Nfocus May 2024

DESIGN COLLECTIVE

HOMES OF DISTINCTION

Symphony Fashion Show, historic homes and more!

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

LONGINES

MINI DOLCEVITA

Green Hills

9 Colonel Winstead Drive

$10,000,000

Shown by Appointment

When Arnold Palmer designed his signature golf course at The Governors Club, this is just the type of estate that he envisioned overlooking the third green and fairway and directly across from the clubhouse veranda. I know because I was part of The Governors Club development team and had the opportunity to walk the course with Mr. Palmer and hear his vision first hand. Years later on this special building site, Bill Akers, one of the Governors Club Master Builders built this customized home for the current owner. The amazing property at 9 Colonel Winstead Drive has been loved, improved, meticulously maintained and is a recreational haven to one family. From the Georgia Bulldogs insignia basketball court, to the large infinity pool and spa, then inside the fun continues with a two lane bowling alley, arcade room, the gym with weights, cardio equipment, sauna and steam rooms. The game room with kitchen and bar and five TV monitors, and billiard table, plus a soundproof dedicated home theater. The other two floors of the house offer both formal and informal living in grand scale with a total of 15,705 SF. Five ensuite bedrooms, six car garage, an elevator to all floors and two stories of porches and decks across the entire rear of the house – to enjoy the amazing views of the golf course and countryside. Experience beauty, function and fun not only in this one-of-a-kind home, but with the lifestyle, and sense of community offered inside the gates of The Governors Club.

DREAMING DREAMING

· 4/5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths Popular Street with .69 Acre Lot Walk to Everything in Green Hills 4502 Sneed Road

$2,195,000

$ 2,895,000

· Gated with all the Amenities of The Governors Club

5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths, 7,667 SF with In-Law Quarters

Totally Renovated, Including all Baths and Kitchen

$1,450,000

· 2/3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths 2 Car Garage and Elevator 2 Decks and Rooftop Terrace

19 Ironwood Lane 104 West End CLose

SERVING GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CARS GUYS FOR 30 YEARS!

THANK YOU, NASHVILLE, FOR MAKING THESE PAST FEW THE BEST IN OUR HISTORY!

At Global Motorsports Belle Meade we have an extensive network of retail and wholesale buyers. We are also a Kelly Blue Book Buying Center. Nashville has a thriving car market and national supply is very low so it is a great time to sell. We will buy any car regardless of condition!

We are a small locally owned Auto Boutique. Part of our uniqueness is our unmatched personalized

experience! We are all auto enthusiasts who buy, sell, source, trade, transport, and appraise cars. For the last 30 years, our aim has been, and is, to break the mold of the car buying experience, and treat our customers with respect and loyalty. We do things with

10

Photographs Nathan Westerfield / Drawing

Colin Del Santo

Privacy and Proximi

1381 Old Hillsboro Road Vaughn Road

150 acres convenient to Green Hills, Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. Beautiful views of surrounding countryside. Perked for 6 sites - will divide.

Open spaces with a pond surrounded by mature trees, providing privacy. Sewer available. Minutes to everything: shopping and top rated schools. 4 Beds | 4 Full, 1 Half BA | 4,953 SF

Forts create space for

81 West Meets East Prabal Gurung dazzles at the Symphony Fashion Show

Nashville Symphony Fashion Show co-chairs

Emily Humphreys and Tracy Frist at Old Town wearing designer Prabal Gurung from Gus Mayer and jewelry from King Jewelers. Photographed by Eric England. For more on the Symphony Fashion Show turn to page 81.

2024 | Vol. XXXI, No. 5

parties

89 Around the Southern Table

The Frist Art Museum gathers friends for the Frist Gala Patrons Party

90 A Musical Evening

The Nashville Symphony celebrates the Stradivarius Society

92 Athena Rising

The Nashville ATHENA Awards recognize women in leadership

95 Country Chic

The Michael J. Fox Foundation returns to raise funds to fight Parkinson’s disease

100 Circles of Life

Uplifting others through the Tiffany Circle Spring Gathering

102 Ten Years Gone

OZ Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary

105 Bold and Beautiful

The TPAC Gala uplifts community education

The Power of the Purse luncheon raises funds and spirits for local women and girls

A Sense of Place

Exploring distinctive homes and spaces

NASHVILLE, TO ME, IS HOME. While I was born and raised in Ohio, I moved to Music City in May 1998. Nashville and I have grown together. When I arrived, I thought Nashville would just be a stop on my way to bigger cities and more exciting adventures. Then, Nashville made itself that big city with exciting adventures. As tourism rose and leadership welcomed new economic engines, Nashville grew and matured. With time, it has become an even greater city than the one I moved to 26 years ago.

In this issue, we celebrate home and the sense of place that comes with it. Our popular “Homes of Distinction” feature returns to spotlight some incredible homes — that all happen to be available. Carrington Fox tells the delightful story of Firefly Forts, the outdoor treehouses coming to backyards throughout Nashville. We are also thrilled to highlight the Symphony Fashion Show with famed designer Prabal Gurung, whose latest collection draws inspiration from both of the places he calls home. And we go behind the scenes with interior photographer and author Alyssa Rosenheck.

In honor of Preservation Month, we head to Franklin to share three incredible stories. First, Whitney Clay takes us inside the new Moore-Morris History and Culture Center of Williamson County, which highlights the region’s history and heritage. Next, Carrington Fox reveals plans for Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens. After years of planning, The Heritage Foundation recently broke ground on the five-acre landmark destination, which will feature an art museum, a historic African American schoolhouse, an innovation center for local start-ups, and beautiful natural gardens and green spaces. Finally, Nfocus was invited into three historic homes in Franklin — Watson House, Old Town and Wyatt Hall — to understand the story, preservation and legacy of these noteworthy properties.

As we become distracted by the minutiae of everyday life, it’s easy to lose our sense of place and disconnect from our surroundings. But if, at the end of each day, we can return to the solace we find in the spaces we call home, we can rejuvenate and recharge. And that is how we know we have found our place.

BY JANET KURTZ

Janet moved to Nashville 26 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler

Editorial

founding editor

Herbert Fox, Jr.

editor-in-chief

Janet Kurtz

contributing editors

Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Silverman

social correspondent

Gloria Houghland

contributors

Beth Alexander, Emily Bache, Jeanette Barker, Abigail Breslin,

Bentley Caldwell, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Carrington Fox, Margaret Littman, Carson Love, Sandra Nelson, Nancy Vienneau

Art

art director

Christie Passarello

senior photographer

Eric England

staff photographer

Angelina Castillo

contributing photographers

Michael Scott Evans, Lorenzo Huerta, Hamilton Matthew Masters

graphic designers

Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton

marketing and promotions manager

Robin Fomusa

Advertising

publisher

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski

advertising solutions consultants

Teresa Birdsong, Maddy Fraiche, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis,

Allie Muirhead, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel, Keith Wright

associate account executive

Kailey Idziak

sales operations manager

Chelon Hasty

advertising solutions associates

Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal

Circulation

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

Business

president

Mike Smith

chief financial officer

Todd Patton

IT director

John Schaeffer

Owner

FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

TN 37215

In Focus

Behind the scenes with Alyssa Rosenheck

BEFORE ALYSSA ROSENHECK picked up a camera, she didn’t think she was creative. She was 32, she’d just been diagnosed with cancer, and she’d resigned from her job after more than a decade in the corporate world. What began as a cathartic hobby quickly turned into a career: Alyssa is now one of the most sought-after architectural and interiors photographers in the country. She has received numerous accolades, and Architectural Digest has named her a leader in her field. She’s also published the best-selling photography book The New Southern Style

For Alyssa, photography is more than an art form — it’s an opportunity to connect with the world around her. As a speaker on creative courage, her influential voice resonates globally. Recognized by Forbes, People and Good Grit magazine, she passionately advocates for creative energy in the South. Alyssa’s dedication shines as a guiding light and thought leader to aspiring entrepreneurs, with whom she generously shares insights. Her commitment to service underscores her profound impact and enduring creative legacy. With her education in countering antisemitism, Alyssa brings both depth and resilience to her compelling narrative, challenging perspectives and fostering unity.

THE BASICS

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Years in Nashville: On and off for almost 20 years. Long enough to see this city’s growth while honoring its creative roots.

Number of homes photographed: Too many to count, and many more extraordinary homes to come.

What drew you to photography, and specifically interior photography? I picked up a camera for the very first time as a healing catharsis when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. At 32 years old, I’d never thought I had a creative bone in my body. I had just resigned from the corporate world after a little over a decade, and photography became a source of visual peace for me. It felt like a form of prayer — like a moving meditation — and it gave me a sense of stillness for the first time in my life.

I’ve always loved interiors. But more than that, I’ve been drawn to the way spaces have the power to evoke warmth, comfort and a deeper exhale. Beyond the layers, I’m inspired by the way light moves throughout a space.

Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration in my willingness to be fully present and still. It’s not just about existing, but about leading a life, tearing down the barriers we’ve built, and having the courage to embrace connection and sensitivity to the world around us. This entails experiencing the beauty, the pain, the fear, the healing, the growth, the acts of service, and the considerations that confront us daily.

The way I define creativity is as a fancy word for “listening” — it’s about slowing down, tuning in and seeing the world through the lens of the heart, rather than judging with our eyes. When we do this, we are able to hear the “small gentle whispers” that allow us to discover inspiration in the ordinary moments of each day.

Can you describe a specific project that exemplifies your purpose when capturing interior spaces? My first book, The New Southern Style, exemplifies the purpose behind my work. In this project, I aimed to add substance to an industry often focused on style. I showcase creative entrepreneurs who have strong ties to the South, along with their living spaces — places where we live, love, grow and heal. Through intimate stories shared from these spaces, I explore themes of life pivots, creative courage and our ongoing journey toward becoming the architects of our lives.

In my work, I strive to transcend mere documentation of physical spaces by infusing storytelling details that communicate my client’s brand and elicit emotions from viewers. A few obvious ways to do this are through careful composition, framing, lighting, shadows, perspective and negative space.

When you’re not photographing spaces, what brings you joy? Outside of my work in

photography and writing, finding joy in life has become increasingly important, especially given the current state of the world. Lately, I’ve focused on cultivating moments of peace amid the chaos. Interestingly, this journey has led me to an unexpected role as an educator on antisemitism, given the resurgence we’re experiencing in our country.

I recently had the privilege of collaborating with the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles on a new exhibit titled To Paint Is to Live, which explores art and creativity as forms of resistance. It’s important to note that current statistics reveal that 1 in 5 young Americans believe the Holocaust was a myth. Additionally, I had the opportunity to spend time in Israel in February to participate in a documentary and share survivor stories.

BY JANET KURTZ

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Name: Alyssa Rosenheck

History and Culture

Step inside the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center of Williamson County

IN THE RECREATED 1803 White’s Tavern at the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center of Williamson County, a fire flickers in the (now electric) fireplace and there’s a faint smell of bourbon. The room is dotted with small round tables and chairs. You can hear the (piped in) sound of a bartender clinking glasses and customers chatting among themselves. A portrait of Civil War soldier Freeman Thomas hangs above the fireplace. As though out of a scene from Harry Potter, like magic, he begins to speak.

