work. And quite unique in Nashville! I recommend visiting (and exploring Fisk's gorgeous and historic campus)!

The Tennessee Arts Commission is an State agency that works to support Tennessee artists. They have…read morea gallery in their offices that is open to the public, it is located on the main floor of their building on 4th and Charlotte. The gallery is a small space but it showcases the art well and they model the gallery specifically for each exhibit. The artist showcased is always a contemporary artist from the State of Tennessee. Their moto at the Arts Commission is to 'exhibit and promote the talents of visual artists from across the state.' I am pretty impressed by this gallery, because I have seen some pretty strange and avant gard pieces on display here from time to time, in addition to more traditional works. I visited when they hosted a set of sculptures that were some kind of morph between a blob and human body parts. They were creepy and incredibly interesting. Also, on display at the same time, was a set of oversize photographs that had been manipulated slightly to give the portraits a strange sense of uneasiness when looking at the subjects face. These are just a couple of examples of works they have shown here. This gallery is a great place to see contemporary work from the State of Tennessee. Admission is always free! Just a note, you will have to enter the building and go through security, since it is a state building. But just tell the guards you are there to visit the gallery and you will have no problem. Then you can walk through the main floor to get to the gallery space.

Fort Houston is a unique place. It has a full metal shop and wood shop with professional equipment…read moreand working space. It has the new State Art Gallery, a place to encounter new artists. It has small offices and studios for rent, and a large co-working space (think Starbucks without the expensive coffee). It is one of the few places in Nashville where the coin of the realm is not social class but passion, commitment, and a willingness to learn and share. Tours are free, shop memberships are available at www.forthouston.org

This is by far one of the most exciting places I've reviewed. As someone who LOVES making art,…read morewalking into this space is like a kid in a candy-shop. Branded as a "makerspace", memberships start at $150/mo and cap at $500/mo. Open 24 hours a day (to members only), this is the perfect resource for artists looking to get their business of the ground without the commitment of purchasing studio-space. The shops include screen-printing, metal work, and wood. You can use your reserved space for pretty much any type of art if you don't want your livingroom overflowing with tools and clutter. You are responsible for providing all material supplies, the equipment is the responsibility of the establishment. While some might have a hard time justifying the cost of a membership, I personally don't have the funds to purchase the equipment they allow members to use for free. For me, this is the key selling point. There is a gallery on site and a cafe which features some of the artists work on its walls. During off-hours the space can be used an event space. Scheduling and availability is all done online. All in all, it's a very straight forward agreement, and a fun space to collaborate with other artists.

I was an old student with Billy back in San Diego. I enjoyed the atmosphere and how beneficial…read moretaking his course was for my own art skill to level up. He played great music during class as well!

Went to Billy's classes while he was located in San Diego. Gotta say, I miss these classes. If…read moreyou're fortunate enough to be in Neko Press' current area, and are looking to improve your art chops, Billy is your man! He's a very kind, patient, and understanding teacher, who allows you to find / focus on doing things in your own style. Hope all is well my dude! - Andrew Welch

Studio B is a little gallery near Belmont University in the 12 South District. They feature a…read morediverse selection of art and sculpture. I went in recently and saw some sculpture from Victor Schmidt. The gallery had it right up front and was pretty cool looking. Studio B usually features local Nashville artists as well as more well known people. They have some pretty abstract paintings that are super colorful and full of life. This is a pretty cool gallery in the up and coming 12 South District, definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

Trellis & Vine is a true gem for art lovers and creatives alike. Run by Ben and Theresa Alley, this…read morewelcoming studio and gallery does an incredible job of supporting local artists while building a genuine sense of community. From unique, locally made artwork to hands-on classes and events, there's always something inspiring happening. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, a creative outlet, or just a place to connect with talented people, Trellis & Vine delivers. Ben and Theresa's passion for helping artists grow really shines through in everything they do. Smyrna is lucky to have a space like this. I highly recommend stopping by!

I've been taking beginner home deco classes for about 8 weeks and I love it! Marguerite is a laid…read moreback and incredibly skilled teacher. Her many years of teaching mixed with her fun personality definitely make for a nice environment. If you're think of starting here, please know that it takes a couple of weeks to learn the basics - getting to know the machine and learning to pin and cut your fabrics etc. It's not a one and done kind of thing! In order to learn the right way you need to be taught! Not thrown in head first to make things incorrectly. I am loving classes! I Have Done 6 Reversible Placemats And A 6 Ft Reversible Table Runner for The First Lesson - Over Several Weeks. Its Getting Exciting - Next Week I Start My Pillow project! First lesson meaning - mostly straight lines and all the details that accompany) Go see Marguerite!

Marguerite and her staff are amazing! My sewing skills have excelled over the past year. I could…read morenot be happier with my experience. Last year I entered a few of my items into the State Fair and won one first place and two second place ribbons!