doughjoe

Much of doughjoe’s work stands to elevate Black experiences and stories while engaging individuals in artmaking and restorative communal practices. As a native Nashvillan, the artist is committed to creating experiential learning opportunities for people living in and visiting the city. doughjoe describes art as a universal language that can be an effective tool in promoting connectivity and telling a more complete, inclusive, and accurate history. doughjoe continues to focus on site-responsive work that extends to Fort Negley, a Civil War fort build by freed, escaped and enslaved black laborers and recognized by UNESCO as a ‘Site of Memory’.

Currently, doughjoe continues in his practice of communal art making with the Engine for Art Democracy and Justice through various programs and partnerships. Plans include an ongoing artist intervention at the site of Fort Negley scheduled for unveiling in the spring. He was a founding member of the Norf Art Collective, a group that has painted murals promoting a positive narrative centered on healthy living, strong community, and elevating Black experiences in prominent locations throughout the city, but especially in North Nashville. He has been on staff at the University School of Nashville and taught youth through multiple community-based organizations including the Oasis Bike Workshop, the McGruder Family Resource Center, and Opportunity Now. His work has been shown at the Fisk University Galleries, Frist Art Museum, City of Ink Gallery, the Julia Martin Gallery, Hotel Preston, Woodcuts Gallery and other venues and includes work with Slim & Husky’s, Genesco and the Tennessee Titans.