Kelsey Smith

Kelsey Smith, the owner of Hilo Studios, is a functional potter and artist native to Middle Tennessee. Kelsey is a lover of all art practices and helping people along their creative journeys. She graduated with her BFA in ceramics from Middle Tennessee State University in 2014. Since then, she has honed her passion for helping others create by teaching at several art education institutions including Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum, The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, and her own studio.

Kelsey Smith

Her work has been in a number of honorable shows and publications including Cummins Station Student exhibits, Bloom Stage; always greener, and Murfreesboro Magazine. After years of working as an art educator, Kelsey is currently creating functional ceramics full-time in her home studio and serves on the Rutherford Art Alliance Board. You can find her work at Church Street Gallery, Steadfast Flowers Urban Farm, and at https://www.hilostudios.co/

In The Studio 2022: Sculpture & 3d design

Join us each Thursday in the Studio as Discovery Center’s Artist in Residence, Kelsey, teaches us about all the fun and amazement of sculpture and 3-dimensional art! We have picked projects that explore sculpture in a new and exciting way for any child at any level, beginners welcome! Activities vary weekly and may include some outdoor exploration, inspiration gathering, and creating indoors in The Studio.

Not-A-Box February 3 – 24
All this month we will be using our favorite sculptural medium, cardboard!

Paper MARCH 3-31
We are taking this mostly thought of 2d medium and giving it a 3-dimensional life!

Try it out April 7 – 28
This month we are trying out some of our favorite sculptural mediums!

In The Studio 2021: Creativity & Printmaking

Calling creatives of ALL ages! Finding new ways to stay creative can be a challenge. Join us each Thursday at 10:00 am as Discovery Center’s Artist in Residence, Kelsey, teaches us about finding new ways to unleash and utilize our creative muscles. Each week we will dive into different techniques and skills using printmaking with a special focus on creativity. Activities vary weekly and may include some outdoor exploration, inspiration gathering, and creating indoors in The Studio.

Patterns Please! (March 11-April 1)
This month we will explore printmaking and creativity by exploring patterns in our artwork!

Eco-Friendly Printing (April 8th-29th)
This month we will be using all things recycled and sustainably sourced to explore our creativity through printmaking.

Altogether Now (May 6th-27th)
Building on the techniques and skills we learned in previous classes, join us to make uniquely wonderful works of art!

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Donation Requests

The Discovery Center supports local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions by donating admission passes. The standard donation is two admission passes valued at $24. Donation Requests are processed monthly, and it may take up to two months for a response depending on your requested event date. One request per organization will be considered per calendar year. Please keep in mind that while each request receives careful consideration, we regret that we are unable to accommodate all requests. All requests must be submitted through the form below. Please do not call, email or mail your requests. You will be emailed if your donation is approved. Donations will be emailed to the email address indicated below prior to the event. Organizations must meet the following guidelines to be considered:

  • Donation requests for charitable events must be in the middle Tennessee area.
  • Organizations benefiting children and education receive priority.
  • Fundraisers to benefit an individual or families are not generally honored.

Organization Information

Your Name(Required)
Organization Address(Required)

Event Information

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How will the donation be used?(Required)

By checking this box, I understand that the Discovery Center reserves the right to refuse any donation request upon their discretion. In the event the Discovery Center donates an item, it will be used strictly for charitable purposes through auctions, door prizes, raffles, etc.(Required)

Young Leaders Council Application

Please respond to each of the following questions in order to complete your 2025-2026 Discovery Center Young Leaders Council Member application. Each section must be completed fully in order for your application to be accepted. Please email Rachel Hooper at rhooper@explorethedcorg.dreamhosters.com with any questions. Thank you for your interest in Discovery Center's 2025-2026 Young Leaders Council! Applications are due June 15, 2025. Acceptance letters will go out by July 31, 2025.

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Gift Memberships

Give the Gift of Discovery
Gift Certificates must be redeemed at the Discovery Center front desk and should be treated like cash. Memberships become active once redeemed and remain valid for a full year.

Membership Benefits

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Sustaining Membership

$330 for 1 year

The Discovery BIG Family Fun Pack!

Membership Benefits

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Deluxe Membership

$170 for 1 year

The Discovery BIG Family Fun Pack!

Membership Benefits

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Discovery Membership

$140 for 1 year

Discovery fun for the whole family and a friend!

Membership Benefits

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One + One Plus Membership

$115 for 1 year

One + One PLUS One = Fun for Three!

Membership Benefits

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One + One Membership

$90 for 1 year

One + One = Fun for Two

Membership Benefits

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Counselor in Training Volunteer Application

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is seeking reliable, upbeat and positive youth ages 14 - 17 as summer day camp Counselors in Training (CIT) assisting counselors and educators with children in grades K – 6. CITs will assist day camp counselors and educators in delivering age-appropriate activities and crafts and may assist Discovery Center education staff with programming focused on nature, animals, science and design.

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Summer General Availability


Please select which weeks you are available during the summer. Make sure to check your family calendar before selecting. We ask that you are available to assist each day during the selected week.

Camps
Camp themes are listed next to each week. Please consider this when making your selection(s).
Camp Times
All Camps are from 9:00-4:00 Monday- Friday. We ask that you are able to arrive early and stay after to set-up for the next day. By checking the box below, you agree to this time slot.
Availability
When signing up for Camps, please note your available days.
Please list some of your hobbies/interests/activities that you feel would be valuable for the camp selection(s) you have made.

Parent or Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Name*
Please include name, email, and phone number.
If there are learning, behavioral or medical issues (such as allergies) you feel we should be aware of, please list and explain. Also please let us know if your child has any special dietary requirements. Enter none if there is nothing to note.
Consent*