Letters of Support
SEED SPACE LETTERS OF SUPPORT 2013 — 2014
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern, I arrived in Nashville via Richmond, Virginia, and Brooklyn, New York. As an artist, former gallery operator and arts publication editor, I can honestly declare that Seed Space is meeting, and at times exceeding, the standard for what a non-profit gallery space should aspire to be. Seed Space is an infusion of innovation and vision for the visual arts in a city (Nashville) that has a chronic music hangover. On a personal level, I am honored to have been part of Seed Space’s innovative programing. Here I was able to experiment on a site-specific work that would otherwise have difficulty gaining exposure in traditional, commercial venues. Furthermore, the artist/writer model in place at Seed Space brings writers and artists together to kick-start critical dialogue about contemporary issues. My work, Six Flags, with essay by Mark Scala, Curator at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, has since been exhibited nationally and provided me with further opportunities to exhibit and deliver artist lectures. In addition, I was chosen to participate in CSArt, a Seed Space program that provides a unique opportunity for Nashvillians to acquire high quality, original works by local emerging and mid-career artists. More importantly, CSArt provides a conduit for local artists to interact with the collecting public – a relationship that is lacking gravity in this up and coming southern city full of creative talent. Seed Space provides an essential forum for artists, writers, collectors and the public to congregate and interact whether for an artist talk, exhibition, temporary project, studio visit or workshop. In fact, no other Nashville organization is involved in as many successful creative initiatives to help propel artists and bring together a collaborative network of national talent than Seed Space. This is a space that deserves the opportunity to grow and evolve for the good of Nashville and the national art scene as a whole. Sincerely,
Derek CotĂŠ http://derekcote.com/
Letters of Support
February 10, 2013 Just this past year the Andy Warhol Foundation and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation showed interest in the work of NCAP and specifically Seed Space. Seed Space is not only a unique space to Nashville; it also provides a unique model for small art organizations around the country. It is rare to find an art space committed to supporting writers and curators in addition to artists. As a writer from Atlanta, I was commissioned to write an essay for Natalie Dunham’s installation Veneer. This not only gave me an opportunity to learn more about one particular artist, but I have become more invested in learning about other creative practices in the city. I am now more likely to visit Nashville for its arts programming. Their interdisciplinary and collaborative approach supports experimentation and provides exposure to diverse art practices. Visiting Seed Space, I was inspired by the support it provides to the creative community. The CSArt is also playing a critical role in financially supporting artists and allows members to become stakeholders in contemporary art and their community at large. By commissioning artists, critics and curators such as myself to travel to Tennessee to work alongside our Nashvillebased counterparts highlights the excellence of work being made here. It is my strong belief that Seed Space is forging the path of innovation for small art organizations throughout the region. Sincerely,
Kristin JuĂĄrez Contributing editor and writer for Burnaway Magazine http://www.burnaway.org/author/kristin/
In support of Nashville’s wonderful Seed Space
Letters of Support
To Whom It Concerns: I am aware of the importance and challenges in operating an artist driven venue in Nashville TN. 8 years ago I codirected the Fugitive Art Center which lived in the same neighborhood that Seed is currently located. Currently, I co-direct Ditch Projects in Springfield, Oregon, and I am the founder and director of the new exhibition venue Pacific Sky. Seed Space’s director and curators have embraced community engagement with a fearless imagination to become a definitive leader in the growing and vital Nashville art community. Seed Space has cultivated a mission committed to education and community action by organizing an on-going series of lectures, workshops and round tables. They’ve spotlighted their curatorial programming by pairing their exhibiting artists with writers. They tirelessly and effectively disseminate their programing via social media as well as word of mouth. I’ve admired the ambitiousness of their endeavors since I heard about the venue over a year ago from my home in the Pacific Northwest. Seed Space is on my watch list - inspiring and instructing my own endeavors. I’ve been a long-time resident of NY and have lived in Athens, GA, Portland, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco and Chicago. Seed Space is a national model for what the very best community arts organizations can achieve. Please feel free to contact me for further comments or clarification. Sincerely,
Jack Ryan Associate Professor CoreSTUDIO Director University of Oregon volcanophile.com
Letters of Support
April 2, 2013 To Whom it May Concern: Please accept this letter of support for the Nashville Cultural Arts Project (NCAP). I learned about NCAP through networking with other local artists on Facebook and seeing advertisements for Seed Space in local art magazines and listserves. I attended a NCAP professional development workshop in September 2012, featuring New York artist Sharon Louden presenting best practices for professional working artists. I have attended numerous offerings for artists in Nashville, but none of this caliber – this comprehensive workshop was extremely informative and helpful. Instead of theorizing how to “be” an artist, Ms. Louden offered a practical, step-by-step guide of initiating and building a professional art career. After attending this workshop, I joined the NCAP’s listserve to stay informed of future offerings, and saw that NCAP/ Seed Space welcomed volunteers. I contacted NCAP’s Director, Adrienne Outlaw, and met with her and Rachel Bubis, Curator of Seed Space, to discuss volunteering opportunities. My personal experience, attending the NCAP workshop, and seeing the work and people that NCAP bring to Nashville, made me want to become part of this organization. As I am only beginning my art career, I saw an opportunity to be part of an organization that is not only showing compelling work in Nashville, but also working to expand and diversify the art scene here. NCAP is also helping local artists to build their careers and providing opportunities to create national connections. With my experience in non-profit/philanthropic management, I have been volunteering with NCAP to write grants and develop a comprehensive fundraising plan, develop a diverse and dynamic Board of Directors, and create a long-term strategic plan to grow the organization to achieve its full potential. Adrienne Outlaw has been providing guidance to me, as I develop my career as a professional artist. To that end, I fully support NCAP’s request for funding. NCAP is serving the needs of and bringing much needed attention to Nashville-area artists, critical work that is instrumental to building a strong, vibrant arts community. Sincerely,
