I began drawing early in my life. It was my way of learning about the world around and within me. My mother’s side of the family greatly valued art. My grandmother was a poet. She included several of my early (age 9) drawings in her book of poetry, titled, “Come With Me’. My grandmother’s sister, Mathilda, was an early Impressionist artist whose paintings were shown in Paris. My mother suffered a severe nervous breakdown at the early age of 19, long before I was born. She used drawing and painting to heal herself. My dad’s side of the family did not express themselves through art but my dad always encouraged me to pursue what I love.

While many people say, they are not creative, I firmly believe that every baby is born with a “Creative Seed” deep within their hearts. You may love music or dance or making things with your hands or drawing or writing poetry. The Creative Seed is invisible. No one can see it, but it is there. You are the one who must nourish the Creative Seed within you and when you do, life opens up.  Every seed (apple, fig, strawberry, pine tree, etc.) needs four things to grow: 1) Sunshine, 2) nutritious soil, 3) air and 4) water. If I tell you to stand in the sun for 5 hours and eat dirt - you’ll know this is a joke - so I’ll employ a metaphor for these four things you must do to grow and blossom the Creative Seed within you. #1) Sunshine = Love yourself and others, #2) Nutritious Soil = Think Critically (get evidence for what you believe is going on) and Think Creatively (be open to the AHA! of learning from your mistakes), #3) Air = Breathe deep, relax and slow down several times a day. And #4) Water = Practice. Practice ten minutes every day whatever creativity you feel is in your heart. You may have great talent but it goes nowhere if you do not practice!

I taught Art and Special Education for 18 years in the Vista Unified School District to middle and high school students. Prior to this I taught drawing and painting to a wide variety of people from university students, teachers and therapists, to jail inmates, people in homeless shelters, people with developmental disabilities, people with AIDS, PTSD, cancer, people in recovery from drugs and alcohol. All people have a story and all people benefit from the opportunity to express their story creatively.

To check our Heather's Workshop go to the Attend a Workshop page

As a child, I cherished the moments spent with my grandmother, who introduced me to crafting. With no children my age around, I did what she did, and she crocheted. I was able to crochet before I could even read or write! The afghan I created during those extended stays with my grandmother, though a bit wonky as you would expect from a five-year-old, holds a special place in my heart. 

I can still remember hearing my grandmother on the phone tell my mom that I was "good at picking my colors." I remember the pride and joy of doing something that pleased my grandmother.
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I embarked on a self-learning journey, mastering more than just a granny square. I delved into the art of knitting and honed my sewing skills in my home economics class in junior high school. The memory of the blue velveteen shift dress I crafted still fills me with pride and accomplishment.

As a teen and young adult, I often sought solace in my hobbies. I always had a needle and thread at hand. It became my anchor, offering comfort amidst the chaos of family life, knowing that I could create something that was not only pretty to look at but useful.
While I could never get formal training in the arts, I kept crocheting, knitting, and learning other fiber arts. I used that time and practice as my meditation. It also helped increase my income, as I could occasionally sell some creations.

Over the years, I taught myself to do everything I could with a needle and thread. This included tatting, embroidery, or what they now call slow stitching, and jewelry making. I've made many custom wedding gowns and ice skating outfits for competitions. I've also designed swimsuits for many of the early breast cancer survivors to cover scars and help hide the fact of missing breasts.

After retirement, I joined The Artisan Depot Gallery in Cowan, TN. While I never considered myself an artist, I did know how to use Facebook to market and advertise our events and show dates. As a volunteer, I took on the role of PR person. I began attending the Wednesday Morning group we call Art Wednesday to gather information about events and things happening at the Gallery to post on Facebook. Everyone was so willing to share knowledge about their different art forms. I have learned so much from all these knowledgeable artist in these gatherings, which increased my confidence. Because of those Wednesday morning gatherings I've lost all fear of trying new things.

