Jake and Cassie Greatens are helping expand Nashville’s creative conversation through CASS Contemporary Art Gallery. Founded with a passion for emerging voices and thoughtful curation, CASS has quickly become a space where art, dialogue, and community intersect. In this Q&A, Cassie shares how the couple's vision for the gallery took shape, what inspires their approach to contemporary art, and how they’re carving out a distinctive place within Nashville’s evolving cultural landscape.
How did CASS Contemporary gallery come to life, and what inspired you?
My husband and co-founder, Jake, went to school for art and was a practicing artist, whereas I studied education and government and was raised in the business world. So our educational paths were different, although our interests and aesthetics aligned. About 12 years ago, when we traveled to Europe and stayed for a month, most of our trip consisted of visiting museums and galleries throughout Paris, Berlin, and London. When we got home, as cliché as it sounds, the idea for CASS was born over dinner. We decided to open a gallery in Tampa and make it something different than anything anyone had seen. Then CASS evolved into a consulting company; we still have our gallery, now in Nashville, but we also manage individuals’ collections and provide art programming for large commercial developments or businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and similar enterprises.
For homeowners who may feel intimidated by collecting art, what advice do you give when helping them choose pieces for their space?
We always encourage clients to start with what genuinely resonates with them rather than what feels “correct” or is trending. Collecting art shouldn’t feel intimidating; it should feel exciting and extremely personal. We guide clients through the process by helping them understand their own tastes, preferences, and the way they live in their space. From there, we focus on education, context, and very intentional curation, so that each piece feels meaningful and approachable. Building a collection is a journey, and we love helping people confidently progress through every stage of it.
Can you share examples of how a single piece of art can transform a room or guide the design of an entire space?
We’ve seen many instances where a single artwork becomes the foundation for an entire interior. For example, a bold contemporary painting might inspire a color palette or influence architectural finishes, and a sculptural piece can direct layout and flow. We’ve also seen pieces that dramatically elevate spaces by complementing the interior design decisions or vice versa. Often, once a client connects with a particular work, the rest of the design naturally evolves around it. That piece becomes the emotional and visual anchor of the space, guiding other additions that produce a coherent, harmonious whole.
What trends are you seeing right now in contemporary art and how people are incorporating it into their homes?
There’s a strong shift right now toward authenticity and individuality. There’s also a growing practice of confidently mixing styles, like featuring both contemporary and traditional art in the same space, as well as layered or eclectic collections that have been assembled over time instead of overly stylized just to “fit” a room. Another current trend is a deeper awareness of scale and impact, with clients embracing larger works or statement pieces that define a space. Collectors are focusing on a quality-driven market and on prioritizing artistic significance, recognition, and long-term value. And, of course, collectors are always looking for fresh pieces.
What’s next for CASS Contemporary gallery, and how do you see your role evolving within Nashville’s growing creative community?
CASS Contemporary is entering a really exciting phase of growth. We have several new exhibitions and projects underway, along with our continued work of curating and placing art in private homes throughout the city and the U.S. Our focus moving forward is on expanding the way people experience art, whether that means influencing conversations around it, connecting with more people in the community to engage with the gallery, or making art more visible in the city through public works people can see on their way to work every day. As Nashville continues to grow creatively, we want to be both contributors to and collaborators with that burgeoning art landscape. We’re passionate about supporting artists, introducing thought-provoking contemporary work to new audiences, and helping elevate the city’s visual culture in a meaningful way. Through such means as curated exhibitions, site-specific projects, and long-term collection management, our primary goal is to make art feel accessible, intentional, and deeply connective. On a personal level, Jake and I are committed to building something lasting here. We love Nashville and feel strongly about contributing to its evolving art scene in a way that’s authentic and community-driven. For us, CASS Contemporary isn’t just a gallery—it’s about fostering relationships, supporting artists, and leaving a legacy that reflects creativity, integrity, and a genuine love for art.
“One of the best parts of our job is introducing people to artists, works and mediums they may not yet know.” -- Jake Greatens