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
June 1st 4-7pm
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
Time: 6-8PM
Where: There Art Forge of Franklin
1117 Columbia Ave
RSVP halwri@gmail.com
Art Knights
Abstract Painting Workshop
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. Most paintings are completed and ready to be taken home after the class.
If you are looking to dive into the world of abstract art this class is for you!
May 21st
6-8pm
$100
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
Deco-Ceramics
Date: May 14th
6:30-8pm
Cost: $50/per class
Join us on May 14th for Deco-Ceramics, a fun and creative class where you'll learn how to transform plain plates into beautiful works of art using the decoupage technique. In this hands-on session, you'll explore the basics of decoupage—cutting, layering, and sealing decorative paper onto ceramic surfaces—to create unique, personalized designs.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a total beginner, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind plate and the skills to keep creating at home. All materials will be provided!
Group/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
BILL
Bill O’Hanlon has been playing guitar, piano and writing songs for over 50 years. In recent years, he’s gotten more serious about songwriting and routinely co-written more than 300 songs a year and has finished over 2,200 songs total.
Bill has gotten over 200 cuts of his songs with independent artists. He writes many different genres of music, from singer-songwriter to country to pop to rock to jazz and even some hip-hop, since his co-writers bring musical influences that aren't his main strengths or interests. He works with several writing/production teams for sync, including iDO and DOLL, with 14+ placements so far and hundreds of songs signed to sync agencies to date.
Bill was chosen as Songwriter of the Year in 2022 by SongTown, an online songwriting community.
Bill was formerly a psychotherapist and speaker, traveled throughout the world for 30+ years before putting his work online and staying put at home most of the time, and one of his books (Do One Thing Different) was featured on Oprah. He has given 3800+ talks all over the world.
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.