News

An opening party reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, for the first art exhibit of the academic year in Barton Gallery, located on the second floor of the Gault Fine Arts Center.

The show comes to Martin Methodist College from Old Hickory Art Center and features the work of the Hobby Painters, a group of senior citizens who support each other’s creativity through mutual instruction and critique.

The reception in the Barton Art Gallery is open to the public.

The Old Hickory Art Center is a local art gallery that is of- the beaten path and unique, located in the historic Hadley Elementary School on Fuller Street in Old Hickory, Tenn., northeast of Nashville in Davidson County. Hadley Elementary, one of few remaining two-room schools in Middle Tennessee, served first through eighth grade classes from 1935 to 1956.

OHAC is the dream of Tom Taylor, a retired graphic artist, who, with the support of the Old Hickory Utility District, renovated to serve as a gallery,  Some of the original school furniture is still used by the artists. 

OHAC has grown and developed into a working gallery where over 30 hobby-artists create oils, acrylics, and watercolors while learning from each other or periodic special classes and demonstrations.  OHAC is also a social gathering when members share ideas, techniques learned elsewhere, even constructive criticism and lots of camaraderie.  Lunch is always a good time to share ideas but a monthly pot-luck birthday luncheon is sure to promote attendance. 

There is a sharing library of art books and magazines, and a local framing business donates used frames and excess marring which is available to artists. The Center offers tables, easels, and equipment like overhead projection and mat cutter, plus a small freezer for oil pains storage. Matting and framing are available on-site by fellow artists without cost; which puts art work in its best presentation. 

OHAC friendships have extended by seven ladies to another group, ArtVentures, where other artists in the Nashville area meet monthly to share lunch with art news and ideas.

The art work is exhibited in two shows usually held in May and November which encourages members to show work created during the prior six months that is framed and reasonably priced.  This is a great incentive as well as an opportunity to see growth and progress.  This art remains on the walls until the next show for viewing and sale throughout the year.  OHAC is a nonprofit organization and more information is available at www.oldhickoryartcenter.weebly.com or by contacting Tom Taylor at 615-403-0210.