By Ann Nichols

annsnichols@aol.com

Steve Keene creates 60 to 80 paintings a day in his Brooklyn, N.Y. studio. Prices for his acrylic artworks, which he paints in an assembly-line fashion, range from $1 to $25.

A three-day exhibition of Mr. Keene's work will be on display at Tanner Hill Gallery Dec. 4-6. "Steve Keene" was curated by Jerry Dale McFadden, director of 4 Bridges Arts Festival for the Association for Visual Arts.

"I first met Steve in 1993 after seeing some of his paintings in a friend's home in Brooklyn," said Mr. McFadden. "We walked a couple of blocks to his studio where I chose about 15 pieces and Steve said I could have them for $37."

Whenever Mr. McFadden went to New York, which was often as he was touring with a band at the time, he visited the artist's studio to purchase art. Eventually settling in Nashville in 2000, Mr. McFadden opened TAG Gallery and sold thousands of Mr. Keene's paintings.

His style ranges from colorful primitive to representational with "a folky-ness," said Mr. McFadden.

The artist's intention is to bring affordable, original art to the masses.

"It's like buying a CD -- it's cheap, it's art and it changes your life but the object has no status," said Mr. Keene, who has an MFA degree from Yale University.

The idea for his "art for the masses" came in 1993 as a result of his friendship and admiration of musicians. He has collaborated with a number of groups including the Dave Matthews Band, Silver Jews and Pavement to create album covers, video sets, stage sets and posters.

"Steve has made several series of paintings for all kinds of touring bands that want to offer something different to their fans besides CDs and tee-shirts," said Mr. McFadden.

The exhibition at Tanner Hill will be composed of hundreds of Mr. Keene's signature colorful paintings installed salon-style. Prices will range from $2 to $20.

Tanner Hill Gallery, 3069 S. Broad St., Suite 3, will be open 5:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5; and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6. Call 280-7182.