This Meet the Urbaanite is part of a special series in partnership with the William Edmondson Arts + Culture Festival
Maya Turner is a wood carving artist known for her colorful carvings that span sculpture and painting. Nashville is her hometown with an international stint in Asia for 5 years. Her work was recently featured in the Brentwood Public Library along with notables like Chrisette Michele and State Representative Justin Jones adding her art to their collection. Maya has also become the “face” of WE Fest, adorning much of their branding. WE Fest was her first outdoor art fair and this year will make year three. Learn more about Maya!
Maya Nikki-Rosa Turner
Company, Business or Organization: Maya Papaya Art 82
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Title: Artist, Entrepreneur
How many years have you been in Nashville?
37 years. I lived in Asia for 5 years after college and worked as an English teacher.
Tell us what you are creating in Nashville? With my art, I strive to create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. When I display my art at events, I love for all kinds of people to approach me and ask about my work and my inspiration. I greet everyone with a gigantic “Hey y’all” and hope they leave my display feeling like family.
What inspires you? I’m inspired by women of color and the stories that we often do not have the opportunity to tell about ourselves. In many spaces in society, women of color are overlooked and underappreciated. Things about us are mocked and not valued. I try to highlight those things in my art work and display them in all of their colorful, beautiful glory.
Coffee, Lunch, brunch or happy hour? Happy hour!
Describe Nashville in 3 words? Growing, glowing, going
Favorite Nashville musician, singer or artist? Betty Turner, a glass artist and a quilter who happens to be my mother. I am the epitome of “she gets it from her mama”.
What is your favorite Nashville spot you are digging right now? Papa Turney’s BBQ because of the live juke joint. It’s the only one in the city and it’s on the lake. Great times and great food are had there.
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