Over the past few years, Nashville has seen a plethora of artists emerge with outstanding talents. Gone are the days of slim pickings, where one would hop from one local gallery to the next, sifting through mediocre art to find that one perfect gem. Instead, the city is bursting at the seams with art shows chock-full of so much innovation and craftsmanship, one can hardly keep up.

Instead of creating a Nashville artist “best of” list (which is near impossible, and would likely be a mile long), I have created a list of Nashville artists who are making waves this season and will go on (if they haven’t already) to national recognition. They are a unique lot, all with different styles and perspectives. But all carry that same drive for quality and discovery. Some of the artists are quite new, while others have been creating for decades. A few are transplants, most are born and raised here, and all of them proudly call Nashville their home.

A Nashvillian by way of England, Ed Nash is turning heads across the country. You can spot his vivid large-scale paintings, usually over 6 feet tall, anywhere. His signature style is a use of bold color gradations in a variety of abstract and landscape designs. Nash’s artwork is a favorite among interior designers, as they are the finishing touch.