During the summer of 2020, I had my own scare of breast cancer. I had surgery, chemo, and a couple of hospital stays. Because of lockdown, I had to do all that alone since they would not allow anyone in the hospital or treatment center with me. It was a scary time. 

I used what I had learned about meditation and my strong faith in a God who cares to help me stay calm and focused during that time. My faith provided me with the strength and hope I needed to endure the treatments and the isolation, and planning new crafting projects gave me something else to focus on. 

I had always wanted to learn the skill of free-motion machine stitching. So, on the days I was too sick to get out of bed, I lay on my back staring at the ceiling and envisioned myself doing this art form. When I could sit up without being sick, I watched YouTube videos. I imagined myself doing what I saw them do in the videos.

When I was finally well enough to sit at a sewing machine, I practiced this new art form. It was amazing how easy it was to do after practicing all those hours in my imagination. Free-motion machine stitching is now my preferred art form. 

You can see some of my free-motion machine-stitched creations at the Artisan Depot Gallery. Lately, I've been busy making purses and vessels from paper and fabric, and I have some of my creations there. I hope to see you soon. 
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Please visit us at the Gallery on any Art Wednesday we're there from 10-12, or attend one of our workshops, it could be good for your mental health.

PS I just got my 41/2 year checkup and I'm still free of cancer and pretty healthy, so there is lots of hope not just for me but for all those that must deal with this dreaded and hateful disease. I'm doing my happy dance.

10 TIPS ON PROMOTING YOUR ART & BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL
ARTIST.
Promoting art and achieving success in sales involves a combination of
strategies, marketing techniques, and community engagement. Here are
some effective methods for artists to promote their work and enhance their
selling prospects:
1. Build an Online Presence

•  Create an Art Website: Promote your art.
•  Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to

share your art and processes. Engage with followers and use relevant
hashtags to reach a wider audience.

•  Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters about new

works and exhibitions.
2. Networking

•  Art Communities: Join local and online art communities to connect with other

artists and potential buyers. Collaborate on projects, attend workshops, or
participate in discussions.

•  Art Shows and Exhibitions: Attend galleries, fairs, and exhibitions to meet

potential buyers and other artists. Showcasing work at these events increases
visibility.
3. Engage with Your Audience

•  Storytelling: Share the story behind your creations. People often connect

more with art when they understand the artist's inspiration and processes.
4. Professional Development

•  Take workshops and courses to improve your artistic and business skills,

including marketing, branding, and finance.
5. Participate in Competitions and Awards

•  Entering art competitions can provide exposure and recognition, potentially

leading to sales opportunities and gallery representation.
6. Collect and Showcase Testimonials

•  Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or testimonials that you can

display on your website or social media.
7. Attend Workshops and Artist Talks

•  Engage with audiences by attending or hosting art-related events. Sharing

your knowledge can position you as an authority in your field.
8. Love what you do!

•   Surround yourself with people that will support you and encourage your progress. Find that group! Join us at Art Wednesday!

Dear Friends, did you know that there are many ways to support The Depot Gallery, and many of them will cost you nothing but a few moments of your time. 

1. Become a member for $30. Membership Page
2. Show your art for $10 a month (Wow what a deal!)
3. Teach Art Workshops (You get to do something you love and make a little extra money.)
4. Attend a workshop (This is fun learning time.)
5. Make a donation  (You'll be glad you did.)
6. Place on bid on a piece of art in our Silent Auction Silent Auction Preview (You get a great peice of handcrafted art and help a person all art the same time. What a deal!)

Now for the things you can do that cost nothing but some time!

1. Volunteer to work a day in the Gallery (we will train you)
2. Attend a Gallery Reception and invite friends! (Especially if you have a piece of art in the show! It's your time to shine!)
3. Help a day or just a few hours with our children's art program September 21st & 22nd (This will be fun for you and for them.)

Now for the really easy stuff!

1. Subscribe to our newsletter and share it with your friends. (You'll know all the happenings at the Gallery)
2. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instragram (You can also find us on X.)
3. Share and like our posts (so easy!)
4. Comment on our post. (If you see something you like say so.)

