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Artist's Works a Highlight of Final First Lady's Luncheon

Luncheon Raises Funds for the Tennessee Residence

October 6, 2009

First Lady Andrea Conte and Governor Phil Bredesen were joined by more than 400 guests on Thursday, October 1, for the final "First Lady’s Luncheon" to benefit the Restoration and Preservation of The Tennessee Residence.

The event, held on the lawn of the Tennessee Residence, marked the completion of Conservation Hall, the underground facility designed to better manage official functions occurring at the Residence. The restoration of the Tennessee Residence was substantially completed in June 2008.

A highlight of the luncheon was the display of one-of-a-kind works of art created by "plein air" artists from Middle Tennessee who have demonstrated exceptional skills in landscapes and original painting techniques. They were invited to the Tennessee Residence a week before the luncheon to paint, experience the Residence grounds and enjoy the fellowship of being together. Each artist agreed to donate one painting to an auction held during the luncheon to help raise funds for landscaping at the Tennessee Residence.

"Plein air" is French for outdoors. The painter chooses a particular landscape or object and works quickly to complete the piece. The painting is completed in one sitting or can be taken back to the studio to complete. Some of the plein air artists who painted works at the Tennessee Residence are part of the Chestnut Group. The Chestnut group is a non-profit group of artists dedicated to the conservation of wild and open spaces in Middle Tennessee.

During the luncheon’s silent and live auctions, guests also bid on artwork by Governor Phil Bredesen and wood art pieces handcrafted from trees that once stood on the property.

Preview the event photos (Part 1).

Preview the event photos (Part 2).