Lisa Croney www.lcroneyart.com
Letters of Support
February 10, 2013 To Whom It May Concern, I have been asked to forward my thoughts about Seed Space and I am happy to do so. I am the Artistic Director of the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center which was started by artists in 1973, in an attempt to Make Atlanta a more vibrant art city. Like many non profits of this era, it was by artists for artists, and had that barn raising energy that exemplifies most startups. There are many challenges that face artists who want to exhibit, meet peers, and broaden the range of ways that they can operate. I have worked in New York City, Portland, OR, and rural Pennsylvania, and I know that most modest towns and cities are pushed forward by the energies of local practitioners and their generosity. Seed Space is providing this in Nashville, which was clear to me when I visited recently. I had heard of Adrienne Outlaw and her small gallery tucked inside her studio. I was impressed from afar, hearing from writers, curators, and artists who had exhibited there or given lectures and professional practice seminars. Adrienne is very aware of the galvanizing power of doing something modest and rigorous. Her experience as an artist and writer makes her the ideal figure to gather others, stay true to a simple and specific vision, and not lose sight of what is important. In short order, Seed Space has become identified as a program with national consequence, on the radar of funders and advocates including The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. I have no doubt that in the coming year or so, Adrienne and Rachel Bubis will be continue to build on the things they have already achieved, and aspire to even grander projects. I was happy to engage them both in Miami during the Art Basel fair, and to compare notes on the varied works being presented there. We have begun talking about a regional conference and fair which would focus on arts presenters in the Southeast, affording many art centers, writers, co-operatives, and publishers a chance to come together, network, and plan collaborations for the future. I have tried in my role in Atlanta to develop exhibits and public programs (lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, and trips) as a way to enrich the artist community and encourage new forms of patronage and activism. I feel a great kinship with Seed Space and look forward to collaborating with them on projects that will benefit our two cities and the field. I hope that they receive the support of all forward-thinking arts agencies, business leaders, and curious citizens, who will help them to continue good thoughtful work. Count me as one of their champions and please do not hesitate to contact me for more information. Sincerely,
Stuart Horodner Artistic Director Atlanta Contemporary Art Center www.thecontemporary.org
Letters of Support
April 1, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to you on behalf of the Nashville Cultural Arts Project (NCAP) in support of its programming. I first encountered the organization as a participant in the 2012 Insight? Outta Sight! and Outta Site! programs. These programs are a dynamic mix and mingle between practitioners in the field and Nashville’s vibrant artistic community. These programs and lectures feature candid discussions about how to engage the community with contemporary art. The fact that these programs have featured prominent architects, artists and critics such as Vitto Acconci, Bill Caroll, Mel Chin, Stuart Horodner, Shirin Neshat and Billie Tsien is an exceptional accomplishment. Another example of NCAP’s impact within Nashville’s visual arts community was Super Long Play!, a joint exhibition of VHS cassettes compiled by Benton-C Bainbridge, exhibited at the organization’s Seed Space site. The space has become a place known for its experimental impulses, as well as its growing list of artists, which represents some of the most creative, innovative and sought after individuals in the field. Moreover, Nashville Cultural Arts Project programs and projects strive to incorporate an international dialogue within the Mid-Southern arts market, which surely enhances Nashville’s stature within the contemporary visual arts community. Overall, NCAP’s execution of its mission, which is to combine new ideas in art as a method of communal revitalization, has encouraged me to serve on its Artist Advisory Board. From the organization’s Seed Space project, which serves as a creative laboratory for the visual arts to its Professional Development Workshops, the Nashville Cultural Arts Project has become a place for building the very necessary foundations for contemporary art appreciation, discourse, experimentation and leadership within Nashville’s visual arts community. In closing, it is with immense pride and sincere enthusiasm that I support NCAP’s efforts and ask that you join me in aiding its work. Operational and program support funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Metro Nashville Arts Commission and organizations such as yours is crucial to NCAP’s development and continued growth. As one of the many NCAP Artist Advisory Board members, I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration of all Nashville Cultural Arts Project requests for support. Sincerely,
Rehema C. Barber http://seedspace.org/boards/artist-advisory-board-2 March 29, 2013
Letters of Support
To Whom it May Concern: When I first moved to Nashville from Chicago in 2010 I was anxious to explore what the art community would be like in a smaller, less centrally located city. As I began meeting people and asking where to go and who to talk to, a consistent response I received was, “Seed Space!” I quickly learned that Seed Space is one of the key alternative spaces in Nashville. After attending several shows I realized why. Seed Space shows challenging work. Most importantly the space and community that surround it forge a verbal and written dialogue about how that work functions in contemporary practice. I cannot tell you how elated I was to find this type of discourse taking place in Nashville. As I became more involved in the community, I was asked to join the CSArt Program. I was very excited as this is a model that I have seen in other cities and really believe in. Through the program I was able to gain an enormous amount of exposure and be introduced to people in Nashville I wouldn’t have otherwise crossed paths with. Foremost, it is vital for me to see my work involved in the local economy in a sustainable manner. Overall Seed Space and CSArt have played a large role in my settling into Nashville. They make it possible for artists like myself to establish themselves and sustain relationships with other artists and the city at large. Their work makes Nashville a contemporary and relevant city to be a working artist. Sincerely yours,
Emily Clayton www.emilyclayton.com
Letters of Support
