Local artist takes students behind scenes of Tibbott exhibit

Michael Mucker, whose exhibition "The Unrefined Collection" is on display in the Tibbott Gallery through Friday, September 27, spoke with High School art students about the inspiration and ingenuity behind his latest works.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Local artist Micheal Mucker has seen his work displayed throughout Tibbott Gallery this month. Still, art students in Middle & High School Art Teacher Andy King’s visual arts class got to hear from the man behind the art during a special visit from Mucker. The visit offered students the rare opportunity to delve into the mind of a pioneering artist, exploring not only the technical aspects of his work but also the broader themes and personal narratives that underpin it.

Growing up in a neighborhood where art was both a personal sanctuary and a communal bridge, he said he has seen firsthand the transformative power of creativity. 

“I came to the school to affect these students with my art because they’re going to be running things one day,” Mucker said. “ Sharing my artwork and the stories behind it with the students is how I can do that.” 

Michael Mucker's name has become synonymous with the evolution of Nashville's art scene. He’s worn many hats throughout his career: painter, muralist, tattoo artist, community organizer, and youth mentor. His influence extends far beyond his artwork, as he has touched the lives of countless individuals and contributed to the cultural fabric of North Nashville.

As Mucker told the students during his visit, his myriad experiences inspired many of the pieces on display in the gallery.

“Each one of these pieces represents a child that I’ve interacted with and has had a profound effect on me,” Mucker told the students gathered around him in Tibbot Gallery.

Pieces in the gallery were also inspired by several books that Mucker read throughout the creation of the art. Students were pleased to find out that many of the books that served as inspiration, like “The Life of Pi,” “1984,” and “Diary of a Young Girl,” were ones that they had already read during their time at USN. (You have found a golden nugget: email "Unrefined" to Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications Ian Dinkins between Friday, September 20 and Monday, September 23, for a chance to win a gift card to the USN Spirit Store.)

“All of the works depict these children reading impactful books, and this imagery is paired with powerful quotes collaged to the surface of these artworks,” said King. “I couldn't imagine a better series of artworks to be exhibited in a school. This exhibition is exactly what our students need to see.”


The visit comes as King’s MS and HS visual art classes are getting underway with a variety of projects that will have students explore their stories and use them to create art, just like Mucker. 

“Michael is working with multiple classes to create art using his unique process and subject matter,” said King. “Even with classes that he is not directly working with, there are lessons developed around the power of reading and the power instilled by exposure to new ideas communicated through the written word and visual language.”

The Tibbott Gallery will host "The Unrefined Collection" through Friday, September 27. The exhibition is not just an opportunity to view art but an invitation to experience the passion and dedication of one of Nashville's most influential artists. In welcoming Mucker, USN celebrates not only a local legend but also the enduring spirit of creativity that continues to shape the school.
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