The Cheekwood Collections
The Cheek family collected and carefully displayed their decorative arts, paintings, furniture, textiles, silver, and books throughout their home. Today, Cheekwood’s permanent collection encompasses the Cheek family collections and archival materials, as well as paintings, works on paper, sculptures, decorative arts, and niche collections amassed since Cheekwood opened to the public in 1960. Some of the masterpieces on display include a large collection of William Edmondson sculptures; portraits of Andy Warhol and Jamie Wyeth; paintings by Childe Hassam, John White Alexander, and William Merritt Chase; and works by The Eight, an early 20th-century artist collective in New York City.
William Glackens (American, 1870-1938). Village on the Seine No. 2, 1925. Oil on canvas. Gift of an anonymous donor in honor of the 2004 Collectors Group
Outdoor Sculpture Collection/Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail
Cheekwood offers a unique environment to experience outdoor contemporary sculpture. The permanent collection features a diverse range of artworks, many commissioned specifically for our grounds, created by regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists. The works examine the relationship between art and nature in their own distinct way, creating beautiful, thoughtful dialogues with the surrounding landscape.
Siah Armajani (American, born Iran, 1939-2020). The Glass Bridge for Nashville, 2003. Glass, steel on concrete foundation. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Irvin Small. 2003.1.
Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence
The Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence series is an initiative focused on bringing national and international artists to Nashville to create and exhibit site-specific works at Cheekwood. Annually spotlighting innovative, dynamic, and intriguing artists, the Residency provides the opportunity for the artist to interact with staff, visitors, and the larger Nashville community.
Photo Credit: Sarah Nguyen (American), Bell Witch, 2023. Hand-cut Tyvek, plastic rod, spray paint. Loaned from the artist.
The Masterpiece Art Series
The Masterpiece Art Series is dedicated to exhibiting a single or small group of iconic, world-renowned masterworks. Continuing Cheekwood’s long-standing tradition of bringing high-quality art to Nashville, the Masterpiece Art Series is a celebration of artistic brilliance and popular culture.
Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917), Etude de nu pour la danseuse habillée, c. 1878-80, bronze with brown patina. Loaned from the Marlene and Spencer Hays Collection. Photography by Sam Angel.
Interventions
Made possible through the generosity of the Sandra Schatten Foundation, Cheekwood’s INTERVENTIONS program was launched in 2021 as an arts initiative to activate the Mansion’s period rooms. The series invites nationally and internationally recognized artists to create new works of art connected to and inspired by the Cheek family, and the period rooms that reflect the way the family lived at Cheekwood.
Ann Carrington (b. 1962), Cora, 2023, Silver, nickel, and steel plated spoons. Photography provided by Ann Carrington Studio.
