History

Officially opened in September 2001, the Madison Art Center (MAC) was named the "Best New Art Space" in Nashville by the Nashville Scene. The name was changed to The Tennessee Art Center at Madison (TACM) to reflect a larger community beyond the neighborhood of Madison, TN.

TACM is located on Gallatin Road in the heart of historical Madison Station in the building that was originally home to the Madison Movie Theater. Built in 1936, the Madison Theater served as a north Nashville landmark until it closed in the 1950s. The single space was then divided into two stories and served as an upscale furniture display warehouse through two companies until it again closed in 1999, when property administrators opted for the bold new idea of the Madison Art Center.

TACM came together with countless hours of volunteer labor donated by board members, artists, and craftspeople; all Tennessee residents.

Now, the TACM home has been remodeled into 16,000 square feet of beautifully lit galleries with rich wooden floors, artist studios with cozy common areas and classroom, a café area, a pending 2,500 square foot auditorium, and business offices.

The galleries and gift shop house an ongoing selection of world-class fine art and fine crafts, all created by Tennessee artists. Designated exhibition areas are also used to showcase individual artists and community groups with rotating, month-long shows. Each exhibit is celebrated with an opening reception, a great opportunity for art enthusiasts and art crafters to get together.

The TACM also serves as home for the Tennessee Artists' Guild (TAG), a non-profit arts organization which provides many of the volunteer hours needed to run the galleries, and sponsors many of the exhibits. Their mission is to ENCOURAGE the development of artists and ENRICH their community. They fulfill this mission by fotering a supportive, creative community; providing technical and professional outreach opportunities; offering venues for artistic exposure; welcoming and embracing diversity; and providing a focal point for the arts.

The Tennessee Art Center at Madison and TAG combine to provide a uniquely vital and creative environment, contributing to the community and economic health of Davidson County by providing a rapidly expanding calendar of exhibits, work shops, ongoing arts instruction series, and special events.