From the rhythm of the music created here to the natural beauty of our parks and greenways, there is a spirit of connection, celebration, and resilience at the core of Nashville’s identity. This city is a dynamic place where history is created and preserved, where innovation thrives alongside tradition, and where Nashvillians—old and new—are the beating pulse of a thriving and changing city.
The Soundwaves Gallery: THE HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE is a celebration of place, people, stories, and community spirit at the core of Nashville’s identity as a uniquely creative city. Meet the artists!
Alayna Catacombs Art
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Alayna Catacombs (nee Cate) has been a lifelong creative. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University and Masters degree in Education Policy from Vanderbilt University. Currently, she works for an education resource nonprofit in Nashville, TN.
Known for her single-line digital drawings and abstract acrylic paintings, her artwork has been featured in several local art shows and exhibits. She confidently creates works in a variety of differing styles including: digital line art, digital character drawings, tattoo design, watercolor paintings, abstract acrylic paintings, acrylic portraiture, and more.
Ella Shephard Acrylic on canvas: Ella Shephard (1851-1914) was one of the 9 original Fisk Jubilee Singers. The famed vocal ensemble was established in 1871 to save Fisk University from financial ruin. Ella was instrumental in coaching and leading the group to international success. The original Singers performed all over the nation and overseas, despite the serious threats of violence and the grueling nature of their global tour. They performed for Queen Victoria while abroad, and the Queen remarked, “The Fisk Jubilee Singers sing so beautifully, they must be from the Music City of the United States.” Thus, Nashville’s nickname “Music City” was born. Though many today attribute Nashville’s nickname to the talents and notoriety of Music Row and the Country Music scene, let’s not forget the true roots of “Music City” and the Fisk Jubilee Singers who started it all. The a cappella ensemble is still going strong to this day, having accumulated numerous awards and recognition over the years.
David Greaves
David Greaves is an artist and civil engineer based in East Nashville. Throughout his education and professional life, he has maintained a consistent practice of visual art across several mediums. He had been working in Nashville since 2014 and is continually inspired by Tennessee’s natural environment, the city’s urban and architectural forms, and the personal resonating details of life.
Two Rivers Tunnel Linocut: The Two Rivers Tunnel is one of the few bike and pedestrian underpasses in Nashville and serves as a critical link between East Nashville and Donelson. In addition to serving purposes for recreation and transportation, it is sometimes turned into a venue for musical performances.
Nadine Shillingford
Nadine Shillingford is a Nashville-based artist who works primarily with charcoal on paper but also enjoys creating mixed media pieces using mediums such as acrylic and reused materials. She was born on the island of Dominica but has considered Nashville her home since 2013. Nadine has a doctoral degree in computer science and is a cybersecurity data analytics engineer. Her work can be seen in exhibits around the Nashville area and beyond. She is an author and teaches art classes on demand. Nadine also enjoys spending time with her daughter, Hailey and listening to audiobooks.
Nashville Skyline Charcoal and pastel on paper: Every time I approach downtown, I marvel at the rapid evolution of the Nashville skyline. This piece features an elderly woman staring at the Nashville skyline. The ‘Batman Building’ is part of the scene reflected in her sunglasses. Nashville has changed a lot since I moved here, and I imagine that the subject in this piece is reminiscing on all the good and bad times that she has experienced over the years. People are the Heart of Nashville.
This unique exhibition features 44 artworks by 44 local artists selected by the Nashville Soccer Club and the Arts & Business Council in collaboration with a three-person curatorial committee comprised of local arts leaders Michael J. McBride, Artist, Illustrator, Printmaker, Painter, and Instructor of Art at Tennessee State University; Amanda H. Hellman, Director of the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art; and Michael Mitchell (aka mikewindy), Artist and Art Education Coordinator at Tennessee State University.
The artwork will remain on display in the Soundwaves Gallery at GEODIS Park through the end of the Nashville SC 2025 Season.