The Black Arts Bash returns to Cheekwood Saturday, August 16th, from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m for a day filled with celebrations of Black art in all forms, with music, dance, spoken word, visual art, storytimes from local authors, and tasty fare from local Black chefs.
Sankofa African Drum and Dance, in Massey Auditorium at 12 Noon and 2:00 p.m., is a heart-pounding performance featuring traditional African drumming and dance. Come prepared to be moved by the beat.
The 2025 Fine Arts Exhibition spotlights portraits, showcasing works by both emerging and established artists, displayed alongside a photography exhibition created by local artists DaShawn Lewis and Kimberly Manson; the artist panel is at 5:00 p.m.
An Art Activity, Learn about Augusta Savage, is across from Botanic Hall, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Born in Florida in 1892, Augusta Savage began creating art as a child by using the natural clay found in her hometown. After attending Cooper Union in New York City, she made a name for herself as a sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance and was awarded fellowships to study abroad. Savage later served as a director for the Harlem Community Center and created the monumental work “The Harp” for the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
A Community Activity with Nashville artist Destiney Powell is on the Arboretum Lawn from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., a multigenerational piece in reference to the feeling of connection. Celebrate the women in your life by adding a petal, thread, or thought to this incredible artistic vision.
Cheekwood and WNXP present Black Women in Music from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the Arboretum Lawn Stage, with a dynamic and diverse lineup of local Black female songwriters, vocalists, and performers for a powerful day of music, culture, and community including Amber Ais, 1:00 – 1:45; Kyleigh, 2:30 – 3:15; Lizzie No, 3:45 – 4:30; SistaStrings, 5:30 – 6:15; and The New Respects, 7:00 – 8:00.
The 21+ crowd can visit the Urbaanite Nashville Lounge Beer Garden from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Powered by Bevmatic Brands this fun and free cocktail tasting experience features African American – owned spirits brands. Stick around for the evening’s headlining performance.
Storytime with Dorena Williamson, across from Botanic Hall, 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., enriches young hearts and minds.
Food Vendors and Arts and Goods Vendors will sell their creations in Lot B from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, including Floradayleaf, Erihii Nyamor, Black Candle Company, Nailed My Nails, Outside / In Home Décor, and Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite.
Reserve your timed tickets now at cheekwood.org. While Black Arts Bash is free for Cheekwood members, for not-yet members, tickets for adults cost $20, and youth (3-17) are free. Parking is an additional $5.00 per vehicleA. All tickets include access to the Historic Mansion & Museum of Art. Black Arts Bash is sponsored by HC Healthcare and Nissan. The event is supported by Asurion. The media partner is Urbaanite. Cheekwood is located eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended days and hours of operation depending on the season. Visit cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.
