H’Art for Haiti

I know….back to back posts on art!  But, we love art and haven’t written about it enough lately.  And the H’Art for Haiti show is too good a cause to overlook!  Plus, who couldn’t benefit from looking at good local art for a couple minutes?

Called by the cries from Haiti, the owners of Spruce Living in Brentwood are having an art show, showcasing local artists and benefiting Haiti on March 4th from 5 – 7PM.  Spruce will donate 15% of the proceeds from the art sold during this two hour show to the Haitian relief effort.  So, if you are in the market for art, this is your destination for Thursday evening – consider it a true happy hour since munchies and drinks will be served!  You might even win a door prize….some of which are art!  Spruce is one of our favorite gift shops around (gifts, art, furniture, pj’s, jewelry…).  And, everyone who works here is super sweet and helpful….we love that!

Spruce is located at 7028 Church Street East, Brentwood (near the Church Street/Franklin Rd intersection)

Check out these pictures of the affordable (yes, affordable! $100 – $900) art being sold:

Streater Odom Spencer

I have many friends who have a Streater Odom Spencer piece of art in their home.  From her website:

She has been the Featured Artist in the Harding Art Show, The Brentwood Fine Arts Show and The Art Event at Lipscomb.  After a trip to Tuscany, she started painting in a more relaxed style which has been received with great enthusiasm.  These new works were featured in a one woman show at Cottonlandia Museum in Greenwood, MS which set all time sales records for that show.  Streater is currently showing in galleries throughout the Southeast.

Painting by Streater Odom Spencer

Dana Kahan

Dana Kahan is a Contemporary Artist and Graphic Designer who calls Franklin home.  From her website:

Known for her striking technique with gloss black paint, she paints vibrant, abstract backgrounds and literally squirts black gloss acrylic paint (from a mustard bottle) in various interpretations of tangible objects and scenes. The black paint dries raised and cracked on top of the backgrounds adding texture and dimension to her pieces. Whether the subject is a flower, a chandelier or a carousel, Dana’s work is expressive and colorful.  Her work is enjoyed and collected by people from coast to coast. Her paintings also hang in a number of Nashville area galleries and stores.

Painting by Dana Kahan

Emily Martinez

Emily Martinez grew up in Huntsville, Alabama.  She graduated with a Fine Art Degree in 2005 from Harding University and finished her Masters in Art Education in 2008.  Emily taught art in Little Rock, AR until she and her husband Alex moved to Franklin, TN where 
she opened her studio in The Factory at Franklin.  She has participated in several art shows including The Independent International New York 
Art Festival where she was a featured artist.

Paintings by Emily Martinez

Julia Carter Hansen

Julia Carter Hansen is a self-taught artist who has been painting her whole life.  Her art has been seen at various local art shows in the Nashville area.  Julia’s use of vibrant colors and palette knife makes her works of art truly original.  She resides in Franklin with her family.

painting by Julia Carter Hansen

Elizabeth Castleman

Elizabeth Castleman has evolved from a nurturing art teacher, to an interior designer, to a sought after artist.  She has been fortunate to have studied under several of the top artists in the country.  Locally, Elizabeth studied under Dawn Whitelaw, Roger Brown and Lori Putnam.  While spending her winters in Naples Florida, she has been privileged to study under New York portrait painter, Angelo Grado, Indiana artist David Slonam and California’s, Camille Prowodek. Her goal in painting is much the same as her designed interiors:  both must have a balance of color and light and both must be inviting.  She wants the viewer to want to walk into the space and become a part of it.

Painting by Elizabeth Castleman

Stephen Graham

Stephen Graham, a Nashville native, was immersed in the arts at an early age.   Both parents, musicians and educators in the Nashville community, encouraged him to embrace an artistic path.  He spent several years as a musician, but was left searching for his niche.  With the inheritance of art supplies from his beloved and talented grandfather, his painting talents evolved.  Later, he experimented with using wood as a creative medium and ultimately found wood carving to be his true sentiment.  Stephen is now known for his large, impressive carvings….but as you can see below, he still finds time to paint large and impressive works of art!

Painting by Stephen Graham

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