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at [email protected] and put "question" in the Subject line.  Or just drop by the gallery on any open day and check out what's happening. We are open Thursday - Sunday, 12 - 5 pm, or you can come to visit us on Art Wednesday,10 - 12 bring a project to work on, or just chat and get to know some of the artists. We'd love to get to know you. 

​Is something holding you back from expressing your creative talents? Everyone can sometimes feel a bit blocked or hesitant when it comes to expressing their creativity. Here are some tips to help get your creative mojo flowing:

Set Aside Dedicated Time: Schedule regular time for creativity, treating it as an important appointment for yourself.

Change Your Environment: A new setting can inspire new ideas. Try working in a different room, a café, or even outdoors.

Keep a Journal: Write down thoughts, ideas, and experiences. You can even doodle, sketch, or jot down random words.

Limit Your Resources: Sometimes, having too many options can be overwhelming. Restrict yourself to certain tools or materials.

Try New Things: Experiment with different mediums or styles. If you’re a writer, try painting; if you’re a painter, try photography.

Engage with Other Art Forms: Attend a concert, visit an art gallery, or read poetry. Exposure to other creative forms can ignite your own creativity.

Collaborate with Others: Working with someone else can lead to new ideas and perspectives. Find a buddy to brainstorm or create with.

Allow Imperfection: Give yourself permission to create without the pressure of being perfect. Embrace mistakes as part of the process.

Use Prompts: Creative prompts can stimulate your imagination. Use writing prompts, drawing challenges, or even random word generators.

Take Breaks: Sometimes stepping away from your work can help. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in another activity to clear your mind.

Reflect on Your Motivations: Consider why you want to create. Reconnecting with your passion can reignite your creative spark.

Practice Mindfulness: Being present can help you become more aware of your thoughts and ideas. Consider meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

Limit Screen Time: Too much social media or digital distractions can stifle creativity. Set boundaries to help refocus your mind.

Read or Watch Inspirational Material: Surround yourself with creative energy by consuming books, films, or courses that inspire you.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements in your creative journey to build confidence.
​
Experiment with these tips and see which ones resonate with you. Creativity is a personal journey, so find the methods that best ignite your passion!

My artistic journey has been a winding path that has taken me from my childhood home in Santa Fe, New Mexico to various locations across the country.

My wonderful and creative mother introduced me to sewing at a young age, teaching me how to use an antique treadle Singer sewing machine to make my own doll clothes. Money was stretched thin in our family, but my mother was quite crafty and made me a two story doll house from a card board box, filled with furniture and people. I loved it and it still brings precious memories when I think of it. As I grew older I discovered I enjoyed drawing, painting and creating things from discarded objects.
  
In my early 20’s I hopped on a bus and moved to San Jose, CA where I knew no one, but had decided I would become involved with the Rosicrucians, a metaphysical organization who were based there. I continued to paint and craft and a few years after became involved with the art community there. Getting accepted by my first gallery  gave me a boost and a sense of confidence in my creative abilities that I hadn’t had before. I enrolled at San Jose City College and explored many art mediums.

I discovered a love for abstract art and silk screen printing or serigraphy. In 1985 I returned to my hometown of Santa Fe after 15 years and embarked on another creative path, painting Southwest style images on furniture and pottery lamps for Foreign Traders. Some of those pieces were sold to celebrities. That was a rewarding experience and opened the door for me to create my own line of Santo (religious icons) ornaments, prints and cards that I sold to shops in New Mexico and other areas of the country, including the Smithsonian Institute. 
​
In 2000 my husband Jim and I moved to Winchester, TN and I soon discovered the Franklin County Arts Guild and have been involved with them for two decades now. It has been wonderful to find a community of fellow artists who share my passion and have provided support through various activities and events all these years. I have worn many hats with this organization, including a stint as gallery coordinator but my favorite one is helping to promote our Guild and Artisan Depot Gallery’s talented local artists. The most important lesson I have learned in my creative path is how essential it is to network, find and support your art community.

