Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite Park & Gardens

Established in 2019, we're a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) community non-profit. Our mission is to preserve, protect, enhance, and activate the William Edmondson Homesite Park and Gardens as a living legacy to trailblazing African American artist William Edmondson, and to foster a creative, vibrant, and safe public space for all of Nashville to enjoy. We are guided by the Higher Vision Master Plan, a grassroots proposal developed by the community, with volunteer experts and Metro partners, that calls upon the Metro Nashville government to create a dynamic “living memorial” to William Edmondson at this priceless historic landmark and civic greenspace site. Anchored by a new William Edmondson Arts and Culture Center, it would include a new Edgehill Public Library, historic archives, interpretive displays, park improvements, and an art education space. It’s designed to honor Edmondson at the very site where he created his acclaimed sculptures, and to serve and inspire current and future generations of artists.

We advance our mission through events, advocacy, greenspace stewardship, historic preservation, and arts education and enrichment for adults and youth. Every October, we put on The William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival (WEFest), which is the only festival in the U.S. honoring pioneering sculptor William Edmondson, the first Black artist and first Tennessean to have a solo show at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Now in its fourth year, this free, family-friendly outdoor event takes place at his former homesite and celebrates Nashville's diverse artists by providing an opportunity to showcase their talent and sell their work. WE Fest features live music, art demos, food, and a variety of activities to engage all ages. The Edmondson Homesite Park features a multipurpose playing field, a walking trail, and a fitness track. The park is maintained by neighborhood volunteers. Since 2020, with the help of the Nashville Tree Foundation, we’ve planted dozens of unique tree species, earning a Level-1 Arboretum status from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.