A Contemporary Juried Exhibition Opening at TAG in August 2026
TAG Exhibition Dates: August 8 – 29, 2026
MTSU, Todd Art Building, Room 224A
Opening Reception: 1 p.m.–Saturday, August 8
Artists Panel Talk: 11:30 a.m.–Thursday, August 27
Beauty & Braids by James Threalkill
Celebrate the power of creativity as a voice for emotion, storytelling, and personal vision. Through this collaboration, Expressions seeks to highlight the creative arts that can transcend words, capture the essence of human experience, and offer viewers a deeper connection to the artists’ inner world.
Together, these professional and emerging artists engage in a compelling conversation about the pressing issues of contemporary life. From intricately detailed drawings and collages to layered abstractions, mixed media, sculptural constructions, painting to photography, graphic and digital art, their works are relevant and engaging, combining personal views with universal concerns. Themes addressed in this exhibition range from environmental and cultural hybridity to navigating complex social realities like memory, data, AI system expansion, and identity fluidity, using art for social commentary to uplift and critique. Some artists even reimagine and press forward beyond these themes, embracing futuristic realities. Traditional techniques are thus pushed into experimental and innovative spaces.
The exhibition include works from Daniel Arite, Barbara Higgins Bond, Gail Clemons, Mariah Clemons, Kimberly Dummons, Samuel L. Dunson, Dalia Garcia, Samira Hardcastle, Barbara Hodges, Leroy Hodges, Sisavanh Houghton, David Ikard, Dayo Johnson, Henry L. Jones, Neely Jordan, DaShawn Lewis, Michael McBride, Rod McGaha, Michael Mucker, Jimmy Mumford, Wee S. Ng, Robert Orr. Jr, Mamta Patel, Yakruti Patel, Xavier Payne, Destiney Powell, Jairo Prado, Tony Rodriguez, Ashley Seay, Nadine Shillingford, Thandiwe Shiphrah, James Threalkill, Ruben Torres, Tricia Townes, Betty Turney-Turner, Maya Turner, Jennifer Tweedie, Lilliana Velez, Craig Watkins, Mary R. Watkins, Gary L. White, Carlton Wilkinson, and Donna Woodley.
Most of us make art, look at art, read about art, think about art, and believe in the power to transform our lives. These artistic works excel at doing just that, sparking critical conversation and reflection. Art remains a catalyst for visibility and social change, spanning painting, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. The works on view reflect each artist’s distinct voice while collectively offering a tapestry of contemporary expression. The viewers are invited to explore the intersection of familiarity and fresh vision – honoring enduring connection while embracing bold new perspectives. This exhibit brings together a dynamic group of artists whose work reflects a rich spectrum of voices, practices, and perspectives.
The Church Lady by Leroy Hodges
Returning to TAG
By special request, Carlton Wilkinson’s Crucifixion returns for an encore viewing during the August 2026 exhibition. Originally shown in 2025, the work gained renewed attention after an Art and Design educator discovered her father’s signature among the handwritten inscriptions covering the piece, revealing an unexpected personal connection with Lexington, Kentucky. The rediscovery sparked ongoing conversations surrounding memory, participation, and the evolving life of artwork through audience interaction.
Crucifixion by Carlton Wilkinson
Artists’ Panel Talk and Discussion
Carlton Wilkinson returns to TAG as moderator and featured MC for the 2nd Annual Artist Panel Talk, scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026, in the Todd Art Gallery, Todd Art Building. Known for his engaging storytelling, artistic insight, and long-standing connections within the creative community, Wilkinson will guide a conversation centered on artistic practice, lived experience, and the evolving role of visual storytelling in contemporary culture.
