The Grove at GPAC is a unique outdoor venue where we will entertain and educate in a comfortable, beautiful, inviting and accessible space. Under a canopy of trees, our guests will experience the power of the arts to connect and inspire.
The Grove will attract new audiences for both GPAC and its local arts partners - strengthening the arts and cultural landscape while enhancing quality of life.
Title: Light Seekers (2020)
Artist: Melissa Bridgman
Medium: Concrete Stamp
Produced by the Germantown Public Art Commission
GPAC 2020
When approached with designing a motif for the walkway at GPAC’s new outdoor space, I immediately began doodling in my sketchbook with a focus on the native plants, animals, and insects of the Wolf River floodplain. Highlighting the quiet beauty and ecological importance of native species has been an underlying current of my work in ceramics and in my family’s life.
Because I have been a beekeeper off an on for about ten years, I was drawn to interconnecting hexagons as a background grid for my design. It was a fairly simple way to lay out a pattern, and it provided a built-in framework for the concrete specialists who would be completing the design. After playing with and rejecting multiple leaf and avian images because of their complexity, I considered the space, its use, and the wildlife that would be attracted to the space while in use. As they often do, my thoughts turned to moths.
Moths are quietly beautiful. Unlike the more popular butterflies, they aren’t as flamboyantly colored or universally beloved. Instead, moths blend in with their surroundings until a discerning eye seeks them out. Their subtle exterior wings give way to astounding geometry and color once their inner wings open. Moths are primarily creatures of darkness. They are unnoticed during the day but are irresistibly drawn to the light, whether that light be white flowers in a garden or the streetlights on a dark night. I refer to them in my work as “light seekers”, always there, always looking. It is a reminder for me to look for the good during troubled times. As the grove is an outdoor performance space, lighting warm nights with vibrant performances, moths will literally be drawn to to the lights of the stage as the artists draw people to view their performances.
The two moths in this pattern are based on TN natives. The Virgin Tiger Moth (grammia virgo), a species which can be found everywhere from my front porch in midtown Memphis to the evening lights of shops in Germantown. The smaller moth, the Grape Leaf-folder (desmia funeralis) is a small but strikingly graphic insect that is also native to our area but is less common. It was my hope to create a subtle but graphic design that will lead patrons into the performance space, blending the seam between indoors and out, and to spread the message of light seekers into the world.
Melissa Bridgman: Bridgman Pottery
719 Dickinson St. Memphis TN 38107.
901 493 0901.
bridgmanpottery@gmail.com
www.bridgmanpottery.com
Education
Salem College, 1997 BA History, American Studies
University of Mississippi 1999 MA Southern Studies
Studied with ceramicist Diana Fayt, 2010, 2012, 2013
Teaching Experience
2018, 2019 Floral ceramics class at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
2017-2019 quarterly hand building ceramics classes for Me & Mrs Jones
2015-2019, 2006-2009 Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: Arts Basic Curriculum
Instructor
2001-2005 Children’s Pottery Instructor, City of Germantown TN
2001-2004 Children’s Sculpture Instructor, Memphis College of Art Community
Education Summer programs
2001-2003 Teaching Artist, Greater Memphis Arts Council Center for Arts Education
Exhibitions and Juried Events
May 2019 Eclectic Eye, Still Life (with Debi Vincent)
November 2017- Eclectic Eye, Clouds (with Martha Kelly)
2017, 2018, 2019 Memphis Maker Market (curated by Muddy’s Bake Shop)
2017, 2019, 2020 Fancy Little Flea, Germantown TN
April 2016 -Eclectic Eye, Sea and Stone paintings and ceramics Memphis TN
October 2015, May 8-10 2014 Urban Barn Market, Memphis- juried art, vintage, and antiques market
2011 St. George’s Independent School Bee Work bee-centered mishima on porcelain
Related Work
2020 public art, Onward, Choices Memphis
2019, 2020 Stamped concrete project, Light Seekers, GPAC
2018, 2019 Designed and produced custom work for Dixon Gallery and Garden
2013 Designed and produced restaurant ware for Tart, a french pâtisserie -Memphis, TN
2012-2014 founded and co-led women’s artists mentoring group in Memphis, TN
Publications ( www.bridgmanpottery.com/press/ )
September 2017, RSVP Magazine
February 2015 Memphis Magazine
January 2015 Memphis Magazine
Spring 2011 Edible Memphis
February 2011 Memphis Commercial Appeal
January 2011 Southern Living
Melissa Bridgman is an alumna of Salem College in Winston Salem, NC, where received her degree in History and American studies. During this period, she spent three semesters interning and exploring the collections of the Reynolda House Museum of Art and the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts, enriching her love of art, pattern, printmaking, fine textiles and ceramics, and the folk traditions of North Carolina. She holds a Master's in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi, where she studied documentary fieldwork, art history, self taught and folk art. Melissa has been a teaching artist with the Memphis Brooks Museum and the Greater Memphis Arts Council. A full-time potter, she also teaches ceramics workshops for adults in Memphis. She spends her time in her garden and studio with her family in her midtown home.
