In 2011, local artistic influencers gathered to discuss an art crawl in Franklin, Tenn., that would promote Williamson County talent and build community relationships. On Friday, Sept. 5, those visionaries’ work will be celebrated as the Franklin Art Scene hosts its third-anniversary event in Historic Downtown Franklin!
We believe there’s been steady growth for the art crawl over the past several months, and that the number of goers seems to climb each month! The event boasts more than 20 participating locations every first Friday, with locations dispersed in and around downtown—including the Second South District and Bridge Street, as well as Columbia Avenue.
As part of the milestone evening, most of the galleries and working studios will serve complimentary food and refreshments, and some will offer live music. Free trolleys circulate among all the stops, and participants can jump on and off at will from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m — THANKS to Williamson Source for sponsoring the rides!
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 art crawl and its locations.
The Sept. 5 locations are slated to offer a sweeping variety of magnificent work. Below are some highlights of the three-year anniversary:
- Down on East Main Street, Landmark Booksellers will provide live music, food trucks and artwork for participants. Enjoy gourmet mobile food over tunes by country crooner Carter Robertson and take in the art of Thalia Kahl, who offers still life, landscapes, cityscapes and figurative works.
- T. Nesbitt & Co. on the corner of Second Avenue and Bridge Street will also feature live music to go along with its featured artists. Terry Kinakin, who provides an entire repertoire of the South’s roots music, will play as guests appreciate the art of Lorna Graff.
- WCCVB Visitor’s Center is hosting Coach Jimmy Gentry, a World War II veteran who was a foot soldier at the Battle of the Bulge and has coached middle/high school sports for nearly 70 years in the Franklin community. He is what many would call a legend in this community! Much of his paintings reflect his life experiences. For more, go to http://coachgentryart.weebly.com.
- During the three-year anniversary, O’More College of Design—who has been on board since the beginning—will be showcasing the artistic talents of 20 local dyslexic artists, including O’More students past and present. The College’s featured artist, Angelina Mazzanti (“All Jumbled Up”), will be displaying sculpture and mixed media pieces that express how she perceives things when she reads and writes. The event is organized by Sadie Merchant, an O’More graduate and member of Decoding Dyslexia, a parent-driven advocacy group with national representation. For more information, visit www.dyslexiaisreal.com.
- Town’s End General Store is featuring Susan Brock Shadis, a retired elementary school principal and oil painter. She uses her interest in and knowledge of child behavior in her work, and also paints portraits and landscapes. She strives to use her portraits to communicate her devotion and respect of children and our beautiful Tennessee countryside.
- Boutique MMM will display work by Jay Holobach, an acrylic and oil artist who often paints from his own photography. Says Jay, “’ve always been intrigued by color. Color creates drama. Color affects perspective, composition, and the subject. I’ve always enjoyed the colors around me, which is reflected in my landscapes, cityscapes and still lifes. I’ve been known to pull over on the side of the road and watch the sunrise or sunset because of the colors. Sometimes even giving a standing ovation for God’s handiwork.”
- The Heirloom Shop is hosting Debbie Smartt, a published photographer known for my passion of Williamson County beauty, and a fervent volunteer with her skills and time to many nonprofit organizations including the Heritage Foundation. She is also a digital archivist and does commissioned art, still life, location and product photography.
- Bob Parks Realty will be providing live music at the September art crawl for participants to enjoy as they browse works by artist Gale Haddock and Chip Henderson.
- Bagbey House is exhibiting the contemporary art of O’More College of Design graduate Stephanie Jeanne, whose work includes colorful portraits and farm life. The antiques and interior shop will also provide gourmet samples of Paul’s Chocolate Gallery.
- Towne Creek Realty on Church Street will feature the landscape, still life and portrait work of Randy Carden, who works mainly in oils.
- Gallery 202 on Second Avenue South will exhibit the fine art of Melvin Toledo, who works in oils to present portrait and still life subjects.
- Stites & Harbison will display work by renowned photographer Timothy Ditzler, as well as art by artists-in-residence Joseph Bibb and Essense Devonne. The law firm will also host Dr. Bill Mott, local author, and have live porch music by Ken Burnside and his son Bennet.
- Franklin Custom Interiors is displaying an array of artists come Friday, including Sheila Bullock, Angela Faye Daniel, Suzanne Way and Libby Ballard. Plus, they’ll have live music by Faye Wilson.
- Yacoubian Jewlers will have live sax music on Friday night, compliments of Chaz Williams! Plus, Emily McGrew is displaying her colorful works.
For more information on the event or to download maps and applications, go here.
