Step off of East Washington Street and into a painting — or become the painter — when you interact with the Town of Nashville’s newest public art piece “Marie in the Woods” inspired by one of Brown County’s most influential artists.
Following a two year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Marie in the Woods” interactive public art piece at Coachlight Square was dedicated last month.
The piece was commissioned by the Town of Nashville’s Arts and Entertainment Commission in 2019. The project was financed by the Richard J. Hoffman Public Art Fund at the Brown County Community Foundation.
It was inspired by a photograph of early Brown County artist Marie Goth painting outdoors — or in plein air. Nashville Town Council President Nancy Crocker envisioned an interactive piece that would draw people into an art piece as an “experience” based off the photograph, NAEC President Melanie Voland said.
“The idea was reminiscent of Marie Goth’s renowned portraiture artistry as well as her enjoyment of plein air painting,” Voland said.
The piece also stands as a historical reference to Goth’s impact on Nashville, which is often referred to as the Art Colony of the Midwest, she added.
Local metal artist Brad Cox made the piece a reality. He was selected by the arts and entertainment commission after members reviewed different proposals and his concept was “deemed most appropriate for the location,” Voland said.
As an interactive piece, “Marie in the Woods” invites anyone to “see” themselves within the photograph as either the painter sitting on Goth’s stool or the painted by standing in one of the three frames.
“‘Marie in the Woods’ is a modern update to the experience of plein air painting, translating to visitors of all ages, the capturing of a specific moment in time,” Voland said.
“It is truly an art work that begs for engagement.”
On May 27, the public art piece was formally dedicated during a public ceremony at the Coachlight Square ahead of the Fourth Friday Art Walk in town with Sen. Eric Koch attending.
“Modern art enthusiasts will appreciate the interactive metal sculpture recently dedicated at Coachlight Square. This project serves as an intersection between the historical relevance of Marie Goth to Nashville and the current fashion of storytelling with photography that is integral to the concept of this piece,” Voland said.
“The Arts and Entertainment Commission, along with the local arts community, is very pleased to have been able to sponsor this addition to the town’s collection of public art work.”
