FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carrie Mills

(615) 354-1699

carrie@nashvillejcc.org

The Gordon Jewish Community Center hosts November Galleries with Nina Covington, Donald Olea, Eileen Tomson and Marilynn Derwinskus.

Nashville, TN October 11, 2022 – For the month of November the Gordon JCC Galleries host the work of Nina Covington, Donald Olea, Eileen Tomson and Marilyn Derwinskus.

The Janet Levine March Gallery will showcase the photography of Nina Covington. Nina Covington is a Nashville-based artist and activist She has always known that it was her job to tell stories. She started out as a model who told stories in front of the camera of others. A pivotal moment came when Nina realized she can only tell half of the story as a model; the other half is always told by the photographer. Nina began wanting more control, so she began taking self-portraits which eventually led her to photograph other people.

In all of Nina’s work, she gets down to basics. Her images are stripped down, honest and dark. From her fine art equestrian photography to her long exposures, she plays in the shadows. Nina’s work is cohesive, as each detail in the execution of her photographs adds to the story she’s telling. Most importantly, she uses her work to give voice to those who step in front of her camera and bring to light social issues and injustices.

For this exhibit, Nina Covington’s “Equinessence” honors the incredible horses rescued by Hickory Hill farm Her digital art pieces feature a selection of horses rescued by the organization layered with various elements of double/long exposures, nature, and sometimes images from the Hubble telescope creating ethereal imagery of these magnificent beings. Since their domestication around 3500 BC, horses have served us in war, agriculture, transportation, sport, companionship, and so much more. Where would society be without them? To this day, they give of themselves without expectation of reward and so many are discarded, neglected, or abused. The main objective of the series is to bring to light all the good Hickory Hill Farm does for our equine friends and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the organization. A truly must-see exhibit for all who love horses and/or art.

The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the work of Donald Olea. Don Olea a native of San Diego, has lived in Gallatin for the past 22 years. Olea has more than 30 years of professional experience as an award-winning illustrator, photographer, digital and watercolor painter and is currently a juried member of the Nashville Artist Guild and the Tennessee Watercolor Society. As an Airborne Army veteran (1983-86), and military history buff, Olea has been inspired through his art, to honor and tell the story of those who came before him and served with honor and distinction. His realism style serves the historical military art genre well and helps to tell their story to fellow veterans, family members and enthusiasts.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature Eileen Tomson. A Los Angeles native, Eileen moved to Nashville in 1993, and divides her time between Tennessee and California.

Eileen graduated California State University Long Beach, with a BFA in Illustration. Eileen started her design studio as a fine stationery company in San Diego called Jag Graphics. Voted “Best of the West” by the American Merchandise Corporation for the French Country Collection series. Jag Graphics stationery could be found in Neiman Marcus, Marshall Fields, Bloomingdales, Tate Gallery Bookstore in London, and various other gift venues across the country.

Eileen started painting abstract paintings in recent years as an addition to her creative illustrations. Her paintings reflect the pastel colors of California with the coloring of the ocean, and the pigments of the surrounding flowers where she grew up. Eileen’s paintings are in private homes in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Nashville, and the UK.

The Senior Lounge Art Gallery presents the work of Marilyn Derwinskus. A Midwest native, Marilynn currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee. She is a member of the Michigan Watercolor Society, Watercolor South, and Nashville Artist Guild.

She has an extensive exhibition record in the United States and abroad (310, solo and two person) and has won 90 awards altogether. As well as received 22 grants including the Pollock/Krasner Grant, 14 Ball State University Faculty Grants, and the Lilly Foundation Award. Marilynn considers these grants and artists residencies as very significant for the development of her paintings. A retired professor, Marilynn remains a dedicated artist.

The House gallery continues to feature the Under One Roof collaborative exhibit.

The Art Reception will be held Wednesday, November 9th from 6 – 8 pm.

The Exhibition will be up from November 1st – 29th.

The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Attendees will need sign in at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www.nashvillejcc.org.