April 2, 2013 To whom it may concern: I applied for the Seed Space internship after becoming familiar with Seed Space, N-CAP, and Adrienne Outlaw through the Nashville art community. I am a recent college graduate, and I’ve worked as a studio assistant to a photographer, and also as an intern at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. These engagements have brought me into contact with Seed Space while coordinating for exhibitions and attending openings. Interning at Seed Space has benefited me by putting me in a “grown up” setting that isn’t available in a university setting. A failure to do something properly yields consequences, and the way we recover from that and learn to do better next time is perhaps the best real world experience we can gain. From that process we build our reputation for what kind of work we do, and in a community like Nashville doing well opens networking opportunities. Seed Space is unique in its position in the Nashville art community. Adrienne Outlaw, the director, has a good ability of turning relationships into exhibitions, coordinated openings with neighboring exhibition spaces, and lecture series. This brings together galleries of all sizes and reputations, established and emerging artists, and (especially advantageous for someone like myself) the ability to get involved in this community. Any art community can build through networks, but a place like Seed Space that is experimental and flexible in nature enables a heightened critical appreciation of the art presented. Students and young art professionals benefit from a community like this, just as much as the established artist or art institution would. Working with Seed Space has pulled back the curtain a little more on how the art industry works, and has exposed what opportunities are available for someone interested in the arts. Sincerely,
Andri Alexandrou
Letters of Support
February 11, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: Since my arrival to Nashville four years ago, I have been a member of the audience to many of the events organized by the NCAP. Those included being a participating artist at the CSArt (Community Supported Art) Project, and an exhibiting artist at the Seed Space (my exhibition “Real Images” is ongoing at the Seed Space this month). I was able to participate in many different platforms, through which Adrienne Outlaw and her programs have positively affected and engaged the art community in Nashville. The NCAP program Insight? Outta Site! brings nationally acclaimed curators and critical thinkers in the contemporary art scene to Nashville to meet with local artists and create conversational platforms. These visits have been a tremendous exposure for the local art scene. Adrienne has spearheaded this initiative, which selflessly promotes the local while creating ties and building networks. In another innovative project, CSArt, Community Supported Art , Adrienne has brought attention to an important aspect of the contemporary art production, which is the development of the local collectors’ scene. She has commissioned artists, myself included, to produce unique works of art for this project and offered affordable crates of local art, to the local and national collectors. In January 2013, I had the opportunity to show my work at Seed Space. I had a chance to install work, which benefited from the open and experimental approach to art making that this art venue offers. For each six-week exhibition, Seed Space commissions one artist, one regional critic/curator, and one nationally recognized critic/curator. Professionally designed brochures with two critical texts, artist bios and full-color images are published to accompany each exhibition. NCAP has already gained critical acclaim in the local press. With the recent interest of the Andy Warhol Foundation and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to NACP project, it seems deserving that Adrienne Outlaw’s leadership in the community be recognized by the governor’s office. I highly recommend her and her daring projects for this award. Sincerely,
Vesna Pavlović www.vesnapavlovic.com
Letters of Support
March 28, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter in support of NCAP/Seed Space in Nashville, TN. This organization is fairly new to me as I just moved to Atlanta, GA last year from New Orleans (and from New York for many years prior to moving to the South). I met Adrienne Outlaw from Seed Space during an arts writing conference last fall at Emory University. We immediately connected through our shared interest in artist-run spaces. I first visited Seed Space in November 2012, when Adrienne invited me to write an essay about artist Sonya Clark whose work was on view in the gallery. I am excited to return to Nashville this fall to participate in an Insight? Outta Site! participatory talk. Given that I am working on a book about the artist-run spaces in New Orleans, I was very pleased to learn about Seed Space’s ambitious program and ongoing schedule of events. As I learned when I was recently in Nashville, Seed Space will soon be moving to a larger space, which will allow this relatively new not-for-profit entity to expand their reach in terms of community engagement, exhibitions, and educational events. I am constantly impressed by the high caliber of Seed Space’s program and have recently agreed to serve on their advisory board. It is clear that Seed Space is already a leader in the visual arts community in Nashville, and is positioned to become an increasingly important voice throughout the region and beyond. Sincerely,
Amy Mackie Curator/Writer http://seedspace.org/boards/artist-advisory-board-2 March, 2013
Letters of Support
To Whom it May Concern: I fully support Nashville Cultural Arts Project (NCAP) and Seed Space. I have seen the influence they have had in the lives of many artists in Nashville and surrounding areas, including my own. I, along with countless others, have developed as a professional artist by initiatives led by NCAP. Nearly two years ago, I was looking for more engagement in the local art scene and I began to volunteer for Seed Space, a 100 sf. lab for artists, run by NCAP. They gave me the opportunity to hone my skills in the areas of marketing, sales and art making through their newest initiative, CSArt, which commissions artists to make limited-edition artworks that Seed Space then markets to the community in an effort to encourage them to buy locally produced art. I’m not only a CSArt shareholder, I’m also a CSArtist! I’ve also been inspired by another NCAP initiative, a series of Insight? Outta Sight! talks, where nationally recognized artists visit Nashville and share their experience and knowledge in their areas of expertise. NCAP’s collaborative environment of learning, professional artists talks and SeedSpace’s solo exhibitions have inspired me to broaden my own artistic practice by opening a collective studio and gallery space in Nashville called Ground Floor Gallery + Studios. I cannot emphasize enough the return I’ve received by being involved with such a positive, non-profit, leader in the arts and know that there are so many similar, yet untold, stories out there from other local and regional artists. Thank you for your consideration,
Janet Decker Yanez www.groundflrgallery.wordpress.com
