Inside Johnson City’s Arts Scene: Meet Three Local Artists and Makers
Johnson City’s vibrant arts scene is a wellspring of creative inspiration. Meet local makers Carla Taylor, Brandon Franklin and Lacy Snapp as they reveal their crafts, share their stories and provide an insider’s perspective on the city’s artistic community.
In This Article
The Multimedia Artist
Carla Taylor’s work – which spans collage, printmaking and fiber arts – is a visual language for processing life’s experiences.
Currently showcasing her art at Fischman Gallery, Taylor says she remembers when the space first opened during the pandemic.
“I was ready to take the next step and share my work more publicly, and the Fischman Gallery offered exactly that: a space to showcase my work and to also curate shows for other artists as well. It became this meaningful bridge between where I was creatively and where I wanted to go,” Taylor says.
When it comes to Johnson City’s creative scene, Taylor notes that new opportunities are emerging every day. Early on in her own journey, Taylor took classes at East Tennessee State University.
“It gave me direction in techniques and mediums I wanted to pursue, as well as the skills and confidence to keep going,” she says.
Taylor finds the Local Artist Meetup newsletter to be another valuable resource for creatives.
“The newsletter keeps me informed about upcoming exhibitions, open calls and community gatherings. It helps me stay connected to what’s happening locally and gives me opportunities to meet and build relationships with other artists,” she says.
This sense of connection has shown her how accessible the local art scene truly is.
“There are so many artists and creative outlets here – it’s just a matter of stepping in and finding your place,” she says.
The Blacksmith
From being a maker at heart to becoming a contestant on Season 8 of “Forged in Fire” – a competition bladesmith show – Brandon Franklin has blazed his own path within the local blacksmithing scene.
Franklin says “Forged in Fire” inspired him to pick up the craft, leading him to connect with well-known bladesmith and judge Jason Knight after Knight relocated to East Tennessee.
“He started teaching me everything he knew, and then from there it just really blew up,” Franklin says.
While his 9 to 5 is in software development, Franklin continues to take custom knife orders and hold classes out of his workshop, with hopes to expand and connect with aspiring blacksmiths.
Regarding his journey, Franklin highlights that his deepest discovery – and one of the biggest benefits – was the ability to meet his clientele personally through community involvement.
“Being a part of your community is key,” Franklin says. “I would tell other aspiring artists to find events to go to and not be afraid to try new things.”
The Woodworker
As a literature professor at ETSU by day and a generational woodworker by night, Lacy Snapp’s creativity takes on many forms. Once apprenticing for her father’s company, Old Farm Reclaimed Lumber, Snapp was inspired to go out on her own with her love of reclaimed barn wood.
“I had a vision of wanting to make functional art as well as custom pieces, taking the foundation of skills he taught me to make contemporary art in my own style,” Snapp says about starting Luna’s Woodcraft in 2017.
Now, Snapp splits her time between working with wood and words and the intersectionality between the two.
“With both crafts, I am enamored with the natural world,” she says.
Snapp’s other roles – as a board member of the Johnson City Poets Collective and a curator of literary events – give her a clear view of Johnson City’s growing creative movement. She observes a kinetic interaction as venues – like The Philosopher’s House, a liberal arts tea house, and Lumber and Craft, a lumber retailer with workshops – provide new opportunities to create.
“The poet and Rambler Map maker Scott Honeycutt says that Johnson City is in the middle of the Johnson City Renaissance,” Snapp says.
Five Places to Meet Artists and Buy Unique Goods in Johnson City
“Made in Johnson City” has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? There are plenty of local artisans around town you can support when heading to these spaces.
Step into The Generalist, a dynamic community hub where creativity thrives. The shop features nearly 100 vendors, offering a unique collection of goods and a calendar of monthly events designed to help locals build deeper connections.
Atelier 133 is an established art destination, home to 14 studios, including the renowned Fischman Gallery. Beyond showcasing new artists with monthly installations, the Atelier offers classes in various mediums, inviting you to begin your own creative journey.
This Saturday market has brought the Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol communities together since 1976. From early May through October, you can shop produce and artisanal goods, like stained glass art and candles made with fresh flowers.
Local and regional artists showcase their work at this two-day market, bringing in thousands of travelers to Jonesborough. You can find anything, from pottery to screen-printed items, as well as a chance to hear directly from the makers.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Autumn Market & Craft Fair
Held each year in October at Gray’s Appalachian Fairgrounds, this is just one of many seasonal markets hosted by Blue Ridge Events that celebrates creativity, small business and community. Bring the whole family and begin adding homemade touches to your fall collection.
