Portrait of Anton titled “Push and Pull” by Michael Poindexter

About the Exhibition

We are proud to present this special exhibition honoring the life, work, and enduring influence of Anton Weiss, a towering figure in Nashville's artistic history. Alongside a curated collection of his work, visitors will learn about his remarkable journey through a biographical timeline displayed throughout the gallery, The exhibition will also feature artwork by six talented local artists he mentored: Pat Snyder, Karen Johnston, Wanda Choate, Charlotte Terrell, Kris Prunitsch, and Lisa Jennings. The opening reception will also feature live music by Randy Perkins and light refreshments, so come ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community.

About Anton Weiss

Anton Weiss (1936–2019) was a prominent abstract artist and beloved icon of the Nashville art scene. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia of Austrian descent to painter parents, he survived the hardships of World War II as a child, including time in concentration camps, before his family immigrated to Tennessee. After studying at Watkins College and training in New York under the legendary Hans Hofmann, he returned to Nashville in 1960.

Over the decades that followed, Anton left an indelible mark on the region's cultural landscape. He directed the art department at Watkins College, helped establish both the Tennessee Art League and the Tennessee Watercolor Society, and created energetic large-scale abstract mixed-media paintings and sculptures that are now highly collected worldwide. His work and spirit continue to inspire the Nashville arts community to this day.