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern, In 2012 Seed Space provided me with a solo-exhibition. As an artist based in Dallas the opportunity and freedom to explore experimental installation in a distant community allowed for unique feedback from an audience unfamiliar with my visual language. Upon arrival and the subsequent four days of installation a relationship was formed that linked me to several artists, galleries, and the activities within the region. Through contacts made during this time I began writing for ART NOW Nashville . In critically analyzing the regions’ events I began to not only develop an appreciation for the quality of art/artists in the area, but quickly became an adopted member of the community. I am currently in contact with two artists and an arts institution in Nashville planning multiple upcoming, collaborative projects. As part of my solo exhibit at Seed Space two critical essays were written on my work, which allowed for well-needed confrontation with the symbols employed within the show. I was also asked to participate in an arts lecture “Insight, Outta Site!” where I addressed members of the community regarding my arts practice, the means by which I promote and organize an arts practice, and I was able to speak to the strengths of the NCAP / Seed Space program in regards to the connectivity and generosity which allowed me to embrace the city. As a college employee I cannot stress enough the importance of being able to publish reviews, provide intellectual essays on my exhibit, and showcase community engagement through the art talk. These seemingly tangential benefits tangibly bolster the academic credibility of my practice while enhancing the reputation of my academic institution. Due, in part, to the intensely engaged experience bestowed upon me in Nashville I have curated an exhibition at Richland College, Dallas hosting art created by Seed Space artists. I am working to introduce the work in Dallas with the aim of generating reciprocal critical acclaim and an expansion of the artists’ careers. Sincerely,
Ryder Richards (Seed Space artist 2012) http://ryderrichards.us/wp/
Letters of Support
April 2, 2013 To Whom it May Concern: I am writing with regards to my support of NCAP/Seed Space. I have been involved with the organization and Adrienne Outlaw since 2007. I first met Outlaw when I was interviewed along with Mike Calway-Fagen for her radio show. Since then I have written numerous reviews and exhibition essays to be included in her arts programming. This greatly benefitted my career as a writer. Not only did Seed Space provide me with a platform to explore interpretations of art, but it enabled my own growth. Another way NCAP/Seed Space has strengthened my role is specific to its position in Nashville, Tennessee. As far as I know, there is no other space in Nashville that provides support for artists, writers and curators the way it does. For this reason, I was proud to join the NCAP Art Advisory Board this year. I know there are other members in the community who benefit from NCAP/Seed Space as a resource. If it ceases to exist, there will be a gaping void in the community. Specific programs such as “Insight? Outta Site!” and CSArt have presented Nashville with the opportunity to get to know its most vigorous artists through realistic modes of exchange. The lecture series through “Insight? Outta Sight!” is a constant flow of information and discussion on the arts. CSArt promotes a new, promising way of economically supporting artists that is likely to change the way Nashvillians look at purchasing art and being involved. It is evident that Outlaw is an indefatigable force in the art community. She knows how to keep her support network aware of every step she makes via NCAP/Seed Space. I would like to see this organization continue to maintain an important presence in Nashville. Sincerely yours,
Veronica Kavass
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern: I am proud to write this email in support of the many excellent programs and initiatives undertaken by NCAP and its principals, Adrienne Outlaw and Rachel Bubis. I first became aware of this organization when they approached me in 2010 during a visit to Nashville. At the time, I was impressed with what I now have come to identify as their signature openness and warmth. As a result of our initial discussions, I was given the opportunity to show one of my own works, Fair, at the Seed Space Gallery in April 2011. Thanks to NCAP’s connections to the local community and commitment to supporting the artists they show, my work received a considerable amount of attention in the local press, and a pair of amazing write-ups from curator Rachel Bubis and critic Rebecca Cochran. As any artist will tell you, almost nothing is more valuable for communicating your existence to the world than having your work written about in a sensitive, thoughtful manner. The experience of showing this work at Seed Space, with all that came with it, has been a tremendously helpful and inspiring chapter in my career. Since then, I have referred several talented artists to them, and some have also been shown in the gallery, where they have been similarly welcomed and treated well. NCAP is continuing to show its dedication to both the local arts community and an awareness of a larger national scene by bringing in artists from all over and steadily building an extensive network based on great ideas and good will. When I was recently asked to join their Artistic Advisory Board, I did so gladly, and I am happy to now be in a position to consult with NCAP as it continues its mission. I believe in the capabilities of NCAP’s director and curator to use whatever resources they are afforded to make a major impact on the cultural life of Nashville, and the nation as a whole. As culture becomes increasingly decentralized, what matters most for cultural organizations is a clear commitment to their central principles, a restless perspicacity, and the energy to carry out ambitious projects. I see all of these things, and thus also a potential for great leadership, in this organization, and I am proud to support their efforts and sing their praises as loudly as I can. Sincerely,
Stephan Moore http://www.oddnoise.com http://www.isobelaudio.com
Letters of Support
Dear Nashville Cultural Arts Project, In January of 2011, Seed Space hosted my project “Mays Hosiery Mill”, a site-specific installation that addressed the history of the building Seed Space currently occupies. This particular exhibition was beneficial in a variety of ways. Not only did it widen my viewing audience, and strengthen my record of exhibition, but I built lasting relationships that have continued to benefit my artistic and scholarly practice. My exhibition experience at Seed Space was a very positive one. The hospitality, knowledge and resourcefulness of both Adrienne Outlaw and Rachel Bubis lent to a very smooth installation. Though I was coming from Grand Rapids, Michigan, they were quick to make me feel at home. I also thought their publicity intelligence quite impressive. Prior to my arrival, they contacted Nashville arts supporters to assure the presence of the press, artists, and other gallery owners/directors during opening night. This provided me the opportunity to connect with the local arts community in a way not usually available to an “out-of-towner”. It was also at the opening that I met Natalie Dunham, the artist-director of Rymer Gallery. Since then, we have continued