NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nashville’s LGBTQ+ community is mourning the loss of a man who gave them a safe space to have fun and find their chosen family.
Darek Tanner, beloved owner of Canvas in East Nashville, has died. Those who knew Tanner told News 2 he was a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community not just in Nashville, but Tennessee as a whole.
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“He opened Canvas, pretty much, on a dream. He just wanted a place to hang out with his friends.” Canvas’ co-owner, Jon Byrne, said. “He didn’t want money. It wasn’t about that. It was more about the love.”
Canvas first opened in 2011 on Church Street before relocating to Fatherland Street in 2022. Canvas has hosted everything from dance parties and drag shows to partnerships with local non-profits like Nashville CARES, a clinic offering healthcare and free HIV testing for LGBTQ+ people.
“Canvas has always been a bar for misfits in the community. It’s also a safe haven and that’s what Darek really did more so than anyone else in the city,” Byrne said. “A lot of people wouldn’t have any of their chosen family if he wasn’t in the picture.”
Star Maye is one of those people who found a chosen family through Canvas. Maye moved to Nashville nearly 15 years ago and was recently by Tanner to lead Canvas’ kitchen operations.
“Canvas was one of the very first bars I went to see when I moved to Nashville trying to find a home — trying to find a place for people who are marginalized such as myself,” said Maye. “I think that Canvas has been able to find a special place, and I think people truly appreciate it.”
“Darek’s legacy is love — loving each other and being supportive of one another,” Maye added. “As Canvas we will continue to do that.”
A memorial for Tanner has been scheduled for Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a celebration of life will follow at Canvas. Flowers can be sent to Canvas between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“We’re going to continue doing what we’ve always done. It’s not going to go anywhere,” Byrne added. “Darek will continue to live on through the brand that he created, so we’ll make sure that this place stays.”
