World-renowned artist William Edmondson was self-taught. The son of formerly enslaved people, Edmondson was born and raised in Nashville, and after what he described as divine inspiration, he began sculpting. Much of his work was practical, like tombstones, made from cast-off pieces of stone.
He went on to become the first African American artist to have a solo show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. We explore the legacy of William Edmonson and the importance of the site where his workshop once stood in the Edgehill neighborhood since this weekend is the first annual William Edmondson Arts + Culture Festival.
But first, we get up to speed on the Nashville Artist of the Month and Record of the Week over at our sister station WNXP.
Guests:
Jewly Hight, senior music writer, Nashville Public Radio.
Dr. Learotha Williams, professor of African American and public history, Tennessee State University
Michael McBride, artist and professor, Tennessee State University
Mark Schlicher, filmmaker, vice president, Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite, Park & Gardens
Brenda Morrow, president, Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite, Park & Gardens
Georgeanne Matthews, assistant professor, University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation