Lending Library connects Nashville artists to residents
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A slice of Leslie Haines' "W is for Walrus." Image: Courtesy of Leslie Haines
For the shocking price of $0, you can display a mesmerizing work of art by one of Nashville's top artists in your home.
Why it matters: The Lending Library makes works by Nashville artists available for residents to borrow. All you need is a library card.
How it works: Library members can borrow one of the works to display in their homes for a block of three months.
State of play: The program has been successful since the Metro arts and library departments launched it to help the Nashville arts scene recover from the pandemic and the March 2020 tornado.
The latest: The next wave includes 53 original pieces, which will be available at five library branches beginning in October.
The big picture: Nashville artist Leslie Haines tells Axios it was a "thrill" when one of her pieces was selected for the next wave of the Lending Library program.
- Haines created a series of digital collages, which pair an animal with each letter of the alphabet. Haines's piece "W is for Walrus" was chosen for the program.
- Metro Arts funding is used to purchase the works from the creators. A spokesperson for Metro Arts tells Axios that none of the works have been lost or damaged while on display at residents' homes.
What she's saying: "I love programs that support local artists, but more importantly get art in front of people who maybe otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to see it," Haines says. "Some people are intimidated by art shows. I think it's a great opportunity to look at a diverse range of artwork.
- "Art is so personal — my work is about bringing humor and joy to the viewer, but other work [in the Lending Library] is very sad and moving in that way."
- Haines says it's "the best" when a patron wants to display one of her works in their home. She adds that she's inspired by Nashville, where she's lived for 30 years, when she creates her whimsical pieces.
- "It's the eclecticness, the playfulness, the fun and the vibrancy [of Nashville] that comes out in my work," she says.
By the numbers: A library spokesperson tells Axios the program has been very popular. As of July 25, there were 547 total checkouts.
- The collection averages about 14 checkouts per month. As of Monday morning, only one piece from the first batch is available.
Go deeper: Visit the Lending Library website to view the collection and learn more about the program.
- The new pieces will be available in October at the Donelson, Green Hills, Old Hickory, Hermitage and East branches.