The motion-activated portraits in the newly opened culture center “teach history in a way that reading from a little plaque doesn’t,” says Nat Taylor, the center’s managing director. There are eight interactive portraits throughout the center, most representing noteworthy figures from the past. “Their words are taken from the historical record,” says Nat. “There are actors portraying them, but their dialogue is taken right from their words.”

The three-story, 6,400-square-foot building at 108 Bridge Street in Franklin is on the National Register of Historic Places and dates back to 1905.

The building once housed a jail and has had numerous incarnations, the most recent being the McConnell House event and catering headquarters. It was purchased in 2022 by The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. The $10 million project has resulted

in an impressive culture center with state-ofthe-art interactive displays.

“We didn’t know exactly what the concept would be when the board initially wanted to acquire it,” says Morgan Floyd, director of event and tourism sales for The Heritage Foundation. “There were many different concepts that were thrown around.” Eventually, they settled on creating a history and culture center. “We felt like that was an opportunity in the area,” she says. “We didn’t have something that was really focused on that hyper-regional storytelling, and really not just the history, but the stories of the people.”

The initial exhibitions include: The Emerging Commercial Union (1783-1865), which details how the early 1800s agricultural landscape gave way to plantations in the 1840s and ’50s; The Industrial Landscape (18661917), which explains how new railroads connected Williamson County to other states after the Civil War; and Managing Townscapes (1930s-1950s), which shows how the success and failure of local businesses played a crucial role in the development of Franklin and other small towns throughout Tennessee after World War II.

BY WHITNEY CLAY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRIS RAE AND HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

BY DESIGN

Franklin-based 906 Studio Architects + Interiors, which also worked with nearby Southall Farm & Inn, helmed the renovation. Nashville-based Whitney Elaine Interiors rounded out the creative team, alongside Birmingham-based Culton Companies, Inc., which created the exhibits. In a beautifully appointed living room, tufted leather sofas, Persianstyle rugs and Louis XVI chairs add warmth and elegance against a backdrop of original exposed brick. There’s also a motion-activated portrait of the community leader and preservationist Calvin LeHew — not an actor — above a fireplace.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Like a well-thought-out wedding invitation sets the scene, so does the center’s first-floor jewel box of a powder room, with exposed brick, Bunny Williams wallpaper and period art in oval frames. Whitney researched designs from the historical periods represented at the center before combing antique malls for treasures, like an old copper tip jar that now sits in White’s Tavern. In the living room with the motion-activated Calvin LeHew portrait, for instance, the idea was to create “a beautiful, warm, cozy space to help tell the story.”

DOUBLE DUTY

The interactive table displays can be converted into actual tables for guests who want to rent the space for, say, a cocktail party. “We wanted everything to be very digitally driven so that it would be very easy to change out, not only with historical content, but also for events,” says Meg Hershey, capital projects consultant for The Heritage Foundation. Exhibits can be ever-changing — created and swapped out with ease — detailing the area’s rich history. “That’s also what makes [this] di erent from other museums,” says Meg.

HOMES OF DISTINCTION

As Nashville grows, so does the demand for housing. New residents are arriving from all over the country looking for luxury living. For those eyeing a new place to call home, we’ve selected six of the most standout properties on the market.

3908 Harding Place

THE “WOW FACTOR” at 3908 Harding Place begins at the front door. The 10-foot-tall mahogany-and-glass pivot door opens to soaring ceilings and a floating staircase. In full view is a chef’s kitchen designed for entertaining, an open-concept living area and a stunning pool.

The 8,553-square-foot home from Richland Building Partners has no shortage of stunning architectural features — raised tray ceilings, white oak floors with inset herringbone tile, and Brazilian oak detailing on the walls. One goal with the design was to create a “calm, serene” environment, says designer Cheryl Kittel.

ADDRESS

3908 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37215

LIST PRICE

$5,559,450

CONTACT

Chris Harwell (615.969.0302) or Sharon Wade Kinser (615.406.9445) at Tarkington & Harwell Realtors

The expansive kitchen — with its hidden butler pantry and prep area — is one of the home’s highlights. It’s full of Fisher & Paykel appliances, custom cabinetry, and white Cambria quartz countertops flecked with black and gold. It also has a wine cooler and a built-in espresso maker. The kitchen island serves as a casual dining table, seating eight. And under the heading — no detail overlooked — there are outlets for charging devices.

In the living room is a linear vented gas fireplace and a view of the back deck. That too is an entertainer’s paradise, with a pool, jacuzzi, outdoor fireplace and grill.

Another highlight — the main-floor primary bedroom — is a secluded oasis. It offers dual walk-in closets and a state-of-the-art bathroom with a deep

soaking tub and a large walk-in shower. The Kohler digitally controlled shower can be preset on a smartphone. The showerheads and body sprays can all be set to different temperatures.

There is a second bedroom on the first floor and five upstairs, as well as a bonus room. There are also seven full bathrooms and three half baths, including one conveniently located outside by the pool — perfect for wet feet.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY 360NASH PHOTOGRAPHY AND RAINER SCHUERTZMANN WITH APEX CREATIVE MEDIA

899 Van Leer Drive

LONGTIME REALTOR RICHARD BRYAN summed up the allure of 899 Van Leer Drive with three talking points: the lot, the builder and the versatility of the newly built house. This beautiful, transitional modern home is located on one of the most walkable and peaceful streets in the desirable Oak Hill subdivision. It is perfectly situated on a 1.2-acre level lot with an abundance of vintage trees. In the back of the house, there is a heated pool with a hot tub and a patio with an outdoor kitchen. In the front, there’s an inviting covered porch with a fan and a fireplace — the perfect spot for coffee or afternoon cocktails and waving at your neighbors walking by. This is a dream yard from bygone days combined with all the accoutrements of a newly constructed home.

ADDRESS 899 Van Leer Drive, Nashville, TN 37220 LIST PRICE $6,485,000

Bryan (office: 615.327.4800, mobile: 615.533.8353, email: RichardFBryan@gmail.com) at Fridrich & Clark Realty

The builder of this amazing home is Stone Oak Builders, and according to Bryan, the firm is known for outstanding quality construction. The home is open and sun-drenched, from the herringbone pattern foyer to the glass doors that lead to a vaulted screen patio with a fourth fireplace. There are six bedrooms with en suite baths, three up and three down. This home boasts the best owner’s suite on the market. From the heated, honed limestone bathroom floor to the oversized walk-in closet, this vaulted-ceiling retreat is breathtaking. The kitchen is centered by a quartz waterfall island, flanked by professional-grade appliances and a walk-in pantry with a second refrigerator. Positioned between the kitchen and the dining room is a private butler’s pantry, perfect for seamless entertainment. An office sits to

the right of the two-story entry foyer and includes a fireplace, ice maker, sink and built-in bookcase.

And yet, while large — almost 7,000 square feet — this home has a cozy, intimate feel. And here is where the flexibility of the layout comes into play. It is perfect for a family with its six bedrooms, media room and four-car garage. Yet, a couple would enjoy living on the first floor, saving the rooms upstairs for guests, parents or grandchildren. It’s a perfect home that meets the changing needs of families today.

BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW BROWN AND ARTHUR GONZALES

IN ADDITION TO BOASTING spectacular panoramic city views in one of Nashville’s most coveted luxury buildings, a corner unit on the 15th floor of the Four Seasons Residences takes “turnkey” to a whole new level.

“This is just: Show up, bring your dog, bring your suitcase, move right in,” says co-listing agent Fiona King of Fridrich & Clark Realty. The home is being sold fully furnished with modern European and Restoration Hardware pieces, including an extendable Danish dining table, a

ADDRESS Four Seasons Private Residence #1501, 160 Second Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 LIST PRICE $3,100,000 CONTACT Fiona King (615.417.3434) or Cole Hubbard (615.587.3867) at Fridrich & Clark Realty

chestnut leather sofa, and white leather counter stools surrounding a Calacatta marble island in the kitchen. Even the dishes, pots and pans are included. Remote-controlled blinds in the living room can be raised to reveal breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. There are two bedrooms in the 1,530-square-foot condo, each with black-out motorized shades and walk-in closets designed by California Closets. Both bedrooms have en suite marble bathrooms, and there’s also a half bath. The primary bedroom features a walk-in shower and a soaking tub.

In addition to enjoying the benefits of The Four Seasons hotel next door, residents have a private lounge where they can host parties or attend social gatherings planned by a dedicated concierge.

If you call the Four Seasons Residences home, you can unwind from your day with a glass of wine or grill out in the Residents’ Sky Garden — and then take advantage of private access to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, says Fiona. It’s just a three-minute stroll to Nissan Stadium for a concert. Traffic? What traffic? If you choose to drive, there is valet parking. If staying in, you could take a dip in the pool, work out in the residents’ fitness center and then relax in the spa, enjoying a discount on retail products. There’s even a pet spa for four-legged family members, complete with paw print towels.

BY WHITNEY CLAY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY REALKIT

3510 Woodmont Blvd.

THE NEWLY BUILT home at 3510 Woodmont Blvd. brings a little bit of the Northeast to Music City. The Craftsman Residential house, with its stone-and-cedar-shake façade, conjures up visions of Cape Cod and the Hamptons.

A motor court leads to twin two-car garages under a gambrel roof. Walking through an archway flanked by gas lanterns to a mahogany door, visitors encounter a foyer with white oak floors highlighted by an impressive, curved, grand staircase. “This, to me, is kind of the statement moment of the house,” says Compass listing agent Tristan Kinsley. “It really tells you what it’s about — that it really is

ADDRESS 3510 Woodmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37215 LIST PRICE $5,150,000

CONTACT

Tristan Kinsley (615.545.9490) or Geoffrey Sernyak (610.945.8846) at Compass Real Estate

leaning into that sort of classical, traditionalist approach to home building.”

The architect is Franklin-based P. Shea Design.

Off the entryway is an elegant formal dining room with molding details, often left out in a new build. In the living room, an ArcusStone fireplace is accented by two built-in bookcases with intricate millwork. “This is supposed to feel like a stately home that somebody would have built in the early 20th century,” says Tristan. The living room opens into a massive, two-room, white and pale-China-blue gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

The elegant primary suite has a large gray marble-and-tile bathroom with heated floors and a separate shower and soaking tub. The 7,461-square-foot

house has two bedrooms on the main floor and three upstairs. There are five full baths and two half baths. The second bedroom on the first floor could also be used as an office.

The house is situated on nearly an acre and features a large screened-in porch with gray and white geometric tile and a fireplace. The porch and an adjacent deck overlook the level backyard — ideal for outdoor dining or entertaining, and perfect for a pool.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL NICOL, LUXURY LENS

837

$1,758,000

I’ve been living, loving and selling Nashville since the mid 1980s, and parlayed decades of work with Nfocus, the Nashville Scene and the Nashville Post clients into a successful real estate career 9 years ago. I’m beyond grateful for my clients’ great reviews and repeat business, and measure my success by my clients’ happiness and continued referrals. I’d love the opportunity to help make your Real Estate Goals a reality!

