- 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!
DaShawn Lewis- DaShawn Lewis, a self-taught photographer, focuses his work on life happenings and promoting youth arts. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, his passion for photography traces back to his childhood. When making images, he prioritizes building community and fostering connections. Lewis uses the term “Life Photography,” which aims to authentically document real-life events, people, and environments.
His primary objective is to highlight the significance of everyday life and everyday people. In recent years, Lewis, alongside his creative peers, has collaborated on workshops and exhibitions with the Edgehill Brighter Days Program in South Nashville, under the leadership of Nancy Crutcher. Through his community outreach, DaShawn has been able to connect and collaborate with several local artists which is important to building a stronger arts community in Nashville.
- Artwork: Fisk Renewal (Marching into the Future), Photography on canvas
- “Fisk brings back their short-lived marching band from the 70s.”
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Lauren BestLauren B. is an artist that approaches work with care and intuition. Her textile pieces take inspiration from her colored pencil drawings, the fabrics making organic, lyrical shapes and stitch patterns. Art for Lauren is a means of self-expression and discovery—an opportunity to communicate her unique perspective and connect with the world around her. By sharing her artwork in exhibitions and collaborating with fellow artists, Lauren has become an inspiration, demonstrating the power of art to foster connection and empowerment.
The artist is part of the visual arts program at Friends Life Community (FLC), an organization that provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to grow, develop, and be active members of the community. Through FLC’s person-driven program, the artists are encouraged to explore their creativity and share their work with others.
Artwork: Glass Kite, Fiber art
“This piece is a vivid celebration of individuality and acceptance. Using thread like a pencil, she sews with the precision of a drawing, creating intricate shapes that pulse with life. The work bursts with color—each thread a unique hue, coming together to form a vibrant tapestry that reflects the beauty of diversity. Just as Lauren’s threads interweave seamlessly, the piece invites us to accept each other for who we are, regardless of our differences.
This piece speaks to the power of acceptance—showing that when we embrace each other’s uniqueness, we create something stronger, more inclusive, and more beautiful.”
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Karen Johnston
- Nashville-based artist Karen Johnston tucks wisps of emotion into painted layers of nature and life. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Karen earned a BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design. Her current intuitive process produces images that suggest a feeling of familiarity, yet spur the imagination to reach for a personal sense of meaning. She enjoys teaching classes/workshops and collaborating with organizations that foster connection, accessibility and growth through the arts to bring about greater well-being. Highlighted in NashvilleVoyager Magazine as one of Nashville’s Most inspiring Stories and as a “World-Changer” by the Healing Power of Art & Artists, her award-winning work can be found in shows, galleries and numerous private and corporate collections across the country.
- Artwork: Fresh Perspective, Acrylic/mixed media
“Another year, new thoughts, different circumstances…it all encourages a fresh perspective! Music City is a fabulous place to honor our truth, celebrate our differences and enjoy a colorful landscape of hope and courage.”
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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.
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