Alan Lequire to Speak at Community Garden

Renowned Artist Alan LeQuire to Speak at
Community Garden Earthwork

Artists from all walks of life will gather at the George W. Carver Food Park on Saturday, March 7th at noon to hear Nashville artist extraordinaire Alan LeQuire. LeQuire is a globally recognized artist and creator of both the Parthenon's Athena and Music Row's Musica. The Park, managed by the nonprofit team EarthMatters Tennessee, has been a unique addition to local green space art, action and education in Nashville since 1992.

This gathering is part of a series of “First Saturday” events with special guests and presentations at the garden, located at 1001 Gale Lane, between Franklin Rd. and Granny White. The site is home to a giant composting land sculpture in the shape of a heart. Some former designs include an egyptian ankh, an infinity symbol, a peace sign and a yin yang.


“Carver was a great artist, as well as scientist,” says Director Sizwe Herring; “he used natural paints made from beets, carrots, grapes and other concoctions.” Herring added, “He entered his art pieces in several contests but was discouraged by his teachers because at the time ‘a Negro couldn’t earn money in art.’ Carver continued to paint, invent and decorate, uplifting the households and living conditions of scores of newly freed slave families and their decendants.

LeQuire sees the connection between art and gardening. He states, "I've long been a supporter of sustainable agriculture, and the community gardens are a key component of that. I was brought up on a farm where we raised our own food, and I firmly believe that anyone can have that experience whether they live in the city or the country. I think it is very important that we teach our children to grow their own food."

This is a family friendly outing. Before and after LeQuire’s presentation there will be garden tours, compost demonstrations, arts and crafts, kids activities and booths featuring local, creative artworks.

For more information on this event and how to get involved, call EarthMatters at (615) 252-6953 or log on to www.earthmattersnetworks.com.