MAGGIE BOND

Affiliate Broker/Realtor M 615.481.9203 :: O 615.383.6964 maggie@maggiebond.com maggiebond.parksathome.com @maggiemovesnashville

My life has been immersed in real estate as the daughter of a land developer and custom home builder. What my father taught me plus my background as a TV news anchor helps me bring unique skills to every transaction. I’ve been so fortunate to help so many incredible families find great homes in the Nashville area. I hope I can someday help you and your loved ones too!

Affiliate Broker/Realtor m: 615-669-1727 :: o: 615-383-6964

brittany@brittweinerrealtor.com brittweinerrealtor.com @Brittweiner

BRITTANY WEINER

THERE ARE NOT MANY $10 million spec houses on the market. And there are obvious reasons for that. The hands-down exception is 235 Robin Hill Road. According to Franklin and Lana Pargh with Compass Real Estate, the home’s highly acclaimed builder, Landon Development, and its awardwinning residential designer and architect, Michael Katsaitis of MK Studio, have thought of everything. From the smallest of details — like a hidden thumb grip on a stair banister — this luxury homebuilding team has overlooked nothing. “The difference between mediocrity and perfection is attention to detail,” Franklin says. “This is a platinum version of a custom-built home. Everything is of the highest quality and highest level of work. Lana and I have discovered that there are buyers that get it.” It is that mindfulness that sets this dream property apart.

PRICE

CONTACT Lana and Franklin Pargh (615.351.7333, email: theparghteam@compass.com) at Compass Real Estate

Nestled on three acres in serene West Meade, this exquisite residence boasts designer finishes, engineered white oak flooring and multiple entertaining zones — including a two-lane bowling alley, a state-of-the-art movie theater and a well-equipped workout room with its own entrance. Marie-Joe Bouffard of JFY Designs and Carli Grommet of CG Studio Interiors have created fresh, beautiful living spaces throughout the stunning house.

The backyard is truly paradise, with an in-ground pool, outdoor fireplace and open-air kitchen — a perfect retreat for casual family moments and lively social gatherings, brought together by meticulous landscaping.

The home’s grand entrance features a stately façade adorned with timeless architectural details like cedar shingles, copper gutters and an Iron Lion front door. The main level offers a seamless flow of living spaces, including a club room with a walk-in wine cellar (temperature-controlled, of course).

The gourmet kitchen — equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, sleek marble countertops and custom cabinetry — is a culinary masterpiece. With a hidden scullery and windows that open to the outside, it’s ideal for hosting. It also has an oversized walk-in pantry and a plush dog “hotel” room with a drop-down gate.

If you like numbers, this bastion of elevated design and impeccable craftsmanship boasts six bedrooms and six full en suite bathrooms — including a primary bath with two of everything and a soaking tub. Within the home’s 12,000 square feet of living space, you’ll find four artisan limestone fireplaces, a five-car garage, three laundry rooms and an elevator going to all three floors.

BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON GREER WITH ELEVATO VISUALS

9324 Concord Road

JUST OFF CONCORD ROAD — situated on 4.46 acres of rolling hills and accented with mature trees — sits a modern adaptation of a 1920s farmhouse. As you enter the gates of the estate and approach the incredible property, 9324 Concord Road will transport you to a place of mindful tranquility. "One of the most unique aspects of this home is the combination of ample land, privacy and its location equidistant between Nashville and Franklin," says Lorie Lytle of Fridrich & Clark. The 6,553-square-foot home, originally built in 1920, was thoughtfully reimagined by an architect and his interior designer wife. And stepping through the doorway, you immediately feel

ADDRESS

9324 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027

LIST PRICE

$3,950,000

CONTACT

Lorie Lytle (615.948.2021) at Fridrich & Clark Realty

its charm. The home was most recently owned by country superstar Trisha Yearwood, who used the chef’s kitchen to film her award-winning culinary series, Trisha's Southern Kitchen

With plenty of interior and exterior living spaces, the house is ideal for entertaining — or for use as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stained-glass windows, wooden banisters and transoms above the doors add to the charm of the historic home, while sleek countertops and built-in cabinetry offer the conveniences of modern living. The home boasts four bedrooms, with a primary bedroom on the main floor and a mother-in-law suite on the second floor. The home also features an elevator that travels between floors.

While most historic homes are challenged by limited storage space, this house has plenty — with ample closets, cabinetry and shelves for the

modern family. Along the back of the house, beautifully lit rooms with floorto-ceiling windows are perfect for use as sun rooms, spaces of reflection or places to host cocktail parties.

Inviting outdoor spaces, like the sprawling front porch, are perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or reading a good book. Behind the house is a kidneyshaped pool, ideal for hot summer days. The shade of the mature trees acts as a screen, offering privacy without impeding the joy of the pool deck. The well-designed space is ideal for entertaining al fresco, especially during Nashville’s mild and temperate months.

BY JANET KURTZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL NICOL AND REALKIT

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,930 Sq. Ft. Rare turn of the century, Queen Anne Victorian in the heart of Sylvan Park. Complete renovation with an eye for maintaining vintage detailing

Park cottage on a corner lot, featuring a fabulous screened porch & gardens List Price TBD

3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,056 Sq. Ft. A rare Richland West/End home. Beautiful updates & upgrades, plus a lower level Rec/Media Room Co-listed with Valerie Roberts/ Fridrich & Clark Realty

4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,401 Sq.

A rare retreat situated on nearly 1.5 acres. Vintage, chestnut log home with studio/workshop in a private wooded setting. Just minutes from Nashville $1,195,000

1180 WILEY PARDUE ROAD

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,727 Sq. Ft. Stunning ridge top setting, surrounded by nearly 8 acres of woodlands. Architect designed with soaring ceilings & walls of glass to capture the woodland & river views $1,095,000

2209 WESTVIEW DRIVE

2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,099 Sq. Ft. A rare, gated Hillsboro/Vandy/ West End Townhouse. Three levels, each with outdoor access & beautiful west facing views. Expansion possibilities and storage galore $595,000 BELLE MEADE TOWER

105 Leake Ave #64

1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,009 Sq. Ft. A hard to find, large, one bedroom on upper floor with an enclosed sunroom. Ready to be taken to the next level. Doorman, pool & beautiful grounds $289,000

Listed by Shauna Brooks

Long Meadow Road | Designed & Sold by Shauna Brooks

HISTORY LESSONS

Heritage Foundation’s Franklin Grove project builds upon generations of education

WHEN THE HERITAGE Foundation of Williamson County unveils Franklin Grove Estate and Gardens, expected late 2025, the project will add yet another layer of educational history to a property with a deep legacy of teaching and learning. The ambitious adaptive reuse of the former O’More College of Design will transform the historic Perkins-Winstead House and LeHew Mansion into a multicultural campus with botanic gardens, an art museum, an entrepreneurship center, education spaces and administrative offices. The landmark property will also be home to a historic Rosenwald schoolhouse, which will provide an immersive experience through which to explore the complex educational history of the area.

“Nine houses could have been built on this property,” says Heritage Foundation president and CEO Bari Beasley, who spearheaded the campaign to acquire and preserve the five acres when Belmont University moved O’More College of Design to its Nashville campus. “That would have changed the dynamics for downtown Franklin.” Instead of new development, the Heritage Foundation worked with the community to reimagine the landmark property as a “cultural amenity with the power of place and preservation.”

Over the next 18 months, construction teams will rework the entrance to the campus, demolish some of the less-coherent late-20th-century additions on the circa 1870 Italianate house, and create welcome areas, art galleries and educational facilities. A separate carriage house will be constructed to house administrative offices, and privacy walls will enclose the rear gardens.

A powerful through line of education defines the history of the property at South Margin Street and Lewisburg Pike. Most recently, the red brick Italianate structure housed the O’More College of Design from 1978 until the school merged into Belmont’s architecture program. Eloise O’More’s extravagantly wallpapered rooms will welcome the Robert N. Moore Jr. Museum of Art at the new Franklin Grove. Meanwhile, the renovated Queen Anne-style home next door already houses the Franklin Innovation Center business incubator.

But several other significant educational establishments have occupied the property over the years. From 1832 to approximately 1847, the Female Seminary of the Franklin Grove operated on the grounds. That early educator of young women now lends its name to the current cultural project.

At the end of the Civil War, educators associated with the Freedmen’s Bureau taught an estimated 300 freed Black students on the property. Next came the Buena Vista English and Classical School for boys, before the property eventually reverted to private residency through most of the 20th century.

“There is a deep history of education on the site,” says Meg Hershey, former chief operating officer of Heritage Foundation, who now consults on the renovation of Franklin Grove. The complex history of education in the South will take center stage at Franklin Grove, in the form of the historic Lee-Buckner schoolhouse, one of 375 Rosenwald schools built in Tennessee between 1917 and 1932. Created by Sears, Roebuck and Co. CEO Julius Rosenwald and Tuskegee Institute founder Booker T. Washington, Rosenwald schools taught Black students during the Jim Crow era of “separate but equal.” Lee-Buckner School occupied land in Williamson County’s Duplex community in Spring Hill until recently, when the Heritage Foundation relocated the structure to the lawn of Franklin Grove, where it will serve as an immersive educational experience.

Moving a schoolhouse across the county takes some serious logistics, such as shutting down roads and traveling at night when traffic is light. For the occasion, Heritage Foundation notified alumni of the Lee-Buckner school, several of whom still live in the area. On the night of the move, former students, including Roy Brown and his cousins, gathered to see their alma mater delivered to its new hillside location at Franklin Grove.

“I was really touched. I was really overwhelmed,” says Roy, who started at Lee-Buckner in first grade in 1954 and finished middle school there, along with many of his relatives. Roy speaks fondly of life in the schoolhouse, where children of all ages sat together, listening to lessons of all levels, and older kids helped younger students learn. The Lee-Buckner immersive educational experience will remember that bygone style of collaborative learning, and it’s something Roy looks forward to seeing when Franklin Grove opens to the public in 2025.

“I’m real sentimental about good endings to stories,” he says. “It’s peaceful that people are interested in other people.”

BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

GORGEOUS BELLE MEADE ESTATE

GORGEOUS BELLE MEADE ESTATE

4412 CHICKERING LANE

4412 CHICKERING LANE

KAREN MOORE

KAREN MOORE

BEACON GROUP OF Tennessee

THE BEACON GROUP OF TENNESSEE is a collaborative team of agents at Fridrich & Clark Realty here to guide you home. From private farms to downtown Nashville luxury estates and everything in between, The Beacon Group specializes in working with individual buyers and sellers as well as Business Managers & Private Wealth Advisors in need of a streamlined process and a heightened level of privacy. Our team of agents is here to light the path home!

