Found Narratives

Found Narratives showcases individual and collaborative works from four community organizations, created in response to Shinique Smith’s exhibition Wonder and Rainbows, which was on view in the Gordon Contemporary Artists Project Gallery at the Frist Art Museum from October 9, 2015, through January 10, 2016. Under the guidance of four teaching artists, and inspired by Smith’s interest in how everyday objects can evoke memories, be transformed into something valuable, and reflect our experiences, the participants produced artworks from discarded items to communicate their own histories. Each organization also made a larger collaborative piece, showcasing how personal narratives can come together to form a collective identity through shared human experiences.

This exhibition comprises art made by participants from Maplewood High School, led by Stephanie Pruitt; Poverty & the Arts, led by Courtney Adair Johnson; Thistle Farms, led by Gail Looper; and YMCA Latino Achievers, led by Amber Lelli. Artist assistant Eva Young helped with the projects guided by Johnson, Looper, and Pruitt. The works on display were selected through a juried process by Frist Art Museum staff and Shinique Smith.

Found Narratives was organized by the Frist Art Museum.

Participants from Maplewood High School, led by Stephanie Pruitt. Untitled, 2015. Mixed media