“Athena” by Rachael McCampbell, “Women in Mythology” exhibit at the Parthenon Museum, Nashville © 2012

“Women in Mythology: The Power of the Feminine in Ancient Tales” is on view at the Parthenon Museum in Nashville, Tennessee from July 17th through November 30, 2010.

Fine artist Rachael McCampbell’s large scale paintings illustrate some of the poignant moments in Greek myths when women made powerful decisions that would change their fate. “What better venue to exhibit a show about Greek goddesses than in the Parthenon — the temple to Athena?” McCampbell asks. “I was thrilled when Susan Shockley, the curator, suggested the show to me.”

The opening night, July 23rd, was a festive affair which brought in a record number for the Parthenon at 400 guests. Anne Christeson, the academic advisor to the show, and Latin and French teacher at Montgomery Bell Academy, gave an awe-inspiring speech about women’s roles in Greek myths and how the themes of a mother’s love, sexual love and the power of feminine beauty are timeless and affect us today.

“Anne was hugely instrumental in the creation of this show,” McCampbell says. “Greek myths are vast and complicated. She helped me discover what elements in the stories were the most important to me as a woman and an artist. I wanted to not only depict women at their best, but also at their worst. That’s life after all.”

Anne speaks at the opening. Her speech can be found on the “Publications” page on this website. Her text discussing each painting can be found in the show and in the catalogue which is for sale in the Museum Gift Shop.

SunTrust Bank generously provided the invitations, mailings, wall paint and text, photographer and opening reception with a bar and catered food from Kalamata’s. McCampbell and the Parthenon Museum were thrilled with their support. “It’s wonderful in this economic downturn to see an institution like SunTrust come forward and support the arts in this way,” McCampbell said.

McCampbell will be painting a triptych on site at the Parthenon at various times but is scheduled to paint on Friday afternoons from 1 – 4:30 pm.”This gives me a chance to talk to people about the art and mythology. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the children– they know so much about mythology it’s amazing. I think the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” books and movie have been a great influence on the kids. It’s really brought these classic tales to life for them.”

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