Open Studio
It's only $5 for 3 hours!
(tips at event welcome to cover art supplies)
Come join us for an open studio time where you are free to paint, draw, use the pottery wheel or whatever your artistic heart desires!
Bring your own supplies or use what you can find at the studio. Our available supplies vary so if you have a specific project in mind probably best to bring your own. Typically, we have an assortment of papers, pencils, markers, acrylic paints, water colors, brushes, craft supplies, etc.
All ages welcome!
Every Sunday (beginning June 1st, 2025)
4-7pm
PAY HERE OR IN PERSON
CASH OR VENMO
Please join us for a guys’ night out to paint or draw and to socialize. Artists of all skill levels are welcome from experienced artists to complete beginners. This will be an open studio where you are free to work on what you want, with no instruction. Bring your project or start one here. If you have art supplies, please bring them to use. If not, some supplies will be available to get you started. No oil paints please. Tables/flat surfaces and 4 easels will be provided. This is a new group with plans to meet the fourth Thursday evening of the month.
When: 4th Thursday of Month
(beginning May 22nd 2025)
Time: 6-8PM
Where: There Art Forge of Franklin
1117 Columbia Ave
RSVP halwri@gmail.com
Art Knights
Fluid Painting
This is a fun and interactive class for beginners to advanced skill levels. Each student will get individualized instruction.
The class begins with a short introduction to art and design principles that can be applied immediately to your painting.
All materials are supplied with your cost of registration. Paintings will need to be picked up about 72 hours after the class.
If you are looking to dive into the world of fluid abstract art this class is for you!
July 23rd
6pm-8pm
$85
*Registration can be used for ANY Sunday
Studying the Masters
Step into the luminous world of watercolor with artist Camden Jones in a hands-on workshop that explores the timeless brilliance of the medium through the eyes of masters like John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, and Winslow Homer.
Held at the inspiring creative hub, The Art Forge, in historic Franklin, Tennessee; this workshop is designed for artists of all levels who want to deepen their understanding of watercolor’s expressive potential. Over the course of each 2 hour workshop, Camden will guide participants through a dynamic blend of art history, design principles, and classic techniques that make a legendary artist iconic.
Whether you’re refining your watercolor voice or just beginning your journey, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn not only how—but why—these greats painted the way they did. Discover watercolor as both a technical pursuit and a soulful art form. You will have the opportunity to create your own master-copy study and receive one–on–one feedback from Camden in a supportive, creative environment.
All supplies will be provided.
Dates: June 27th & July 18th
Time: 6-8pm
Cost: $75
Location: The Art Forge, 1117 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN
Instructor: Camden Jones
Spots are limited — reserve yours today!
Expressive Florals with Joan Wilkes
Loosen up your acrylic floral paintings with this revolutionary technique! Interacting with a freeform underlayer takes you away from rigid realism toward an expressionistic feel all your own.
No experience needed; all materials provided (including 10x20 canvas). This 4-hour class with no more than 6 students allows for relaxed group instruction in a private setting.
Wednesday, July 9
10am-2pm
$75
Introduction to Suminagashi Marbling
Instructor: Kelsey Horn
This workshop will introduce students to one of the oldest forms of marbling suminagashi. Materials, process, uses, and history of the practice will be introduced while students get to enjoy making their own creations. One can think of this class as an introduction to the larger field of book arts, and the marbled productions can be used for printing or bookbinding.
When: June 23rd 6-7pm
Where: Art Forge of Franklin
Cost: $75
Modern Textured Art
Bring movement and minimalism together in this texture class.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore new possibilities.
Nancy Deckant will guide you through various techniques for creating depth and dimension. Master the use of white media to create visually striking compositions. Participants will receive all of the instruction and materials they need to create up to three beautiful 12x12” sculptural art pieces, ready for framing.
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Develop an Eye for Composition and Balance: Learn how to arrange elements harmoniously to create balanced and aesthetically pleasing artworks.
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Experiment with Tools: Use different tools to achieve your desired textural effects, bringing your minimalist vision to life.
What's Provided
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Three (3) 12"x12"x5/8" stretched canvas
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32 oz container of white media
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Access to the instructor's trowels and tools
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Latex gloves
What to Bring to Class
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An apron to protect your clothes
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A water bucket wide enough to soak your tools. Best if rectangular like this
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Bring a trowel If you have one: My Favorite
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Bring cake scrapers if you have them: Amazon Link
Date: July TBD
Location The Art Forge: 1117 Columbia Ave C, Franklin, TN
Cost: TBD
Email ndeckant@gmail.com for more details.