Starting at $850,000

Discover your dream home in the heart of East Nashville! Choose from a variety of floor plans and yards tailored to your lifestyle. With prices starting at $850k, find the perfect fit for you. Enjoy the convenience of a short stroll to Cleveland Park, where you’ll find an array of the city’s best food and bars.

This unique residence combines luxury, space, and convenience, all within walking distance to Green Hills finest restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

GUIDE® Nashville, TN

WELL PRESERVED

Elevating the character of space through historic preservation

Preservation has many faces. Depending on whether you’re preserving land or significant structures, the path to restoration can look very different. Some owners of historic homes choose to keep the building preserved and untouched. Others modernize the interior, while keeping the historic aesthetic of the exterior. Others fall somewhere in the middle. Nfocus stepped inside three preserved homes in Franklin, which enhance and elevate the character of the region.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Wtson House

ON A TREE-LINED street in downtown Franklin sits one of the crown jewels of the neighborhood — the Watson House. The Second Empire home was built in 1881 by Hugh Cathcart Thompson, who also designed the Ryman Auditorium and the Utopia Hotel — now part of the Dream Hotel. Built for Susan Catherine “Kitty” Puryear Watson, the home was suggested to be the most expensive home in Franklin at the time. The home’s architecture was heavily influenced by the French Renaissance, with the mansard roof, elaborate ornamental details and strong massing — all notable trademarks of the style that was most popular in the United States from 1865 to 1900.

The Watson House stayed with the original family for over a century. When eighth-generation Nashvillian Ellen Smith saw the home, she knew it would be perfect for her two growing boys. While the exterior initially drew Ellen to the home, she was also enchanted by interior details, like high ceilings, pocket doors and a fireplace in each room. Ellen — an active board member of the Heritage Foundation — is a preservationist at heart. Having restored other homes, she knew this would be difficult, but she believes that preserving historic homes greatly contributes to the community’s cultural and architectural heritage. “What happened in the past helps us understand how we got to where we are now,” she says. “Some stories warm your heart, while some can also break it.”

Ellen knew going into it that restoring the home would be an extensive task. She enlisted the help of preservationist Ridley Wills III of the Wills

Company, with whom she had worked on previous homes. Ridley took on the project with an eye for preserving the space to maintain historic elements while ensuring amenities for the modern family. “Some of the challenge was to keep and bring back the character of [the home’s] original architecture — editing rather than further complicating the spaces,” says Ridley. As happens in a renovation, there are stories of discovery, which can at times be heartbreaking and at others, delightful. One delight came with the reanimation of the pocket doors that separated the living room from the dining room. For years, they had been stationary with mechanisms that no longer worked. The team at

the Wills Company were able to give new life to the mechanisms — and the doors themselves.

Post-renovation, the house gives Ellen space to watch her boys grow. While Watson House is her home, Ellen believes that homeowners play a broader role in the effort to conserve and celebrate the architectural heritage of our cities and towns. Often, visitors will stop in front of the towering residence to take pictures and admire the well-preserved structure, as well as the other beautiful homes on the street. “Seeing visitors stop and take pictures of our [neighborhood’s] historic homes and buildings makes us happy,” she says. “We want people to visit Franklin and fall in love with this historic town.”

Ellen Smith

Watson House

Family room

Modernized kitchen

Laird, Ellen and Overton with Ford

The formal dining room

Old Town

JUST OFF THE OLD Natchez Trace, nestled between Brown’s Creek and the Harpeth River, sits Old Town. Passing through the gate gives one the sense of entering a sacred space, and the story is as much about the land as it is about the home. There exists an almost haunting quality to the bucolic setting, as visitors feel centuries of history wash over them.

Before the first timber was hand-hewed, there lived a civilization of ancient people. The grounds of the property still hold the Mississippian-era temple mounds, and the 42 acres are a state-designated archaeological site. In fact, the name Old Town is said to have been inspired by its historical significance to Indigenous peoples. The property’s antebellum Greek-Revival-style home was built in 1846 by Thomas Brown. The two-story home — built with a T-shaped design — housed the Browns and their descendants until 1913, when someone outside the family bought the home. The house stood through the Battle of Franklin, and its inhabitants watched as progress swept through the centuries.

Today, Old Town is owned by Tracy and Bill Frist. Tracy serves on the boards of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bill is the global board chair of The Nature Conservancy. One characteristic drew the couple to the property — Old Town has soul. “And by soul, we mean its spirituality, its serenity, its sense of place, and with ancient history, pre-history and modern history, its sense of time,” Bill says.

Bill and Tracy Frist

Part of the feeling of soul is represented in the preservation of the Mississippian temple mounds. Extensive work was done to understand the land and structures. Collaborating with partners — like Middle Tennessee State University’s archeology and anthropology departments, the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and a number of culturally sensitive design, construction and landscaping groups — Tracy and Bill have worked diligently to learn the history of those who came before and share it with the community at large. “Old Town serves to bring us closer to our personal selves and subsequently closer to all living things around us,” Tracy said in 2022. “We often say we are stewards, but it is more we are children of this land.”

While there are always challenges with preservation, the Frists took time with the house to better understand and create a plan. “The balance of history and modern conveniences [is] always an issue in preservation renovations,” Tracy says. “We

wanted to stay faithful to the house in all our decisions, but we also wanted a welcoming home that embraced comfort and efficiency.” One project — the kitchen renovation — involved shipping wood from a retired barn on the property of the Frist’s farm in Virginia to Nashville. The wood is the now-extinct American chestnut and would have been appropriate for the era. Additionally, many of the historical rooms of the home did not have overhead lighting. In their restoration, the original plaster ceiling was preserved, but the couple constructed lacquered false ceilings just below the plaster ceiling, helping reflect light as night falls. The importance of preservation is woven into the fabric of Old Town. “We have learned that generational traits are handed down by many avenues,” Tracy says. “Children become strong, complete citizens through many facets. … Without the rich trail of history evident in their daily lives, the wisdom and lessons of preceding generations will forever be lost.”

Old Town

Mississippian-era temple mounds

Dining room with Tennessee art

Renovated kitchen with recycled American chestnut

Wytt Hll

AS THE SUN RISES on the horizon, Alix Woody is up to greet the day. She and her “children” — a baker’s dozen of Shih Tzus — stroll the grounds of Wyatt Hall. A gentle breeze often stirs the wind chimes that decorate the saucer magnolia tree standing sentinel in front of the house — a beautiful memorial tribute to precious pups who have come before. Just beyond the tree, and behind a stone wall, sits Wyatt Hall.

The late-Federal-style home — built circa 1800 and named for its mid-20th century owners — sits quietly on Franklin Road, shielded by mature trees. The grounds and garden have been carefully tended by the couple, who have a deep love of the property and who are active with the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Inside, much remains the same, like the original poplar wood floors and beautifully patinaed staircase. Two notable changes to the original structure were the 1830s enclosure of the original breezeway to create a formal dining room and, importantly, a number of years later, the addition of indoor plumbing.

“One concept that we feel is important to emphasize is that through all its owners, no one has chosen to alter the original foundational footprint of the house. Wyatt Hall, as it was built, has continued to be respected,” says Benny Woody.

The interior walls of the home have unique stencil patterns which were popular at the time the home was built. In the 1990s a paint conservator for historic museum houses was engaged to explore what original paint colors and painting techniques were hidden under the years of modern paint. The walls, ceilings and woodwork were meticulously scraped to identify original paint colors and even evidence of the stenciling, which were then used to enliven the walls of the home. Alix added more period appropriate stenciling in the foyer and dining room.

The home and grounds are filled with an incredible antique collection. Each vignette is carefully curated and thoughtfully displayed. In many cases, the antiques are useful, like the Scottish laundry rack that is now used for drying flowers. The kitchen houses an AGA cooker, installed in the original cooking fireplace, meaning meals are again prepared where they were in the 1800s. There's even a corner in the foyer featuring some items that belonged to Mrs. Wyatt, who was gifted the house by her husband in 1946 and who named the home Wyatt Hall.

Stepping outside is a wonderful and whimsical adventure. A stunning garden awaits guests with antique benches for resting as well as three log structures. Dotted throughout the grounds are statuary, cast iron garden benches and more. The garden — described as a summer garden — has its own spirit. While some of the ancient boxwoods on the property were greatly harmed in the deep freeze of 2022, there is a sense of renewal as the verdant ferns grace the gardens in early spring. There is a love of the earth as much as a love of the home.

The majority of the Woodys’ preservation efforts have been focused on the gardens and the 19th century Middle Tennessee log structures — a smokehouse and a one-room cabin reconstructed by the Wyatts, and a six-room log house reconstructed by the Woodys. The log cabin and the log house have been restored and offer more living and working space. The octagonal library added at the end of the cabin offers stunning natural light throughout the day and a beautiful view of the garden.

When asked how they believe preserving historic homes contributes to the cultural and architectural heritage of the community, the Woodys answered, “These historic houses and properties are more than just physical structures. They are a part of Franklin’s character and through their preservation, they help give us a sense of connection to this tangible past. Our preserved historic structures are a connection to and a show of respect for our history, our culture and our character as a community.”

Alix and Benny Woody with Mimzy and Mary Francis

Saucer magnolia with memorial wind chimes

Octagonal library

Mrs. Wyatt's corner

BUILDING BRIGHTLY

Firefly Forts create space for magical outdoor memories

FOR BETTER AND FOR WORSE, the pandemic changed the way we live, especially the way we use our houses. Cooped up day in and day out, families began to reconsider every square foot: Living rooms became study halls, guest rooms became home offices, screened-in porches became dining rooms. And the yard got a whole new lease on life, as housebound families spilled outdoors onto the porch, the grass and even into the trees.

“Life is so different now,” says Keith Maddin, who was providing carpentry and home repair services through her company BK Management before the city began sheltering in place. “I think the pandemic changed the way we think.”

A heightened interest in outdoor living led a longtime client to ask Keith if she could build a playhouse in the yard for her visiting grandchildren. The client had a structure in mind, something she’d found in Southern Living magazine. She showed the photo to Keith, who saw both a gorgeous playhouse structure and a business opportunity. Keith contacted Firefly Forts in Atlanta to inquire about the tree fort in the photograph, and by the time she got off the phone with Firefly founders Kristin and Michael Scaglione, Keith was on her way to becoming the Nashville branch of their tree fort design-build company.

A quick scroll through Instagram shows that a Firefly Fort is no run-of-the-mill playhouse. The Scagliones built their first luxury tree fort for their own kids, as a ploy to get them out of the house and off their computer screens in the early days of the pandemic. Word spread quickly around Atlanta, where the Scagliones have constructed a lofty, leafy network of luxury play structures fit for adults as well as kids. The buzz about Firefly Forts also spread to Nashville, where the Scagliones installed several forts before teaming up with Keith.

There are three base models of Firefly Fort, all of which hover above ground, elevated on stilts or in the trees. The most popular design, “Firefly,” is an elevated house with a wraparound covered porch. “Lightning Bug” is an A-frame. And “Glow Worm” is an open play platform.

