Brief History of the TAL

A group of artists founded the Tennessee Art League in 1954 to provide a place for artists to exhibit their art and for the public to have free access to view their work. TAL has come far in 50 years; from finding gallery space between Third and Fourth Avenues in Nashville (Art Alley) to repairing the pediments of the Parthenon. After repairing the building; artist began exhibiting in 1955.  Some of the early Nashville artists, who later became nationally known, entered art in these exhibits.

The TAL started the Central South Art Exhibition in 1965 and this has been a prestigious art exhibit for Tennessee for over forty years. In 1975, the TAL bought a modest cottage on Poston Avenue for galleries and art education purposes. The TAL has outgrown the little bungalow-it has been sold and a handsome three-story building has been found at 808 Broadway a few yards from the Frist Center. This beautiful space will provide more gallery, classroom and workshop space. Now the League can bring the Central South Art Exhibition into its own home, offer more art classes in a variety of media, and provide first class exhibit space, as well as, artists studios. The new site will add to the revitalization of Nashville's downtown as a destination for all.

Calling Nashville home for over 50 years, the Tennessee Art League serves over 300 visual artists throughout the Middle Tennessee area. Open to all levels, from emerging artist to professional artist, the TAL provides opportunities to exhibit in our galleries, participate in classes, workshops, and network with other artists.