to dialog about arts opportunities and career growth. In fact, in the Fall of 2011, Natalie participated in ArtPrize, an open competition that spans the city of Grand Rapids. Taking advantage of her visit, I also scheduled her to speak at my employer institution, Calvin College. Both her work and her artist talk deeply impacted my students and helped to establish a more active visiting artist program. Truly, my time at Seed Space was very fruitful. Now, as Seed Space seeks to grow, I look forward to participating in their expansion in whatever way possible. As I am invested in providing connections and opportunities to other artists and arts organizations, I am thrilled to be on the Artist Advisory Board. I believe Seed Space does an excellent job of opening Nashville to a larger arts dialog, and would like to be a part of that. Please know that in addition to my professorship at Calvin College, I am also a member of the curatorial board at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (UICA), Grand Rapids’ premier contemporary art organization. I would very much like to utilize my position(s) to benefit both Seed Space and the Grand Rapids art community. I also believe that these sorts of exchanges are, in part, the means by which art and artists transform society. Lastly, I’d like to thank Seed Space for their continued support, and for their vibrant contribution to art-centered relationships throughout the United States. I wish them the best in their growth as an organization, and in their outreach to cultivate social change through the visual arts. Sincerely,
Mandy Cano Villalobos http://www.mandycano.com/
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this letter of support on behalf of NCAP/Seed Space. The programming at NCAP/Seed Space has impacted my life in many ways, contributing to the growth of my career as an artist, and allowing me to affordably collect art from respected Nashville artists. I am also an art educator, and NCAP/Seed Space has been a valuable teaching tool, providing my high school students with an opportunity to view cutting edge contemporary art firsthand. I became involved with NCAP/Seed Space as a participating artist in the CSArt program. I was excited to receive the call for proposals asking for an edition of fifty works of art in exchange for payment. The works would become part of a “crate” containing art from notable Nashville artists that one could subscribe to, much like a farm CSA. I was thrilled with the idea, submitted a proposal, and was accepted as a participating artist. Being a part of CSArt allowed me to connect with some outstanding Nashville artists that I hadn’t yet met, whose work I had long been a fan of. The program also helped me to further establish camaraderie among artists with whom I had already been acquainted. The quality of the artworks as well as the affordability of the CSArt share inspired me to invest part of my CSArtist payment into receiving a full share crate. Not only did I gain lots of exposure through Seed Space’s marketing of the CSArt program, I was able to forge new connections with artists, earn income, and add to my art collection. NCAP/Seed Space has provided valuable professional development workshops for artists, which in the past had been scarcely available in our community. I have attended two of these workshops and have found them to be extremely helpful. Through these workshops, I learned information about galleries and the process of pursuing gallery representation that I could not have learned elsewhere. These workshops are also a way to connect with other artists in the community, exchanging ideas and sharing resources. Seed Space was incredibly accommodating about providing an opportunity for my high school students to visit the gallery. Rachel Bubis met us at Seed Space early in the morning and shared with us her experience as a curator, while helping the students form a dialogue about the work in the exhibition. The students were happy to have had the opportunity to see challenging multi-media artwork, the likes of which most of them hadn’t seen in other galleries in our city. I will schedule other field trips to Seed Space in the near future and have recommended Seed Space as a field trip site to other art educators. NCAP/Seed Space has generously provided our community with innovative, helpful, enlightening programming. I couldn’t imagine Nashville without NCAP/Seed Space, as they have changed the face of our art community, providing us with greater vitality, unity, and access to great art. Sincerely, Lesley Patterson-Marx http://www.lesleypattersonmarx.com/
Letters of Support
March, 2013 To Whom it May Concern: I fully support the work of Nashville Cultural Arts Project (NCAP) and Seed Space. I have personally worked with Adrienne Outlaw, the director of NCAP, over the past year and am confident that she and NCAP are positively impacting Nashville and the larger arts community. NCAP’s Community Supported Art program (CSArt) has been instrumental in shaping the way Nashville experiences art as a community. CSArt promotes that art is attainable for the average person as a consumable and digestible product. For Nashville, this message is shaping the way the city develops. Through this program, art is encouraged on a grassroots level. Seed Space is also changing the way art is experienced in Nashville. Galleries no longer need to be downtown in expensive buildings. Seed Space has shown the community that creativity doesn’t need to exist only on white walls. Art can be experienced in attainable and approachable settings, moving the gallery from the display hall to more intimate and approachable spaces. Through both of these programs, NCAP is de-mystifying art. Nashvillians are less inhibited to be creative because of the effective work of these programs. The result is that these programs encourage and add to the local creative community, which makes the city a better place to live in general. In this way, these programs are improving the lives of individuals. I enthusiastically recommend Nashville Cultural Arts Project (NCAP) for a Governor’s Arts Award in the category of Arts Leadership. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Sincerely,
Cayla Mackey http://native.is/
Letters of Support
To whom it may concern: I am writing to express my support for NCAP and to recommend them for funding. I was given my first solo show at Seed Space in 2010 shortly after earning my MFA. I believe Seed Space is filling an important gap among arts organizations because of two aspects of the programming that are unique: They offer a stipend to invited artists, and they produce a critical essay in response to the exhibition. It is relatively rare to receive a stipend from a gallery featuring emerging artists. This support made it possible for me to travel from the east coast to Nashville to install my work. The essays provided reflective feedback on my project and I was able to use this writing in subsequent applications for exhibition opportunities. Both of these elements of Seed Space’s programming offer critical support to emerging artists, and I strongly support their continued growth. Sincerely,
Skye Gilkerson skyegilkerson@gmail.com skyegilkerson.com
Letters of Support
