Statements
Mission
The mission of the Tennessee Art League is to support and encourage participation in the visual arts for both artists and patrons. An artist's drive to create art can only be satisfied when that work speaks to a viewer in a meaningful way. At that point the work truly become Art. Artists, then, must exhibit what they have produced to satisfy their role in society: to use their media to document significant aspects of their time and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are as an organization, the more diverse the mindsets of our artists, the more fully our exhibits reflect the world to those that view the art.
Background
The Tennessee Art League is managed by volunteer artists for artists. Founded over 60 years ago by arts educators associated with the original Watkins Institute, the art league continues to be one of the area's most inclusive non-profit art organizations. Promotion of artists by exhibiting their work, publishing works of theirs in the TAL web gallery, mentoring those artists who want to learn more about exhibiting, publishing, and using social media: seeking opportunities to support artists handicapped in creating art; and encouraging members to take part in leadership roles are ways we help artists to grow and flourish.
Impact
Making and experiencing art is an important human activity, leaving a trail that informs contemporary scholars and historians about civilization. Knowing that the value of an artist's work may not be recognized in his/her lifetime, TAL recognizes the value of showing contemporary art to society and to the working artist. TAL works with visual artists to find and provide exhibit spaces. In each venue the works add to the spirit of the place.We have exhibited and sold art in various places in the community, included but not limited to: downtown's Encore Condominium, Casa Azafran Community Center, The University Club of Nashville, Tennessee State University, the Green Hills & Brentwood Public Libraries, Towne Centre Theater, and the Brentwood Community Theater. Exhibits typically hang for two months at a time. We maintain routine meetings and workshops with fresh programs attuned to the interests of members and the arts community alike. Being able to gather and exhibit in the company of like-minded artists is a core need for persons who often do much of their creating alone. The goal is to gain knowledge from conversations, skill tutorials, and mentoring to fuel the artists' abilities in a group of artists of many levels of experience and recognition.
Due to the efforts of our board, we have been able to re-engaged community involvement during Covid. We have held virtual info sessions and workshops. We have also partnered with Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital to raise funds for Autism research with our 'Piece of the Puzzle' Art Auction. The goal is to grow this venture into an annual event.
Needs
1. Operations financial support from grants.
2. Donations from fundraising programs.
3. Aid in financing community building workshops and events.
3. Committee & volunteer development.
4. Ongoing opportunities for venue space to exhibit visual art shows.
CEO Statement
Our membership consists of talented artists, some in the early stages of their career, some established professionals.
Applicants who have lived in other geographic areas, have experienced unique life experiences, and that speak other languages are welcome in TAL.
Each exhibit is juried to insure that work chosen for a show considers its viewers.
Board Chair Statement
For over 60 years the Tennessee Art League has encouraged many aspiring artist to mature and blossom into talented established artists. The leadership of this league aims to create exciting shows and experiences where our artists work is exemplified. We are always looking to new and interesting ways to involve members and community by aiding in promoting our artists and their art in Tennessee and across the globe.
LeAndra Crystal, TAL President acts as the Director of the Board. All TAL officers are unpaid volunteers.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Visual Arts |
| Secondary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Arts Education |
| Tertiary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Arts Services |
Areas Served
All of Tennessee, especially Middle Tennessee. If an artist spends part of the year in TN s/he may join TAL. Work must be brought to a venue in person. We do not accept artworks delivered by an outside company.
| TN - Bedford |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Coffee |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Franklin |
| TN - Giles |
| TN - Hickman |
| TN - Lawrence |
| TN - Lewis |
| TN - Lincoln |
| TN - Marshall |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Moore |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
