Volunteer Spotlight: Frances Perea

Frances Perea was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her artistic interests began as a child, evolved into adulthood and continue to this day. In her early 20s, she moved to San Jose, CA, where she focused on developing her skills as an artist at San Jose City College. She became involved in the art community in San Jose and eventually was accepted into the El Gatito Gallery in Los Gatos, CA. In 1985, she returned to her hometown in Santa Fe and was hired by Foreign Traders to paint her designs on furniture, pottery and home décor items. One of her pieces was purchased by Bono from the band U2 and shipped to Ireland. 

Eventually Frances started a line of ornaments and prints with New Mexico religious icons and sold them through the Palace of the Governors, the International Folk Art Museum, the Smithsonian Institute,  Montez Gallery and many other shops and galleries throughout New Mexico and the USA.

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Art by Frances Perea. Copyrighted.

​In 2000, Frances and her husband moved to Winchester, TN. Soon thereafter, she became involved with the Franklin County Arts Guild and eventually the Artisan Depot. Her role with the Guild has included chairing fundraisers, public relations, gallery coordinator and other tasks. The Travelling Art in a Trunk was her conception; it remains a popular travelling venue that helps promote the Guild and Gallery at several events throughout the year. More recently, she has spearheaded the Artisan Depot’s Art Supply Corner and is very excited about the possibilities of making available reusable art materials and bringing in revenue to support the Guild and Gallery projects.

Frances' interests in art are diverse, but she most likes the art of collage in varied forms, mixed media, folk art and digital art. Her art is inspired by Latin American artists, most importantly the folk artists of Mexico; she considers Frida Kahlo her greatest Muse.

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​​The Franklin County Arts Guild operates the Artisan Depot located at 204 Cumberland St. East in Cowan, Tennessee. Gallery hours are noon to 5:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Click here for more information, like our Facebook page, or contact Diana Lamb at 931-308-4130.

Volunteers keep the Guild and the Artisan Depot running. If you have some time to be involved, please contact us here.

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