Nadine Shillingford: A Genius for Charcoal on Paper

Nadine Shillingford is a Nashville-based visual artist who creates intimate portraits using charcoal on paper. Her art captures people in everyday situations and evokes their spirit by highlighting their facial expressions. It’s a whimsical approach that gives vitality to her work. Twenty of Nadine’s fabulous works are on display at Monthaven as part of an exhibit titled La Femme Fatale. The exhibit runs Jan. 14 to Feb. 15, 2026 and is part of the MACC’s Black History celebration. In this episode of MACC Talk, Nadine joins host John Pitcher to discuss her unconventional background (she is a self-taught artist with a PhD in computer science) and her passion for the visual arts.