Upcoming exhibitions, art sales, and interactive experiences

From larger-than-life sculptures at Cheekwood to tomato-themed art in East Nashville, save the dates for these upcoming exhibitions and art sales.

Giant troll sculpture with one arm raised and a bag of birdhouses carried over its back in a forest-like setting.

Artist Thomas Dambo has 80+ scultures placed all over the world. | Photo courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden via Cheekwood

There’s much to explore in Nashville’s vibrant art scene as you wander through galleries filled with local, regional, and international works.

We’ve compiled a list of current and upcoming exhibitions — categorized by museum — to put on your calendar this year, as well as forthcoming art sales. Note: This list is not comprehensive, and it’s possible new exhibitions will be announced as the year goes on.

Museums and gardens

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

  • Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist | March 9-June 16 | Over 50 drawings, prints, and photographs by French artist Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
  • Cheekwood Debuts: The Masterpiece Art Series | March 9-June 16 | New series dedicated to showing a single or small grouping of iconic, world-renowned pieces
  • TROLLS: Save the Humans | May 2-Sept. 1 | Six giant trolls ranging from 16 to 50 ft tall placed throughout Cheekwood
Get excited for these future exhibitions coming to the Frist Art Museum in 2023. | Photo by NASHtoday

Get excited for future exhibitions coming to the Frist Art Museum. | Photo by NASHtoday

Frist Art Museum

  • Monuments and Myths | March 1–May 27 | The work of Gilded Age sculptors Daniel Chester French and Augustus Saint-Gaudens
  • Southern/Modern | Jan. 26–April 28 | Paintings and works on paper created in the American South from 1913 to 1955
  • Black Joy, in Spite of. . . | April 5-Sept. 2 | Historical imagery paired with present day art selected by guest curator Brigette Janea Jones
  • Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous | May 30-Aug. 25 | 65 photos curated by photographer Ann Ray, 50+ dress objects spanning McQueen’s career, and 10 gifted garments from Ray’s wardrobe
  • Shahpour Pouyan: Winter in Paradise | May 30-Aug. 25 | Drawings and ceramic sculptures, as well as Pouyan’s first VR installation
  • ¡Printing the Revolution! | June 28–Sept. 29 | 119 works ranging from traditional screen prints and digital graphics to augmented reality pieces and site-specific installations
  • María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold | Sept. 27–Jan. 5, 2025 | Photography, installation, painting, and performance spanning the nearly four-decade career of Campos-Pons
  • Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga | Oct. 25–Feb. 16, 2025 | All-ages exhibit offering a colorful, atmospheric exploration divided into four thematic sections — Sky, Sea, Forest, and City

See other exhibits currently on display at the Frist.

Tennessee State Museum

  • STARS: Statewide Elementary Exhibition | Opens March 23 | Artwork created by K-5th grade students from across Tennessee, selected by a panel of judges
  • Tennessee Furniture: Selections from the State Museum Collection | Opens April 20 | Historic and contemporary furniture constructed from native woods, made in local shops, or crafted by lifelong residents
Festival-goers walk around the gallery viewing tomato-inspired artwork.

Warning: This art may make you hungry.

Photo via Tomato Art Fest

Art sales and shows

  • The Chestnut Group: Painting the Greenways | April 25-28 | The art sale features original plein air works inspired by Nashville’s greenways, with a portion of sales donated to Greenways for Nashville. Save the date for the Shelby Park and Bottoms art sale later this year.
  • The Harding Art Show | May 2-4 | Now in its 48th year, the Harding Art Show showcases art from more than 75 artists from across the country, including this year’s featured artist Ashley Mary.
  • Tomato Art Fest | Aug. 9-10 | Peruse tomato-themed paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other mediums for sale.
  • Artville | Sept. 27-29 | Last year’s event featured installations and murals all over Wedgewood-Houston, as well as gallery shows and after dark events.
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