We are a co-operative gallery featuring fine art & craft from regional artists. The Artisan Depot Gallery, a Franklin County Arts Guild project, is a place to discover and display art and a hub for education, enlightening our visitors and inspiring them about the World of Arts.
The Franklin County Arts Guild promotes artists and craftspeople through The Artisan Depot Gallery, scholarships, education, and community programs. Becoming a member gives you the invaluable opportunity to showcase your work in our Gallery. ​​

​Hi, my name is Denise Brislin and I’m a stained glass artist who dabbles in all forms of glass art, from mosaics, wind chimes, jewelry, suncatchers to large glass panels.
 
Someone recently asked me why my art is important. Well, I don’t consider my art work “important” in the literal sense of the word. But it is significant to me, for my wellbeing and survival. Thirty plus years ago I was at a crossroad in my life and was introduced to stained glass. It’s infinite beauty touched my core. It brought me to a peaceful place where I could explore, be insightful, create and be rejoiceful all at one time. It became cathartic. This was an amazing discovery for me!  My childhood did not cultivate creativity, it was quite the opposite. What an awakening to find out I can create something beautiful with glass!!!
 
I have maintained that you can never create an ugly piece of stained glass. It’s just impossible. The piece may have flaws but the glass is totally forgiving. The glass has a life and vitality of it’s own. It sparkles, shines, changes color with the changing of light. It casts colors and shapes beyond its framed boundaries to create its own image. It lives outside the shape you created. That totally pleases me. So, you see, you can never create an ugly piece.
 
My creations are just as unique as anyone else’s just by the pure perfection of the glass. I create what sparks me in that moment, a specific pattern or piece of glass speaks to me. Some artists are blessed with the gift to draw and make their own patterns. I’m not one of them but the glass itself makes each piece unique because no two are alike. You can use the same pattern over again with totally different results. Curves, textures, colors, arrangement, lighting all have an unparalleled effect on each piece you create. Again, you can’t make an ugly piece.
 
So why am I telling you all this…well, because anyone can learn to work with stained glass. I have a passion for teaching. I love to see the moment when someone becomes aware of new understanding and insight. They illuminate, a smile appears, a twinkle is born in their eyes and a sense of calm overcomes them. Then you see excitement, the concept of possibilities overtakes them and they’re off! Having the pleasure and privilege of witnessing that miracle is mind blowing for me. I have chased it my whole life, as a mother, a nurse and a teacher.
 
I have recently retired but I still love to teach and  believe in being a life-long learner. It’s true, you are never too old to learn something new. After 30+ years, each piece I create teaches me a new lesson. Sometimes a painful one, sometimes a reminder, but learning something new is exciting. Recently, I’ve become infatuated with fused glass. It’s staggering how melting glass can change your whole concept of glass works and talk about infinite possibilities! Which brings us to the rest of my story.
 
I belong to an extraordinary gallery full of marvelous artists and teachers in Cowan TN. We believe in the importance of preserving and introducing art for our community and schools through learning, community shows and events. Together we developed a plan to introduce fused glass classes into our gallery. Graciously, a glass kiln was purchased and set up in our kitchen. And since I was the catalyst for this endeavor, I began to study anything about fusing I could find. My learning curve was steep but it’s starting to level off towards soft rolling hills, which I like. As soon as my base confidence becomes more concrete I’ll begin teaching fused glass in addition to stained glass classes in the gallery.
 
Community outreach through classes provides a pathway to create new artists, cultivates a love of art and community bonding, especially for the younglings. Plus, I get to witness that miracle of enlightenment. So stayed tuned, more classes are heading your way. Learn a new craft, sharpen your skills, or just come to meet or be with friends…it’s all good.
 
