When my family moved to Nashville in 1994, one of our first decisions was to join the Gordon Jewish Community Center. At the time, my professional life was filled with travel for my art business, leaving little time to fully immerse myself in the J’s vibrant community. However, I took advantage of the fitness center, working with trainers and taking classes whenever I could.
As my travels slowed, I felt a strong desire to return to something I had loved doing in my previous home in Oklahoma City: teaching oil painting. In 2006, I approached the director with my vision, and soon after, I began leading oil painting classes in the senior lounge. My teaching style was deeply influenced by my own mentor, Suzanne Rusconi Accetta. I focused on guiding students through the principles of color, composition, light, and shadow, all while allowing them to explore subjects that were personally meaningful. My goal was never to impose my own artistic style but to nurture each student’s natural creativity, helping them refine their unique voice on the canvas.
The J quickly became more than just a teaching space—it became my second home. Over the years, I built meaningful relationships with students and members who, in turn, became lifelong friends. I also became deeply involved in the center’s broader community, serving on the board for six years and playing an active role in planning the Main Event, the annual fundraising gala.
Teaching at the J has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Beyond technique and artistic growth, the classes have provided a space for connection, conversation, and camaraderie. We have shared stories, celebrated milestones, and supported one another through life’s ups and downs—all while painting side by side.
In 2013, I had the privilege of co-founding Art on the West Side with Meryl Kraft. Our goal was to bring together members and non-members alike to celebrate creativity and showcase the work of talented artists. The Gordon JCC has become a central hub for the Nashville art community, housing a thriving gallery with monthly openings, expertly curated by Carrie Mills.
One of my greatest dreams was to see a dedicated space for the arts at the J. In 2022, thanks to the generosity of the Pargh family, that dream became a reality with the opening of the Madeline Pargh Art and Craft Center. After years of teaching in various spaces—the senior lounge, the atrium, the auditorium lobby, and even a small office space—it is incredibly fulfilling to finally have a permanent home for my class. Even more exciting is seeing the expansion of art programming at the J, from adult watercolor workshops to children’s classes, with pottery classes soon to come.
These classes are so much more than just lessons in technique; they are opportunities to learn, to grow, and to connect. Art has a way of bringing people together, offering both personal fulfillment and communal joy. Whether you are an experienced artist or someone picking up a paintbrush for the first time, the J provides a welcoming space to explore creativity, form friendships, and see the world through a new lens.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of this thriving artistic community and look forward to many more years of painting, teaching, and sharing the joy of creativity at the Gordon JCC.
Learn more about this class and all the other incredible classes in the Madeline Pargh Arts and Crafts Center at nashvillejcc.org/artsandcrafts
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