To Whom it May Concern, I initially applied to intern with Seed Space to gain first hand experience of working with in a nonprofit space. I had started a student group at Watkins College of Art, Design, and Film which collaborates and facilitates shows for students, and interning at Seed Space seemed like the next step to see how professional organizations can operate. During my internship I made connections with local artists, curators, and professionals in the Nashville art community. I worked with Adrienne and Rachel to organize, install, and coordinate with Seed Space artists for shows. As I one day hope to curate and collaborate with artists in the same way that Seed Space does, learning the behind the scenes work has been invaluable. Experiences such as financial budgeting and office organization, as well as promotion and reaching out to the public with events could not have other wise been gained. I believe that Seed Space offers as many opportunities to the community as it does for individual interns. In a city that is so focused on music and the medical industry, visual arts sometimes feels as though it resides in the shadows. Seed Space is the only non-profit contemporary project space that offers opportunities to artists like it does. Not only does it allow artists to experiment and show in a space, it follows up by paying writers to review the work, and Seed Space facilitates talks open to the community. Any person in Nashville can come to an exhibition, read critical literature about the show, and hear first hand from the artist and have the opportunity to ask questions. This educates the general public and fuels growth of support for visual arts in Nashville. As a student about to graduate and enter into the slim opportunities with in the Nashville art community, I see Seed Space as incredibly vital. I can truly not imagine what would happen for emerging artists and professionals with in the city with out it. Best Regards,
Kellie Bornhoft http://www.kelliebornhoft.com/
Letters of Support
To whom it may concern, The opportunities I have been afforded by Seed Space and NCAP have been invaluable to me as a visual artist. Through my involvement with the programming, I feel like I have become a part of a community that is not merely comprised of visual artists. The organization successfully brings together artists, curators, writers, critics, collectors, and the general public. Seed Space/NCAP fosters an engaged community who are committed to improving the quality of our local art scene. Personally, my experiences with NCAP have included being an exhibited visual artist, participating in a novel community supported art distribution program, being a viewer of high quality art exhibitions, and attending insightful lectures and workshops. This is the multi-dimensional scope of the programs provided by NCAP. As an exhibitor in Seed Space, I was given the chance to experiment with my work in ways that I had not previously explored. I was also given valuable, critical feedback from a local critic that can continue to inform my work beyond that particular exhibition. By participating in the CSArt program, I have received additional exposure and my work has been distributed to a more diverse group of collectors that I otherwise would not have become connected to. By attending the guest lectures, my network has grown from a more local to a more national scale. Additionally, the information shared is pertinent and cogent for building and maintaining an art career. As a visual artist, I have greatly benefited from the various programming that has been made available by NCAP. The organization is an important staple for the Nashville community by providing opportunities for local artists, by exhibiting estimable contemporary art, and by building and educating an engaged art community. Without reservation, I endorse NCAP and Seed Space and recognize their importance to Nashville. Sincerely,
Ryan Hogan http://ryanphogan.com/
Letters of Support
April 11, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: I moved to Nashville six years ago from Chicago, where I was an active aritst and musician. I remember the first time I attended one of the NCAP events. It was a discussion with one of the artists involved with a public art project in Nashville. It was fascinating. There was a playfulness to the concept and cleverness in the art’s placement in the community. It created a truly interactive public art experience for a particular neighborhood in Nashville. The facilitator was Adrienne Outlaw. She did a wonderful job presenting the artistic conepts and involving the audience in a Q & A. She has a gift for connecting with people at these events. She sets a non-intimidating and friendly tone that engages her audience. I have since been to many of the artist events presented by NCAP and Seed Space. I have found Seed Space to be one of the very few non-commercial contemporary art galleries in town. It provides Nashville with cutting edge art including installation art, interactive art, new media and sound art. It is a great resource for Nashville. Rachel Bubis does a wonderful job curating a wide range of interesting works from around the country, and her commitment to contemporary and avant-garde work is without question. I have seen a great variety of work there, from interactive sound sculptures created by students at MTSU to installations by leading artists and teachers from all over North America. What’s more, there is an open and friendly atmosphere in the gallery, and the artist talks are fascinating. Opening night at Seed Space is an opportunity to visit with the artist in a setting that feels more like one’s own living room. Rachel and Adrienne facilitate conversations about contemporary art in a very comfortable and inclusive way. Questions are encouraged. I believe these institutions are a critical anchor in Nashville’s development. They provide many services to the art and non-art communities of Nashville, and I have benefited personally from their outreach efforts. They do a great job keeping the community informed about professional opportunities and resources for artists. Sincerely,
Robbie Lynn Hunsinger March 31, 2013
Letters of Support
To whom it may concern, This letter is to assert the impact that my collaboration with Seed Space has had on both my career and working practice. I was given the opportunity in 2010 to create an installation in the space. The exhibition came at a point when I was experimenting with new techniques in my work – this was the perfect platform to delve deeper into the process and expose my work to a new audience (without the pressure of a commercial gallery setting). The exhibition allowed me to see what the installation would look like beyond my studio walls and indeed it proved to be a beneficial part of my working practice. The type of installation that was shown at Seed Space continues to be a method of displaying my work and has consistently been requested from other venues elsewhere. In fact, I am currently working on an installation for the Lexington Art League in Kentucky that is similar to the Seed Space project. This would not be possible without the experimentation allowed in Nashville. Were it not for the impetus at Seed Space, my nascent ideas would not have evolved to become a firm part of my artistic language. Along with my