In closing, through the gallery, I’ve found a wealth of friendship and inspiration. I’m very blessed to have found such a beautiful outlet for creativity I didn’t know existed until my later years in life. I’m also extremely grateful to have endless support and encouragement from my husband and family……To all, I thank you……

Mary Ann Morrison asked this question and we answered.
6/25/2024 04:37:25 pmI love the link to the Community Shows, and sent it to a friend. Could we have an explanation of the vision behind the titles or, as I told her, she could interpret however she wants.

I wish I could click on a link to send all of Intake Dates for the Community Shows to my Calendar. That would be very helpful for everyone, I think. I have no idea how that would even be done.

Also, could someone explain in the Workshop Section about Gel Prints, for what "variety of purposes" they are used?
​
​Pat answered

Thanks for the feedback, Mary. The themes for the Community Shows are guidelines, to open doors to your creativity. This month, the theme was "Things to Ride On," if you look at our Community Show page, you'll see that the possibilities for interpretation are endless and all different. It all depends on your chosen medium and your unique perspective on the subject. Even if it's an imaginary thing, you can ride on. Art is all about seeing things from your point of view and bringing that creation to life through your artwork.

I understand that our website builder doesn't have the feature to directly add the Community Calendar dates to your personal calendar. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but some things still require doing things the old-fashioned way, one at a time. However, you can take a screenshot of all the shows, print that out, and post it on your refrigerator. I hope this workaround is helpful and makes the process a bit easier for you.

Denise Miller's Gel Print class will not only provide you with ideas on how to use Gel Prints but also inspire you with her unique approach, that is part of her class. Denise and Nancy Wallace will be presenting many of their gel prints in the Members Show starting July 5th at the Artisan Gallery in Cowan, TN. This is a great opportunity to see how they have used their unique ideas to create stunning gel prints and help generate ideas for you and others interested in this art form.
Hope this has been helpful.

 ​How can creative arts therapy promote healing? Creative arts therapy is used in treatment for a variety of conditions spanning mental health, cancer, stroke and more. The idea behind creative arts therapy is that artistic expression can help people to feel better and motivated to recover and address clinical needs such as reducing anxiety and blood pressure.
The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says making or even just seeing art can impact the brain. Whether it’s part of a creative arts therapy exercise, or something you experience in your everyday life, art can help:

• Increase serotonin levels.
• Increase blood flow to the part of the brain associated with pleasure.
• Foster new ways of thinking.
• Imagine a more hopeful future.

How is creative arts therapy used for mental health? In the 1940s, healthcare providers noticed that people with mental illness would express themselves through art. This observation inspired the use of creative arts therapy as a healing technique for conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia and dementia.
Creative arts therapy is used to help treat mental health conditions because it can improve focus, assist with processing emotions, improve communication and increase self-esteem.

 2024-2025 slate of officers just elected on June 19.  Officers are:
Pippa Browne President
Mary Ann Morrison, Vice President
Margie Gallagher, Secretary
Denise Miller, Treasurer
Pat Richards Bishop & Frances Perea, Public Relations
Board and Gallery meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month 9-10 am ​unless otherwise stated. Zoom meet link is provided by Pippa Brown. 

MarthaLee McCarthy photographic show “52Frames will open July 6th at the Artisan Depot in Cowan TN sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Guild.  McCarthy has enjoyed capturing life’s images since she was young. Inspired by her dad’s love of photography, she signed up for a darkroom class as a sophomore in college and became hooked on what would turn out to be a life-long passion.....Read More ​

A special event became a part of the Third Friday Reception for three arts shows at the Artisan Depot Gallery last week.  Mark Ledbetter, the Mayor of Cowan, announced that the Pollinator Garden just outside the gallery featuring its “Art Lives Here” mural by Karen Ingle is now certified and registered as an official Monarch Way Station by the Monarch Watch Organization (www.monarchwatch.org).  The event also included music by Cara Kitzrow.