All three styles can be customized with elements such as spiral slides, hammocks, zip lines, rope swings, fire poles and climbing walls. While some projects are geared for kids to hang out and play, others are intended for adults to escape the house to a dedicated workspace. Keith says she has heard of the tree forts being used as al fresco dining rooms or as getaways for mahjong and bridge games.

“These are not your typical playhouses,” says Keith, who hints that prices start north of $15,000 and can climb as high as the imagination can soar. Imagine a 14-sided structure with wraparound balcony, internal slides, zip lines, art lighting and chandeliers. Or an air-conditioned and heated treehouse office with storage on the ground level.

A homeowner interested in a Firefly Fort can call Keith to discuss a ballpark budget. Then Keith can walk the property to find a spot and select an appropriate configuration for sleeping lofts, stairs and walkways. From there, the possibilities are endless when it comes to structures and finishes. For example, a simple Firefly Fort could be accessorized with a swinging bridge, functional windows, tongue-and-groove-clad walls and a swing set. The wood can be stained or painted or can remain rustic and raw.

Roughly speaking, it can take a couple weeks to install the structure, with more elaborate forts taking longer to finish.

“A Firefly Fort can be so customized,” Keith says, adding that the last detail on any build is to install a bucket on a pulley system, like something out of a kids’ cartoon. Looking at the playful signature bucket dangling from the upper level of a tree fort, it’s tempting to imagine hoisting some water balloons or a pet frog to play in the leafy hideaway. Or maybe a yoga mat. Or a laptop and a cup of coffee. Or a charcuterie board.

“The idea is to get the kids out of the house,” Keith says. “But it’s not just for kids.”

To learn more about Firefly Forts Nashville, email Keith Maddin at nashville@fireflyforts.com or call 615-330-6546.

BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

INSIDER’S GUIDE TO REALTORS

Publisher: Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski

Advertising Solutions Consultant: Carla Mathis

Editor: Janet Kurtz

Writer: Kellie Benz

Art Director: Christie Passarello

Photographer: Angelina Castillo

Location: Nashville Design Collective

PRESENTED BY

Therese Winnington

T. Lewis Real Estate & Design, LLC

Email: twinnington@yahoo.com

Phone: 615.545.8700

THERESE WINNINGTON, founder and owner of T. Lewis Real Estate & Design, LLC, is passionate about serving clients in the Middle Tennessee area. Whether someone wants to buy a new home, sell their existing property or build a rental portfolio around town, Therese and her team are poised to help with everything, including property management. Therese even offers design services to turn any house into a perfect home.

“Real estate and design is not just my job — it’s my passion,” Therese shares. “I started my firm to be able to give the best services to my clients. Homes, just like my clients, have their own unique heart and soul.”

What is your favorite thing about being a realtor?

My favorite thing about my job is the relationships I have with my clients. I love that no two days are the same. I’m not a trapped animal, and I wouldn’t do well being trapped in an office. Every day is different, whether I’m on construction sites or closing — that’s what I love most.

What is your favorite thing about living and working in Nashville?

The amazing people — both those from here and those coming here — make Nashville extra special. I’m from a small town where everybody knows everybody, so the beauty of Nashville is that I could come here and establish a business and there was room for everyone to succeed. That’s the reason my business grew. There are so many people who aren’t from here who want to build businesses here. They come together in this creative and generous area to grow.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

The relationship doesn’t end after the first transaction. My job is to help the investment grow. I’m here to help with everything — finding the property, facilitating the renovation, managing the investment, partnering with lenders and then structuring your next purchase.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give someone buying or selling a home?

I tell clients to breathe — real estate is a journey. Never marry yourself to a property. The cards fall where they fall for a reason.

Do you have a specific area of expertise?

My areas of expertise include investment portfolio management and growth. I own the brokerage, and I also have a property management division and a renovation group. We can make the whole dream come true under one roof.

When I come into a project, I can take the client through the process from start to finish. If they like a home but don’t like the kitchen, for example, I can arrange for a crew to come in and get a renovation done. Likewise, if a client is interested in renting their house, I can also have that discussion. There are so many more talking points we can walk through besides buying and selling.

What is your proudest career accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is being able to have it all: a successful real estate career and a family life.

What drives or motivates you outside of your work?

Projects motivate me. My passion project is renovating historic properties that most people would run from, but the challenges and transformations give me purpose.

What inspired you to enter real estate?

Destiny. I was born into a real estate family in Wilmington, Delaware. I tried to escape it, but it was in my blood.

What sets you apart from other realtors in the Nashville area?

I see my clients as my business partners. If they grow, I grow. My clients don’t go away — I’ve had some of the same clients since I started in this business. It’s not just closing on a house — it’s a constant relationship. People call me for everything under the sun, and I still answer the phone.

What is the hardest thing about your job as a realtor? The hardest part about being a realtor is turning it off. I can eat, sleep and dream real estate, and often do.

Grace Clayton

The Grace Clayton Group, Engel & Völkers

Email: grace.clayton@evrealestate.com

Phone: 615.305.1426

A NASHVILLE NATIVE, Grace Clayton enjoys helping clients find their homes in the community-centric neighborhoods around Middle Tennessee. Poised to help clients with all their buying and selling needs, Grace has built relationships in the area that offer her expertise in off-market properties, meaning her clients are often privy to listings before they hit the market. Real estate has long been in Grace’s blood, as she comes from a family line of local realtors who have been selling real estate in the Nashville area for 40 years. The Grace Clayton Group is part of Engel & Völkers Nashville.

What is your favorite thing about being a realtor?

After 20 years of helping my clients buy and sell real estate in Nashville, that’s a tough question! I think it would be the satisfaction and gratitude of knowing I secured a home for my clients in a really, really tough real estate market. Also, the connection I have with each individual client through the process is a favorite aspect of my job. Many of my clients have become lifelong friends too.

What is your favorite thing about living and working in Nashville?

Nashville is my hometown, and my heart and soul is in this city and community. I’m the type that loves to run into people at the grocery store, the gas station, etc. It’s the sense of community in Nashville that makes the city so special.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I wake up every single day with gratitude for my career and the people who trust me to handle their real estate transactions. I work seven days a week and have lost count of the hours at this point — because I’m so motivated to serve my clients and get them into their new homes.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give someone buying or selling a home?

My biggest piece of advice is to listen to your realtor. Remember that everyone representing you throughout the buying or selling process has the same goal: a successful transaction.

Do you have a specific area of expertise?

Off-market properties are something I specialize in. I have been doing this for 20 years, and I believe I have

built a reputation for having qualified buyers and sellers. So I have positioned myself as a well-connected resource for pre-market information — helping my clients gain access to listings before they hit the market.

What is your proudest career accomplishment?

My proudest career accomplishments are my recent rankings as No. 6 in production for 2023 among all realtors in Nashville and No. 7 group for production for Engel & Völkers America.

What drives or motivates you outside of your work?

My family and my children are my motivation. They are the driving force behind me.

What inspired you to enter real estate?

My family has been in the Nashville real estate business for over 40 years. I proudly became the second Clayton to obtain a real estate license.

What sets you apart from other realtors in the Nashville area?

Being from Nashville and knowing both the Nashville of today and the Nashville of the past sets me apart from others in the area. I have a deep understanding of the roots of the city, its neighborhoods and communities, and the diverse culture that makes our city so special.

What is the hardest thing about your job as a realtor?

The hardest part about real estate is its ever-changing dynamics based on factors outside of our control. Things like lack of inventory, interest rates and the media can cause a lot of different obstacles and misinformation, creating challenges in the market.

Beth Molteni

Fridrich & Clark Realty, LLC

Email: beth@bethmolteni.com

Phone: 615.327.4800

BETH MOLTENI is a decorated real estate agent with Fridrich & Clark Realty, LLC. Throughout her tenure, she’s been awarded the top listing and the top selling Realtor in the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors and won National Marketing Director of the Year from the National Home Builders Association. While the plaques on the wall nod to Beth’s achievements, her proudest accolade is referrals year after year from satisfied clients who make the Nashville and surrounding counties their home

“For years Nashville has always been ranked as one of the most friendly and welcoming cities,” Beth says. “Especially with the rapid growth we have experienced, I am really proud of how Nashville has maintained that reputation.”

What is your favorite thing about being a Realtor?

Since I insist on being involved in the entire process, I cannot pick just one thing I like best about being a Realtor. To be successful, you have to be able to do it all — from the creative marketing aspect, to the negotiation phase, to understanding and solving inspection issues and ensuring the property is delivered in good condition, to getting all of the financing and paperwork in order for a successful closing.

What is your favorite thing about living and working in Nashville?

Nashville is such a vibrant city and offers something for everyone — great local restaurants, professional sports, music and arts, and amazing parks and nature preserves for those who prefer more passive activities. I love that so many people who could live anywhere in the United States or the world for that matter are choosing to make their homes in Nashville — and often bringing their extended families along with them.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I don’t just rely on finding them a home that is on the internet. I try to fully understand what they are looking for. Then I begin to network extensively — calling friends and other realtors to see what might be coming soon, find out who might sell and stay abreast of “off-market listings.” It is about dedicating myself to finding them just the right house and having them top of mind at all times.

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give someone who is buying or selling a home?

Choose an experienced Realtor, and heed their advice. Your friends and neighbors and even Zillow may give you a false sense of what a home is worth. Square footage alone does not determine the value or demand of a house for buyers or sellers.

What drives and motivates you outside of your work?

My family has always been my greatest motivator. There is nothing I would rather do than be with them, any time, anywhere. When my children were young, I pursued my career to contribute to their education, experiences and lifestyle. Now that they are grown and successful in their own life choices, I realize I work because I really love what I do and can’t imagine life any other way.

What inspired you to enter real estate?

I am asked this question often, and I will never forget the exact conversation that led me to this industry. I was a member of the Adventure Science Center board of directors and at that time was intensely involved in volunteer work for various nonprofit organizations, including the newly formed Nashville Sports Council. Allen Patton, President of the museum board, was a real estate developer for American General Land Development, which was launching a new masterplanned community concept called Fieldstone Farms. He said he was looking for “someone like a Beth Molteni” as his marketing director. Just like that, I persuaded him to hire me — and God bless him for giving a mother of three very young children the perfect career opportunity in real estate!

What sets you apart from other realtors in the Nashville area?

I would say it is a combination of my marketing background and years of experience in real estate. Another difference is that while I do understand the importance of digital marketing, I also have always been a believer in print advertising. Let’s just say, if you are reading this article, you would have to agree.

NASHVILLE DESIGN COLLECTIVE

The Nashville Design Collective provides consumers with access to an unparalleled collection of brands, carefully curated to accommodate a diverse range of design projects spanning from modern to transitional to traditional styles, all under one roof. Explore state-of-the-art lighting fixtures, luxurious textiles, exquisite flooring options, stunning furniture pieces, premium cabinetry selections, exquisite stone and tile materials, rare antiques and much more.

