Owner/Artist Statement: Firefly Gallery is a junction for cross-pollination with the creative sojourner. It was brought to Rachel’s attention by a friend that the firefly is a symbol of illumination and creativity. As a child, Rachel collected fireflies in mason jars where her grandparents lived in downtown Cowan. She came across a card at Mooney’s in Sewanee by Nancy Dunn that said life should have more front porches and fireflies. That card planted the seed for the name Firefly, which now applies to her farmhouse, (available as a short-term rental through Air bnb & VRBO) and the creative spaces of the Franklin House. Firefly Gallery celebrates and elevates contemporary and environmental art and will double as a venue for galas and workshops.
As a child, Rachel collected fireflies in mason jars where her grandparents lived in downtown Cowan. She came across a card at Mooney’s in Sewanee by Nancy Dunn that said life should have more front porches and fireflies. That card planted the seed for the name Firefly, which now applies to her farmhouse, (available as a short-term rental through Air bnb & VRBO) and the creative spaces of the Franklin House. Firefly Gallery celebrates and elevates contemporary and environmental art and will double as a venue for galas and workshops.
The first fruits offering to the community is the Biblical Proportions exhibit by Edward Carlos. Over the last several years Rachel was drawn to visit Ed and his art at his IONA Sanctuary in Sewanee. She and Ed shared mystical and theological concepts and experiences, especially and including Judaic and Kaballistic. Ed is an iconic figure in the area. It is a mutual honor to combine his skillfully and soulfully executed Biblical Proportions Exhibit at Firefly Gallery. “Ed Carlos is a true visionary. In some respects I equate his willingness to share his work from the mountain with Moses. I hope the community will receive his gift with enthusiasm.”
Rachel Lynn Thompson,
Owner Franklin House and Firefly Gallery