Nancy Fischman
Nancy Fischman is celebrated for her varied careers in the arts: magazine editor, assistant at a theater company, a ceramic artist and currently the owner of a successful art gallery in Johnson City, Tennessee. She became involved in the arts while a child.
“I remember always being involved in the arts. I was born in New York City, and my family moved to Northern New Jersey when I was 6 years old. We lived close enough to NYC and had relatives and friends of my parents in the city, to be able to visit often and take advantage of all the cultural events that were offered, including galleries, museums, and theater and music performances. My father had a vast collection of records, including folk and classical music and original Broadway cast recordings, that we listened to often. My interest in music led me to take piano lessons, and I participated in the band in high school, playing the alto clarinet. My uncle, my father’s brother, was an artist and actually won a Pulitzer Prize to study in Europe. I still have a portrait of my father that Uncle Sidney painted. My husband and I enjoy a diverse collection of artwork and crafts gracing the walls and on the bookshelves in our home. Wherever we have lived, we have made an effort to purchase artwork and craft items from local artists.
“I took ceramics classes as an adult and always had a camera with me when I traveled. I seriously became involved with the local art scene when my husband and I moved to Johnson City and met a group of actors in an experimental theater group. That led to working with the Johnson City Area Arts Council, taking ceramics classes at ETSU, joining the Johnson City Public Art committee, and becoming a founding member of Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts.
“Being actively involved with hands-on art and listening to students and artist friends, I began to realize that there was a specific need for a location in Johnson City that would have studio spaces as well as provide exhibit space for our many talented regional artists, including a studio for my own art production. I started considering how I would go about that and was lucky enough to stumble into a building that would fulfill my desires to establish a creative space. Of course, the old warehouse that spoke to me would need a lot of work and financing. Fortunately, my husband and I were able to self-finance the purchase of the building and the renovations that were necessary, including a new roof, new heating and air, new electrical wiring, new water and gas lines, the architectural design and hiring the contractor to do all the work. This all got started when I purchased the building in 2015. Construction began in 2018, then COVID hit. After delays related to the pandemic, Atelier 133 and Fischman Gallery finally opened May 2021. Next year, we’ll be celebrating our fifth anniversary,” Fischman says.
Atelier 133 houses 14 studio spaces, all of which are occupied by artists in different mediums. Fischman Gallery has held 48 monthly exhibits, including both solo and group shows. Atelier 133 also holds Lazy Lady Baking Co, a small artisan bakery and cafe, that opened a year after the gallery and is run by Fischman’s younger daughter, Maren Close.
The gallery is already booked through most of 2027 for monthly exhibits, with many additional artists on a list to show in the gallery. They have had interest in small music ensemble performances. Fischman has a readers theater group scheduled for monthly performances. The classroom has been utilized by art teachers and short-term exhibitors. Requests continue to come in for art shows and studio space. One of her goals is to apply for and receive some grant money, both for special events and for expanding her ability to pay staff.
“The future looks busy, indeed, and I definitely feel the need for additional help. This region has many unrecognized talented artists, and few places exist to view their work. My goal is to promote our artists and have a local audience that appreciates the talent in this region. Some artists here have work in established galleries in larger cities, including New York, Atlanta and others, and are known abroad. But many remain undiscovered and have as much to offer. I hope that through Fischman Gallery, more artistic talent can be discovered, that more people come to the gallery to view new talent and to enjoy being part of a growing art-loving population and support the work of our local artists by buying their work.
Fischman believes art is extremely important. To a community, it can expand the economic base by attracting new businesses and new residents. Having an active arts community expands cultural awareness, attracts visitors, supports local businesses and creates jobs. Expanding creativity in children will make them better in school and better employees by enhancing communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The arts help with physical development, fine motor skill, and hand-eye coordination, as well as giving children the opportunity to express themselves freely.
“In my own life, I find that my work with clay allows me to release creative energy and move from the routine of everyday life to a place of mental expansiveness. I can escape daily worries and relax, but with a purpose to create something useful and beautiful that is new and unique, something that came out of myself that brings pleasure to both me and others. The gallery gives me the opportunity to promote and celebrate our local and regional artists. It acts not only as a display place but a place to educate the public, to provide the public with the chance to recognize the talent that resides here in our community and to support our own talented artists.
“I have been impressed with the work that AAME does in the region. I know several of the people who have been given the organization’s annual awards, and I am honored to now be counted among them. I was quite taken by surprise when I got the phone call from Ben Jennings and found out I had been nominated by Jill Oxendine for the Achievement Award for Arts Administrator. I am hoping that publicity for receiving this award will expand our audience and attract more visitors to Fischman Gallery. It is gratifying to be recognized for the efforts I have made to promote and celebrate the arts in our region, and I am truly grateful to be an award winner,” she says.