Whether you’re a homeowner embarking on a renovation project, or an interior designer looking to refresh and reimagine spaces, the Nashville Design Collective serves as your comprehensive one-stop-shop, offering unique resources and expertise to bring your design visions to life. Experience the convenience and luxury of finding all your design needs in one place, designed to inspire and elevate every aspect of your project.

Founder of JL Design in Nashville, Jessica Davis attributed, “There is no other source like the Design Collective in Nashville. It has made a huge positive impact on my business; allowing myself and my team to access high end sources without traveling out of state.” With more than 18 years of interior design experience, Jessica finds joy in frequenting the Nashville Design Collective. It’s her go-to spot for expanding her creativity and exploring new ideas.

Experience a warm welcome at Nashville Design Collective, where you’ll find thirteen local and international brands showcasing their finest work. Showrooms include Artistic Tile, Bennett, Christopher Peacock, Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, Francois & Co., Kolo Collection, Kravet, Peacock Alley, Prodigy, Renaissance Tile & Bath, Robin Rains Interior Design + Antiques, Textures and Visual Comfort & Co. Nestled in the charming Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, you’re invited to visit the showrooms Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 510 Merritt Ave.

—Lauren Bradshaw of Lauren Bradshaw Designs

WEST MEETS E ST

Prabal Gurung dazzles at the Symphony Fashion Show

One of Nashville’s most eagerly anticipated fashion events of the year returned to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on a sunny evening in late April. Presented by Gus Mayer, The Symphony Fashion Show — which benefits the Nashville Symphony and their mission — showcases a different high-fashion designer each year. This year’s designer was Prabal Gurung. Co-chairs Tracy Frist and Emily Humphreys worked with event designer Bruce Pittman to set the stage for the stunning event. Each design element was a specific and thoughtful nod to Prabal’s life. The lining in the Patrons Party invitation was the pattern on the cover of Prabal’s coffee-table book, and as guests entered the fashion show, they encountered a beautiful pagoda.

Prabal was born in Singapore and raised in Nepal. After design school, he went on to further his education at the Pratt School of Design, where he interned for fashion icon Donna Karan. He went on to work for global lifestyle brand Cynthia Rowley. Prabal then served as design director for Bill Blass before launching his own label in 2009. Prabal brings dynamic vision to his designs and uses his platform as his megaphone to help advocate for social justice.

The evening began with cocktails in the Schermerhorn’s West Atrium as guests flowed into the courtyard. The fashion-forward crowd enjoyed Champagne and specialty cocktails as hors d'oeuvres were passed on silver trays. Executive chair Sandra Lipman ensured all had a wonderful time. The Symphony Fashion Show is known as one of the best peoplewatching events of the year, and this year was no exception. The reception was a parade of fashion on full display, with some guests opting for designs by Prabal and others donning chic looks by other top designers.

After the reception, guests moved into Laura Turner Concert Hall for the main event. As the lights lowered, the evening’s emcees Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton took the stage to welcome guests and speak on the importance of the evening. The Nashville Symphony is an established leader in arts communities. Notable Symphony programs include Music in My Neighborhood, Young People's Concerts, and the Accelerando program, providing professional performance, educational and career opportunities for students from underrepresented communities in American orchestras.

After a short video highlighting the Accelerando program, the lights dimmed and the fashion show began. As models moved down the catwalk, the stylish crowd applauded favorite pieces and new designs. This particular season, Prabal focused on merging traditional eastern garments with western lines, creating absolutely stunning pieces that will soon likely be seen at future top events in Music City. During the entire evening Prabal was gracious, taking time to have his picture taken with anyone who asked, visiting with guests and answering questions. The same was true after the show concluded. He walked the entire catwalk as an act of acknowledgement to all in the crowd. After the show concluded, CMA’s reigning Vocal Duo of the Year — Brothers Osborne — took the stage and performed hit songs with energy. The duo had guests up out of their chairs, dancing and clapping along. It was a night to remember.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Co-chairs Emily Humphreys, Tracy Frist, executive chair Sandra Lipman

Prabal Gurung

T.J. Osborne, John Osborne

Mary Morgan Ketchel, Danielle Goggin, Sherri Duke

Ana Cristina Cash, Allison Cotton

Kelleigh Bannen, Colson Horton

David Garrett, Karen Jackson, Leiyan Keele, Bari Beasley, Megan Alexander

Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Tom Kaczmarek, Marci Houff

Cheryl Resha, Libby Riggins

Thomas Barrett, Belinda Berry

Melanie Penn, Lindsay Ann Kemp

Shamira Freeman, Ashley Donelson

Terra Winfree, Mayra Lehman-Grimes

Kayla Counts, Connie Deidiker, Megan Koch

Apphia Maxima, Eliza Saunders, Kenya McReynolds

Jacob and Kelly Unger

Alexa Lipman, executive chair Sandra Lipman, Sutton Costanza

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round the Southern Tble

The Frist Art Museum gathers friends for the Frist Gala Patrons Party

Southern hospitality was on full display at the Frist Gala Patrons Party. This year, the event was centered around the incredible exhibit Southern/Modern — the first comprehensive survey of paintings and works on paper created in the American South from 1913 to 1955. Co-chairs Lake Eakin and Christine Weller visited with guests as they studied the works. Revelers enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres made by chef Sean Brock of Audrey, June and more. Sean himself carved hams for guests to relish during cocktail hour.

As guests made their way to dinner, a modern take on a Southern dining room awaited them. The event designer — The Social Office — masterfully used decor to create the illusion that guests were sitting down to the dinner table at home. Jim Knestrick created centerpiece columns lined with white cherry blossoms, and halos of magnolia leaves floated above the two center tables.

Before dinner was served, Billy Frist took a moment to thank everyone for their support. He reminded guests that their contributions fund key community engagement programs, like one offering free admission to museumgoers 18 and under. Executive director and CEO Seth Feman then took the stage to discuss the museum’s initiative to expand beyond its walls by hiring artists to teach classes at community centers throughout Nashville.

Sean then gave the enthralled audience insight into his vision for the evening’s menu. The chef drew inspiration from his Appalachian roots, as well as the Southern/Modern exhibit. “There is something about the Frist that brings out a curiosity and a sense of wonder,” he said. The evening’s menu included Jimmy Red cornbread with sour corn butter, Alabama blue crab, Bear Creek Farm short rib and sourwood honey custard with pawpaw caramel for dessert. As is the chef’s signature, every dish featured ingredients native to the South.

“It is important to understand why the food tastes the way it tastes in that certain place,” Sean said. “The same is true with art. Music is the same way. It is [all] about a sense of place.”

BY JANET KURTZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Jennifer and Billy Frist

Sean Brock

Co-chairs Lake Eakin, Christine Weller

Seth Feman, Mark Scala

Karen Moore, Karyn Frist

Jeannie Fairhurst, Clay Blevins

Jack and Barbara Bovender

A Musicl Evenin

The Nashville Symphony celebrates the Stradivarius Society

s guests entered the lobby of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, they beheld a room transformed with clusters of soft-white and light-blue seating. They also enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, like stuffed mushrooms and palate-teasing arancini. The arts patrons gathered for the annual Stradivarius Society dinner — an evening dedicated to the Nashville Symphony’s donors who, through their generosity, support the symphony’s mission to “entertain and educate audiences with varied opportunities to engage with orchestral music.”

After cocktail hour, guests made their way into the Laura Turner Concert Hall for a spectacular dinner. Then, Cathey and Wilford Fuqua took the stage to address the symphony’s family of close supporters and share some inspiring statistics. In the last year alone, over 6,000 students have participated in the free Young Musicians program. Over 700 participated in the Music in My Neighborhood program in North Nashville. Created in 2016, the Accelerando program has directly impacted students in the community. Of the 24 students who have participated in the Accelerando program, 15 graduates have gone on to higher education.

After the speakers concluded, members of the Nashville Symphony took the stage to perform Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op. 97 — “the Archduke Trio” — to the delight of all in the room. Guests then enjoyed a dinner of beef short rib, which was perfect for the chilly evening.

All headed home, undoubtedly looking forward to the next evening they’d spend with the Nashville Symphony.

BY JANET KURTZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Bob Deal, Gabe and Evelyn Cate Galletti, Jason Bradshaw

Alan Valentine, Rob Turner, Rebecca Rouland, Jay Jones Nathan Aspinall, Reed and Dianne Arvin

Julie and John Schneider

Pamela and Hugh Sloan, Debbie Cassetty, Shari Martin

Vicki and Rick Horne

then Risin

The Nashville ATHENA Awards recognize women in leadership

thena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, military victory and heroic endeavor. So it’s only fitting that one of the most prestigious awards given to women in leadership bears her name. Cable, the organization behind Nashville’s ATHENA Awards Program, is Tennessee’s largest and most established professional network committed to connecting women in business to better opportunities.

Co-chairs Julia Baker and Contrecia Tharpe welcomed guests as they sat down for dinner in the Music City Center. And Traci Costa, president and CEO of ATHENA International, took the stage. “Forty-one years ago, our founder was told women are not leaders,” Traci said. She then asked the crowd: Who struggles with worthiness, confidence or a sense of belonging? Many in the audience raised their hands. “This is why ATHENA International is on a mission to positively impact the leadership narrative,” she said.

Mignon Francois, founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection, gave the evening’s keynote address. Mignon started The Cupcake Collection with $5 and to date has sold over 5 million cupcakes — turning adversity into success.

This year’s group of Young Professional Award nominees was an impressive one, with Tamara Bates, the Tennessee Democratic Party’s director of community engagement, named the winner. As Tamara graciously accepted the accolade, she noted that the award was not only for her — “but [for] women across the nation and world.”

The crowning moment came when the organization honored its 18 Traditional Award nominees for their commitment to excellence in their profession, contributions to their community and mentorship of other women. Cynthia Whitfield-Story, CEO of consulting firm INSPIRE1, won this year’s award.

“Find someone that you can help, and change their life,” Cynthia said while accepting the award. She then introduced one of her clients, who was sitting in the crowd. “She’s here tonight because I wanted her to experience, at this level, women and success and what she can be in the future.”

BY MELISSA CORBIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Jessica Williams, Katora Fleming

John Peterson, Al Brady

Deborah Massie, Shantyra Delaney, Marissa Reid, Stephanie Stanton

Anand and Dee Patel with Elissa and Evan Karen Litterer, Burkley Allen

Co-chairs Contrecia Tharpe, Julia Baker

Liz Sitgreaves, Jen Robinson, Missy Acosta

Country Chic

The Michael J. Fox Foundation returns to raise funds to fight Parkinson’s disease

On a stormy spring evening, Nashvillians showed up in their best “country chic” attire to support the second annual A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s. The event — created by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) — is an offshoot of a wildly popular New York event with a similar name. Co-chairs for the evening were Virginia and Richard Fitzgerald, Tracy Pollan and Michael J. Fox, Trevor Moran, Kimberly and Steve Schlapman, and Katherine and Jay Williams. Virginia and Richard opened the evening by sharing why this cause is so important to them. “What I found with the Michael J. Fox Foundation was a network of incredibly dedicated people whose goal is to put themselves out of business by funding Parkinson’s research and finding a cure,” Richard said, adding that his father has Parkinson’s.

