Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville Opens Art Exhibit by Stephen Hackley

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville has a mission to support the artists in society. This includes musicians, photographers, fine artists, filmmakers—anyone creative, trying to produce something aesthetic. The reason behind this is simple: L. Ron Hubbard who founded Scientology said, “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.” The Church carries this forward today by hosting a number of events to drive forward the dreams of artists, and thereby uplift the culture.

In alignment with this mission, the church is hosting artwork by fine artist Stephen Hackley during the month of November and early December. The art reception for the display took place on Saturday evening. The following day, Hackley hosted an informal talk and painting demonstration where he discussed the essay “Art and Communication” by L. Ron Hubbard.

Hackley has been recognized time and again as one of the top floral artists of the world and many know him as “the flower painter.” His artwork was chosen twice by the Blossom Art Competition, hosted by the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation as one of the fifty pieces to tour top museums in America for two years. In September of 2007, Hackley was recognized by the Mayor of Richardson, TX, as one of the world’s top floral artists with a proclamation from the city which read, in part, “Stephen’s unique floral paintings extend beyond the canvas. His use of intense color and flowing lines have become a form of spiritual communication as people are drawn emotionally and soulfully into his pieces.” That same year, he was recognized by the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, for being a finalist in the Blossom Art Competition.

Hackley describes his work: “I produce floral works on canvas and also on wood using a monochromatic under-painting followed by layers of colored glazes, which allow the under-painting to come through, thereby creating a noticeable depth to the work… My works tend to be larger than life pieces, enhanced by dramatic lighting and intense color, giving a new viewpoint or perspective to the viewer.”

“We are excited to have this beauty in our church,” says church president Corinne Sullivan who is encouraging everyone to view the art.

Stephen Hackley’s artwork will be displayed during the month of November and early December at the Church of Scientology, 1130 8^th Avenue South. For more information on Stephen Hackley, visit stephenhackley.com. For more information on Scientology, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.