by Bailey Basham, Messenger Staff Writer

Over the last few months, the Franklin-Pearson house has undergone an artful transformation. On Thursday, Oct. 28, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will make things official — the Firefly Gallery will open its doors and join the ranks of local organizations sharing art with the community.

Owner of the Firefly Gallery, Rachel Thompson, said artistic expression is in her nature at the deepest level, and her connections to Cowan and Sewanee run just as deep.

“My mother was from Cowan, and my father attended the University of the South. Southern hospitality infused my upbringing, and I have fond memories of my grandmother, Maude Caperton, welcoming friends and family to her home with generosity, where there was always plenty of good food and love,” Thompson said. “Although Florida has been my primary residence most of my adult life, in recent years, [family roots have called me to the Mountain].”

Thompson bought the Franklin-Pearson house, known in the community as a beloved railroad hotel, in December 2020. Since then, she has spent much of her time renovating the building, preparing its walls to host works created by local artists.

“For the last several months the renovation of Franklin House has absorbed most of my time and focus. My next project is to transform what was the old barber shop into a working studio. This fall and winter, I will be working on a large horse triptych and a shepherdess holding a lamb. The regional beauty beckons me to paint some landscapes as well.”

One of those local artists, Ed Carlos, will have work exhibited at the gallery through Jan. 15, 2022. Thompson said she has long been inspired by Carlos’ work, in addition to nature and her own spirituality.

“I am also an aesthete and hope to contribute to making the world a more beautiful place visually, emotionally and spiritually. According to the Judaic concept of Tikkun Olam, everyone has their part to play in repairing the world,” Thompson said. “I believe that I was preconceived as an artist and that it is in our primordial DNA to create. Artists have a way of seeing the world uniquely and in doing so opening the eyes of others.”

The ribbon cutting will begin at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28. Thompson extends a warm welcome to all. For more information about the gallery or to inquire about booking the building for special events, contact the general manager, Tom Buck at (931) 313-5930. Firefly Gallery is located at 108 Cumberland St., Cowan.