exhibition, Seed Space found two Art Critics to write about the work. As any artist will confirm, writings about your work are invaluable. They not only give your work a critical point of view but also offer a translation of your visual endeavor. It is important for artists to hear what others see and experience in their work. This insight provides resonance to what you just created and ultimately fuels future work. This luxury was made possible with Seed Space’s outreach and commitment to the artists that they exhibit. While visiting Nashville I was able to meet a new group of creative people. These connections were fostered by the opening reception of the exhibition, meeting other artists while installing the work (the space was centered in a building with several artist studios), and by conducting studio visits that were initiated by Seed Space (open to any artist who wanted my feedback). These visits were a fantastic way to meet other artists and enriched my understanding of Nashville’s creative and cultural capacity. I learned a great deal from the incredible work that the local artists were creating. The ability to experiment with a new direction, the critical writing about the exhibition, and the connections made while in Nashville were integral to my progression as a professional artist. They also led to another opportunity in this great city. The following year I was offered a solo show at Twist, etc. (in the Arcade) that allowed me to visit again and contribute to the cultural community. It all stemmed from my experience with Seed Space. I hope they continue enriching the Nashville community and the careers and artwork of the artists lucky enough to be given the opportunity that is offered. Sincerely, Jason Paradis http://www.jasonparadisart.com/
Letters of Support
April 1, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: As a Nashvillebased artist and curator, I have been involved with Seed Space in some fashion since 2009-10. Seed Space consistently hosts some of the region’s most compelling works each year in their modest gallery space. The exhibitions highlight contemporary artists and curators important to our time. The ambition to physically bring these major “players” in our industry to Nashville allows artists here to both be relevant to our disciplines on a national scale, and to honor the place we have made our home. Several of these exhibitions have inspired me in my work in the studio, including but not limited to Skye Gilkerson and Jason Paradise’s exhibitions. The inventive Community Support Art program has allowed my work to be seen by new patrons and artists in the region for two years. For this project I created fifty new and original ceramic sculptures inspired by one of my paintings. The program pushed my process and allowed me to create in a new way. Most notably for my practice, I have been paid dynamic, engaging and delightful studio visits by major curators and art writers, all hosted by Seed Space. Sharon Butler wrote (in her wellknown blog) a favorable review after an informed dialogue with me about my work. Jason Paradis and his wife Jenny not only came to my studio to see work, but have remained in contact with me regarding my art. Lastly, Bill Carroll of the Elizabeth Foundation was a kind man who saw my work in the studio and has extended an invitation to tour his place of work. All of these contacts are those that give an artist living in a smaller city “legs” on which to stand with our careers. All of these studio visits allowed me to meet other artists in Nashville as well. Most recently I attended a talk with Andrea Zieher. Her talk about professional development was candid and generous, and I still cannot believe that it only cost me $25 and two hours of time. Lastly, Seed Space is what should be happening in Nashville. We are a city made of artists and thinkers who love to live here but think and create way beyond our borders. Thank you to Seed Space and Adrienne Outlaw for tireless vision and ambitious programming. All Best,
Jodi Hays http://jodihays.com/
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern: As an artist and former educator, being involved in the Arts is at times, consumed with the world of Academia because that’s what is available. The people I know are educators and artists; the places I know are the Institute and the Studio. The Institute can be a cloudy place for free thinking, and the Studio can be void of structure and insight. It can be difficult to find an artistic outlet among the sometimes stuffy world of Academia and Studio that is often evident as I struggle to find a sense of self within my art. After completing my Masters of Fine Arts degree from The University of Tennessee, I exhibited my Thesis Installation at Seed Space in Nashville. This exhibition became a springboard for my artwork outisde of the Academic realm. The freedom to work and create outside of “Academic Walls” can be intimidating. With the support and advice of Seed Space and other artists who have exhibited there, I have been able to extend my knowledge beyond the acadmic, and create a deepr insight of myself, knowledge and my work as I transition from Art Student and Art Instructor to Artist. Seed Space and NCAP make it possible for artists in the Nashville area, and beyond, to focus on expanding their outlook on Art in the South and to embrace what is available in convenient and non-prejudice environment. It is important to have a creative network of support for artists to extend their skill sets beyond the Studio and Academic worlds in order to achieve a self satisfying creative outlet. Sincerely,
Alicia M. Beach www.aliciabeach.net
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern, My name is Natalie Dunham. I am a gallery director and artist who has previously shown with Seed Space. I am primarily an installation artist, which can make finding the right venue to house my work challenging. I have been working out of my home for three years, so I have to construct my works in pieces and usually see them for the first time when they are installed in a gallery. When I was asked to exhibit at Seed Space, I was excited to experiment in a smaller space. I showed up with 5 ideas in mind and 9 rolls of strapping. I ended up installing the 3rd idea, and since then have developed 3 large installations from that model. I have made some wonderful professional contacts through opening receptions at Seed Space. I have stayed in contact with another Seed Space artist out of Michigan for over two years, and was able to stay with her when I was installing a show she recommended to me. I also participated in a professional development workshop they put together, and was able to hear from a successful New York gallery owner. It was nice to hear her perspective and recommendations. I strongly support the work at Seed Space! Sincerest Regards,
Natalie Dunham www.nataliedunham.com
Letters of Support
To Whom It May Concern Seed Space is an innovative concept, a brilliant idea. I am delighted to have been asked to be part of it. Through it I have connected with people I might never have met, and I have got to know the work of some amazing fellow artists. It is an irreplaceable part of Nashville’s bubbling art scene. Adrienne and Rachel are to be congratulated on making it happen.