As guests entered the stunning Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, a cocktail dinner awaited them. The chef for the evening — the talented Trevor Moran of Locust — prepared outstanding stations with fan favorites like beef tartare rolls and caviar shooters. Friends visited and dined while keeping in mind the organization’s mission — to lead the charge toward a world without Parkinson’s disease.

After all had enjoyed the cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres, it was time for the main event — the concert. Superstars Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town and Jason Isbell headlined a star-studded evening. The excitement of the crowd was palpable as the curtain raised and the first act, Little Big Town, began to play.

Debi Brooks, CEO and co-founder of the MJFF, took the stage, remarking how excited everyone was to be back in Nashville. She also updated the crowd on the foundation’s significant progress. “After more than two decades of determination, the biomarker now in hand, we are in the midst of what can only be described as an explosion of possibilities in right brain research,” she shared. Later, Michael J. Fox poignantly addressed the crowd from his box and thanked the incredible performers for sharing their talents to support the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

Then all three acts came together to close the evening with an incredible rendition of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider.”

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Lola Chambless, Matt Schneider, Stefany and Chris Bonfield

Jason Isbell

J.W. DeLoach, Anne Elizabeth McIntosh

Debi Brooks, co-chairs Richard and Virginia Fitzgerald

Sarah and Stephen Vogel

Hilary Craiglow, Jim Gingrich

Grace Clayton, Lindsey Hundley

Denise Cummins, Andrea Diamantis, Monteray Smith, Christie Wilson

Debi Brooks

Calvine Dunnan, Ann Curtis, Christine Weller

Louise Alexander, Vance McGuigan, Julie Burkhalter Red and Shari Martin

Marissa Mulhearn, Nancy Mulhearn, Barbara Pawlikowski

Cathy and Edward Shaw

Nancy Benskin, Lindsey Hundley

Locust beef tartare rolls

Randy Bellows, Leslie Heinrich, Daniel Corcos

Father’s Day Weekend | June 15 & 16

Cruise into Cheekwood and stroll among over 100 impeccably maintained classic cars and vintage motorcycles, including a 1931 Studebaker President and a 1933 Harley Davidson VC with LT Sidecar. Bring the whole family to enjoy special musical performances of era-specific tunes from the 1920s to the 1970s, kids' activities, and delicious o erings from local food trucks and bar stations. Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Each year, 25,000 people attend Percy Warner Park for a day of racing, parties, and fashion at the Iroquois Steeplechase. This year, Nashville’s Rite of Spring is excited for our expanded 2024 ticket options! –

Join us on May 11, 2024, in the Royal 615 Lounge, Hunt Club or any of our other hospitality areas across the grounds.

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE VIP, Lounge Seating & Ticketed Clubs

Circles of Life

Uplifting others through the Tiffany Circle Spring Gathering

As the spring social season came into bloom, Kellie and Will Robinson welcomed guests into their home for a beloved annual event — the Tiffany Circle Spring Gathering. The Tiffany Circle is a network of philanthropic women around the world who, through their support of the American Red Cross, share a passion for helping communities in their darkest hour. The Spring Gathering is the only Tiffany Circle event where members’ significant others are invited — allowing partners the opportunity to learn more about the extensive work of the Red Cross. Silver trays carrying delicious hors d’oeuvres, like mini BLTs, passed through the rooms of the Robinsons’ beautiful home, as hosts Woo and Trey Caroland, Tricia and Doug McDowell and Kellie and Will Robinson visited with guests.

After everyone arrived, the hosts and the evening’s guest speaker — Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of biomedical services at the American Red Cross — headed to the front of the room. Tricia thanked the guests for attending on the chilly “dogwood winter” evening and noted that “since its inception in 1881, the American Red Cross has leveraged the power of women to provide lifesaving support to people in need.” Keri McInnis then shared a story about her mother, who had an autologous stem cell transplant and a blood and platelet transfusion at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Tennessee Oncology six years ago. She then asked for a round of applause for all the blood donors in the room, noting that their donations save lives every day.

Keri then introduced Pampee Young, who provides medical guidance, vision and strategic direction to the Red Cross, focusing on donor and patient safety objectives in particular. Her unit’s primary responsibility is collecting, processing and distributing blood and blood products. This important work helps a range of patients, from those in trauma to those experiencing cancer who need platelets. Pampee also informed the room about the importance of “fixed sites,” locations where people can donate blood to the Red Cross. These centers offer greater donor satisfaction and staff retention, allowing the program to grow — and have an even bigger impact on those in need.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY LORENZO HUERTA

Natalie Clements, Louise Bryan, Courtney and Jim Fitzgerald

Woo Caroland, Irwin Fisher

Randy and Janice LaGasse, Lynn and Rick Scarola

Keri McInnis, Pampee Young

Gina Haining, Barbara Bovender

Rowena Cuffe, Maxine Majors, Tricia McDowell

Anne Russell, Katie Crumbo

Ten Yers Gone

OZ Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary

On a crisp Friday night, OZ Arts invited the community out for its big birthday bash. There was art on every surface. And the former cigar warehouse — now a beloved visual and performing art center — was illuminated by a glowing projection that read “OZ’s 10th Anniversary Bash.”

Waves of art enthusiasts arrived clad in a dazzling variety of attire, turning the night into a showcase of captivating art and expressive personal style. In the “Creative Warehouse,” DJ Raiden played an energetic mix that had some guests jiving the second they entered. Others stopped and soaked in the 360 degrees of excitement.

Experiential, interactive installations lined the walls — a nod to OZ Arts’ mission to spotlight artists and meaningfully engage audiences. A breathtaking balloon sculpture lit by disco lights beckoned all inside for a memorable photo opportunity. At one standout booth lined with McDonald’s french fry cups, guests wrote down memories from the past 10 years and added them to the playful fast food tapestry.

Emcee Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva kept the festivities rolling with video viewings and stage performers, like New Dialect, Shackled Feet Dance, Jenny Littleton, Piper Jones, Johna Jackson and more. The theatrical rock band Fable Cry stunned guests with vibrant looks and sounds on the music stage. Colorful sculptures by Alex Lockwood hung high above the party.

In the back lounge, Lenin Fernandez, Alex Winer and Sandy Perez put on individual dance performances every 15 minutes. Guests indulged in a signature drink called The Decade Smash and gazed through the glass panes of a circular structure titled “Dances for a Tiny Room.” The quieter nature of these performances offered the perfect contrast to the more vivacious party down the hall.

Tim Ozgener, Mark Murphy and their passionate team are a marvel as they give to the artistic community both near and far. Over the past 10 years, OZ Arts has hosted 2,500 artists from over 15 different countries. The spirited anniversary soirée was a wonderful ode to the arts and our creative city.

BY WANDERLUST GIRLS | EMILY BACHE & ABIGAIL BRESLIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Stacey Rhodes, Whit Rhodes, Mclaine Richardson

Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva

Grace and Carl Awh

Banning Bouldin, Tracey Ford, Tonya Lewis

Adam Sansiveri, Kendall Brown

Mark Murphy

Tim Ozgener

photo by Kristyn Hogan

Bold nd Beutiful

The TPAC Gala uplifts community education

On a stunning spring evening, guests arrived at the Four Seasons Nashville for the annual TPAC gala. While many stopped for a quick photo at the step-and-repeat, they immediately moved into the ballroom foyer, where Matt Logan had staged vibrant vignettes featuring stylish models and the word “bold” written in neon letters. Guests visited, sipped cocktails and enjoyed the view — with one added bonus. The event’s designers had cleverly added decals to the windows overlooking the Cumberland River to give revelers a vision of TPAC’s future on the East Bank.

As the dinner bell rang, guests entered the ballroom, ready for the evening to truly begin. TPAC president and CEO Jennifer Turner took the stage, taking a moment to thank those in the room for their continued support. “I say the word ‘community’ often when talking about TPAC — maybe even more than I say ‘the arts,’” she said. “For TPAC, the community and the arts are inherently connected. Our work is an interwoven tapestry of artistic experiences that spark joy and connection in our lives.”

Adding impact to the evening, teachers from area schools took the stage. TPAC teaching artist Ginger Newman discussed the Disney theatrical group’s initiative to build sustainable theater programs in Nashville. “Nine years ago, TPAC worked with the educators at Wright Middle School to put on their very first Disney musical,” she said. “And today, [Wright Middle School] has a vibrant theater program with a trained and dedicated team to inspire the students they teach. If that doesn’t give you chills, you might not have a pulse.”

One of the most poignant moments came when Derreck, an eighth grade student at Wright Middle School, spoke about the impact theater has had on him. “When I’m onstage, I feel like a superstar,” he said. “I feel powerful. I have all these different emotions. I’m just excited to perform.” Finally, four top Broadway performers — Quentin Earl Darrington, Morgan James, Nicholas Rodriguez and Elizabeth Stanley — wowed the crowd with an incredible performance, creating a night to remember.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Ginger Newman

Evette and Tim White

Bob and Rachel Freeman, Jamaica and Stephen Zralek

Victor and Carla Berrios, Jennifer Turner

Elizabeth Stanley

Adam Sansiveri, Kendall Brown

David Andrews and Matt Paco

Nicholas Rodriguez, Elizabeth Stanley, Morgan James, Quentin Earl Darrington

Sam and Mary Helen Davidson

Suzanne Iler, Sabrina Miller

Sarah Beth Gerlecz, Heather Vassar, Mary Joyce

Matt Logan, Carolyn Smith Bryant and Del Bryant

Tamiko Robinson Steele

Sylvester Leo, Wayne Starks

Brittany Portalatin, Josh Holliday

Amy and Brannan Atkinson

Christian Lyhus and Jade Parente

Alberta and Bob Doochin

Derreck, a student at Wright Middle School

CARMINA BURANA

Nashville Symphony Chorus

Tucker Biddlecombe, chorus director

Meechot Marrero, soprano

Randall Scotting, countertenor

Sidney Outlaw, baritone

Vanderbilt Youth Choirs

Mary Biddlecombe, Vanderbilt youth choirs director

Join us as we celebrate up-and-coming Nashville philanthropists with our Fresh Faces of Philanthropy reception. The distinguished honorees are 45 years or younger, active in the community and nominated by the nonprofit organizations for which they volunteer or serve on a board or committee. Honorees will be featured in the wildly popular June issue of Nfocus, and celebrated at an evening soiree featuring light bites, cocktails and conversation.

