Monumental

Monumental offers an intimate look inside the studio of renowned sculptor Alan LeQuire as he prepares for the largest exhibition of his career—an unprecedented artistic takeover of the Nashville Parthenon. Through vérité footage, immersive visuals and reflective interviews, the documentary captures the collaborative spirit and creative purpose that fuel LeQuire’s work. More than a portrait of an artist, Monumental is an invitation to witness the legacy of a sculptor whose fingerprints can be found all over Nashville.

DIRECTOR: Caitlin Nitschke, John Mansueto

PRODUCER: Kylie Sullivan & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Kylie Sullivan

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ife Ayewale, Stephanie Yu

EDITOR and SOUND DESIGN: Alexander Mayo, Matthew Oh

Monumental Figures on News Channel 5

Crossroads Feature

Vicki Yates tours a new exhibit inside the Parthenon.

Happy 35th Birthday, Athena!

Every year, thousands enter the temple in Nashville's Parthenon to view the nearly 42-foot statue of Athena. But this year, she turns 35 years young. The Greek goddess of warfare and wisdom, carved out of gypsum cement, took eight years to complete. On today's show, we chat with the sculptor behind the deity, Alan LeQuire, to hear about his process.

The Naked Trail: Transporting Monumental Bronze Sculpture

In 2004 Alan LeQuire's Musica sculpture, the largest bronze figurative group in the United States, was transported from the bronze foundry in Wyoming where it was cast to Nashville, Tennessee for installation at the entrance to the country music epicenter, Music Row.

Acme Drone Images Footage of Musica

A presentation of the Musica Statue in a manner not normally seen by the average visitor. The circular presentation is meant to align with the overall circular design and flow of the statue. The last image, the view of the city of Nashville, is taken from a height of 400ft directly above the statue.

America's Treasures: Story behind the Music Row Sculpture in Nashville

Symbol of Democracy

A Giant Jigsaw Puzzle

The Helmet

30 Tons of Clay

The Stories Behind These Iconic Sculptures

From Athena inside the Parthenon to Musica on Music Row, Alan LeQuire shares the history, engineering, and creative process behind two of Nashville’s most recognizable works of public art. The interview offers a rare look inside the sculptor’s studio, covering everything from the 20-year journey of completing Athena to the unexpected public reaction surrounding Musica’s unveiling. It’s a reminder that monumental sculpture is as much about research, problem solving, and perseverance as it is about artistry.

A creative spark. A block of clay. Nimble fingers carving and smoothing. These are the tools of celebrated Nashville sculptor, Alan LeQuire. This Creative License story provides a unique and rare journey into the mind of an artist. From childhood days of learning from his artistic mother, and working with his physician father to reassemble a skeleton, LeQuire has turned his fascination with the human body into art. His works range from tabletop pieces, to life-size and larger than life, and even monumental works like Athena in Nashville's Parthenon. The work of LeQuire is proof that scale doesn't matter when it comes to artistic ambitions. From Creative License show 203.

“For me, the figure is the basis of all form.” Alan LeQuire on portraiture, material, texture, and the challenge of capturing both the likeness and essence of a person through sculpture.

NABJ Presents Crucial Conversations

Join the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) as we host crucial conversations effecting the Middle Tennessee community. This week's conversation is between Nashville sculptor Alan LeQuire and Sandra Long Weaver, a member of the Nashville chapter and a co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists about his series of sculptures of prominent African-American women, including journalist Ida B. Wells and Nashville's Lois DeBerry.

Inside Cultural Heroes: LeQuire on Process, Inspiration, and Legacy

At the unveiling of Cultural Heroes at the Nashville Public Library, Alan LeQuire shares an in-depth look at the figures represented in the series and their impact on both culture and the Civil Rights movement. He reflects on his personal connection to these artists, the meaning behind the work, and the process of bringing the sculptures to life. The video also captures the unveiling itself and the public’s response to the installation.

Creating Presence: The Cultural Heroes Series

Alan LeQuire discusses his approach to the Cultural Heroes series, focusing on creating a living presence in the material rather than an exact likeness, and reflecting on the emotional energy of performance.

A Tennessee Legacy in Clay

Back in the studio with Alan LeQuire as new work takes shape honoring Tennessee history, legacy, and the people who helped define it. From monumental public sculptures to carefully sculpted portraits, every piece starts the same way: clay, patience, and an incredible attention to detail.

This latest work celebrates Cordell Hull, one of Tennessee’s Nobel Peace Prize winners, with a new sculpture headed to Cumberland University later this year.

Sculpting Women of the Suffrage Movement

Alan LeQuire reflects on the women’s suffrage movement, exploring protest, generational legacy, and his approach to sculpting real women rather than idealized forms, portraying them with honesty and dignity.

The fight for women's right to vote took strength, courage and decades. A new monument commissioned by the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Monument organization and created by sculptor Alan LeQuire recognizes just how extraordinary five women were who devoted themselves to women's equality.

Women's Suffrage Monument Unveiled

Mayor Megan Barry and other city officials unveiled the new Women's Suffrage monument at Centennial Park.

Memorial Unveiling

Tennessee Women Suffrage Memorial unveiled in downtown Knoxville, TN.

Equality Trail Blazers Opening Ceremony

Opening coverage of Equality Trail Blazers. The monument, dedicated to the women's suffrage movement, includes influential women of the 20th century like Ida B. Wells.

Michelle Duster & Equality Trail Blazers Monument

Michelle Duster - Ida B. Wells' great-granddaughter - shares her thoughts on the Equality Trail Blazers Monument. As well as the importance of inclusion and representation in public art.