James Threalkill
Nashville Art Gallery (NAG) is honored to welcome -
James Threalkill…Native Nashvillian, Artist, Teacher, Advocate, Leader. Many words describe this accomplished man. A man of humble origin, he earned his way to Vanderbilt University as an athlete and scholar. Upon graduating from Vanderbilt, James returned to the public housing community of his youth as a Leader. He used his gift as an artist and teacher to develop neighborhood youth art programs. He was also involved with community outreach and fundraising efforts for the community.
Click individual pictures or
In 1995, James was asked to serve as Special Assistant for Community Affairs and Arts in the Office of the Mayor of Nashville, Tennessee, Philip N. Bredesen. This endeavor allowed James to use his experience and connections in the Nashville community to help bring diversity awareness and policy to local Nashville government.
James has served as Executive Director for 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, managing the organization’s administrative support services, recruiting members and coordinating the youth activities. He also served as the Community Services Director of Edgehill Center, Inc., where he established several successful programs for youth. He used art as a teaching tool to educate youth on the importance of staying drug-free and in school.
James became a nationally recognized artist and advocate of the arts and has received many awards in his career, not only for his gift, but also for his involvement with numerous organizations. In 1994, he received the Metropolitan Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. He received national recognition for a mural program he established, and he received an Emmy Award in 1994 for a mural created for the Viacom Televisioin Network. He was named CSAAM Man of the Year in 1997, and in 1998, the YMCA Black Achievers Program named him “Achiever of the Year.”
James’ gift as an artist took him to South Africa in 1995 to create a mural with South African art students. During his trip, he had the opportunity to visit with President Nelson Mandela.
James was the co-illustrator of a successful children’s book series that has been featured on Sesame Street.
James’ past experience in community program development and community relations make him a valuable asset to Skanska, an architectural firm, as the Diversity Program Director. In this role, James is responsible for identifying women and minority owned businesses to participate in procurement opportunities with Skanska. James also serves as a community liaison, working with youth organization, mentoring programs, and marketing initiatives.
