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March 26 was a special day for sneaker lovers and art enthusiasts alike as Nashville celebrated Air Max Day with a one-of-a-kind Art Crawl. Hosted by Melissa Watkins and Arcade Arts Nashville. In the event’s third year, the event brought together the worlds of fashion, streetwear, and visual art, showcasing the impact of sneaker culture on creativity and community.

What is Air Max Day?

Air Max Day, celebrated annually on March 26, marks the anniversary of the release of the original Nike Air Max 1 in 1987. Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the Air Max revolutionized footwear by introducing a visible Air unit, combining performance with bold, stylish aesthetics. Over the years, the sneaker evolved into a cultural icon, embraced by athletes, artists, and trendsetters around the world.

Bringing the Air Max Energy to Nashville

Melissa, a longtime style blogger and lifelong sneaker lover, founded Air Max Day Nashville to shine a light on the city’s often-overlooked sneaker culture and street style. When people think of Nashville, cowboy boots, Stetson hats, and country music often come to mind. 

When Melissa moved to the city to attend Tennessee State University, an HBCU, she quickly realized that Nashville was a melting pot of street culture and fashion. From her first blog posts on fabglance.com, she made it her mission to show the world that Nashville was “not just country.”

This year’s Air Max Art Crawl was more than just a celebration of sneakers—it was a fusion of creativity and culture. The event’s creator set out to collaborate with local artists, recognizing how sneaker culture and art intersect in incredible ways.

Arcade Arts Nashville, a nonprofit housed in the newly remodeled Nashville Arcade, played a key role in bringing this vision to life. Once a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, the Arcade closed for renovations during the pandemic. Now, it’s slowly reopening with a renewed focus on nightlife, small businesses, and local art galleries. Arcade Arts hosts 12 resident artists, each curating one-of-a-kind mini gallery experiences for visitors.

From the moment Melissa first visited the venue, she knew it was the perfect place to merge art and sneaker culture while reintroducing Nashvillians to this historic landmark.

Guest Experience

Watching veteran sneakerheads converse with art aficionados as they experienced the intersection of design on two mediums was magical. One could overhear conversations about the evolution of sneaker aesthetics, the storytelling behind each Air Max release, and the ways in which artists drew inspiration from streetwear culture. Attendees shared personal stories of their first pair of Air Max, debated their favorite designs, and exchanged thoughts on how sneaker culture has influenced mainstream art and fashion. The event wasn’t just about viewing art—it was about engaging in a cultural dialogue that celebrated creativity, history, and community. 

10 artists welcomed more than 125 guests to enjoy their work. Sneakerheads, artists, and fashion enthusiasts connected over their shared love for Air Max. Attendees explored immersive art installations from artist and musician Rod McGaha, shopped with 615 Kix where owners Briar and Stephen taught sneaker history while selling hard to find sneakers, danced to a live DJ playing old-school hip hop, and watched live artists paint sneakers to celebrate the occasion. 

A Night to Remember

Whether a longtime sneakerhead, a casual fan, or an art lover looking for a fresh creative experience, or a resident excited to return to downtown nightlife, the Air Max Art Crawl provided a space to celebrate self-expression, history, and culture. 

As the event wrapped up, many attendees shared their excitement on social media, showcasing their unique looks, fly sneakers, favorite art pieces, and unforgettable moments from the night. The Air Max Art Crawl was truly a testament to the power of community and creativity in Nashville.

AUTHOR: MELISSA WATKINS

Photo Credit: Courtesy of LaKeithea Nicole