RESOLUTION RS2017-903

A resolution recognizing prominent Nashville resident Nathaniel E. Harris and his historic business, Woodcuts Gallery and Framing.

WHEREAS, Nathaniel E. Harris was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the son of a building contractor who influenced his development and interest in woodworking at an early age; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris served in the United States Army from 1970-1971 and then completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Industrial Arts and Vocational Industrial Education, respectively, at Tennessee State University; and

WHEREAS, after serving fourteen years as a draftsman and designer with an engineering consulting firm, Mr. Harris returned to his true passion, woodworking, and started a home-based business which became the basis for Woodcuts Gallery and Framing; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris returned to North Nashville in 1987, worked with Fisk University, and submitted a business plan -- and a challenge -- to rehabilitate a dilapidated building on Jefferson Street over the course of one (1) weekend in exchange for the rights to operate his business at no cost; and

WHEREAS, this was an offer that then-President Henry Ponder could not refuse, whereupon Mr. Harris -- equipped only with his skills, tools and faith -- did the impossible and created a storefront which changed the course of economic development on Jefferson St. and spurred positive progress in the neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Woodcuts Gallery and Framing has been in business for thirty years, is a continuous and strong supporter of the Jefferson Street community, draws national and international clientele, is a true example of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things, and has become an invaluable role model for youth, college students, and aspiring entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Woodcuts Gallery and Framing has received local recognition from the Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (JUMP), the NAACP, and the Greater Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, as well as national recognition from Décor and Upscale Magazines; and

WHEREAS, Nathaniel E. Harris is the former President of JUMP, currently serves as Chairman of The Arts at the Airport, and has also served on the boards of Creative Artists of Tennessee (CATS) and the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center; and

WHEREAS, Nathaniel E. Harris consistently demonstrates his commitment to community revitalization through words of encouragement, volunteer work, employment opportunities, and charitable contributions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Nathaniel E. Harris and Woodcuts Gallery and Framing for their contributions to the Jefferson Street community and to the larger Nashville community.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Nathaniel E. Harris and Woodcuts Gallery and Framing.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Sharon Hurt, Freddie O'Connell, Nick Leonardo, Edward Kindall, Erica Gilmore, Brenda Haywood, Karen Johnson, Kathleen Murphy, John Cooper, Jacobia Dowell, Jeff Syracuse, Robert Swope, Colby Sledge, Bob Mendes, Mina Johnson, Burkley Allen, Tanaka Vercher, Anthony Davis, Jeremy Elrod, Dave Rosenberg