Been There Dunne That: Art

We've lived in Nashville for 6 years now and I've had quite a bit of time to explore. I haven't discovered all the nooks and crannies yet, but I have come across a few real gems.

A couple of weeks ago, while I was working off Lewisburg Pike in Franklin, I took the opportunity to visit one of my Nashville area favorites - Henpeck Market and The Loft. If you're in the Nashville area, or even just passing through on interstate 65, you should treat yourself to a visit.

Literally 5 minutes off I65, about 20 minutes south of Nashville, take exit 61 - Peytonsville Rd. Go west about 1 mile to Lewisburg Pike and then turn north, you can't miss it on the left.

http://www.henpeckmarket.com/

Henpeck Market is known far and wide for fantastic homemade food. In my book, this is the best place "worth the trip" for lunch or a meat and three. I highly recommend the corn bread salad as well as the beef or chicken tamales, which Michael loves and I bring home by the dozen to freeze for him.

Upstairs at The Loft you'll find too many wonderful things to take home. Beyond a gift shop, this little jewel tucked away upstairs has so much great home decor and original art, you'll have to walk through the space several times just to take it all in.

They have beautiful, unique jewelry like the handmade creations of Rebecca Davis of Mimi and Dottie. You can also find Rebecca's one of a kind creations on Etsy, but I love the selection at The Loft. It's so hard to choose!

These are some of the pieces she has available on Etsy at the moment.

There are several rooms with children's decor and gifts. I loved this fun lamp, it would work great in a boy's or girl's room.

The Loft also carries the Positively Green card line. I always buy several for all occasions when I'm there. Their design is fresh and simple. Each card is printed on 100% post consumer recycled fiber using soy based inks. I love the inspirational quotes, often by world leaders and each card has every day green tips on the back.

These paper mache birds caught my eye. They're a nice little bit of pop. I think I may have to go back for these.

You'll find prints by artist Michelle Mardis. These are so much fun, they would be great framed and grouped or just added to an area for a little punch of color. You can see more of Michelle's work on her website http://www.michellemardis.net/

And original art by my favorite local artist, Elizabeth Foster.

I could buy every painting and hang them all over my house.

You can learn more about the multi talented Elizabeth on her website

http://www.elizabethfoster.net/

Henpeck Market and The Loft are just two of my favorite places (all under one roof) in the Nashville area. I hope you get a chance to stop by if your ever here for a visit. I'll be happy to take you.

I love Elizabeth Foster's paintings. She's a local Nashville artist.

Marie-Joe gave me one of her landscapes for Christmas this year.

I don't know if I like the birds or the landscapes better, it's a toss up. They are all so great. I'd love to have them all.

You can find some of Elizabeth's work at The Loft at Henpeck Market. See my links for info.

This landscape is just so lovely. When you stand in front of it you get a real R Kenton Nelson vibe. The whole thing is of course more muted, but still...

Usually the little squares of pattern on the paintings are appliques. I think this one may be an applique on an applique.

I wish these translated better in photos, they lose their vibrancy and depth, like most art when photographed. Also most of these are quite large paintings, which gets lost here.