Local Love: A Perspective From Smyrna

Here at Trellis & Vine we are inspired by so much of our local landscape and we love to show love to local spots that could inspire you too. That’s why we partnered with six local artists with a variety of mediums to bring you a taste of what you can find here in Middle Tennessee to be inspired by. Each of these spots exists within a 1 hour drive from Trellis & Vine and would make for some fantastic exploring if you’re the type to find the places that inspire the work. (Do so at your own risk though. We can’t guarantee that all of these are on public property.)

You can show some love to these artists by visiting Trellis & Vine during the month of June to view the gallery. Each one-of-a-kind or limited fine art print will be available to view through the end of June. If you get so inspired you need it to go home with you we can help with that too.

We’ll also be open during the Simply Smyrna Summer Celebration (June 14th), Depot District Art Crawl (June 27th), and during the Smyrna Depot Farmer’s Market (every Saturday from 8am-12pm) if you want to be even cooler and support even more local artists, makers, farmers, and all-around creative/crafty folks while also getting your gallery fix. (There’s even a nifty side-walk path across the tracks now that we’re very excited about.)

Let’s introduce our artists:

Dann Zehr: Pieces included - Experience ($300), Old Jones Mill Maple ($300), Farmer's Friend (Sold) Watercolor

Dann has sold his own Dancing Colors (Dann Sings Colors) line of paintings, prints, calendars & cards locally in a few Middle Tennessee shops & online. His work is also in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, South Dakota, California, Colorado, New York, Washington, Arizona, Virginia, Texas, Belgium, Ethiopia & Puerto Rico. His Grandpas on both sides of his family painted into their golden years. He thought those tangible reminders of their lives that they had painted were treasures, so he started painting as well.

His first juried competition earned him a cash prize and second place recognition with artists & art lovers throughout the Middle Tennessee area. He has participated in local art crawls & has had solo art exhibits in Smyrna & Franklin, Tennessee public libraries, and spaces.

In 2021, Dann won the "People's Choice Award" for his watercolors at the Annual Smyrna Tennessee Depot District Art Crawl. He also became a member of the Arts Council of Williamson County, Tennessee & an Associate Member of the Southern Watercolor Society at that time.

Dann was also an Associate Member of the American Impressionist Society. Dann is currently an associate member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society & the Arts Council of Williamson County.

Sharon Trevathon: Pieces included - Agriculture ($285) Acrylic on canvas

Sharon sees art in the world all around her and beyond. She finds inspiration in her day to day life and nature as well as larger than life outer space. She mainly creates with acrylic and occasional watercolors and focuses on naturalistic subjects with some abstract paintings. Her goal is to inspire others by sharing her perspective and the peace she sees around her. 

Suzanne LeBeau: Pieces included - Early Iris Joy ($250), Stony Riverbed ($250), Lake View ($280) Oil on Canvas 

Suzanne LeBeau started as a muralist. She has been an elementary school teacher for most of her adult life, but has felt a calling to get back to her creative side. She took up faux finishing about 15 years ago and specializes in metallic finishes, plasters, and murals. She has taken those skills and applied them to the canvas. She does realistic plein air oils and large acrylic abstracts. She is a member of the Rutherford Arts Alliance, Chestnut Group, the Smyrna Artist’s Cooperative, Nashville Creative Group, and the Murfreesboro Art League, where she teaches adult and children’s art classes. She has had her work shown at the Parthenon in Centennial Park in Nashville, The Jewish Community Center, Radnor Lake State Park, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, Franklin Parks, and The Bridge Building in Nashville.

Adam Sain: Pieces included - First Ave ($325), Capitol Grounds ($325), 1313 ($325) photography fine art prints 

Adam Sain is a renowned visual artist known for his work with mixed media. As a member of the Professional Photographers of America, his journey in the fine arts began at a young age, and he quickly gained recognition when he received the National Fine Arts Exhibit Award at just 16. This early achievement set the foundation for a career marked by passion and talent. Utilizing his extensive expertise, Adam founded Image TN, which stands as a testament to his dedication to photographic excellence. His artistic versatility is evident in various forms, including his role as a published illustrator for "Smyrna, Tennessee: A Coloring Book," where he brings stories to life with his unique illustrations. His latest art book, "New Castle Road Sunsets: Arrington, Tennessee," beautifully captures the serene landscapes of Tennessee, further establishing his reputation as a masterful visual storyteller.

Larissa Reed: Pieces included - Little Sneak ($325) photography, Emerald Damsel ($125) Oil and Chalk pastels 

Larissa Reed has served as Administrator and lead teacher for the Creative Clash visual art camp for Carpe Artista since its inception in 2011. She has taught art classes in drawing, acrylic, pastel and watercolor for Carpe since 2011. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Belmont University with a minor in Art, studying Photography, Painting, Drawing, 2D design and 3D design with emphasis on sculpture.

In her own words,” I believe “We are created in the image of an extravagant Creator”, therefore we should strive to be creative in everything we do. Creativity is not limited to visual art and music. We should be creative in the way we communicate, organize, parent and any other task set before us.”

She is proud to be one of the founding members of the Smyrna Artist’s Co-op.

Alexa Reed: Pieces included - Beetle 3 ($145), Bee 3 ($145) photography 

Thank you for showing love to these artists. Now we’d love to hear from you. What are some of the local spots that inspire you? Leave a comment and let us know.