The artists running Limberlost Gallery in downtown Franklin exude a lyrical quality. It is in their voices as they key off each other’s thoughts. It is in their eyes as they turn to each other when asked about how they influence each other’s styles. And, it is in their work, as they turn soft earthy material into magical forms of art, each as distinctive in style as the artists are from each other. Lyrical, but complementary.
Limberlost will soon celebrate its first anniversary of operation as a Franklin pottery studio and gallery for three local artists: Julie Taylor, Sara Powell, and Annie Burrell. The formation of Limberlost in 2024 allowed all three potters to combine resources and have a larger, fully operational studio where they could pursue full-time artistic visions on a size and scale that they could not in their separate smaller, home studios. Prior to becoming full-time potters, Taylor was an elementary school teacher and Burrell was a college arts instructor. Powell was the only one of the three working as a professional potter, primarily selling items online.
Taylor explained that they had a sudden opportunity in early 2024, when a lease became available, to convert a storage space for law enforcement transport on Main Street into a whimsical workspace where dragons, owls, teacups, castles, and lanterns – made of clay and then fired – come alive under their skilled hands.
“We had a lot of family and friends come in and help, and we couldn’t have done it without them,” Taylor noted. Renovations involved updated lighting, built out display space, and added signage and murals to Franklin’s growing street art scene.
“It’s a pottery studio definitely for us,” said Taylor. “It’s also a gallery where we can display all the things we make back here, and also have a place for other people, our friends, family, and community, to sell their work, too.”
Visitors to the gallery can watch the resident potters daily working on new projects in the studio adjoining the shop. Each artist develops her own vision, whether it is for tea sets, tableware, sculptures, or myriad decorative arts. Final pieces are displayed for sale in the shop. At present, the Limberlost potters do not plan to offer classes, but noted the excellent opportunities available at Southwestern Community College [SCC] or the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center.
Connection, creation, and togetherness
Reminiscing on the events that brought them together, Powell shared, “I had a small studio in my basement. I would go over to Julie’s a couple times a week to use her kiln and work in her studio a little bit.”
Burrell chimed in, “I had a studio in my basement and worked at SCC as a pottery instructor. And I was under contract until April [2024] and couldn’t come right away when it first opened.”
The three potters laughed in unison, thinking about the tighter quarters and constraints they had been under until the studio came together. Burrell summed it up, “But now I’m very happy. We all got out of our basements.”
Taylor emphasized, “Good lighting changes my mood… The camaraderie changes my whole mood. Creating with them makes me happier.”
Powell added, “This just makes me think bigger. My space was very small, and I didn’t realize the effect that was having on me, limiting what I could store or place on my shelves. Here it’s a new thing.”
Shaping a business
“We were very blessed that we had the equipment, which is probably the biggest investment. Annie had a kiln; I had a kiln. We each had our wheels,” remembered Taylor. Extruders, slabs, mills, and tables were also on hand. “The biggest expense was the gallery and display.”
Each potter focuses on distinct artistry.
“Our work is very different, which is why this works very well with each of our styles. We learn from each other, even though our styles are different,” reflected Taylor.
Powell added, “I gravitate to bright colors and I’m stepping my toes into sculpture, but Julie is way down the path on sculpture.”
“I like to mix wood in with my pottery pieces,” agreed Taylor.
“I took classes at SCC. My husband actually brought home four pottery wheels that he got at a school auction years ago, and said, ‘You need a hobby,’” Burrell explained on her origins in pottery. “I just heard about… SCC and started classes in 2006. I became involved with them since then, since it’s such a great program … wonderful instructors. I learned anything I wanted to learn. If I wanted to learn fire kiln, they taught me. Mixed glazes, they taught me.”
Taylor jumped in, “We all took classes with Annie. That’s where we all met.”
Looking ahead
Powell keeps up Limberlost’s social media sites.
“Sara is excellent at our social media. We would not have that presence if it were not for her,” said Taylor. She pointed out a social media presence has been the secret sauce for Limberlost’s first year of success.
Limberlost participates in The Streets of Franklin, Chamber of Commerce activities, the Visitor’s Center, and the Visit Smokies website.
When asked if Franklin could add more arts, Burrell said “It would be good for us. With potters, each person’s work is different. There’s no limit to what you can do with pottery.”
“I would love to see Franklin get more artsy, different kinds,” Taylor added. “That was my vision.
“It has been a joy so far. The community is so supportive and welcoming.”
Limberlost on Main Street in Franklin plans to celebrate its first year of operations in mid-June. Keep up with the resident artists and future events on Facebook and Instagram.