Female-Owned Nashville Art Gallery, Gypsy Cadillac Opens Powerful, “Shooting Star: An Exhibition Of Art Unseen” Honoring A Connection Between Art And The Human Experience 

(z & j fusion)

The powerful and moving exhibition ‘Shooting Star: An Exhibition of Art Unseen’opened on Friday, November 22nd, at Gypsy Cadillac, a female-owned gallery in Nashville's vibrant Germantown neighborhood. Curated by renowned photographers Sandra Wallbank (Charlie Puth, OneRepublic) and Valarie Allyn Bienas (Sugarland, Kenny Chesney), marks the second collaboration between the two artists, following the success of their debut exhibition, ‘Mojave Road.’

On the crisp November evening, guests emerged from the cold and were greeted with a glass of wine as they stepped into the warm, inviting space. The gallery was filled with the quiet hum of conversation as visitors took in the stunning artwork and read the poignant stories behind the pieces. The exhibition’s theme is a deep exploration of loss, addiction, depression, and the healing process, with art from young artists who expressed their deepest emotions before their untimely passing. Alongside the artwork, loved ones shared personal messages of love, resilience, and hope, inviting all who attended to reflect on their own connections to grief and healing.

One of the most intimate aspects of the exhibition is Valarie Allyn Bienas' personal journey. After losing her son, Z, to an accidental overdose, Valarie channeled her grief into her art, creating works that explore the complexities of the human experience in the wake of loss. Through her partnership with Sandra Wallbank, 'Shooting Star' becomes a testament to the enduring power of creativity amidst sorrow, as well as a reminder of the beauty that can emerge from even the darkest of times.

The exhibition also honors the memory of Jordan Watts, the late brother of Nashville singer-songwriter Kelsie Watts, who tragically lost his life to depression. The deep bond between Valarie and Kelsie gave rise to a touching collaboration, allowing both Z and Jordan's artwork to live on in this special space. Visitors were moved by the emotional depth and beauty of their works, which now stand as a tribute to their lives and legacies.

(Jordan Watts)

 

In addition to offering a place of reflection and healing, 'Shooting Star' also supports the important work of The Onsite Foundation's Life After Loss Program. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to this vital cause, helping others find healing after the loss of a loved one.

'Shooting Star' is not just an exhibition; it is an invitation to share in a collective journey of loss and recovery and to find hope and connection in the faces and voices of those who continue to inspire us.

 ‘Shooting Star’ will remain open until January 22nd, 2025. For more gallery details, visit https://www.gypsycadillac.com.

(L to R:Anastasia Brown, Valarie Allyn Bienas, Dawn Huie , Sandra Wallbank)