Art & Soul to honor founder Nima Orr with October retrospective in Nashville

Art & Soul will host Nima’s Retrospective on Oct. 17 in Nashville as part of National Arts & Humanities Month, spotlighting founder Arunima “Nima” Orr’s career in painting, performance art and expressive arts. The public event comes as the studio marks nearly four decades as a creative space in the city.

Why it matters: - The retrospective recognizes Arunima “Nima” Orr’s role in shaping Art & Soul and in advancing expressive arts in Nashville. - The event ties Orr’s legacy to National Arts & Humanities Month, which highlights the role of creative expression in healthy communities. - The public gathering gives Nashville residents a chance to see Orr’s work and hear directly from the founder, health permitting.

What happened: - Art & Soul announced Nima’s Retrospective, a special exhibition honoring Orr’s career and artistic legacy. - The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - The retrospective will take place at the Art & Soul studio, 4340 Sidco Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37204. - Admission is open to the public. - Event details are available at the event page.

The details: - Art & Soul describes Orr as a painter, performance artist and pioneer of expressive arts. - The studio says it has been a cornerstone of Nashville’s creative arts landscape since 1988. - Orr founded Art & Soul as an intentional space focused on personal growth, creative discovery and individual transformation through the creative process. - Orr is scheduled to make a special appearance to connect with community members and share insights into her body of work, health permitting. - Orr said National Arts & Humanities Month is a reminder that art is essential to collective well-being. - Orr said Art & Soul was created to help people return to their innate creativity and that the retrospective celebrates the community, process and core practices that have sustained the space for nearly four decades. - Orr earned a literature degree from Stanford University. - Orr expanded her visual arts training at the San Francisco Art Institute, Middle Tennessee State University and South Massachusetts University. - Orr later earned a master’s degree from Lesley University focused on the intersection of creative expression and human development.

Between the lines: - The retrospective functions as both a tribute and a milestone for Art & Soul, reinforcing the studio’s identity as a long-running creative institution rather than just an exhibition space. - The timing during National Arts & Humanities Month gives the event a broader civic frame and links Orr’s work to the role of art in community health and development.

What's next: - Art & Soul is inviting the public to attend the Oct. 17 event. - The scheduled appearance by Orr could add a personal dimension if her health allows. - The studio’s website is directing visitors to event details and logistics ahead of the retrospective.