“The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner” will feature
60 of the artist’s works spanning more than 30 years

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 27, 2026) – While singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steve Wariner is renowned as a GRAMMY-winning modern-day, multi-genre musical icon, he has simultaneously devoted much of his life to pursuing his parallel passion for painting. Beginning next month, Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center will shine a spotlight on Wariner’s visual art works in The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner. The solo exhibit, which runs June 21 to July 26, 2026, will feature 60 of Wariner’s works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, spanning more than 30 years.

“We are thrilled to introduce Steve Wariner’s paintings to our community at Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center,” says Cheryl Strichik, the MACC’s executive director. “I am proud to say that this will be the most prominent display of Steve’s artworks since his 2013 exhibition at the Tennessee State Museum.”

Wariner has pursued painting with alacrity since childhood. Growing up in suburban Indiana, he was inspired to paint by his brother David, a gifted professional artist known for his book and album-cover illustrations. Even as a youngster, Wariner was attracted to watercolor.

“For me, painting has always been a kind of therapy,” says Wariner. “It’s my sanctuary and escape. I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I’ve been making music. They both go back to the beginning.”

His watercolor style is loose and spontaneous, resulting in images he refers to as “washy.” Wariner’s preferred subjects often reflect the people and places he has seen during his many travels as a musician. Rural landscapes, seascapes, portraits and guitars often figure prominently in his paintings. Another focus are his paintings of family and musicians, like the watercolor “Happy New Year, Dad” depicting his father’s band onstage at the Noblesville American Legion, ringing in 1963.

Wariner’s willingness to take risks in the pursuit of art and music has become something of a guiding principle, noting perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. “I learned a long time ago that you have to write 50 songs to get 10 good ones, and the same is true of painting.” Wariner makes a point of painting every day, taking time off only when he is preparing for a concert. He will typically spend a couple of days working on a watercolor. Other mediums require more time.

Interestingly, Wariner resisted painting in oil for years. But starting in 2020, he began to experiment. Oil paintings like his “Purple Presence” are richly layered and textured, with the artist sometimes spending months on one work. Wariner now works in multiple mediums, from oil to encaustic. He also seems perfectly at home painting works that are both representational and abstract.

An opening reception for The Flip Side will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event is open to the public and Wariner will be on hand to greet visitors and discuss his paintings. He will also present a Heritage Music Series concert at 6p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Visit monthavenarts.org/events for tickets.

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is a jewel-box art museum and education facility housed in one of Tennessee’s most spectacular antebellum mansions. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the MACC has staged exhibitions featuring everything from the ceramic art of Pablo Picasso to the evening gowns of Princess Diana. The artwork of local artists and military veterans are also on frequent display. As an art school, the MACC offers classes to more than 1,200 children and adults each year. The MACC also provides free arts outreach and healing arts to underserved children, families and military veterans. For more information, visit http://www.monthavenarts.org or call (615) 822-0789.

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