Opportunities for Artists in Williamson County

Opportunities for Artists in Williamson County

Beyond its obvious beauty, art plays an important role in the cultural identity, economic growth, and personal well-being of our communities. While our neighbor, Music City, might get a lot of buzz for being an artistic hub, the whole of Williamson County, Tennessee is rich with talent and opportunity for artists of all kinds. 

Musicians, craftsmen, visual artists, and performers alike have the chance to be a part of creative programs, events, and exhibits all over the county. It’s for everyone: whether you consider yourself an art novice or a patron of the arts. If you’re an artist yourself, stay tuned to find out how to get involved with local circles, no matter your medium of choice. Here in Williamson County, you and your art have the opportunity to thrive!

The Arts Council of Williamson County

A huge catalyst of the artistic movement in our community is The Arts Council of Williamson County. The organization—established in 2006— is a non-profit that strives to bring the community together by providing access to the arts, with the ultimate goal of making Williamson County a cultural destination of artistic expression and diversity. Through their patronage, the service organization promotes and centralizes the local artistic community. 

If you’re passionate about local art, consider getting involved in the arts council by becoming a member, donor, or volunteer. 

Visual Artists

Are you a painter, sculptor, or mixed media artist looking to showcase your work? The first Friday of each month, the Arts Council hosts a free Art Crawl that weaves through Downtown Franklin and The Factory. This event takes place from 6-9 p.m. and celebrates local artists, giving them the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. Live music and refreshments are available throughout the venues.

For the opportunity to be a part of the crawl, the Arts Council invites local artists to join the council. Annual memberships for individual artists cost $35 and require a quick submission of contact information,  details of the art being displayed, and personal website information, given the artist has established an online platform. The council’s goal is to schedule each individual artist for 1-2 crawls per year, with the hope that the monthly event stays fresh and provides equal opportunities for all who are interested. 

Local places of business are also encouraged to partner with the council; for $100 annually, businesses can be a part of the crawl,  hosting artist exhibits. This provides the dual opportunity for small businesses to support the arts of Williamson County while also bringing potential customers through the door. 

Galleries

Separate from the Downtown Franklin Art Crawl, there are several galleries in the area that provide visual artists a chance to exhibit their work, while providing art lovers the regular opportunity to admire and purchase original and local works.

 Some well known galleries in Williamson County include Gallery 202, Stonebridge Art Gallery, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, The Copper Fox Gallery,  Southern Underground Gallery and Ward Galleries. Each of these unique spaces features visual artists of all mediums, preserving and celebrating Southern culture by showcasing the diversity of local, Tennessee talent. 

Gallery 202: 202 2nd Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064

Stonebridge Art Gallery: 230 Franklin Rd 11 CC, Franklin, TN 37064

Leiper’s Creek Gallery: 4144 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

The Copper Fox Gallery: 4136 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

Southern Underground Gallery: 4208 Old Hillsboro Rd Suite 6, Franklin, TN 37064

Ward Galleries (Three Locations): 91 Seaboard Ln #105, Brentwood, TN 37027, 420 Main St Franklin, TN 37604, 7240 Nolensville Rd #315, Nolensville, TN 37135

Artisans

Buying local, handmade goods is the best way to support the talented artisans of Williamson County. Among other beautiful crafts, find original woodwork, jewelry, soap, and pottery made by the hands of neighbors and friends! You can find these goods at local craft fairs and markets. The Factory Farmers Markets and The Franklin Farmers Market consistently host artisans, making it easy to find unique gifts and crafts all year round. 

Writers

Do you prefer the art of written word? Local authors also have opportunity to thrive here in Williamson County! Discover the talent of local writers through our libraries and bookshops.

The Williamson County Public Library provides visibility and resources for local writers, through displays, workshops, and partnerships. Alongside Williamson County, public libraries nationwide partner with The Indie Author Project, a publishing community that gives Independent Authors the opportunity to submit their work directly to local libraries, with the potential of further distribution. With the help of this partnership, libraries have the chance to engage with and support creatives within the community. 

Landmark Booksellers, Downtown Franklin’s beloved bookshop, also supports local authors by providing recognition alongside the opportunity to sell their books in store through the proper channels. Find Landmark’s directory of local authors here! 

Performance Artists

Take to the stage! The Williamson County Performing Arts Center at Academy Park (WCPAC) is a performing arts venue located in the very heart of Franklin. Managed by the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, the WCPAC strives to enrich, engage, and entertain the community through the showcasing of local talent in a comfortable yet professional environment. The premier space is available to rent for a variety of events. The Arts Center hosts concerts, dance recitals, theater productions, and other creative performances and workshops throughout the year. Find information on tickets and events here! 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation also boasts an award winning Children’s Theater program, providing wonderful opportunities for children to participate in theater classes, workshops, and local productions.

Supporting artists is a crucial part in the preservation of local beauty and culture. The programs, commissions, and businesses that keep the artistic heart alive within our community are vastly important. Whether you’re catching a show at the Williamson County Arts Center, perusing a painting exhibit on the first Friday of each month, spending the afternoon wandering the farmers market, or hunting for your next great read, we encourage you to appreciate local art in all its forms. 

If you’re an artist yourself, stay up to date on opportunities by becoming a member, donor, or volunteer for the Arts Council. Don’t miss out on local events and workshops! There are so many opportunities for your work to be seen and appreciated here in Williamson County, Tennessee. Whatever you create, remember that you’re a part of a larger picture of culture and craftmanship that greatly benefits your community!