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.
If you don't find what you need, Michael's is about 10 minutes away!
All ages welcome
March 8th 1-4pm
March 30th 4-7pm
April 27th 4-7pm
Introduction to Suminagashi Marbling
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.
April 15th
6-8:30pm
$90 Per student
Instructor: Kelsey Horn
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!
April 30th
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: April 24th
6:30-8pm
Cost: $50/per class
Join us on April 24th 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!
FLUID PAINTING EXPERIENCE
Dates & Times: April 5th 2:30-4:30pm
Cost: $95/class
Have you been looking for a unique experience to do with your friends or for a date? Look no further, this Fluid Painting Experience is for you! You don’t need to have any artistic experience, and if you’ve said the words “I don’t have a creative bone in my body,” you’re going to learn that you do!
This is your invitation to join artist Lorrie Fowler for this Fluid Painting Experience. In this highly requested class, you’ll learn how to use a blowdryer and fluid acrylic paints to create beautiful movement and detail on your own paintings! All materials are included. Lorrie will be with you every step of the way as you discover a new way to be creative, have a blast with your friends, and walk away with 2 12”x12” original paintings on canvas you’ll be proud of.
Have you always wanted to learn to play guitar or write a song? These new classes taught by veteran songwriter Samm Musick will give you everything you need to begin the journey of becoming a successful and published songwriter! Take one or both classes and get started on your dream!
About the instructor Samm Musick:
Samm has enjoyed a successful career as a musician and music and video producer. Samm has won several awards for songwriting. He has acted and performed for companies such as ABC, NBC, PBS, CMT, and many others. He has had top 10, top 20 and top 30 hits on the Billboard charts and had his music placed in both Movies and Television.
PHONE: 615-669-6289
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
TRACI
Traci is a local artist and regularly featured at the Downtown Franklin Art Crawls. She has been creating with mixed media for years, specializing in large pieces that exude soothing and nurturing tones. In addition to creating professionally, Traci has a huge heart for holding space for others to heal through art. In 2022, her passion birthed The Nest (restorative) Art Spa which she facilitated at her beautiful downtown Franklin studio. She looks forward to holding space for you during her sessions that are now available at The Art Forge!
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.