If you are a valued subscriber, your seats are on hold. Please contact the box office at (901) 751-7500 to renew your subscription.
Box Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
All 13 Shows in the Highland Capital Performance Hall
Featuring Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Clint Holmes.
"There has been a jam band-sized hole in bluegrass over the past few years, and Yonder Mountain String Band returns just in time to lift the genre up once again." - Glide
Wadaiko-drums and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps completely surpasses expectations.
Jazz Series Opening Night!
Now in the seventh decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancock remains at the forefront of world culture, technology, business and music.
Marcus Miller—one of the most influential artists of our time.
Praised by her late mentor Prince as having a “voice that can melt snow.”
Returning to the Highland Capital Performance Hall for an encore performance!
In 2022, Jazz Journalists Association named Wycliffe Gordon “Trombonist of the Year” for the record-breaking 15th time.
Choose Four or More Shows and Save 20%
Explore Jeff Hulett’s unique storytelling style.
Performing a wide variety of orchestral and ensemble music.
Rachel Maxann, backed by an all-female band featuring Victoria Dowdy, Erika Poke, and Montana Jones.
Contact Parke Kennedy, Director of Development, 901-751-7504 and parke@gpacweb.com
The hottest little nightclub around is Jazz in the Box.
Advance opportunities to purchase tickets for new shows and concerts presented by GPAC before tickets are available to the general public.
Ticket Exchange Privileges: Subscribers may apply the value of exchanged tickets toward tickets to all other shows presented by GPAC.
Your subscription discount can be applied to additional ticket purchases for any of the fifteen shows in Season 30.
Handling fees for additional shows and concerts are waived for subscribers when you make a purchase in person at the box office.
The chart below reflects the typical seating pattern for events in the mainstage theater. Please note that the chart does not pertain to general admission or single-price events. Rental events may or may not use the standard seating configuration.
Contact For details regarding specific seating options.
901-751-7500 boxoffice@GPACweb.com
Mark West Pinot Noir, California 11
Seaglass Pinot Grigio, California 11
Coastal Vines Chardonnay, California 11
LaMarca Prosecco, Italy 11
Gallo White Zinfandel, California 11
Cazadores Margarita 9
High Noon Sips Pineapple 9
Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka + Soda 9
Single 13
Double 17
GPAC Mule 13
Michelob Ultra 16oz 5
Crosstown Traffic IPA 12oz 5
Wiseacre Tiny Bomb 16oz 7
Bottled Water 4
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite 4
Tangled Up In Blue 10
Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, Orange, Lemonade, Cherry
Paloma Del Jaguar 10
Jaguar Tequila, Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit, Lime
Juke Joint Mule 10
Bourbon, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Lime
Grove Mule 10
Vodka, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Lime
Cazadores Margarita 9
High Noon Sips Pineapple 9
Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka + Soda 9
Single 13
Double 17
GPAC HOUSE RED 11
GPAC HOUSE WHITE 11
La Marca Prosecco, Italy 11
Gallo White Zin, California 11
Michelob Ultra (16oz CAN) 5
Wiseacre Tiny Bomb (16oz CAN) 7
Elysian Space Dust IPA (19.2oz CAN) 8
Creature Comforts Tropicalia IPA DRAFT (16oz) 7
Memphis Made Colonial Aggression ESB DRAFT (16oz) 7
Peroni Italian Lager DRAFT (16oz) 7
Grind City Thaddeus Amber Ale DRAFT (16oz) 7
Brad Pitts
Brad Pitts is an award-winning Master Mixologist in his 8th season serving as the Food and Beverage Manager at the Germantown Performing Arts Center. With over 30 years of experience in the Memphis hospitality industry, his knowledge extends beyond the back of the bar into the distributing, marketing, and branding aspects of the wine and spirits industry. During his career, Brad has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and crafted cocktails for some of Memphis’s finest dining establishments and numerous private and charity events. The beverage program at GPAC focuses on service excellence and a superior patron experience for all events, whether inside the Highland Capital Performance Hall or outside in The Grove.
Free parking is offered for all shows and events held at GPAC. Reserved parking spaces are available for patrons with disabilities. A detailed parking map is at the bottom of this page.
GPAC is dedicated to hospitality and we take care that our events, services, and facilities are accessible to all guests.
GPAC is wheelchair accessible from the main entrance. Ramps and an elevator make all lobby levels of the facility accessible.
Accessible seating is available. Please contact the Box Office at (901) 751-7500 or boxoffice@GPACweb.com in advance to make arrangements.
Large print programs are available with advance notice. Please contact the Box Office at (901) 751-7500 or boxoffice@GPACweb.com two weeks prior to the event to request this service.
Refreshments are available prior to the performance and during intermission for your convenience. At most performances, refreshments may be taken into the seating area. Concession stands are located on the first floor, and, for some events, the balcony lobbies.
