Nashville Arts & Entertainment Commission discusses future of Art Walk, plans for June concert

The Nashville Arts & Entertainment Commission met on Thursday, Nov. 13, working through a full agenda that included a budget review, a discussion about the future of the annual Art Walk, and early planning for its summer “Music Under the Stars” event.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the future of the annual Art Walk, which has struggled in recent years to attract participants despite multiple format adjustments.

Commission member Phil McKown said he had staffed the Visitor Center during the most recent event and reported little public turnout. “We just simply haven’t been able to get anybody to turn out for these,” he said.

Commission Vice President Lisa Hall said the commission needs to decide whether the current format is still viable. “I just think the Art Walk is something we really need to dissect and really work on at our retreat in January,” she said. “And let’s really get proactive as to whether or not that’s even something we want to continue to offer because we can’t make people enjoy it.”

Hall asked members to write down their ideas before the retreat, adding that the group needs to “really pre-plan it and give it the PR that’s necessary.”

Multiple commission members said they are open to revamping the concept entirely or possibly discontinuing it if attendance continues to lag.

The commission agreed to postpone further discussion until its annual strategic planning retreat, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9. Because several members’ terms expire at the end of the year, the town council will need to appoint or reappoint members before work begins in January. Members also confirmed that the January retreat would replace their regular January commission meeting.

Commission members also continued planning for their new outdoor summer concert series, “Music Under the Stars,” scheduled for June 20, 2026, with a rain date of June 21 at Deer Run Park.

Commission member McKown shared updates about the grant proposal submitted to the Indiana Arts Commission and outlined the event’s concept: a free, community-oriented concert featuring jazz and light rock performers.

“This is a music event for folks to get together and enjoy time in our Deer Run Park,” McKown said, adding that Parks and Recreation staff are enthusiastic partners.

The commission hopes to present three performance groups, including a student ensemble from Brown County High School.

Homemade Jam, a Bloomington-area group, confirmed by text that they will headline the concert. Members also hope to secure the well-known “Jazzy Gents,” who participated in a local jazz retreat, but they have not yet responded.

Commission President Melanie Voland noted that transportation for seniors has already been coordinated with ACCESS Brown County, and the Community Foundation may offer picnic basket fundraisers at the event.

Members said they aim to finalize performers, sound support, tent rentals and other logistics by the end of December.

The commission then reviewed its current finances. Members were told they had fully spent the tax-funded appropriation they received from the Nashville Town Council this year. However, the group still has roughly $8,000 remaining in its 225 fund, which is money that does not require Town Council approval for use.

They also received an update on the Hoffman Fund, held by the Brown County Community Foundation. The fund’s current balance is $103,091.28, which reflects an increase of $660 since last month.

There were no new expenses needing approval before the end of the year, and tree-lighting expenses had already been handled earlier in 2025.

The commission approved using money from their fund to replace faded or weather-damaged artwork on hand-sanitizing stations throughout town. Voland said the replacement artwork would match the existing pieces, using original prints already on file.

The meeting wrapped up with updates on ChamberFest, which will hold concerts in December and April and is adding several new board members following strong community interest.