David Wood http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/the-lure-of-the-writers-cabin/
Letters of Support
April 3, 2013 To Whom It May Concern, SEED SPACE provides a unique and rare opportunity for contemporary artists to exhibit new work in a sitespecific manner. Not only does SEED SPACE specifically provide opportunities for contemporary artists, it allows each artist to make the installation gallery their own by allowing for additional construction, lighting, and any other necessities to complete their installations, performance, or sculpture creations. In many ways, SEED SPACE is the only gallery of its kind and the fact that it is in Nashville is an added bonus. SEED SPACE also provides viewers with an intimate experience of the art; with no extraneous distractions, the viewer can immerse themselves in experiencing the art on a one-on-one basis. SEED SPACE is an important and necessary addition to the Nashville and Southeast Regional Art Scene. As the inaugural artist for SEED SPACE, I experienced first-hand the unique opportunities of personal preference in installation and the enormous benefit of receiving a critique and interview with a well-known NYC Art Writer, which led to an exhibition essay. The benefits of SEED SPACE are outreaching – progressive emerging artists are exposed to critical exposure and the larger art world is exposed to progressive emerging artists they may have never heard of. Specifically, as a CSArtist, I have made contacts through one of the first collectors that has led to a solo exhibition which includes a six-room installation. If it hadn’t been for SEED SPACE and the CSArt program, I would never have crossed paths with the executive that followed-up with me two years later. I don’t know of a more direct example of the impact of SEED SPACE, than this upcoming, multi-room Solo Exhibition! As a viewer, I have attended many of the SEED SPACE exhibitions – including: video installations, audio/sound art, performance, and true site-specific installations. It has been encouraging to me as an artist to be so captivated by the boundless creativity that I have never before seen in Nashville or elsewhere, for that matter. To truly encounter the art, one-on-one, to become part of the environment or even the art itself, has been not only inspirational, but influential. I believe I have broadened my own boundaries within my art expression. As an attendee at various lectures, artist’s talks, and professional development workshops, I have continued to grow my art network and become more competitive and confident in my approach to museums, galleries, and art writers/ critics. More than anything, I believe the activities and programs related to SEED SPACE have expanded my internal creative expression, as well as my external network and communication within the art world of our global experience. As a new Artist Advisory Board Member, I look forward to assisting other artists as they build their emerging careers, and to assisting the growth of SEED SPACE and any activities of art advocacy I can fulfill.
Sher Fick
Letters of Support
December 17, 2013 To Whom it May Concern: I am writing to enthusiastically recommend any and all support requested to advance the growth of the most brilliantly executed concept in the Nashville creative community: Seed Space. To that end I humbly submit my story in the belief that it exemplifies the value that Seed Space provides within the community. To be sure, Seed Space is the complete package, from its unique exhibition space, to its carefully crafted support of the artists, to the workshops and talks offered, to the inspired CSArt program. A cursory look at the website and many testimonial letters will bear that out. But my purpose here is to highlight what makes this so successful. Seed Space has developed into a locus for a wide-reaching community facilitated by one of the most focused and talented individuals with whom I have ever had the pleasure of associating, Adrienne Outlaw. Over two years ago I left a career in business to explore a new life in the arts. Like many self-taught artists I spent a good deal of that time working alone. I had no tangible idea how to make meaningful connections with folks in the local culture. One day while ruminating on the direction my life and work should take Adrienne Outlaw came to mind. I had encountered her work several years ago and an indelible idea had been left: Art and its creators are in a signal position to foster interaction, experience and inclusion. So in April of this year, with my degree in Sociology/Philosophy and many years of business in hand I reached out to Adrienne in application for an internship with Seed Space. Much to my surprise she accepted, and I have never looked back. In reviewing the journal I kept I am in awe of everything to which I would otherwise not have been introduced: the people, literature, workshops, exhibitions, as well as the opportunities that still await. The end of the internship proper is just the beginning. Through Seed Space, Adrienne promotes the idea that everyone involved has the opportunity to find common ground upon which to work and give back to the community at large. To wit, I am thrilled to have recently been invited to join the Artist Advisory Board and honored to be trusted in contributing my letter of support. At present, I am developing ideas about socially engaged art projects and ways to provide accounting help to artists who need it. The bar is set high, as it should be, and yet the doors have been thrown open. Particularly in these turbulent times I cannot think of a better method of leadership or higher contribution to the greater good.
Alice E. Shepherd www.aeshep.com aeshep3@gmail.com
Letters of Support