Community remembers longtime Jefferson Street business owner Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Harris
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Over 35 years ago, Nathaniel “Nate” Harris spent months transforming a building off Jefferson Street in Nashville.
“I met Nate about 35, 36 years ago when he first started remodeling the building that he’s in,” said friend Lorenzo Washington.
Washington had a front row seat watching Woodcuts Gallery and Framing being born.
Behind the signs: 15 unique markers that detail Nashville’s history
“We got a chance to sit and talk about his project and what he was doing quite a bit,” he said.
Harris opened Woodcuts’ doors back in 1987.
When News 2 spoke with him back in February of 2023, he shared how he placed his business on Jefferson Street in hopes of helping its revitalization.
“He wanted to see Jefferson Street rise above what was being said about it in the past,” said Washington.
So over the next three decades, his shop did just that.
“It really was a gallery, a museum, a gathering space, a really important social infrastructure in the community of Nashville,” said Michael Ewing.
Ewing was a student at Fisk University studying art when he first met Harris.
People, places in Nashville that were a prominent part of Black history
“He was like a walking history book,” he said. “He would allow you to understand and contextualize not just from an art historical aspect, but what that work meant,” he said.
Harris wasn’t just someone Ewing learned from, but his shop was a place that gave opportunity to him and so many.
“There’s a lineage of Black equity and jobs that he was able to provide for people in the community,” he said. “Students that went to Fisk would intern at Woodcuts; artists would work at Woodcuts.
On Sunday, Feb. 4, Harris died at the age of 74.
“It’s a tremendous loss to not have him here,” said Washington.
Even though he’s no longer with us, Woodcuts is the perfect reminder of the legacy he’s left for the City of Nashville.
| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County
“The spirit of who he is lives on,” said Ewing.
In the spring of 2023, a historical marker was erected in front of his shop, honoring the work he did in the community through Woodcuts.
Harris’ family issued the following statement on his death:
“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and pillar of the community, Nathaniel Ellis Harris. Nathaniel is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Bread Jones Harris, his daughters, Tresa Jennings and Dionne Harris, Grandchildren, Isaiah Nathaniel Harris, and Addison Grace Jennings. One brother Howard E. Harris. Nathaniel was the founder and owner of Woodcuts Gallery & Framing for 36 years as reflected on the historical marker that was erected outside of his gallery on Jefferson Street in Nashville. Funeral arrangements to follow.
“Funeral arrangements are being handled by Smith Brothers Funeral Home.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
