Nashville Celebrates the Legacy of Black Artists at William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival
This past Saturday, the vibrant city of Nashville came alive with creativity and culture as it hosted the third annual William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival. Aimed at shining a light on the talents of Black and brown artists, this festival uniquely sets itself apart as Nashville’s only art and craft fair designed to intentionally highlight diverse artistry. The overarching theme of this year’s festivities was keeping the legacy alive, and it certainly hit the mark, celebrating the rich history and future of artistic expression.
Honoring a Pioneering Artist
Central to the festival was the legacy of William Edmondson, a groundbreaking artist who made waves as the first African American artist to hold a solo exhibition at New York’s prestigious Museum of Modern Art. The festival took place at the William Edmondson Homesite Park & Gardens, the very location where Edmondson once crafted his art, creating a truly authentic atmosphere for celebration.
Mark Schlicher, who serves on the board of the Friends of the Edmondson Homesite, shared insights into Edmondson’s remarkable background. “William was born to formerly enslaved parents on a plantation in southwest Nashville, now Green Hills. His widowed mother and siblings eventually settled in the Edgehill neighborhood,” he explained. During the challenging times of the Great Depression, Edmondson discovered his talent amid hardship, using discarded limestone found in his yard to create hundreds of artistic pieces intended for the Black community.
Inspired Voices of Creativity
Among the artists present was the dynamic sculptor Wilson Lee Junior, whose passion for art ignited at the age of 12. Growing up in a family of woodworkers, Wilson reflects on his journey into creativity, saying, “You don’t count the time; you make the time count.” Finding inspiration in Edmondson’s work, Wilson connects deeply with the legacy left behind. “When I saw his work, I said, okay, yeah, he reminds me of myself,” he stated, drawing a parallel between his wood carving and Edmondson’s stone work.
This year’s celebration formed part of the WE Fest, welcoming an array of artists eager to make their mark. Among them was emerging talent Jazz Lucas, who set up shop at the festival to create personalized poems for attendees, blending lyrical expression with visual art. “I’m honored to be here to be a part of that legacy of being my own emerging artist,” she beamed, encapsulating the spirit of the festival.
Aiming to Inspire
Wilson Lee Junior hopes that the festival acts as a springboard for aspiring young creatives. His wish is to inspire the youth to aspire for greatness and pursue their unique artistic paths. “I want to show them that you don’t have to fit into a mold,” he said, highlighting that personal expression can lead to amazing opportunities.
Support and Community
Support for the WE Fest comes from significant funding provided by both the Tennessee Arts Commission and Metro Arts. This backing goes a long way in promoting art diversity and ensuring that the voices of underrepresented artists continue to thrive and be honored.
As the sun set over Nashville, the festival drew to a close, but not without leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended. It’s clear that events like the William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival are crucial not just for celebrating past legacies but for paving the way for future generations of artists. The coming together of the community, the sharing of stories, and the creativity on display served as a beautiful reminder of how art transcends boundaries and truly connects us all.