JUNE 5

5:30 PM TO 8:00 PM THE OAK ROOM AT NELSON’S GREEN BRIER DISTILLERY

Upgrade to our Friends of Fresh Faces Bundle for reserved seating, a VIP gift bag, a bouquet of fresh florals to pass along to your favorite honoree and more VIP perks. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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Hve Coure, nd Be Kind

Studio Tenn celebrates One Night Only

On a Saturday in early spring, guests arrived at the Factory at Franklin’s Liberty Hall for the annual Studio Tenn event One Night Only. This year, the gala — one of the most anticipated arts events in the region — celebrated the dynamic collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Co-chairs for the evening, Bethni and Trent Hemphill and Susan and Robert Deaton, were on hand to greet guests and share the importance of Studio Tenn’s mission to “exist as a creative and inspirational theatrical space whose job is to bring people together, not divide them.”

As guests entered the space, they encountered six vignettes representing different Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, like South Pacific, Oklahoma!, Carousel and more. At each vignette, a performer sang an iconic song from the featured musical. After the reception, guests enjoyed a bountiful buffet dinner from Catering & Events by Suzette. Then guests settled into their seats, and it was time for the show to begin. “I am so proud of the group we have put together,” said Studio Tenn artistic director Patrick Cassidy. “These actors are the best of the best.”

Before the musical portion of the evening, Patrick took a moment to present the Legacy Award. Each year at One Night Only, Studio Tenn honors someone in the community who not only supports Studio Tenn, but has also made a commitment to the arts as a whole. This year, Paul Vasterling earned recognition for his extensive contributions to further the arts.

After the presentation, performers took the stage for an evening dedicated to one of the golden eras of Broadway. An appearance by Tony-Award-nominated actor Norm Lewis made the evening even more special. Norm, who is known for his wide vocal range and his appearances both onstage and on-screen, wowed the audience with his voice, as One Night Only became a truly unforgettable event.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS

BY LORENZO HUERTA

Jim Munro, Maria Konrad, Susan and Roland Jones

Norm Lewis

Amos Glass, Bakari King, Kelli Jones, Kayla Lowery

Nancy and Glenn Wilson, Robert and Juli Clendenin

John Eason, co-chair Bethni Hemphill, Bill and Tracy Frist, Barry Banker

Co-chairs Trent and Bethni Hemphill, co-chairs Susan and Robert Deaton

Bi Wis

The Big Wig Gig brightened smiles for Interfaith Dental

It wasn’t just about the wigs — from bouffants to mullets and everything in between — at the Big Wig Gig. Interfaith Dental’s benefit happened on a beautiful spring evening at the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum. This special celebration marked Interfaith Dental’s 30th anniversary, while honoring all the past, present and future bigwigs who have supported the organization’s mission to provide transformational oral health care to those experiencing poverty.

Key “bigwigs” — like Interfaith Dental founder Tom Underwood and Interfaith Dental CEO Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi — greeted guests and thanked patrons for their support. “As we celebrate 30 years of spreading healthy smiles in our community, I’m grateful for all the bigwigs and their leadership through the years,” Rhonda said. “But [I’m] also [grateful for] all the new bigwigs that just learned about us — their support is what makes the mission possible.”

Rhonda continued, thanking event co-chairs Terryl Propper, Jeannie Beauchamp and Katherine Hall. She also recognized the event planning committee and the Interfaith Dental board of directors. “Their dedication has been key to our patients’ success,” she said. “Here’s to many more years together of making smiles that can change everything!”

The band Rewind performed live throughout the evening. Guests sipped on signature cocktails, and a buffet catered by Chef’s Market offered an array of dishes to suit every palate. Guests toured the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and its many interactive exhibits, where they could play instruments, experience the recording process and sing a little bit of karaoke. A dance party soon commenced.

Last year, Interfaith Dental served nearly 3,500 patients in 10 Middle Tennessee counties. If you’d like to volunteer, donate or apply for services, you can visit Interfaith Dental’s website for details.

BY MELISSA CORBIN

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS

Vicki Underwood, Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi, Tom Underwood

Seph Kestner, Richard Bletzacker Terryl Propper, Katherine Hall, Jeannie Beauchamp

Joshua and Jennifer Perkins, Michelle Russell

Natalie Cooper, Shaherah and Mark Yancy

Sharon and Lamont Bunch

Tessa and Rich Van Etten, Jeff McCormick

Ruth Edmonds

AMusic on the Frm

Land Trust for Tennessee makes music under the stars

pril 17 was the perfect date — not too hot and not too cold, and only a light jacket was needed — for the third Land Trust for Tennessee Music on the Farm. For this special evening of song, the Land Trust welcomed Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway with special guest Wyatt Ellis to Glen Leven Farm. This year, the Land Trust for Tennessee celebrates 25 years of land conservation throughout the state of Tennessee.

A delicious, farm-fresh buffet dinner was prepared by Flavor Catering and included hot-chicken tacos, smoked brisket on a biscuit, and bountiful vegetables in an array of preparations. After everyone was pleasantly full, it was time for an evening of song. As the sun dipped behind the trees, votive candles along with strings of bistro lights illuminated the tent with a warm glow. With the Glen Leven mansion as the backdrop and the side porch as the stage, Land Trust for Tennessee president & CEO Liz McLaurin addressed the crowd. “Thank you all for being here this evening. By buying a ticket you are supporting land conservation throughout the state.” She then offered some facts about the important work they have been doing for two-and-a-half decades. “In the 25 years that we have been in operation, you have helped us conserve 136,000 acres of land with 460 projects across the state.”

Next it was time for the music. First up was special guest Wyatt Ellis and his band. The 15-year-old musician has quickly made a name for himself as a mandolin prodigy who has played the Grand Ole Opry and recently released his debut album — Happy Valley After a rousing set of outstanding bluegrass, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway took the stage. The renowned musician combined her spellbinding multi-instrumental prowess with insightful songwriting. The setting, the music and the fellowship made for a perfect evening under the stars — all to support the Land Trust for Tennessee.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Laura Zapata, Dylan Hall

Ketch Secor, Liz McLaurin, Claudia Huskey

Wyatt Ellis and his band

Molly Tuttle

Liz McLaurin, Rob and Nora Jewell

Strenth in Numbers

The Power of the Purse luncheon raises funds and spirits for local women and girls

As the stylish among us develop a fashion sense, the big question is often whether to favor designer shoes or high-end handbags. The fashionable philanthropists of Nashville certainly had the choice made easy for them as they arrived at the Music City Center for the Power of the Purse luncheon. The annual event draws crowds of influential women leaders to peruse — and bid on — designer handbags while supporting the Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund. The Women’s Fund was established in 1994 to increase support in Middle Tennessee for programs serving women and girls.

The day began with an exciting silent auction of everything from purses, totes and evening bags to signature jewelry and lifestyle experiences. Friends engaged in a little friendly competition as they shopped the selection, which included names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel to name a few. As shoppers bid on their favorite pieces, event co-chairs Lauren Master and Amanda Schwartz visited with guests to remind them to bid high and bid often.

After guests had plenty of time to choose among their favorites, it was time for lunch and an inspirational speech from keynote speaker Corrinne Tarver, head women’s gymnastics coach at Fisk University. Corrinne highlighted her journey from being a student-athlete at the University of Georgia to becoming the first Black gymnast to win an NCAA all-around championship. Her success continued as she earned an undergraduate degree in social work from UGA, followed by a law degree from New York Law School. Corrinne joined Fisk in 2022 to lead the country’s first gymnastics program at a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). Corrinne began her gymnastics journey with tumbling classes because she “needed an outlet for my abundance of energy, and hope that I would learn the proper way to do flips that I was already trying.” She talked about how she overcame what she called “inherent deductions,” which are things we cannot change about ourselves. But it was those “deductions” that helped her work harder and harder each day to overcome the challenges she faced — and that she teaches her team to overcome every day.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Ellen Lehman, Pat Lawson

Elizabeth Papel, Anne Cloud, Jerry Williams

Latisha Burns, Hal Cato, Terrie Moore

Kathryn Bennett, Amy Joyner, Debi Tate

Carol Yochem

Co-chairs Lauren Master, Amanda Schwartz

Corrinne Tarver, Valencia Jordan

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Centennial Park is where the community unwinds, learns, explores, and comes together. During Centennial Park Conservancy’s spring fundraising campaign, you can help preserve this urban oasis, provide free access to cultural arts, and empower a healthier community. Help us sustain the place where Nashville grows.

To Prbl!

Nashville Symphony celebrates the eve of the fashion show

On the eve of one of the most anticipated fashion events of the season, guests gathered at the stunning home of Dana and David Curtis to celebrate the Symphony Fashion Show Patrons Party. The new home was the perfect location, as guests moved from the indoor spaces to the pool area with ease, thanks to a disappearing wall of windows. Event hosts Jana and Ansel Davis, Ellen Martin and Gerry Nadeau, Andrea and Greg Powell, Julie and John Schneider, Sheila Shields and Johnna Watson created an evening to remember, as supporters of the Nashville Symphony gathered to raise a glass to the symphony and the celebrated designer Prabal Gurung.

This year’s co-chairs — Emily Humphreys and Tracy Frist — along with executive chair Sandra Lipman were on hand to greet guests and answer questions about the upcoming show. The always popular Flavor Catering offered delicious hors d’oeuvres for the evening. Cupcakes courtesy of Nazia’s Cake Garden were also a highlight of the evening. The design of the delicious temptations was a rhododendron — the national flower of Nepal — a nod to the homeland of this year’s designer. Guests enjoyed visiting as many talked about the following evening’s highly anticipated event: the 19th annual Symphony Fashion Show featuring famed designer Prabal Gurung. Prabal also made an appearance, graciously visiting with guests and pausing for photographs.

Nashville Symphony president and CEO Alan Valentine took a few moments to thank everyone who helped bring this year’s Symphony Fashion Show to life. As guests departed, each was gifted with a copy of Prabal’s coffee table book — the pattern from the book cover was the inspiration not only for the Patrons Party invitation lining but also for a design theme that was punctuated throughout the two events.

BY JANET KURTZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Vicki Horne, Ashley Horne Herring

Jim Seabury, Diane Edwards, Karyn Frist, Laurie Seabury

Michelle Nowell, Brittainy Jones, co-chair Emily Humphreys

Bari Beasley, David Garrett

Leiyan and Larry Keele

Tracy Frist, Prabal Gurung, Janice Elliott Morgan

Nancy Hearn, McKenzie Mullins, Jill Fairchild

Executive chair Sandra Lipman, Bill and co-chair Tracy Frist

Jake and Cassie Greatens, Lisa DeBartolo and Don Miggs

Edwin Keeble

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF NASHVILLE BANNER ARCHIVES, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DIVISION, NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NASHVILLIAN EDWIN KEEBLE (1905-1979) was one of the South’s greatest architects of the 20th century. Most famous for his iconic Life & Casualty Tower, Edwin designed a wide range of buildings — including commercial, residential and industrial projects.

Noteworthy examples of Edwin’s design talent include the exaggerated steeple of Woodmont Christian Church and Nashville’s first International Style home, Deepwood, located on Stanford Drive. He left an indelible mark on our beautiful city that continues to inspire architects today.

BY RIDLEY WILLS III

Design

director

of The Wills Company

Co-author of a soon-to-be-published book on Edwin Keeble and his work