Painting to Preserve

Anniversary art show honors the Chestnut Group

Congratulations to the Chestnut Group, a local alliance of plein air painters that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer! The Chestnut Group has raised more than $500,000 in the past two decades to support Middle Tennessee organizations involved in conservation — including our own Nashville Tree Conservation Corps.

The anniversary will be marked with a special art show and sale, “Painting to Preserve,” in the Davis Building on the campus of Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Road. The opening reception is on Friday, June 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Show hours are Saturday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Chestnut Group is dedicated to the preservation of special landscapes in Middle Tennessee and supports its mission by capturing these beautiful places in art. Click here to view (and purchase!) paintings of trees in NTCC’s continuing online sale of works by Chestnut Group members – almost half the proceeds of this sale will benefit the Tree Corps.

Since its founding in 2001 as an alliance of outdoor painting enthusiasts, the Chestnut Group has created a unique collaboration with local partners like the Tree Corps who share the same vision of preserving fragile local environments, threatened habitats and protected natural areas. 

“Twenty years ago, the idea of artists sharing their passion for landscape painting to aid conservation efforts was unheard of in Tennessee,” said Kim Barrick, award-winning artist and Chestnut Group founder. “Today, the commitment of Chestnut Group artists to preserve the land they love is stronger than ever. The dream of making a difference as an outdoor painter and inspiring others to do the same is a beautiful reality, so far exceeding anything I could have imagined. I am proud to have been part of this incredible journey.”