On March 21, the community gathered at The Branch of Nashville for a special event, Art of Belonging Day. Throughout the day, people of all ages came together, not just to paint, but to share stories, culture, and a sense of connection through art.
One of the most eye-catching pieces was inspired by Nashville itself. The skyline came alive in a creative way, with the iconic Batman Building transformed into part of a flowing, musical scene. A saxophone stretched across the canvas, releasing colorful notes that danced through the sky, blending into a style reminiscent of Starry Night. The painting reflected gratitude for Nashville, celebrating its deep roots in music while reimagining the city as something vibrant and alive.
Another piece shared a more intimate story. The “Grandma” painting, which showed a grandmother enjoying food, was inspired by the origins in Oaxaca, Mexico. It stands for a sense of belonging to Mother Earth, to each other, and not just to a location.
A mural with a garden theme, inspired by The Nashville Food Project, carried on the sense of community. The scene featured a vibrant farmers’ market with a variety of faces and fresh products. It focused on the value of having access to food and the ability of common areas to unite people.
One work demonstrated how individuals support and encourage one another using basic hands and silhouettes, demonstrating that even the most basic shapes can have important significance. Another powerful mural showed hands and individuals from different racial and cultural backgrounds—Hispanic, African, Middle Eastern, and more— standing together in unity, celebrating diversity while emphasizing shared humanity. Motivated by Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci, a picture in an adjacent section depicted an emotional embrace between two individuals from different civilizations. It showed the value of cross-cultural interaction and the feeling of community that results from mutual understanding.
Last but not least, a striking painting celebrated African descent by symbolizing the strength and diversity of the continent with rich colors and elaborate patterns. It served as a reminder of resilience, identity, and cultural roots.
At the end of the day, the space was filled with more than just artwork; it included identities, connections, and stories. Art of Belonging Day turned from an occasion to a community experience that strengthened ties within the community and served as a reminder that there are several ways to feel, express, and create a sense of belonging.
-Ximena Urias, Intern
The Art of Belonging Project was funded through a grant from the Metro Arts Commission.