Keeping the Legacy Alive: Celebrating Black Art at Nashville’s William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival

The vibrant city of Nashville was alive with creativity as it hosted the third annual William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival this past Saturday. This pivotal event shines a spotlight on Black and brown artists, marking its place as Nashville’s only art and craft fair intentionally elevating these communities. The festival’s theme, “Keeping the Legacy Alive,” invites attendees to reflect on the rich cultural and artistic history that informs contemporary practices.

The Echoes of History in Modern Art

Renowned sculptor Wilson Lee Junior, whose artistic journey began at the tender age of twelve, reflected on the essence of creativity at the festival. He shared, > “You don’t count the time; you make the time count.”

Growing up in a household with a woodworker for a father deeply influenced his craft. Wilson’s admiration for the late William Edmondson, a pioneer in stone carving and a significant figure in Nashville’s art scene, resonates through his work. “He’s a stone carver; I’m a wood carver. When I saw his work, I said, okay, yeah, he reminds me of myself,” Wilson conveyed, emphasizing the kinship between their artistic expressions.

Celebrating creativity in Nashville’s arts scene.

Honoring a Trailblazer

Mark Schlicher, who holds a seat on the Friends of the Edmondson Homesite Board of Directors, provided poignant insights into Edmondson’s life. He noted that Edmondson was born to formerly enslaved parents on a plantation in southwest Nashville, a history that shaped his artistic spirit. Schlicher recounted, > “William was born to formerly enslaved parents on a plantation in southwest Nashville. His widowed mother and siblings eventually settled in the Edgehill neighborhood.”

During the Great Depression, Edmondson discovered a unique outlet for his creativity, transforming discarded limestone into art. From 1932 to 1937, he crafted hundreds of pieces intended as lawn ornaments and decorations for the tombstones within the Black community. His talent garnered acclaim, ultimately leading him to become the first African American artist to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

A Gathering of Artists and Creatives

The festival found its home at the William Edmondson Homesite Park & Gardens, the sacred site of Edmondson’s former workshop, providing a historical backdrop to contemporary creativity. This year’s celebration, marked as “WE Fest,” welcomed a diverse array of artists, all contributing to the rich fabric of Nashville’s arts scene.

Emerging poet Jazz Lucas was among the festival’s highlights, offering attendees the chance to receive typed personal poems. “I’m honored to be here to be a part of that legacy of being my own emerging artist,” she embraced, further emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering a new generation of creatives.

Artists sharing their skills and passion.

Inspiring Future Generations

Wilson expressed his hope that the festival inspires young people to dream big and pursue their creative paths. “Events like this are crucial not only for promotion but also for instilling confidence in the next generation of artists,” he remarked, reminding us of the enduring impact of communal support for the arts.

Major funding for WE Fest is provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission and Metro Arts, showcasing a commitment to nurturing cultural expression in the region. As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, events like the William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival serve as vital reminders of the history and community that shape its identity.

The festival not only preserves Edmondson’s legacy but also enriches Nashville’s cultural landscape, encouraging all to engage with art in its myriad forms. The blend of history, community, and creativity at WE Fest unveils a powerful narrative that speaks to resilience and inspiration, paving the way for an even brighter future for Black and brown artists.

Conclusion

As Nashville celebrates this unique festival, the legacy of William Edmondson—and the artists it honors—remains vividly alive. By fostering an inclusive environment and promoting the works of diverse talents, the William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival stands as a testament to the arts’ power to connect, inspire, and uplift communities.

Tags

• William Edmondson
• Nashville Arts
• Black Artists
• Community Festival
• Art and Culture