Today we’re shining a spotlight on Nashville art teachers… and so is the Frist Art Museum.

The museum’s latest exhibition — “Nashville Art Teachers: Beyond the Classroom” — features the work of 32 Davidson County art instructors.

It’s a companion exhibit to Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful, which opened in late February. Thomas, who worked as an art teacher in Washington, DC for 35 years, was the first Black woman to have her work featured in the White House’s permanent art collection.

🖼️ About the exhibit

Nashville is full of talented art teachers, so the Frist Art Museum set out to celebrate them with this juried exhibition. The collection highlights their artistic contributions inside and outside the classroom + salutes their commitment to teaching art during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did it all come together? Over 300 pieces were submitted to jurors from 80 elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Ultimately, 33 works were selected that range from paintings to photography and mixed media.

🖼️ Local teachers + schools on display

Eighteen of the featured artists are from Metro Nashville Public Schools, including Erin Scobey from DuPont Elementary School, Jeff Clark from Goodlettsville Middle School, and Jacolyn Wingo from Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary School. Other teachers hail from area private schools like Harpeth Hall and St. Edward. See the full list.

In the words of Community Engagement Director Shaun Giles, “These artists share their observations, perceptions of the world around them, and personal stories through their art.”

“Beyond the Classroom” will be on display through Aug. 28 in the Conte Community Arts Gallery. It’s the first exhibition guests see when entering the historic art deco building (and it’s always free), so you can’t miss it.