Beyond having one of the coolest names we’ve ever heard, Samantha Saturn is a dynamo. The native Nashvillian and music industry veteran (she’s chief marketing officer for SESAC Music Group) was also born into a love for art, thanks to her parents, who founded several major galleries and helmed Nashville’s American Artisan Festival for nearly four decades.
Now, Samantha is making waves of her own in the art world, launching Artville — a three-day public arts festival in Wedgewood-Houston. We caught up with Samantha to learn more about the festival, the best places to view local art, and what artists we should have on our radar. Get to know Samantha Saturn, our newest FACE of Nashville!
First, what led you into the music industry here in Nashville?
When I graduated from the University of Michigan, I knew I wanted to work in the arts and music. I started out at a bunch of music start-ups, then joined Columbia Records in New York as their head of digital marketing. It was just when the entire industry began its massive shift to digital, and it was such an exciting time! I created artist development campaigns and built a marketing team that supported everyone from Adele to Beyoncé to Tony Bennett.
After many years of living and working in NYC, I really missed the community and my friends here in my hometown of Nashville, and I felt a pull to move back home to raise my children here. Plus, there was so much exciting growth in the arts and music scene here! I joined SESAC Performing Rights as their chief marketing officer, working with the most amazing songwriters and composers. I love the work we do to support music creators, and I’m grateful to be challenged by a business that continues to innovate. At the end of it all, supporting artists and creators has always been the thread for me.
What inspired you to create Artville
Art has always been a family affair for me and is deeply rooted here in Nashville. My late mother, Nancy Saturn, was the founder of the legendary American Artisan Gallery and later the Zimmerman Saturn Gallery. Along with my father, Alan Saturn, they created and produced the American Artisan Festival for close to 40 years. When I returned to Nashville, I revived the festival because I felt it was an exciting time in our city to create something new out of something so beloved by so many Nashvillians and so near and dear to my heart. But I also wanted to expand the festival beyond its original program, and layer on a public art component, something we need more of here in Nashville. We started with an amazing installation called GROW LOVE and built on more installations each year from there, but I felt it could be the right time to do something bigger.
As I met with local art investors, curators, and business owners to discuss this idea, it became clear that the best way to create a broader city-wide public art-focused event was to collaborate with civic-minded, art-loving partners and find a space where creatives, artists, and galleries are already creating this energy every day — in this case Wedgewood-Houston/Chestnut Hill. My partner, Jack Davis of Good Neighbor Festivals (producer of Tomato Art Fest, Sevier Park Fest, Outloud Festival, and many others), has deep expertise in creating unique civic events throughout Nashville and agreed we needed something like this. Together, we presented our Artville concept to local developers to see if they would be interested in providing space and funding for a larger-scale public arts festival. They understood the value this creates for the neighborhood and agreed to support the project. Then we were able to secure a commitment from the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, which allowed us to kick off our first public art award … and Artville was born!
The festival is getting a lot of buzz! Where is it taking place, and what can we look forward to?
I’m thrilled people are excited for Artville! The festival will be between Fourth Avenue and Chestnut up to Hagan Street and back around to Martin Street in a walkable section of Wedgewood-Houston/Chestnut Hill. Within this area, there will be lots to do and see: 20 artists will be presenting Artville public art installations and the Artville Walls murals throughout the neighborhood (we’ll have a map to share soon!).
On Friday evening, we are hosting a talk featuring Derrick Adams, a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Brooklyn, NY. He will come to Nashville to have a conversation with Katie Delmez, lead curator of the Frist Art Museum, about his work and practice. His work is part of an exhibition highlighting the works of 52 artists called Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage, and we’re excited to tie back to such an exciting exhibition happening in Nashville at the Frist this fall. Of course, there will be many ways to collect works from artists and galleries, as well as just enjoy the live music, amazing food, kids and family art programming, and a host of ticketed Artville After Dark events, too.
How can we shop and support the festival?
Our mission is to celebrate art by providing free access to a range of wonderful public art exhibits and programs and by presenting a host of different ways for visitors to collect art while visiting Artville. The American Artisan Festival, which I’ve been running for years in Centennial Park, will move to Chestnut Street, featuring 100 artists selling contemporary art and crafts across a wide range of mediums and prices. We are also hosting the first Artville Community Art Show, featuring contemporary art from local artists and curated works from local galleries, all for sale throughout the weekend.
We’ve also launched a patron program, which are ticketed packages for events happening during the Artville weekend that go directly to supporting the public art fund. Local galleries will also be open for the weekend, showcasing works from amazing artists. Yes, we’re aiming big the first year, but it’s been a total joy to create opportunities that make art more accessible to the community, all in one neighborhood for the city to experience together.
What are the long-term economic and cultural impacts of an elevated art festival here in Music City?
I have seen and studied how annual art fairs help to create sustainable, repeatable economic programs to support the visual arts in different markets. Based on my research, Artville is one way we can do this. The economic benefits of successful art festivals ripple throughout the local economy — affecting local businesses and tourism alike. Even one weekend, over time, can become a key revenue driver for local businesses. As a native Nashvillian with a legacy of putting the arts first, I’ve always wanted to show the world that Nashville is an art city to watch. In addition to our amazing music and restaurants, you should come here to have a uniquely Nashville experience as an art lover and collector, too.
Where are your favorite creative Nashville places to go and be inspired?
I spend a lot of time at Cheekwood. I especially love the Japanese garden, and I was so inspired by the Jaume Plensa exhibit. The Frist Art Museum is a local gem and always keeps me thinking about art in new ways. I also love visiting the Parthenon and Centennial Park, where I spent every summer of my life with my parents at our family festival. The artists became part of our family. It will always be a big part of my Nashville story.
Who are some of your favorite local artists we should have on our radar?
There are too many to list, honestly! But you can go to the Artville website to learn about many of the breakout artists we have here in Nashville. In fact, we’ve selected 20 local artists for Artville’s public art and Artville Walls murals that are doing astonishing work in a wide range of mediums and materials. Also, many of the American Artisan artists are local this year, as we wanted to keep it more Nashville-focused.
Where are the best places for us to view local art? Any hidden gems?
Nashville galleries are great places to visit to learn more about what local artists are doing and for advice on building your own collection. Each one has deep roots in the artist community in Nashville and beyond and is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. Some of my favorites are Red Arrow Gallery, Cë Gallery, David Lusk Gallery, Elephant Gallery, Julia Martin Gallery, Zeitgeist, The Forge, The Nashville Artist Collective, Tinney Contemporary, Art Beat, LeQuire Gallery, and The Packing Plant, which houses many galleries and artist-run collectives including COOP and the Risology Club to name a few.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never lose your sense of humor.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
A very hot cup of coffee, walking with friends, and getting out to see live music as often as I can.
Lightning Round:
Favorite artist of all time: Hilma af Klint
Bucket list vacation destination: Venice Biennale
Book(s) currently on your nightstand: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zavin
Your go-to gift to give: I don’t have a go-to gift, but I love to shop for handmade items at Art Beat and at AshBlue. Supporting local retail is key, especially those selling works made by artists — something I always look for.
Last memorable meal in Nashville: I had a lovely evening with friends at Iggy’s Nashville, which recently opened in Wedgewood-Houston. The pasta was delicious!
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Nashville women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
