ART INVITES us into a space of creativity, purpose, self-expression, and fulfillment. Step into a world of originality, wonder, and diversity at the Franklin County Arts Guild’s exhibition space, the Artisan Depot. This haven for budding artists and experienced artisans is where the community can showcase and sell their masterpieces, attend workshops, and even pursue art education scholarships. It caters to various unique art expressions and consists of artists who use their unique cultural perspectives to create original art pieces.
The Franklin County Arts Guild’s gallery is not just for adults — children are also welcome and celebrated. This month, through July 30, the Artisan Depot is holding a special art show designed for kids, featuring art that entertains and inspires children to explore their creativity.
The Franklin County Arts Guild coordinator, Pippa Browne, said, “This show’s all about the children. When summer comes along, I feel like there needs to be a lot more of that kind of focus. So this particular show really is open to any interpretation with emphasis on children, whether it be something that an artist would feel will entertain children or illustrative elements that would be suitable for children.”
Browne said art is an area where young people can process the things happening in their lives. The artist said she believes that introducing the youth to art at a young age will help them to grow and develop support for their mental health. It is a fundamental part of child development that should be explored.
As an educator and writer, Browne has seen firsthand the significant impact self-expression through art has on young children. Browne has written children’s books and seen how important art exposure is for children dealing with difficulties.
“Kind of like art therapy, it doesn’t have to be organized; It’s just having the opportunity to go into an internal space and moving it into an external expression that does not necessarily have to be known by everybody, but it’s just seen.”
Originally from Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa, Browne moved to the United States with her husband and Shelbyville native. After she came to America, she showcased her artwork at cooperative galleries.
The artist moved to Memphis after being involved with the Fly Arts Center Organization and the Bedford County Arts Council in Shelbyville and exhibited her work at a cooperative gallery. Upon returning to Tennessee, she discovered the Artisan Depo in Franklin County, offering the cooperative gallery approach she was looking for.
To Browne, art is a means by which to process the world.
“I grew up with artists — a grandmother who did watercolor portraits and landscapes, and then my mother was an art teacher.”
As a descendant whose ancestors were artists, Browne said she had grown up in a home with only original artwork from the past.
The Arts Guild is full of inspiring art and artists who use art to express who they are and how they see the world. Community members are encouraged to allow their creative juices to flow and step into the Artisan Depot, an imaginative world full of creativity, wonder, and diversity. GN
