Artwork by Roy Laws

Artwork by Roy Laws

It’s party time! Join us in celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Franklin Art Scene and the Franklin Theatre–an event that’s sure to be twice as special!

On Friday, July 1, the Franklin Art Scene is excited to feature three special guests in a live artist exhibition on Main Street in addition to the regular art crawl. And the party doesn’t stop there! At 9:30, the Franklin Theatre and Nashville Arts Magazine are offering a free showing of the film “Saving Banksy” at the theatre’s historic location.

The movie chronicles the intriguing journey of internationally-known graffiti artist, Banksy. Although there is no cost to attend, we recommend that you reserve your tickets online so you’re guaranteed a spot.

Throughout the evening, local artists Chris Ousley, Roy Laws and Laura Neal will paint live, on location, at the Franklin Theatre. Plus (as always!) a variety of locations in and around Downtown Franklin will host exhibits from talented local artists! Expect to find everything from mixed-media pieces to portraits and handcrafted jewelry to turned wood.

Check out the featured sites and artists below! For more information and news, visit the Franklin Art Scene’s Facebook page HERE!

  • Gallery 202, located at 202 Second Avenue South, will feature the works of Melvin Toledo whose oil paintings range from still life pieces to portraits and more.
  • Boutique MMM at 238 Public Square, will showcase the whimsical, surreal paintings and illustrations of Lisa Eisenga whose works draw inspiration from poetry, music and literature.
  • Finnleys Good Findings will host Valentina Harper at 435 Main Street — a Venezuelan artist whose drawings and paintings are known for intricate detail, reflecting her own signature style.
  • Franklin Glassblowing Studio, located at 1143 Columbia Avenue, will display pottery by Mike Ingram and glass pieces by Jose Santisteban. Fascinated with water in its many forms as a child, Santisteban’s observations of nature, geometry, structure and chaos provide an overwhelming array of ideas for the creation of his unique pieces.
  • Franklin Theatre at 419 Main Street, will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a live artist exhibition featuring Chris Ousley, Roy Laws and Laura Neal, in addition to a special movie showing of “Saving Banksy.”
  • Harlin Meyerhoff at 400 Main Street, will highlight American impressionism through the paintings of Linda Watson which include abstracts, angels and more.
  • Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, located at 435 Main Street, will host local artists Sarah Kaufman and Jim Ballard. Creating pieces filled with unique perspectives and energies, Kaufman uses a three-step mixed-media process to craft her works. Ballard will showcase one-of-a-kind woodworks that blend natural style and edge.
  • Hope Church at 137 Fourth Avenue South, will feature works by Mary Elise Duncan in addition to Craft Love — a local business offering step-by-step instructions for those who want to create beautiful wooden wall art pieces from raw materials.
  • IMAGINEBOX Emporium, located at 311 North Margin Street, is set to show the illustrations and paintings of Nashville artist, Cory Basil. Previously featured at OZ Arts Nashville and numerous art crawls, he describes himself as being “born with a brush, stories and such.”
  • Jack Yacoubian Jewelers will host a grand opening celebration for their new location at 300 Public Square in conjunction with their featured artist, Bob Gray, who creates bright-colored and insightful portrayals of Americana life and culture.
  • Landmark Bank at 198 East Main Street, has secured local artists Von Derry and John Fisher, who continues to paint minimal landscapes while incorporating paint on textured panels with heavy scarification.
  • Landmark Booksellers, located at 114 East Main Street, will feature Debbie Smartt — a Franklin-based photographer whose passion for capturing Williamson County is evident in her popular photos.
  • Savory Spice Shop at 324 Main Street, will showcase a stunning display of fruit and vegetable carvings by Carl Jones.
  • Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe will host Michael Lax at its 428 Main Street restaurant, featuring an array of pop art pieces that compel viewers to perceive the world differently.
  • The Registry, located at 324 Main Street, will highlight works by Edna Green and Malli Richmond, including abstracts, landscapes and still life paintings.
  • The Visitor Center at 400 Main Street, will showcase a collection of works by Tommie Baskis, whose inspiration is drawn from trees, flowers, rivers, hills and natural elements throughout the seasons.
  • The Williamson County Archives, located at 611 West Main Street, is featuring the works of Martha Booysen — a local artist who uses pencil and ink, as well as watercolor and acrylic paints in her unique pieces.