Jamaal B. Sheats

The innovative artwork of Brentwood, Tenn., native Jamaal Sheats is described by critics as “extraordinary,” “unique,” and full of substance. His art consists of metal relief sculpture done in a style know as repoussé. He has had exhibits in New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and in Nashville, among other places. A graduate of Fisk University, Sheats’ love of art dates back to elementary school. Affected with dyslexia, art became his tool for self-expression and learning. At Fisk, Sheats met Professor Greg Ridley, who became his mentor until his death in 2004. Ridley introduced the budding young artist to the ancient art form of repoussé. The introduction was an instant success.

“When I look at a piece of copper, aluminum or brass, I see my reflection of the sum of my thoughts, desires, experiences and influences,” says Sheats. “My work is an extension of myself, my being and each piece tells a different story.” Since Sheats’ inspiration often comes spontaneously, he carries his tools of trade, including a hammer and punch tool everywhere he goes. Patrons at the local restaurants refer to him as “metal man.”

Education:
1999 Certificado de Credito de Espanol Institute de Santo Domingo
2002 Bachelor of Science in Art, Minor in Education Fisk University

Solo Exhibitions:
2003 Transition: A Journey in Repoussé, Premier Art and Décor, Nashville, TN
2002 Featuring Jamaal Sheats , Premier Art and Décor, Nashville, TN

Group Exhibitions and Expos:

2004-2007 National Black Fine Art Show Feature artist, SoHo, NY

2004 3rd Prize - Sculpture, U.S. Olympic Art Competition

2003 International Fine Art Expo, New York,
Black Enterprise Entrepreneur's Conference, Nashville, TN
October Gallery International Art Expo, Philadelphia, PA
Capital City Dental Society Art Exhibition, Nashville, TN
ArtCentric, Nashville, TN
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, Nashville, TN
Divas Showcase, Nashville, TN
Nashville Symphony Campaign, Nashville, TN
Rotary Club of Middle Tennessee, Nashville, TN

2002 National Black MBA Conference, Nashville, TN

2001 Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery, Nashville, TN

Commissions:

Damion Jackson, New York, NY
Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN

Collections:
Family Peace Gallery, Nashville, TN
The Hurd Agency, Nashville, TN
Gallery at Woodway, Brentwood, TN
Fisk University, Nashville, TN

Lectures and Seminars:
Milton Hershey School Tour in Nashville, TN
Reach One Teach One Inc., Summer Workshop, Nashville, TN
Creative Arts, Fisk University, Nashville, TN
Arts and Ideas: Studio Lecture, Fisk University, Nashville, TN
Painting 101: TA, Fisk University, Nashville, TN

Professional Affiliations:
Tennessee Arts Commission, member
Creative Artists of Tennessee, member
Tanner Art Society, past president
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, member
Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, member

Bibliography:
Chris Stowe, " Spotlight: Jamaal," Blinq Magazine. August 2003
Studio Review, Urban Journal. August 2003
Studio Review, Tennessee Tribune . August 2003
Tasneem Grace Tewogbola, " Listening to DuBois,"
The Tennessean. 26 February 2003. Section D, page 1.
Featured Artist, Nashville Pride November 2002

View Jamaal's Art