The Artists
M&M Studios brings together a diverse group of Nashville-based artists across visual art, photography, mixed media, and sculpture.
Shayla Holt
Shayla M. Holt, currently in Nashville,TN, is an abstract artist superhero alias sometimes, SMHREALLY, who grew up in Smyrna, TN. Her work offers a distinctive interpretation of the universe, blending fluid movement and vibrant colors to create captivating pieces. Guided by her personal motto, “there is so much treasure in us earthen vessels” Corinthian 4:7, Shayla’s art reflects her deep belief in the inherent uniqueness and love within every individual. Shayla has quickly made her mark in the art world since beginning her painting journey in 2024. Her notable exhibitions include: “Creatives Connect Launch Party”: Held on June 8th, 2024, at 80/20 Social in Nashville, TN, where she showcased her vibrant abstract works for the 1st time. “Daybreak Pride Art Show”: June 30th, 2024, in Nashville, TN, “Cheekwood Black Art Bash”. August 17th “Fragmented Realities” Coop Gallery October 18 2024 “Miniature Art Show and live demo” November 8th thru Dec 4th “SoHo March Art Crawl “2025 “Rarities and B-sides” Gordon JCC June 2025 “Brentwood Library” July 2025 “Then and Now” CSG Gallery Sept 6th- Sept 30th “The Art of Craft” August 8th thru September 19th “Cheekwood Black Art Bash” August 15th - August 29th “Forms of Expression” September 5th 2025 “Emerging Markers” William Edmonson festival October 25 2025 “Red, Rogue, Roja” Center for the Arts Nov 5th 2025 -Jan 5th 2026th, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology Jan 5th 2026- May15th 2026 “Chipping Away” NKA Gallery April 23rd 2026 “Nashville Collage Collective March 20th 2026 - May 1st 2026 “Tennessee Crafts Fair” Centennial Park May 1st- 3rd “Uplift” Trellis & Vine Art Gallery May 1st - June 13th “Brentwood Library” July 2026 “Tennessee Craft Midstate” August 7th- September 17th “Abstraction” July 23rd - Sep 23rd “Artist Expressions Let Your Voice Be Heard” Todd Art Gallery Aug 8th- 29th Beyond her artistry, Shayla is a dedicated leader in her community. She serves as the Board President of Creatives Artists of Tennessee and board member for Tennessee Art League, where she champions the growth and visibility of local artists. With over 20 plus years of professional experience in supply chain and logistics, currently working for GEODIS Shayla brings a wealth of knowledge and discipline to her creative pursuits. She also contributes to public service, former Metro Social Service Commissioner, reflecting her commitment to improving her community.She also as of spring 2026 she has a studio space within M&M studios.
Michael J. McBride
Michael J. McBride is a Nashville-based visual artist whose bold figurative work explores themes of identity, community, and cultural heritage. Working primarily in oil on canvas, his paintings are characterized by vibrant color, expressive brushwork, and a deep commitment to representing the human experience of Black Americans in the South. McBride earned his MFA from Vanderbilt University and has exhibited widely across Tennessee and the Southeast. His work is held in numerous private and institutional collections.
Fred Reaves
Donna Woodley
Donna Woodley is a visual artist, educator, and curator based in Nashville, TN, whose work explores the intersections of identity, culture, and history. A dedicated creative voice, she uses painting, mixed media, and installation to amplify narratives that engage viewers in dialogue about community, memory, and the complexities of human experience. Her artwork often celebrates and reimagines cultural identities with boldness and dignity, as seen in her striking portraiture. Using vibrant colors, strong composition, and symbolic codes, Woodley presents her subjects with authority, confidence, and style. The figures in her work command presence, embodying both resilience and individuality, while also reflecting cultural traditions and modern expressions. In doing so, she elevates everyday representations into iconic statements of empowerment. As an educator, Woodley brings her passion for visual art into the classroom, guiding students to discover their own creative voices while grounding them in strong foundational practices. Her teaching emphasizes both technical training and conceptual growth, encouraging young artists to think critically about their roles in society and the power of visual storytelling. Woodley also serves as a curator, where her vision fosters thought-provoking exhibitions. She is committed to highlighting diverse artistic perspectives, particularly within academic and community spaces, and creates platforms that showcase the breadth of talent she discovers through searching for artists whose work tells heartfelt stories. Through her multifaceted practice, Woodley bridges the roles of artist, teacher, and curator with a commitment to excellence and advocacy. Her contributions to the arts reflect a
Nadine Shillingford
Nadine Shillingford is a self-taught artist working primarily in charcoal on paper, with additional pieces in acrylic and mixed media incorporating reused materials. Born on the island of Dominica and based in Nashville since 2013, she brings an unusual dual life to her practice: she holds a doctorate in computer science and works as a cybersecurity data analytics engineer, a background that shapes the precision and patience of her portrait work. Drawing on toned grey paper with unconventional tools, including a makeup sponge in place of traditional blending stumps, she completes most portraits in a single sitting. Her favorite subject is the human face, and above all, the eyes. Nadine's work has been exhibited throughout the Nashville area and beyond. She is the author of Hello Beautiful! and #charcoalatte, and teaches art classes on demand. Follow her work at @charcoalattebynadine on Instagram.
