The Factory Gallery

Rhiannon Guppy

Originally from Leicester, England, Rhiannon Guppy is an abstract artist who began her creative journey studying art, photography, and silversmithing in college. Her decade-long career in design concept and range planning for a global greeting card company honed her creative skills before she returned to her artistic roots. It was then that she rediscovered her passion for painting, particularly through the use of mixed materials.

Rhiannon’s life has been marked by exploration, having lived on two continents over the past 13 years with her husband, Steve, and their children, Bailey and Louis. In 2020, the family settled in Franklin, Tennessee, where the slower pace of life allowed Rhiannon to fully immerse herself in her art. This transition sparked a new phase of her artistic development as she explored a wide variety of techniques and mediums. This period of experimentation culminated in her current body of work: mixed-medium, abstract landscapes.

At the heart of Rhiannon’s work is a deep fascination with texture, minimal color palettes, bold strokes, and intricate details. While she works with a variety of materials: acrylics, inks, oil sticks, and charcoal, her preferred medium is watercolor. She is drawn to the fluidity and unpredictability of watercolor, as it allows for rich pigment and dynamic movement across the paper, a feature that resonates deeply with the themes she explores in her art.

In addition to her studio work, Rhiannon is an active contributor to the local arts community. She collaborates regularly with the Arts Council of Williamson County, participating in their monthly art crawls where she showcases her work. She also plays an integral role in organizing these events, overseeing social media efforts and managing artist placements for over 38 artists across various art crawls and month-long exhibits in Franklin.

Rhiannon’s current artistic journey is one of continual exploration. Her work delves into the realms of texture and movement, with many of her paintings resembling ethereal cloudscapes. These abstract compositions reflect her internal journey, with each piece weaving together layers of concepts and emotions into visually stunning and textured expressions. As she pushes her creative boundaries, she is incorporating new elements into her work, including embroidery details (look closely) and wording, adding another layer of depth and meaning to her collections.

Melody Jackson

Melody Jackson’s art is a vibrant reflection of her Alabama upbringing drawing from the small-town experiences of Ashland and Clay County. Raised with siblings in a rural setting, her early adventures in sense of gratitude deeply influenced her work.

Though art grew quietly alongside her love for crayons and order, Melody spent over 20 years in accounting and payroll before running a high-end gift shop for 17 years. Her artistic spark was reignited through weekly gatherings, led by oil Painter, Judy Hornsby, Jordan, fostering a supportive community of women artist.

After a 20-year break from painting oils, the 2020 pandemic inspired her to explore watercolors, embracing their unpredictability despite her natural inclination for order. Her subjects include Southern gardens, childhood memories, travels, and nature, often carrying personal and shared stories of hope, loss, and healing.

Technique for Melody involves experimentation, customizing brushes, and working on high-quality 300-pound watercolor paper. She credits persistence and learning from others for her growth. Her art resonates through familiar images like hummingbirds or poke salad, connecting with viewers’ own experiences.

Outside painting, Melody enjoys gardening, crocheting, and organizing. Recently retired from Auburn High School, she now dedicates herself fully to her art, often working late into the night.

For Melody, the greatest reward is when viewers see their own stories reflected in her paintings. “Art shows us where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how our stories are all intertwined,” she says. Her work is a heartfelt offering of her life and experiences to others.

Instagram @melodysart1959

Janvi Shivdasani

Janvi Shivdasani, the artist behind **Designs by Janvi**, was born in Mumbai, India, and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. With a background in industrial and jewelry design, I create dog-inspired art that focuses on Weimaraners and German shorthaired pointers, celebrating their beauty, strength, and loyalty.

My work includes framed stretched canvas prints and mixed media sculptures, which have been exhibited at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library and the Gardens of Cheekwood. I am excited to feature my art in the **Annual International Artists Expo** at the Centennial Art Center. My artistic style is influenced by my previous work with henna designs, blending traditional Indian patterns with contemporary aesthetics. Over the past decade, I have dedicated my art to giving back by supporting animal rescue efforts, and I am also developing a line of jewelry celebrating these beloved breeds, expanding **Designs by Janvi** into new creative directions while donating a portion of all sales to further support the well-being of both dogs and cats.

http://www.designbyjanvi.com

Facebook @Designs by Janvi

Instagram @shopdesignsbyjanvi