The Gainesboro Modern Museum recognized as the Best Museum in Tennessee, just months after officially opening its doors.
Co-Founders Cat and Wade Schmitz said the majority of the museum features art from living artists, designed to spotlight contemporary art. Cat Schmitz said they created the museum to share collection of global works. Wade Schmitz said they did not expect the demand for art viewing to be so high in the area.
“I had access to art, and it really changed my life,” Wade Schmitz said. “And I think people everywhere should have access to art, be it a major metropolitan, be it a small town, and what a better way to bring and have a museum with the caliber of art that’s there in a small town, and it’s unexpected.”
Wade Schmitz said he hopes the museum can bring tourist dollars into Gainesboro, as the high-profile museum could attract new faces to the small town. Cat Schmitz said they moved to the county with their collection of art.
The museum is a non-profit and does not charge any admission fees.
It’s a great community, I mean there’s a lot of wonderful, wonderful businesses. Everybody just wants to see everyone succeed, and that is very refreshing,” Wade Schmitz said. “And we want to be apart of that and do our best to help with that.”
Wade Schmitz said many newcomers ask questions about the art, allowing people to learn more about art from around the globe. Wade Schmitz said art can speak to people on an emotional level, allowing complex feelings to surface.
“That’s what art does,” Wade Schmitz said. “It touches you in ways you don’t even know you’re gonna be touched, so that’s what we want to have, is access for people to key works they wouldn’t have the opportunity to see.”
Cat Schmitz said seeing children come into the museum and experience the art is a highlight for her.
“So very cool to see their eyes light up and ask questions and that sort of thing,” Cat Schmitz said. “It fills my heart with joy to see that, yeah, see that experience for them.”