Grammy-winning Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden is transforming the scene of Music City with his art exhibit at Nashville International Airport. An opening celebration for the 6-piece collection of paintings, entitled "The First of Many to Come," was held on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. More than 400 guests and airport travelers attended the ceremony which featured a stirring performance by the Oak Ridge Boys. Country star T.G. Sheppard was among famous faces at the event, and joined the band on stage during the crowd-pleasing selection, "Elvira." Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell took part in the affair-referring to the exhibit as "a masterful show piece for the city." Commemorative prints featuring Golden's autograph and celebrated artwork were given to dignitaries and travelers. Gourmet chocolates boasting his image were also provided as gifts, and proved a major hit. The artwork will be on display through January 2008 as part of the Arts at the Airport program. It includes a high-tech video presentation that highlights the music icon's career. Golden shared his thoughts on his music and art work and how the two work harmoniously in his life. "Art and music are both creative expressions. As a singer, there's a melody for every emotion. As an artist I'm also affected by the beautiful colors of the four seasons. Sometimes when I look at the beauty of a spring or autumn day it give me such a wonderful inner feeling. It almost gives me goose bumps at times.
Grammy-winning Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden is transforming the scene of Music City with his art exhibit at Nashville International Airport. An opening celebration for the 6-piece collection of paintings, entitled "The First of Many to Come," was held on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. More than 400 guests and airport travelers attended the ceremony which featured a stirring performance by the Oak Ridge Boys. Country star T.G. Sheppard was among famous faces at the event, and joined the band on stage during the crowd-pleasing selection, "Elvira." Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell took part in the affair-referring to the exhibit as "a masterful show piece for the city."
Commemorative prints featuring Golden's autograph and celebrated artwork were given to dignitaries and travelers. Gourmet chocolates boasting his image were also provided as gifts, and proved a major hit. The artwork will be on display through January 2008 as part of the Arts at the Airport program. It includes a high-tech video presentation that highlights the music icon's career. Golden shared his thoughts on his music and art work and how the two work harmoniously in his life. "Art and music are both creative expressions. As a singer, there's a melody for every emotion. As an artist I'm also affected by the beautiful colors of the four seasons. Sometimes when I look at the beauty of a spring or autumn day it give me such a wonderful inner feeling. It almost gives me goose bumps at times. And music gives me those same emotions-especially when it's a great song. Art sometimes takes me to another place, spiritually and emotionally...I know. And there are times when you sing a song, the music will often take you back to a place in time. So music and art have a lot in common. Painting is something that I have taken up as a hobby mostly, in my more mature years. It's a pasttime that I find a lot of joy in. Painting takes me away from a lot of stress. It's a great way to spend my off time on the road. When I'm able to both paint and sing in the same day it's a joyous occasion for me. Painting helps pass the time when I'm on the road from my wife and young son Solomon." Airport executives say that it's an honor to spotlight the legendary singer's art, and note that it bears historical significance. "Nashville International Airport is thrilled that William Lee Golden has chosen our outstanding facility as the first public exhibition for his paintings. Mr. Golden has already made his mark in the world of music, and now we're proud to showcase his stamp on the world of art," says Raul Regalado, President & CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
One of Golden's most popular paintings, "Bush Garden", is among the highlights of the exhibit. The artwork was done in honor of former President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. It depicts the garden at their Kennebunkport, Maine estate. Mrs. Bush describes the piece as a priceless treasure. "When I was painting the picture for Barbara Bush's flower garden, it was as if I could hear the waves behind me and smell the salty sea of the Atlantic Ocean," recalls Golden.
Mr. Golden hopes that his art will inspire others to pursue their dreams, and help spread the message that life is too short to not fulfill one's destiny. The Alabama native often paints while touring with the Oak Ridge Boys, and views it as a pathway for reinventing himself. Golden says the airport art exhibition is a career highlight. "This is a very special period for me and my family, because it elevates the art and culture of our unique city. I am truly humbled."
Arts at the Airport is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that is supported largely by the MNAA. It has also been supported with grants from various organizations including the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Memorial Foundation. The award-winning program selects and presents works by local, regional, and national artists for the enjoyment and enrichment of Nashville International Airport's passengers and visitors. For more information on the extraordinary life and career of Mr. Golden, visit: www.williamleegolden.com or www.oakridgeboys.com.
SIDEBAR(from left to right): Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, Metro Nashville Airport Authority President & CEO Raul Regalado, MNAA Chairman Jim Cheek, and Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell unveil one of Gulden's paintings that are currently on display
Oak Ridge Boys take the stage in concert as they sing their classic hit single ELVIRA to the delight of fans
