ABOUT THE HECHINGER COLLECTION—

John W. Hechinger (1920-2004) was a fifth-generation Washingtonian and a highly respected civic and business leader who was most often associated with the chain of do-it-yourself stores that carried his family name. Once ubiquitous in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, the Hechinger Company was founded by John’s father in 1911 and exemplified a twentieth-century success story: the transformation of a neighborhood hardware store into an expansive chain of home-improvement centers.

Lesser known to the public is that John and his wife June were lifelong philanthropists and art enthusiasts, assembling an impressive collection of artwork that honors the beauty of common tools where form and function are inextricably linked. When Hechinger moved into new corporate headquarters in 1978, he found the building efficient yet sterile: “It struck me that the endless repetition of corridors and cubicles was boring and seemed to rebuke the fantasies that a hardware store inspires. For anyone whose passion is to work with his or her hands, a good hardware store is a spur to the imagination.”

As Hechinger discovered early on, the collection’s narrow focus struck a rich and diverse vein. Although artists have depicted tools in their art since ancient times, it was during the modern era that tools gained widespread popularity. The collection features more than 250 regional and international artists. Their paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and folk art span a wide range of styles and themes, and like a time-capsule, the collection traces a sweeping arc of technological progress and labor shifts all the way to the digital age.

A community exhibition in KMA's Kramer Education Center featuring art from the Tennessee Artist's Association.

The Tennessee Artists Association is a nonprofit organization that promotes and encourages public interest in and enjoyment of fine art; promotes and encourages the use of talent and ability in art by sponsoring and directing exhibitions, awards, workshops, demonstrations, and educational programs. TAA aspires to elevate art to the highest standards of quality and workmanship by providing the mutual benefit of association among the members. It represents a membership body of artists of varying skills who join together to bring the message of fine art to the viewing public.

FEATURED ARTISTS: Melinda Adams, Sandra Ange, Sarazen An Yin, Linda Blair, Glenda Bowles, Betty Bullen, Deb Cikovic, Lil Clinard, Stephanie Cobb, Aleex Conner, Michele Croslin, Michelene Deisher, Kira Evans, William Holbert, Lynn Flowers, Jan Cole, Suzanne Jack, Kathleen Janke, Carol Robin King, Andreas Koschan, Merry Koschan, David Liles, Cheryl Massey, Sylvia Milanez, Alessandra Page, Holly Pawlowski, Buddy Person, Cosimo Risolvo, Kaylie Roy, Mary Ruden, Marcia Shelly, Allan Sibley, Judy Sinclair, Roberta Smashey, Joe Tate, Cynthia Tipton, JeAnne Triplett, Janet Weaver, and Caroline West

For more information about TAA or to purchase artworks call 1-865-888-5540
ABOUT TENNESSEE ARTISTS ASSOCIATION—

The Tennessee Artists Association is a volunteer organization created by artists for artists of all levels of ability. TAA offers many benefits for its members to provide professional development, networking opportunities, and exclusive exhibitions. tnartists.org

Workshops, demonstrations and classes
Annual juried show
Multiple non-juried shows and sales opportunities
Mutual support in the pursuit of artistic expression
Volunteer opportunities to share your skills and knowledge
Monthly Newsletter with member news, helpful information, and announcements of upcoming events
Monthly meetings with practical information and entertaining programs in a social environment