The Pollinator Garden was originally established by long time gardener Alida Morgan who lead the rehabilitation and planting of the grounds around a pass-through pedestrian walkway between buildings in Cowan.  Over time it has become a pollinator haven for many species of bees, friendly wasps, and butterflies.  After two years of Monarch butterflies sightings the gardeners (also gallery artists) decided to create a Monarch Way Station.  Any garden can become a waystation by taking some very deliberate steps to support monarchs. Monarchs require plants that supply nectar for the adults as well as plants for laying eggs and nurturing monarch caterpillars through spring and summer. Adult monarch are not particular about nectar sources.  High-energy nectar sources include: almond verbena, basil, bee balm, echinacea, fennel and many more. But monarch butterflies require the milkweed plant to lay eggs and to feed the resulting butterflies. 

​Luckily Tennessee has 14 native species of milkweed!  Additionally, to maintain the best plants for monarchs, the garden needs to have at least 6 hours of sun each day and soil should be low clay and have good drainage. Plantings need to be close together in places to provide shelter from predators and the elements.  The garden must also have places for butterflies to rest, to drink, and to dry their wings.  The Pollinator Garden has a butterfly house, a number of ceramic tower sculptures that provide places for them to get water and to rest.  The garden also has a herb garden to serve as a place for egg laying and caterpillar feeding for other butterflies. And no insecticides!
​
The Monarch Watch provides free milkweed seeds and assistance in creating monarch habitats for schools and educational non-profits  (see website above).  Our communities are invited to take a break in the Pollinator Garden and enjoy one of nature’s most dazzling creations. 

“The process of creating art allows me to play with yielding and yearning. One of my life’s lessons has been to yield and let go. I am growing into a new kind of yielding. One of a releasing into creation and connection, the Green. This is my yearning.
​
More important than the finished pieces, is the gladness creating art gives me. I invite you to share in my joy and I am full of gratitude for your presence.”

Tanya has been a life-long creative and artsy dabbler. She thrives surrounded by the natural world and the diverse human community. Tanya weaves images from nature and feminine figures into her art. Recently, her dog, Irie, has also become a subject. Primarily, Tanya paints with acrylics and in this show she experiments with mixed media. 

Love to recycle, reuse, re-purpose? We do too! And we want to see what you are making out of those recycled, reclaimed, reuse pieces of found goodies. Only requirement is that it must be a majority recycled items and you must be a member of Franklin County Arts Guild. Show will run from March 5 - April 26. Reception will be March 20th. All receptions will be on third Friday of each month.
Interested in becoming a member? ​

​SPECIAL Offer -VIP Tickets $40

• Early Bird Entrance. Party before the Party! Come in at 11:00 to sample a special beer and food pairing event hosted by a local chef. 
• VIP gift bag with VIP Bling 
• Bobbing for Beer (VIP Drawing- All VIPs win!)

2020 Community Shows
ALL RECEPTIONS WILL BE THE 3RD FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Community: Big (Piece MUST be at least 24") | January 16 - February 2
Intake| January 6 - January 8 (between 10am-2pm)  | Reception January 17 

Beertopia  | February 6 - March 29
Intake | January 30 - February 2 | Reception February 21

Earth Day | April 2 - May 31
Intake| March 26 -  March 29 | Reception April 17
​
Rainbow Connection | June 4 - July 26
Intake | May 28 -  - May 31 | Reception June 19

Snow Village by Diane Lamb

Attention all Gallery Members
Studio Tour December 7th & 8th
This was a great sales opportunity for all of our Gallery members that had art in this sale last year. The one complaint was there wasn't as much there as in years past.
Bring everything to Pippa Browne's Studio by Friday between 1:00-2:00 and you must come and picked any left over art by 4:00 on Sunday afternoon or make arrangements to have it picked up. We will set up everything and we have volunteers to do the sells you just need to get it there. Everything must be labeled and priced. We appreciate all our artist and this is an opportunity for you as an artist to get your art out there!  Let all your friends know about this!
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