TN Arts Commission Explores Franklin, TN

On Tuesday, March 6, the Commission held its spring quarterly meeting on the campus of O’More College of Design. Located close to downtown Franklin, the college offers graphic, interior and fashion design degrees and boasts a 91% job placement rate for graduates.

The centerpiece of the O’More campus, the Abbey Leix Mansion is the former residence of the college’s founder, Mrs. Eloise Pitts O’More. Built in 1866, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents a restrained version of the Italianate Revival style.

In the fall of 2018, O’More will join Belmont University’s creative arts program and relocate to the Belmont campus in Nashville. The Commission is very grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful O’More campus before their move. We would like to thank President Shari Fox and her team for hosting us and wish them the very best as they begin their new journey at Belmont.

After the meeting, the Commission visited the Franklin Heritage Foundation. As one of the nation’s most respected historic preservation societies, the Heritage Foundation works to save the architectural and cultural resources of Franklin and Williamson County.

The Commission toured the Foundation’s building known as the “old, old jail.” This renovated building features original steel doors and walls, barred windows and even a cell. The staircase is adorned with historic photographs and the walls tell the stories of infamous convicts. We are so grateful to CEO Bari Beasley, Director Kristy Williams and staff for the tour and presentation. We recommend to anyone visiting Franklin to make the Heritage Foundation a destination, to at very least, get your mug shot.