Following a happy and loving marriage of almost 58 years, Marilyn Nevens suddenly became a widow. Devasted by the loss she later found her new home, new friends, and a new beginning at FiftyForward Martin Center. Nevens became a center member and regularly volunteered at the reception desk. She served on the welcoming committee and helped with other odd tasks as needed. Little did she know that her greatest love and passion would be to raise funds to purchase a new vehicle for the center. It all started with an Iris paper folding class taught by Judy Chilton, another center member who loved the arts and who had an interest in teaching others. Nevens recalls not wanting Judy to stop the card-making class because it was so fun and the center members were producing wonderful works of art. The card making lead the women to become entrepreneurs of sorts, launching what is now known as the Card Crusaders, a group of card collaborators who handcraft beautiful works of art.
Architect. Designer. Artist. Visionary.
At the end of the 19th century, the Glasgow Style emerged as the major manifestation of Art Nouveau in Britain, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh was its greatest proponent. Experience the first US exhibition in a generation to highlight Mackintosh’s innovative architecture, designs, and paintings. Explore the larger circle of artists and craftspeople, including many women, with whom he collaborated to create the Glasgow Style.
They have raised more than $26,000 for their beloved center. Over the years, they have purchased a van, paid for new ottomans in the center, purchased a 72-inch television, resurfaced game tables and bought new chairs for the tables, as well as adding some upgrades to the parking lot. As Nevens says, “None of our goals would have been possible if it were not for these dedicated and talented women.” Clientele for the cards varies from individuals to corporate buyers. With custom designs and cards for all occasions, the Card Crusaders have done work for businesses ranging from Merrill Lynch to Cigna. The beautiful cards have been sold at the Nashville (L-R): Frist Marketing Director Kathy Demonbreun, International Frist Gift Shop Manager Jon Emmitt, with Card Airport as well as Crusaders Judy Davis, Marilyn Nevens, Barbara the Nashville and Thompson, and Adele Tomlinson. Chattanooga Zoos. The Card Crusaders are so excited to have their cards now available in the Frist Art Museum gift shop. “We are delighted and proud to offer the wonderful Iris folding cards from the FiftyForward Martin Center “Card Crusaders” in our gift shop. With designs inspired by the natural world, they have been a popular addition to our gift shop and an excellent way for the Frist Art Museum and our guests to support our sister nonprofit FiftyForward,” says Jon Emmitt, Frist Art Museum Gift Shop Manager. Each card, lovingly handcrafted and a work of art, is worthy of framing. These social entrepreneurs are making things happen for their center and community. Learn more at https://fiftyforward.org/locations/martin-center/ greeting-cards/.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12 FristArtMuseum.org @FristArtMuseum #TheFrist #FristGlasgowStyle Downtown Nashville, 919 Broadway
Designing the New: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style is a touring exhibition co-organized by Glasgow Museums and the American Federation of Arts. The exhibition comprises works from the collections of Glasgow City Council (Museums and Collections), with loans from Scottish collections and private lenders. Support for the US national tour is provided by the Dr. Lee MacCormick Edwards Charitable Foundation. Platinum sponsor
Hospitality sponsor
Spanish translation sponsor
Education and community engagement supporters
The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by Friends of the Arts of Scotland
Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. The May Queen (detail), 1900. Made for the Ladies’ Luncheon Room, Miss Cranston’s Ingram Street Tearooms, Glasgow. Gesso on burlap (hessian), scrim, twine, glass beads, thread, and tin leaf, 62 1/2 x 179 7/8 in. overall. Glasgow Museums: Acquired by Glasgow Corporation as part of the Ingram Street Tearooms, 1950. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. Courtesy American Federation of Arts
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Summer 11 7/12/21 3:56 PM
Arts across Nashville
FiftyForward Martin Center Card Crusaders celebrate 10 years
