Take a Closer Look at Our Chairs
The powerhouse trio of Charlotte Langerman (Montgomery ‘35 and Veronica ‘38), Liz Stemmler (Izzy ‘34 and June ‘36), and Kelly Unger (Hudson ’32, Graham ‘34, and Elle ’38) have teamed up to chair Artclectic 2025.
“I remember my first Artclectic,” says Kelly. “I was blown away to see the gymnasium transformed into an art gallery. It really is incredible what we can do with the space and how it comes alive!”
Liz adds that “Artclectic is such a gift to the USN community. I love how interactive and inspiring it is for the students and also that it helps teachers to further their own education and explore their unique interests.”
Featured artist Carlos Gamez de Francisco recently shared that he wants people to get next to the art, not feel intimidated by or distanced from it – to really consider it. In many ways, that is the ethos that drives Artclectic.
“On Education Day, we’re helping the students understand how enriching it is to ponder art, ask questions of the artists and learn from them,” says Charlotte. “It is also why we host such a variety of events for our patrons – we want people to have the chance to spend time with the art and artists – perhaps opening their minds to new concepts, ideas and styles.
“For all these reasons, we landed on ‘Take A Closer Look’ as this year’s theme. We encourage our community to take a closer look at the art, spend a few more moments with the artists and have a lot of fun doing so. We have loads of exciting elements planned to further reinforce the theme – and I think I speak for the whole leadership team when I say that this will be a very memorable and special Artclectic. We can’t wait to see you there.”
From Charlotte:
What do you most love about Artclectic? When we first moved to Nashville from Chicago – before kids – my husband, Alex, and I were eager to connect with like-minded art enthusiasts. By far, Artclectic has always been the event that takes its role in the Nashville art scene seriously. It is set apart from all the other events, due to its sophisticated setting, tremendous events and jaw-dropping art. All these years later, it’s still the event that draws the most complex and exciting blend of artists, and we remain proud to be a part of it.
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Oh man. They are all so special. We bought a gorgeous piece by Michelle Reeves when our daughter was born, One of her abstract florals – and we love it. And that remains a cherished item that I look at daily. And our Jacob Olds Bowie-Zebra is a fantastic conversation starter in our home. We love inviting guests to get close to the piece to see the careful work he practices to create his pieces.
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? I’m a very visual person, so I’d lean toward that. But I’m also a near-fanatical reader. And I’m excited by the “what if” of illustrating or visually depicting contemporary literature and nonfiction. Bridging the gap between the written word and what our eyes can consume is a fun prospect.
From Liz:
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? I am super excited about this year’s featured artist, Carlos Gamez de Francisco. His work is so vibrant and unexpected. I love how he explores issues like identity and power while also maintaining a sense of humor.
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? A filmmaker. Writing is such a solitary thing, and I think it would be interesting to work in a more collaborative way.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? I am always drawn to women telling the truth about their lives…so visual artists like Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe, the photographer Sally Mann, writers Mary Karr, Nora Ephron, Dani Shapiro, and Melissa Febos.
From Kelly:
What do you most love about Artclectic? I love how Artclectic unites our entire school community in a shared celebration of art and creativity. It makes art feel accessible and engaging—even for our youngest students—who are always eager to explore and discuss the imaginative new worlds they discover.
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? One of our favorite pieces in our home is a sculpture by Stephen Hutchins, which we purchased through Artclectic. I’m continually impressed by the way he transforms natural materials into refined, elegant forms. His work reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and artistic sensitivity, and we feel fortunate to have his work showcased at artclectic for many years.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? My grandmother, Bernice Gordon, has always been a source of inspiration to me. Her keen eye for detail and natural creativity were ever-present during my childhood. She and my mom were constantly crafting with my siblings and cousins, nurturing a love for art and hands-on creativity that continues to influence me today.