ART SMART KIDS Founder Melissa Laskaris
Melissa has been involved in all things art all of her adult life. She studied art education at The University of Tennessee – Martin and has a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in art education. She began her teaching career in the art classroom in the suburbs of Memphis in the late 1990s. During this time, she earned a teaching license with a K-12 art endorsement. She has worked professionally teaching students from preschool to college level. She also holds a Master of Architecture degree and spent years designing hospitals with an amazing firm in the Nashville area.
After leaving the professional world of architecture, she became as a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids (her favorite job yet). As her kids were growing, she become ready to step back into art on a more full-time level. Over the past seven years, she has enjoyed stepping back into one of her favorite roles as educator. She started Art Smart Kids from her home and has loved sharing her love of art with a whole new group of creative learners as her business has grown. She now offers classes, camps, and custom commissions for ages 2-adult.
CLICK ON CLASS TO LEARN MORE
Groups/Parties
Perfect for Birthday Parties, Corporate Team Building, Bachelorette Parties, and more!
You can choose from Instructed Classes where we provide an Instructor and Supplies to Non-Instructed where you provide your own supplies and craft project. Art Forge always has extra supplies on hand too!
Group Hourly Rates include up to 12 Participants with $10/hr for additional participants.
Please call us at 615-669-6289 or email theartforgefranklin@gmail.com to schedule your time!
Walk-Ins Hourly Pass
Not looking for a membership but just want a workspace you can be messy in for a few hours? We got you covered! Please call us at 615-669-6289 or email theartforgefranklin@gmail.com to get your door access code and instructions.
LOCATION:
Meet our All Abilities Art Instructors
KATIE
My name is Katie and I am so excited to be apart of creating a safe and fun place for all people! I have worked in the field of special education for 3 1/2 years and have also worked in a clinical setting providing services to children with autism. I have loved every second of it and hope to continue my career in the field ! A little bit about me, I love to spend my time reading and spending time with my pets and with my family!
BETHANY
Hi everyone, I’m Bethany! I have a passion for creating hands-on educational spaces for people of all ages. Starting out in the field of agricultural education, I transitioned to working in community-based programming and curriculum development. I focus on kinesthetic learning approaches & developing life skills in my students. I love working outside, cooking for friends, and making music!
Painting Instructors
SAMM
Born in Columbus, OH Samm Musick shared a love of art with his late Father and Art collector Ron Musick. Samm's passion for theater and music combined with a love for travel have angled Samm to study art and architecture in Europe, Asia, The Middle East, Australia and The Americas.
Samm studied art at O'More College of Design while studying Interior Design.
Class Instructors
CAMDEN
Camden Jones is a dedicated artist with a Master of Arts degree and a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. His work is grounded in a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and quiet, often-overlooked moments. Whether painting en plein air or observing the subtle movement of wildlife, Camden brings a sense of honesty to every brushstroke.
In addition to his studio and fieldwork, Camden has a genuine heart for teaching. With patience, encouragement, and a love for the craft, he creates a welcoming space where students of all levels can explore and thrive.
Camden creates with thoughtful expression—believing that feeling the wind, hearing the birds, and watching the light shift add something irreplaceable to his work. Through his art and teaching, he aims to share his curiosity while helping others find their own creative voice.
LORRIE
KELSEY
Lorrie Fowler is a Nashville-based painter, specializing in large abstract statement pieces that captivate viewers with their unique movement, texture, and detail. She creates works of art by combining the fluid motion of paints with gravity, air pressure, and a bit of fire.She often draws inspiration from both nature and her relationship with Jesus, combining these inspirations to create beautiful pieces that evoke a sense of peace in those who view them. Along with painting, teaching has always been a passion of Lorrie’s and her mission is to spark creativity in others. She wants everyone to know that they are designed to be creative and fluid art is a great way to tap into that creativity!
Kelsey Horn is an artist and historian who started calling Middle Tennessee home in 2023. She has earned an MA in Public History and a graduate certificate in book arts. Kelsey’s art mediums include printmaking, papermaking, painting, and bookbinding.