Finer Things Gallery from 1999 - 2006

This was the website for the Finer Things Gallery from 1999 - 2006 after which the domain expired and the site disappeared from the web. Recently I was enjoying a month of a working vacation at a lovely condo on Maui resort. I had been asked by a client to see if I could find a website to buy for their new online business. I was looking at domains that would become available when I noticed www.finerthingsgallery.com. My mother who is a collector of emerging art, lives in Nashville and was a frequent visitor to the gallery. Whenever I would visit her she would insist we drop in to see the newest exhibition.

So here I am in Maui, having just spent the day at the Haleakala crater with its panoramic out-of-this-world landscapes, birds-eye views of the Maui central valley, and flora and fauna that exist nowhere else in the world. It was truly fantastic and I must admit, I was wiped out hiking around at 10,023 feet. Nevertheless, I bought the domain that was the Finer Things Gallery's website and, with the help of a good friend, decided to rebuild just a page from its 2006 archived content as an homage to the gallery. My friend does some freelance work for the SEO consultancy TNG/Earthling and convinced their CEO Bob Sakayama to lend a hand. He graciously contributed his time and some development resources to restore the site as well as taught me a bit of html. He was actually very interested in historic websites, so this was a perfect fit. My mother had told me that the gallery was lost during Nashville’s historic flood of May 2010. Rusty Wolfe and Kim Brooks were left, uninsured, to face a loss of millions of dollars. Four years later they reopened the gallery that showed so much of Rusty’s own one-of-a-kind pieces of studio furniture creations along with a new website. However, the last time I was in Nashville to settle my mother's estate, the gallery was not around. Nevertheless, the story of how the Nashville art scene came together to help Rusty Wolfe and Kim Brooks get back on their feet and enable them to reopen the Finer Things Gallery is heartwarming. You can read the full story here: nashvillearts.com/2014/10/flood-october-17/.

And this resurrected site is really just a small thank you and show of appreciation to the wonderful Finer Things Gallery before the flood. 

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Finer Things Gallery
1898 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37210
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5

					The Complex at Finer Things is centrally located in Nashville, Tennessee, and includes an Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, an Exhibition Gallery, and a Boutique. Representing emerging artists with exceptional talent, the Gallery was established in 1995 to present the work of artists from across the country to our local and regional audience of art collectors and enthusiasts. Located in a converted warehouse, the unique exhibition space is composed of 6,000 sq. ft. of gallery space including a 2,000 sq. ft. gallery dedicated to changing exhibits as well as a 2-acre outdoor sculpture gallery. Finer Things also presents its unique mix of fine art, fine craft and studio furniture to national audiences at art fairs including SOFA New York, SOFA Chicago and the Affordable Art Fair in New York. Find out more about our current show.  Sign up for our electronic mailing list!

 

The Complex at Finer Things is an inviting setting for the excellent work we present. Finer Things is composed of an outdoor sculpture gallery, a 6,000 sq. ft. exhibition gallery and a wearable art and gift boutique.

In addition to regular gallery hours, the Complex hosts major events and fundraisers, drawing thousands of art enthusiasts to our location every year.

The Complex at Finer Things is open:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 - 5:00

Finer Things Gallery 
Exhibition Schedule for 2006

March 2 –6, 2006
The Pavilion at Art Expo, Javits Convention Center, New York, NY

March 4 – April 29, 2006
New Blood 5
Annual exhibition of works from artists new to the gallery
Opening reception: Saturday, March 11, 6-8 p.m. 

March 23 -26, 2006
ARTscottsdale, WestWorld, Scottsdale, AZ

May 6 – May 27, 2006
Outdoor exhibit

June 3 – July 1, 2006
Arrowmont Resident Artists Exhibition
Opening reception: Saturday, June 3, 6-8 p.m.

June 15 – 18, 2006
AAF Contemporary Art Fair, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, NY

July 1 – September 23, 2006
Rotating exhibition of gallery artists

August 28 – September 4, 2006
Gallery closed for summer break

September 30 – November 5, 2006
Sixth Annual Furniture Show
An exhibition of studio furniture
Opening reception: Saturday, September 30, 6-8 p.m. 

November 11, 2006
Artrageous Gallery Tour

November 9 – 12, 2006
SOFA Chicago, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

November 18 – December 23, 2006
Exhibit
Opening reception: Saturday, November 18, 6 – 8 p.m.

December 25, 2006 – January 1, 2007
Gallery closed for the holidays

 

The Story of Finer Things Gallery: A Nashville Art Gem

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Finer Things Gallery has long been a cherished institution among the city's art enthusiasts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the gallery's history, its impact on the local art scene, the types of art it showcased, and the legacy it left behind. Drawing on reviews, historical accounts, and various insights, we will explore what made Finer Things Gallery a unique cultural hub.

