Celebrating 25 Years: Frist Art Museum Highlights Women Artists in Major Exhibition

Celebrating Women in Art at the Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is thrilled to launch 'In Her Place: Nashville Artists in the Twenty-First Century,' an exhibition to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Running from January 29 to April 26, 2026, this event shines a light on the significant contributions of women artists in Nashville's vibrant visual arts scene.

Curated by industry professionals, this exhibition showcases the incredible work of 28 talented women artists, offering nearly 100 pieces that range from paintings and sculptures to textiles and installations. It highlights the diverse ways in which these artists interpret their connections to place, culture, and identity. The Frist aims to not only honor these contributors but also spotlight their ongoing influence in contemporary art.

Women's involvement in Nashville's art landscape has always been profound, particularly in recent years where they have gained national and international recognition. Many have dedicated themselves to nurturing artistic communities - teaching, leading organizations, and fostering the next generation of creators. The exhibition serves as an essential reminder that women have long been at the forefront of art, shaping both local and global discussions.

Within its largest gallery, 'In Her Place' is organized thematically. The first section, titled 'Materiality and Memory,' features works that draw on personal and collective histories, expertly using mediums such as paper, fabric, and other materials to tell stories of family, identity, and existence. For instance, Alicia Henry's powerful pieces weave narratives of experience and emotion through layered fabrics and distinctive forms.

Moving to 'Cultural Foundations,' the exhibition explores how artists reconnect with their ancestral backgrounds while establishing their identities in Nashville. Raheleh Filsoofi utilizes local clay to create stunning vessels that reflect both her Iranian heritage and her contemporary practices, bridging cultural divides through her art. Similarly, Briena Harmening uses text-based quilts to delve into Southern identity, intertwining traditional craft with modern expression.

The following theme, 'Scenes and Dreams,' invites viewers into surreal realms where everyday scenes are reimagined. Artists like Emily Weiner and Marilyn Murphy imbue their works with striking, otherworldly elements, inviting us to ponder both the familiar and the fantastical.

Lastly, the section 'Patterns and Abstraction' strips away representational forms to emphasize vibrant colors and textured compositions. Artists present dynamic works that reflect their personal histories and broader narratives, drawing on abstract language to communicate complex concepts. Sisavanh Phouthavong Houghton, for instance, channels her experiences as a Laotian refugee into vibrant compositions that speak of chaos and resilience, while Kelly S. Williams connects with familial memories through intricate patterns.

To enhance the visitor experience, the Frist will also present related projects and installations throughout the museum, such as Vadis Turner's striking large sculpture, 'Venus in a Landscape,' located in the outdoor courtyard, inviting passersby to engage with the themes of beauty and transformation. Furthermore, educational programs and interactive workshops in the Martin ArtQuest space will allow guests to connect more deeply with the exhibition's themes and the participating artists.

Through 'In Her Place,' the Frist Art Museum is establishing a vital conversation around the importance of women in the art world, reshaping perceptions of Nashville not merely as a musical hub but as a thriving center for visual storytelling. This exhibition not only acknowledges the artistic contributions of women but also asserts their rightful places within the narratives of contemporary art. The initiative is underpinned by a commitment to inspire and uplift voices that have historically been marginalized in the art community.

Lastly, this exhibition's catalogue, coedited by Kathryn E. Delmez and Laura Hutson Hunter and published by Vanderbilt University Press, will be available in the museum's gift shop, offering insights into the participating artists and their creative journeys.

The Frist Art Museum invites everyone to celebrate the legacy, talent, and influence of women artists who continue to shape Nashville's rich artistic landscape, making this 25th-anniversary celebration one not to be missed.