Maura Wright Named 2026 Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence at Cheekwood
Maura Wright, an acclaimed artist celebrated for her immersive installations that merge sculptural ceramics with historical ornamentation, has been appointed as the 2026 Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Her artistic approach emphasizes meticulously crafted clay vessels and sculptural pieces, mainly in earthenware, influenced by the history of decorative arts, household items, and folk traditions. Wright's works feature elaborately adorned ceramics set against painted backdrops reminiscent of frescoed interiors and decorative wall designs, investigating the interplay between objects and their surroundings. Throughout her residency, she will draw from Cheekwood's decorative arts collections, Historic Mansion, and extensive gardens, leading to a site-specific installation that reflects the estate's rich artistic and architectural legacy, culminating in an exhibition of her new creations.
Key facts
- Maura Wright is the 2026 Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
- Wright creates immersive installations combining sculptural ceramics and historic ornament.
- She works primarily in earthenware, inspired by decorative arts history, domestic objects, and folk traditions.
- Her installations feature richly ornamented ceramics and painted environments evoking frescoed interiors.
- The residency will draw on Cheekwood's decorative arts collections, Historic Mansion, and gardens.
- The project will result in a site-specific installation responding to the estate's heritage.
- The residency will culminate in an exhibition.
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
Entities
Artists
- Maura Wright
Institutions
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Locations
- Nashville
- United States