One of Hendersonville’s most famous former citizens is the subject of a major photographic exhibition at the Monthaven Arts and
Cultural Center. The exhibit, titled 1968: A Folsom Redemption, runs April 6 to May 25 and
features 31 original photographs documenting Johnny Cash’s legendary 1968 performances at
California’s Folsom State Prison. Mid-America Arts Alliance is touring this exhibition, which is
made possible in part by funding from Sumner County Tourism and the National Endowment
for the Arts.

“Johnny Cash was one of the giants of 20th-century music, and Monthaven is thrilled to
present this exhibition in the community where he once lived,” says Ruth Chase, the MACC’s
regional arts director. “We’re especially excited that the writer who worked with Johnny Cash
on this project will speak at our Art Opening and Artist Talk.” On January 13, 1968, the writer Gene Beley and photographer Dan Poush accompanied
Cash to Folsom Prison, where the legendary singer gave two unforgettable performances. The
famous recording of those performances crackled with the excitement of an adoring crowd,
documenting Cash’s singular ability to connect with his audience.

Beley’s first-person account of those performances, and his knowledge of the storylines
at work behind the scenes, reveals little-known aspects of a well-known popular culture event.
1968: A Folsom Redemption takes the viewer right into the heart of this pivotal moment in the
life and career of one of the 20th century’s most important and cherished musical personalities.

This amazing exhibition highlights Cash’s golden era, from the January 1968 Folsom
prison album recording to a March 1, 1969 concert in Anaheim, California, where he was
getting ready to launch his network television show. Viewers will see intimate portraits of Cash
with his family, along with backstage photos of Cash with Merle Haggard and other notable
personalities

Writer Gene Beley will be on hand at Monthaven on Saturday, April 6 from 2 to 3 p.m.
and 5 to 6 p.m. for an Artist Talk. Admission is free to hear his fascinating first-hand account of
Johnny Cash’s famous performance at Folsom State Prison. The Art Opening takes April 6 from
6 to 8 p.m.

Sumner County Tourism is sponsoring 1968: A Folsom Redemption locally as part of its
Historic Sites Kickoff from April 5-7, 2024. For detailed information and a schedule of events, go
to visitsumnertn.com. This exhibition is toured nationally by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts
Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to over 100 small-and mid-sized
communities every year. Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists,
cultural organizations, and communities throughout our region and beyond. They achieve this
primarily through their national traveling exhibition programs, innovative leadership
development, and strategic grant making. M-AAA is especially committed to enriching the
cultural life of historically underserved communities by providing high quality, meaningful, and
accessible arts and culture programs and services. They believe in more art for more people.
Additional information about M-AAA is available at www.maaa.org.

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is a jewel-box art museum and education
facility housed in one of Tennessee’s most spectacular historic mansions. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization, the MACC has staged exhibitions featuring everything from the ceramic art of
Pablo Picasso to the evening gowns of Princess Diana. The artwork of local artists and military
veterans are also on frequent display. As an art school, the MACC offers classes to more than
900 children and adults each year. The MACC also provides free arts outreach and healing arts
to underserved children, families and military veterans. For more information, go to
monthavenarts.org or call (615) 822-0789.