The Washington Theatre at Patterson Park Community Center will host its second exhibition, Under the Streetlight, a collection of artwork by 2019 Murfreesboro Painter Laureate Ashley Buchanan from May 2 through June 5. The public is invited to the opening reception on Thursday, May 2, from 6–8 p.m. at the new art gallery and community project space in the lobby of the Washington Theatre.

“I imagine that my creations, whether it’s a painting or film, gives you and me a chance to understand different perspectives by creating our own personal experiences, an internal journey that provokes thought and inspiration,” Buchanan said of her work. “I take something like a streetlight and learn from it. I want to be a citizen of the world that creates art to promote equality, empowerment, contemplation and love for all.”

Born in Nashville, Buchanan moved frequently with her mother and siblings, living in shelters, missions and cars in three different states and attending 18 different schools. She now owns a production company, Creative Movements, and as a fashion designer will direct another “Murfreesboro Fashion Week” in September.

“Ashley is a creative that knows no bounds or limits when it comes to creative expression,” said Susan Hicks, Performing Arts Coordinator with Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation. “She’s an artist, filmmaker, photographer, 3D animator, director and writer.”

The gallery space is a partnership between The City of Murfreesboro’s Patterson Park Community Center and The Washington Theatre. Its mission is to offer a platform for the local community to engage in the production of, and ideas generated by, contemporary art.

For more information about the gallery, The Washington Theatre or the Under the Streetlight exhibit, contact Susan Hicks at shicks@murfreesborotn.gov.