Memphis has always been a cultural hub for the arts. As a center for ingenuity and creativity, it has inspired some of the greatest artists — B.B. King, Carroll Cloar, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and countless more legends. It boasts the rich history of Stax Records and the beauty of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. The Broad Avenue Arts District, Beale Street Music Festival, and Memphis in May showcase some of Memphis’ finest and fuel spaces for creativity and appreciation of the arts.

With the complex history of our city, full of triumph, injustice, hope, and tragedy, artists have captured these pivotal moments, playing active roles in expressing the diversity of experiences throughout the city. The vibrant culture of Memphis has in many ways shaped the arts which has in turn influenced the city.  

Our History As Inspiration

Local artist Meghean Warner studied theater in college, but began to paint as she designed sets. Eventually her painting side hustle grew into a full-time business while she cares for three young children at home. Although she had initial misgivings about Memphis, Warner fell in love with Memphis as she learned some of the incredible stories of individuals and local communities overcoming significant adversity throughout the city’s history. When Warner was co-writing a play about the Yellow Fever of 1873, she was inspired by the stories of sacrifice of local heroes. While many Memphians fled to nearby towns to avoid the illness, some stayed behind to care for the city. Several men stepped up to become the city’s first African American police, and nuns from St. Mary’s Cathedral risked their lives to care for the sick. Warner shared that the legacy of these and others like Martin Luther King Jr. helped her appreciate Memphis’ complex past and brought her hope for the future of the city.

A Bridge That Connects

Despite the painful parts of our history and the long road of change and growth ahead of us, Memphis boasts many stories of strength worthy of celebration. 
Warner expresses her love for the city in her work: “I began to paint the Memphis bridge over and over a while back because I love the symbolism of it. To me, a bridge represents connection, unity, peace, and strength. It represents the hope I have in Memphis. I believe it is the greatest city in the world.”
Even in the midst of divisive moments, one has only to look at the stunning murals scattered throughout the city that call for hope, express pain, symbolize unity, and give insight into various perspectives. They each tell the story of the different experiences of the artists and communicate their message to and from the community. As we navigate turbulent circumstances and confront our complex past, may we support our artists who inspire, create, and dream for the future.

Additional pieces in Meghean Warner’s Bridge series

Cover photo credit Memphis CVB