William Edmondson Film Screening & Conversation
Thu, Apr 23
|NKA Gallery
In 1937, a retired janitor in Nashville became the first African American to be awarded a solo show at the MOMA.


Time & Location
Apr 23, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
NKA Gallery, 912 Buchanan St
About the event
You Are Invited to a Special Documentary Screening
Join us for a rare screening that celebrates the life and legacy of the pioneering sculptor William Edmondson! Experience the fascinating story of his art and life through a unique documentary, followed by an engaging discussion with artists and community leaders. Together, we will explore his creative legacy as one of Nashville's most remarkable and influential figures of the 20th century. Discover the extraordinary artist you may not have heard of before. In 1937, William Edmondson made history as the first African American to hold a solo exhibit at New York's prestigious Museum of Modern Art, just a few years after Pablo Picasso's debut there. At the age of 62, this retired janitor-turned-tombstone carver emerged as an unexpected talent in the American South during the Jim Crow era of segregation. His journey is one of talent, determination, and devotion.
Afterward, engage in…