Work by Scott Christian Sava

The energy surrounding downtown Franklin after celebrating the nation’s birthday won’t deflate come Friday. This month’s Franklin Art Scene will capitalize on local talent and extend the summer soiree in and around “America’s Favorite Main Street” by carting participants to more than 30 locations—all featuring local talent and refreshments. Join the art crawl Friday, 6-9 p.m., as the organization toasts the warm weeks ahead!

The Franklin Art Scene is free, but a $5 wristband includes unlimited stops on the trolleys that circulate throughout the circuit. In addition to an online map and QR code, a Franklin Art Scene smartphone application is now available on Google Play. The download gives users up-to-date information on the upcoming event and its locations.

For more information on the event, visit www.franklinartscene.com or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtScene.

This month’s highlights include:

  • Boutique MMM, an upscale shoe shop on the Public Square, will host Chuck Blackard during July’s Franklin Art Scene. The artist, whose preferred medium is acrylic, often paints his subjects when inspired by life surroundings–and says his Deep South upbringing strongly influences his perspective and style. He studied under artist Carl Sublett at University of Tennessee in Knoxville.By day, Blackard is a lawyer. When not in the courtroom or at his easel, he spends time on the Floridian coast. Learn more at www.CGB3.com.
  • Located just off Columbia Avenue, Damico Frame & Art Gallery is featuring the Art Nouveau paintings of internationally renowned and award-winning artist and animator, Scott Christian Sava.Over the last twenty years, Sava’s work has brought some of the world’s most beloved characters to life in film, television, comics and games. From Casper the Friendly Ghost to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Star Trek and Spider-Man. After designing arcade games for Atari, being hand-selected as a founding artist of Sega of America, pioneering the concept of virtual studios, publishing his own works (some of which have been purchased by Disney and other studios to be produced as feature films), and many more commissioned art projects, Sava is more than ready to tackle his introduction to the world of fine arts through painting.
  • Vue Optique on Main Street will exhibit a collection of David Turner’s pieces. Also known as Digital Dave, the Tennessee native specializes in mandalas, abstract art, animation, 3D and lenticular design, Dave’s collection of work includes digital giclee and lenticular fine art prints that have graced Nashville galleries, restaurants and recording studios for more than a decade.  His animations are currently playing in high resolution digital theaters worldwide.The Nashville artist graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1987 with a B.S. in English and a focus in creative writing. After a brief stint with Apple Computers, Dave started his own digital media company in order to incorporate his training in digital technology with his creative interests and artistic aspirations.
  • Regions Bank, a new addition to the Franklin Art Scene, will be showing original handcrafted jewelry by Ellen Neumann and Dawn Ellen Designs on Friday. Join the bank on First Avenue South to view handcrafted designs, incorporated with crystals, glass beads, and naturally beautiful minerals.
  • It’s Vintage Baby on the square will be hosting artist Franklin-based artist Casey C. Walker. Walker uses mixed media and layered paper to complete her pieces, and her current work is a combination of her affinity for use of color, detail work and beautiful papers. She also incorporates the tedious employment of an exacto knife (and tiny scissors!).
  • Franklin Antique Mall on Second Ave South will host artist Gale Haddock this Friday, plus a live performance by The Mizells, a local blue grass band!
  • Other featured artists this month include: Essence DeVonne (Uncle Bud’s Catfish); Lorna Sanders (Heirloom Shop); Wendy Latimer (Foyers and Beyond); and Bill Barnes (Gallery 202).