Cassie and Jake Greatens have built something wonderful together in the years since they met and fell in love as teenagers in Tampa. Inspired by a trip to galleries in Europe, the couple opened their first gallery in Tampa and quickly became known for curating and selling works by iconic artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol and pieces by emerging talent.
“We’re constantly scouting out new artists everywhere, even family vacations,” Jake, 43, says. “The kids get so annoyed.” The couple, together now nearly 25 years, have four children, ages 12, 16, 19 and 22.
Then, during COVID, the couple shifted into personalized consulting for buying, selling and managing art, as well as to collection management — assisting with private art collections, including logistics for loans to museums and traveling exhibits.
Since the pandemic, they have added commercial art programming to their resume — curating large-scale installations for restaurants, hotels and other developments. But the thread that runs through everything they do is simple: They shine a light on the importance of outstanding art.
“We love artists,” Cassie says. “We love putting money in artists’ pockets. We don’t want kids to stop drawing or pursuing art at 8 years old because they don’t think they can have a successful career.”
NEW GALLERY IS OPEN
The Greatens moved to Nashville a few years ago, and it took them some time to find just the right space for their gallery. But they eventually did, and CASS Contemporary opened earlier this month at 408 Chestnut St.
in Wedgewood-Houston.
“Nashville has such a cool personality, and that’s part of the reason why we wanted to move here,” Cassie says. “We love working with clients and finding pieces for their homes, but for the gallery we wanted to be part of the permanent landscape of the change that we’re seeing here.”
Their business partnership works because while they are working toward a common goal, they respect each other’s strong suits and differences. They stay in their lanes — he handles art curation, she handles finances — and the result is an artistic yin and yang that has enabled them to grow and expand over the years.
“Some of the most stressful events and deadlines we’ve been on are also the most rewarding as a couple, because we’re proud of each other for getting it across the finish line,” Jake says.
Their first show in Nashville earlier this month was a showcase of multiple artists, and many of the works on display sold that night. The gallery is booked with rotating exhibits through 2027.
“If you want an art scene to grow in your city, you have to support the arts — either by attending events or purchasing art,” Cassie says. “That’s the only way an art scene will really thrive. So to see the response to our first show is such a testament to where Nashville’s going, and I’m here for it.”
The next show at CASS is for Tristan Eaton, opening Nov. 14, 2025. Eaton is the only Marvel Disney contracted artist, and CASS will be hosting a release for his villain series and the Women of Marvel.