We hope to see you at one of GPAC's incredible VIP cocktail parties, gala live auction winner experiences, or a pre/post-show sorieé. We use and recommend these preferred caterers:
GPAC invites you to enjoy a selection of nearby restaurants that support GPAC.
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill
Germantown Commissary
Southern Social
Huey’s
Chick-fil-A
Jim's Place Grille
Corky's
Memphis Pizza Café
Swanky's Taco Shop
Garibaldi's
Moondance Grill
Hampton Inn & Suites Germantown
TownePlace Suites Memphis Germantown
From Full Season to Flex subscriptions, our box office is standing by to take your order at 901-751-7500. Benefits include a 20-30% discount, waived handling fees, ticket exchange privileges and more!
A ticket to every show in the GPAC Season receives the highest discount.
Buy the complete GPAC Season and save 30% and pay a one-time-only subscription fee versus the single-ticket handling fee.
Ticket exchange privileges: subscribers may apply the value of exchanged tickets toward tickets to other shows in the regular GPAC Season (subject to availability).
Purchase additional single tickets at any time during the season and save 30%!
New this season! Advance notice for new shows and concerts before they go on sale to the general public.
Season subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling the GPAC Box Office.
Buy the Center Stage Series, Jazz Series or Acoustic Music Project Series and save 20% and pay a one-time-only subscription fee versus the single-ticket handling fee. Series subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling the GPAC Box Office.
Ticket exchange privileges: subscribers may apply the value of exchanged tickets toward tickets to other shows in the regular GPAC Season (subject to availability).
Purchase additional single tickets at any time during the season and save 20%!
New this season! Advance notice for new shows and concerts before they go on sale to the general public.
Series subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling the GPAC Box Office.
Choose a minimum of four concerts, save 20%, and pay a one-time-only subscription fee instead of the single-ticket handling fee.
Ticket exchange privileges: subscribers may apply the value of exchanged tickets toward tickets to other shows in the regular GPAC Season (subject to availability).
Purchase additional single tickets at any time during the season and save 20%!
New this season! Advance notice for new shows and concerts before they go on sale to the general public.
Flex Passes can be purchased by calling the GPAC Box Office.
901-751-7500
boxoffice@GPACweb.com
Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm
Box Office opens 3 hours prior to curtain for weekend performances.
GPAC does not participate with any online ticket vendors. GPAC tickets are available ONLY from the GPAC Box Office and website. GPAC is not responsible for any tickets purchased through an unauthorized website.
Promotional discounts do not apply to ticket purchases made prior to the promotion.
All programs, dates and times are subject to change without notice.
A handling fee is added to all purchased tickets.
Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to use a purchased ticket, please return it to the GPAC box office at least 5 days prior to the performance. You will receive a tax donation letter for the value of the tickets.
GPAC subscribers may exchange tickets for another GPAC subscription event of equal or lesser value. Contact the Box Office at least 48 hours prior to the performance for which you are making the exchange. All exchanges are based upon ticket availability.
As a courtesy to patrons and the performers, children ages 4 and under are not permitted in the theater, except for events specifically intended for children. All patrons must have a ticket for admittance and must be seated in their designated seat. Any person who causes a disturbance will be asked to leave the auditorium without a refund.
Photography or videotaping of performances is not permitted. Patrons in violation may be asked to surrender their cameras for the duration of the performance and/or be removed from the venue. All programs, dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Third-Party Tickets — Guests, Take Caution!
Buy your tickets only from GPACweb.com or the GPAC Box Office.
When you buy from a broker:
We cannot be responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties.
Your tickets cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
We cannot guarantee that your tickets are valid and cannot guarantee admittance.
You will always pay more than face value.
We cannot contact you with information regarding time changes, show cancellations, road closures or other information.
You are supporting businesses that make it hard for true fans to see their favorite performers or shows without paying a premium charge they cannot afford.
We reserve the right to revoke tickets sold to a broker or unauthorized third party. If you are holding a revoked ticket, you will not be admitted and will not receive a refund.
Be on the lookout for sites that look similar or have URLs similar to GPACweb.com. Often they belong to scalper sites or brokers.
ArtsAccess
ArtsAccess is an Arts Memphis program that makes it easier for certain groups to have access to tickets at participating arts venues. At GPAC our Center Stage Series shows only are available for ArtsAccess card holders.
Contact For details regarding specific seating options.
call: 901-751-7500
email: boxoffice@GPACweb.com
Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Box Office opens 3 hours prior to curtain for weekend performances.
GPAC strives to enrich the community through educational programs and presentations that increase access and appreciation for the arts. Our programs at GPAC provide high quality arts experiences and hands on training to children all the way to adults. Additionally, we are committed to extending our reach through free artist residencies and master classes in area schools, community centers and universities. Programs include Peanut Butter & Jam, ArtSavvy, GPAC Youth Symphony, Ballet classes, School Matinees and Summer Camps.
Germantown Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN 38138