History and Background

Finer Things Gallery was founded in 1995 and quickly became known for its dedication to showcasing contemporary fine art, fine craft, and one-of-a-kind studio furniture. Located at 1898 Nolensville Road, the gallery occupied a converted warehouse that provided a spacious and unique exhibition environment. The complex included a 6,000 square foot exhibition space and a two-acre outdoor sculpture gallery, making it one of the most extensive art spaces in Nashville.

The gallery's mission was to represent emerging artists with exceptional talent, presenting their work to both local and national audiences. This commitment to new artists was evident in its annual "New Blood" exhibition, which introduced fresh talent to the Nashville art scene.

The Artistic Offerings

Finer Things Gallery was not just a static display of art; it was a dynamic space that hosted a variety of exhibitions and events. The gallery's schedule included solo and group shows, which changed every six to eight weeks. This constant rotation ensured that visitors always had something new and exciting to see.

One of the gallery's highlights was its concentration on three-dimensional art objects. While it did showcase paintings and other two-dimensional works, the gallery was particularly noted for its extensive collection of studio furniture and sculptural pieces. The annual Furniture Show became a much-anticipated event, attracting furniture designers and collectors from across the country.

The Outdoor Sculpture Gallery

A distinguishing feature of Finer Things Gallery was its outdoor sculpture gallery. Spread over two acres, this space allowed for the display of large-scale sculptures that would not fit in a traditional indoor gallery. This outdoor area provided a tranquil setting for visitors to appreciate art in a natural environment, adding a unique dimension to the gallery experience.

Community Impact and Cultural Significance

Finer Things Gallery played a significant role in the cultural fabric of Nashville. It was not just a place to view art but a community hub where art lovers could gather for events, fundraisers, and social gatherings. The gallery's exhibitions often drew large crowds, making it a focal point for the city's art scene.

The gallery's dedication to emerging artists also meant that it served as a launchpad for many successful careers. Artists who exhibited at Finer Things often went on to achieve national and international recognition. This nurturing of new talent contributed significantly to the vibrancy and diversity of the Nashville art community.

Primary Audience

The primary audience of Finer Things Gallery was diverse, comprising local and regional art collectors, enthusiasts, and supporters of emerging artists. The gallery was known for attracting a sophisticated audience interested in contemporary and three-dimensional art forms. This included:

1. Local Art Collectors and Enthusiasts: Residents of Nashville and the surrounding areas who were passionate about contemporary art and supported the local art scene.
2. Emerging Artists and Creatives: Artists looking for a platform to showcase their work and connect with art collectors and other creatives.
3. Art Professionals and Critics: Individuals involved in the art industry, including curators, critics, and gallery owners, who were interested in discovering new talent and trends in contemporary art.
4. Tourists and Visitors: Art-loving tourists visiting Nashville who sought unique and culturally enriching experiences.

Finer Things Gallery's reputation for showcasing high-quality, innovative art drew a wide range of visitors, from seasoned art collectors to casual observers looking to appreciate the beauty and creativity of contemporary works.

Reviews and Reception

Over the years, Finer Things Gallery received numerous positive reviews from both critics and visitors. On platforms like Tripadvisor and the Better Business Bureau, the gallery was praised for its excellent curation and the quality of the art on display. Visitors often commented on the welcoming atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff who were always ready to provide insights into the exhibits.

One review highlighted the gallery's "inviting setting" and "soaring ceilings," which created a perfect backdrop for the contemporary art pieces. Another review emphasized the gallery's role in promoting local artists and bringing exceptional art from around the country to Nashville's audience.

Press and Media Coverage

Finer Things Gallery and its founders, Rusty Wolfe and Kim Brooks, garnered significant media attention over the years. Their journey, particularly their resilience following the devastating Nashville flood of 2010, was well-documented. Articles in Nashville Arts Magazine and features in the Nashville Scene highlighted the gallery's recovery and its role in the local art community. Rusty Wolfe's work, both as an artist and a musician, also received considerable press coverage, further elevating the gallery's profile.

Challenges and Resilience

The journey of Finer Things Gallery was not without its challenges. The gallery suffered significant losses during the historic Nashville flood of 2010, which damaged many of its artworks and the physical space itself. Despite these setbacks, the gallery's founders, Rusty Wolfe and Kim Brooks, demonstrated remarkable resilience. With the support of the local art community, they managed to rebuild and reopen the gallery four years later, continuing their mission of supporting and showcasing contemporary art.

Legacy and Conclusion

Although Finer Things Gallery is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who visited and the artists whose careers it helped launch. The gallery's impact on Nashville's art scene was profound, fostering a greater appreciation for contemporary art and creating a supportive environment for emerging artists.

Finer Things Gallery was more than just an art space; it was a testament to the power of community and the enduring value of art. Its story is one of passion, dedication, and resilience, and it remains an inspiring chapter in the history of Nashville's cultural landscape.

In conclusion, Finer Things Gallery was a beacon of artistic excellence and community spirit. Its contributions to the art world and the Nashville community continue to be remembered and celebrated, making it a true gem in the history of American art galleries.