It’s the first weekend of the month, the first weekend of the New Year, and time for the First Saturday Art Crawl. A budget friendly foray into the arts that occurs the first Saturday of every month, the First Saturday Art Crawl offers a chance to view local art galleries, artists, sculptures and installments free of charge. This Saturday, January 7th, a free shuttle service will loop between two stops, the Arcade (right next to Printer’s Alley) and the Tennessee Art League (808 Broadway).

Over a dozen galleries occupy the Arcade, a historical landmark in itself. Built in 1903 the Arcade was modeled after an arcade in Italy and still sports a breathtaking glass roof that spans the length of the building. The second floor of this architectural marvel is now dedicated to cubby hole art galleries showcasing some of Nashville’s own artists like Andy Anh Ha, a nationally lauded and awarded artist born and raised in Nashville, TN. His striking Asian influenced mixed media paintings are just a sampling of the stunning pieces available to view on the Art Crawl, and exhibits are rotated out on a monthly basis so you never get bored. Four other galleries, including the Rymer Gallery are also located at this stop on 5th Avenue. The second stop, The Tennessee Art League, was opened in 2005 during the revitalization of downtown, bringing three stories of local artists, sculpture, and installments to the heart of the downtown area. The third floor even offers exhibit space for “non-profit organizations, after-school programs and other community outreach projects.”

All galleries have their doors open from 6:00pm till 9:00pm, with the shuttle service running until 10:00pm. All entry to the participating galleries is free, the shuttle is free, and the wine, cookies and spiced rum punch is free (though tips and donations are appreciated). Remember, the First Saturday Art Crawl takes place the first Saturday of every month, and the opportunity to experience the cultural enrichment available to residents and tourists alike in the heart of downtown Nashville, although free, is priceless.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

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