Meet the Nashville Symphony’s inaugural Visual Artist-in-Residence 
doughjoe

When we met Nashville-based artist doughjoe in the lead-up to The Jonah People, little did we know how our relationship would blossom. We are thrilled to announce his appointment as the Symphony’s first-ever Visual Artist-in-Residence. Coinciding with the Orchestra’s season-long celebration of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue centenary, doughjoe’s residency includes an installation of his original art in the Schermerhorn's East and West lobbies and atria—much of it created specifically for our space and inspired by his attendance at countless Symphony concerts. doughjoe will also continue to work with us on community engagement activities including student workshops at community centers, public schools, and after-school programs in Davidson County; a meet-the artist panel and open house at the Schermerhorn; and panel discussions aimed at university students discussing the connectivity between art and music with museum curators and musicians.

Follow doughjoe on instagram for more about his work.

Gallery Opening | Free Open House
Saturday, January 13, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

We welcome you to join us at the Schermerhorn Saturday, January 13 for a free gallery opening of works created by local artist doughjoe. A Meet-the-Artist conversation with doughjoe and Nashville Symphony VP of Education and Community Engagement Kimberly Kraft McLemore will start at 4:15 pm in the West Lobby. Light refreshments will be served.

Artist Statement

When the Nashville Symphony was engaging the community for the production of The Jonah People: A Legacy of Struggle and Triumph, Professor/Historian Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr. presented me with an opportunity to join him on a panel at the Tennessee State University, where I shared my work and experience in elevating Black stories through visual art in response to the forgotten side of Nashville’s true music legacy. I was then hired by the Symphony to collaborate with the opera’s composer and producer, Hannibal Lokumbe, to lead the community art project gathering “Prayers for Humanity.” The work and collaboration has grown to be more than I imagined with the opportunity to be the inaugural Visual Artist-in-Residence! I would like to thank the symphony team, especially Kimberly, in supporting me with the opportunity to connect further and more intentionally with the Nashville community. I look forward to sharing more deeply from my perspective and bringing light to all of those in our Music City!  

I appreciate walking the halls of the symphony during the 100-year celebration of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (an homage to American culture) and seeing this quote by him:

“True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.” 

With gratitude, light & love,
doughjoe 

WORK ON DISPLAY
Chevalier de Saint-George, acrylic and spray on canvas - 50x70, vertical -- West Lobby
Esperanza Flows, acrylic and spray on canvas - 50x40, horizontal -- West Lobby*
Ella Sheppard Moore, acrylic on canvas - 30x40, vertical  -- West Lobby**
Rhapsody in BlueGreenFuchsia, acrylic and spray on canvas - 50x70, vertical  -- West Lobby**
by, George, acrylic and spray on canvas- 30x40 vertical -- West Lobby**
Patina, acrylic and spray on canvas - 50x40, horizontal -- West Lobby
Rebirth, acrylic on canvas - 60x96, vertical  -- West Atrium
Many Miles & Moons, acrylic on canvas - 60x96, vertical  --East Atrium
Music City Dreams, acrylic on wooden panel - triptych --East Lobby

*Top row pictured above. 
**Bottom row pictured above, listed from left to right.