Artclectic’s 25th-anniversary show combined stunning art with festive gatherings and the chance to reconnect in-person with USN family and friends.
By Susan Chapman, Artclectic Coordinator
Artclectic’s 25th-anniversary show combined stunning art with festive gatherings and the chance to reconnect in-person with USN family and friends. So many people helped to make the weekend a success, thereby supporting USN’s work to educate children and build community in Nashville.
“Artclectic is like Thanksgiving for our school community. We can all celebrate it — show up to see the fabulous art, embrace each other and support our teachers and the school,” said Melanie Block and Tory Fitzgibbon, Artclectic 2021’s Co-Chairs. “This event takes so many volunteers and so many hours of work every year but when it all comes together, it feels like magic. Our hope is that more parents mark their calendars to attend and find time to volunteer. We want to thank everyone again who showed up to make the 25th anniversary of Artclectic as joyful as it was.”
A few thousand people descended on USN’s campus throughout the weekend. They bought enough artwork to this year the fourth-highest grossing sales in the show's 25-year history and impressed artists with their knowledge of art and their thoughtful questions about processes and motivations.
“I just wanted to give you, your team and all the volunteers a big thanks for a wonderful Artclectic,” wrote participating artist Andrew Johnson. “This is a first-class show! No detail is overlooked. And what I really like is that the artists are treated like royalty.”
Possibly one of the best events was the return of Education Day. Hundreds of curious art-loving students toured the gallery asking thoughtful questions and picking out their favorite pieces.
Eighty-seven percent of art buyers had some connection to USN as parents, staff, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, and other friends. In all, 46% of income came from art sales, with another 29% from patrons' tickets and donations and 25% from sponsors.
Best of all, we anticipate making a significant contribution to the Artclectic Endowment Fund for Innovative Teaching.
Director of Auxiliary Services Rebecca Stokes was given the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative’s award for her work including students in the selection of a new playground, transitioning the school bookstore, refining registration systems and processes for summer camps & enrichment activities, and expanding the school’s cultural and holiday celebrations to be inclusive of USN’s diverse student body.
University School of Nashville welcomes prospective families to tour the Edgehill Campus, speak with students, faculty, and administrators, and learn about our K-12 school's academic, athletic, and arts offerings. Sessions will take place at 9:30 a.m. for Middle & High Schools and 1 p.m. for Lower School. Let us know you are coming at usn.org/preview.
For more than 30 years, Artclectic has been one of Nashville's premier juried art shows, welcoming nationally recognized artists and visitors from across the city to USN's Sperling Gym turned art gallery. The weekend features exceptional artwork, artist demonstrations, student experiences, family activities, and special events that celebrate creativity, with proceeds benefiting USN. Purchase your tickets today.
Winged Deer Park and trails in Johnson City hosted our 4th race on Sunday October 11th, and despite a bit of hurricane outwash winds and showers - and reduced team numbers due to fall break and distance from Nashville - our racers utilized all available skills and fitness aquired which helped “wing" Sophomore Claire Dehner to a 4th place podium spot, our first podium appearance and medal for the season.
Tiger golfers have officially qualified for the region tournament, and our other teams are not far behind. Volleyball sits near the top of the district, finishing up regular season play next week with Senior Night. Girls soccer continues to hold first place in the district after another 9-0 win, and our cross country runners are chasing after some school records. To round it all out, our mountain bike team traveled to Oakfield to continue to improve on their times for the season. There’s plenty more where that came from- so be sure to come out to the River Campus, Sperling Gym, or out on the road to cheer on our Tigers before their seasons end.
Middle School volleyball and tennis teams are nearing the final games of their seasons, with the competition heating up while the Tigers play to determine their HVAC rankings. Cross country was finally able to race at the River Campus despite the heat, and our mountain biking team traveled to Oakfield, Tennessee, for a high-temperature race weekend.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.