The Main Library has a free art gallery on the first floor with a single exhibit that changes every few months. Right now they have an exhibit by Sue Mulcahy, who also recently had a show at the Frist called "Shades of Gray." I really liked the black and white drawings she exhibited at the Frist, so I'd definitely recommend checking out her work at the library. Plus, you can see it here for free, wheras I had to pay over $10 to see it (along with some other great exhibits) at the Frist.
Nashville's Main Library seems to be well endowed, and this gallery is no exception: the space is open, well-lit, and feels very new. They seem to consistently have worthwhile exhibits. If you aren't satisfied by what you see in the art gallery, there's also usually an exhibit from the library's special collections on the second floor balcony. Right now they're showing presidential campaign art past and present, which I thought was pretty cool. The library does a good job with the presentation of its exhibits, providing plenty of food for thought, without trying to fit too many pieces onto one wall. read more