Groovy Print Strokes
650 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210
Tel: 931.486.4678
Meet The Team
Tye
Kenny
Hillary
Karen
Tim
Co-Founder, Designer, and Screen Printer
Tye Coleman
When I was seven years old, I drew a picture of a lion in the jungle on the back of a piece of paper I found in my mother’s closet. It was in orange and green crayon. I thought it was so cool. It turns out that piece of paper was my mom's high school diploma. I have been drawing, coloring, and creating ever since, and my mom is a saint of a woman. I did not even get a spanking.
I did not discover screen printing until my sophomore year at MTSU
(go Blue Raiders). I frequently tell anyone who will listen that if I had learned to print in high school, it would have saved me many hellish nights washing dishes, bussing tables, and cleaning floors at Steak and Ale Restaurant. The worst job I ever had,
but those memories to this day fuel my creativity and keep me inspired.
Once I discovered screen printing, the process, the flexibility, the colors—I will say that again, THE COLORS– I was hooked. As a college sophomore, the money I made from printing signs and my own tees on campus was sweet.
Graphics and screen printing have taken me to many places around the world. Early in my career, it gave me access to other schools like Parsons School of Design in New York City and designers like Milt Glazer and Massimo Vignelli. I was in NYC when screen-printed tees really took off as an industry. Fortunately for me, I happened to be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the surge.
Over the years and a gazillion prints later, I am still in love with the industry and art form. Today, printing has evolved into many different processes–direct-to-garment digital/traditional press combos, and transfer paper, just to name a few. The palette is broad, and access to creative elements is limitless thanks to the World Wide Web.
When it comes to creating and printing, I am still that kid in the candy store. Still getting my Groove on!!! Whether it’s paper, garments, textiles, or other substrates, I absolutely love it. How can we help you? Come take a class and join the fun.
Let's print magic!
Groovy Print Strokes is located at The FORGE in Nashville. When you walk into the building, your creative juices start flowing. It has an energy that I won't try to explain–you have to come and experience it for yourself.
Tye
Co-Founder-Activist
Kenny Cohan
" Every child is an artist; the problem is how do we remain an artist when we grow up? "
The first time I visited the Forge, I was impressed by its mission. As important, in time, it was clear that the facilities and the management were capable of accomplishing that mission.
Supporting the dreams of artisans and artists, whether trying to make it as a profession or as a hobbyist, is important, so I wanted to be involved. To be clear, I am neither an artist nor an artisan. I am one of the millions of people whose lives are made better by what they create.
I spent most of my adult life in the business world, often benefiting from the talent of artistic professionals. Though I admired their work, I, like many of us, thought deep inside of me was the soul and creativity of an artist, without the necessary tools or training. Wonderful images would invade my head, and then disappear because I had no way to record them... certainly a loss to be shared by me and the world.
After I retired, I got pulled back in–sound familiar? I started working with Tye, a talented artist focused on printed t-shirts and other products.
When Tye, my friend and business partner, suggested we create
"Groovy Print Strokes," I was intrigued - the idea of housing it at The Forge was a surprise. The Forge is for artists...Then, I thought of Bob Dylan's remarks when awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. He said while writing his songs, he never thought he was creating Literature. I never thought that in making cool t-shirts I was creating art.
"IT IS THE GOAL OF EVERY ARTIST TO CREATE A MASTERPIECE"
Think you can't paint? Or build? Groovy Strokes may be your opportunity to create your masterpiece. What is art? It informs...it provides joy and pleasure...... For the artist, it provides an outlet for expression, sometimes the satisfaction of knowing
they have brought a smile to someone's face, or make a living doing something they love, or have a challenging hobby. Maybe create a masterpiece. Maybe just have fun. If, like me, you have that piece of your soul waiting to express itself, come to The Forge and give Groovy Print Stokes a chance.
You cannot tell me that you haven't seen a graphic that you couldn't improve, or had an occasion you wanted to personalize by expressing your own vision. AND possibly, when you do visit, you will see my masterpiece
Kenny
Executive Program Director
Karen Elizabeth Scruggs Briscoe
Three decades in healthcare shaped my heart for service and led me to create Karen’s Nquisitive Korner (KNK)—a podcast dedicated to health education, meaningful conversation, and community connection. Through KNK, I inform, inspire, and empower others by addressing the social, physical, mental, and environmental aspects of health.
Five years later, that passion expanded into Karen’s Nquisitive Korner Cares (KNKCares), the nonprofit arm of KNK, where I serve as the Executive Program Director. KNKCares focuses on creating early opportunities for youth through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and real-world skill development—helping young people build confidence, discover their potential, and step into their future with purpose.
As a registered nurse, caring has always been at the core of who I am. After working across many areas of nursing, I now pull from every part of that experience to continue caring, educating, and giving back in new and meaningful ways—beyond the bedside.
My continuation of caring is rooted in service, pouring into others, and creating spaces where lives can be changed, voices can be heard, and opportunities can be created.
Whether through healthcare, media, or community initiatives, my mission remains the same: to serve, uplift, and make a lasting impact—one person, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.
Karen
Operations Manager
Tim Coleman
Tim is the operational backbone of Groovy Print Strokes (GPS), ensuring that every moving part of the business runs with precision and purpose. While operations are his foundation, the creative identity of GPS is equally shaped under his direction.
From the moment you step through the door, the look, feel, and atmosphere reflect his thoughtful choices in color, design, and detail.
A seasoned journeyman across multiple industries, Tim brings a wealth of experience that informs every product and program developed at GPS. His ability to translate diverse insights into meaningful, high-quality outcomes is a defining strength of the brand.
Beyond the work itself, Tim’s presence in the community plays a vital role in mentoring and inspiring young people. Having successfully navigated many of the same environments they come from, he connects with authenticity and purpose—offering both guidance and a living example of what’s possible.
Tim
Program Manager
Hillary Martin
Hillary Martin brings creativity, leadership, and a unique perspective to the team as Program Manager. With a background in art school and her current role as a history teacher at Republic Charter High School,
Hillary seamlessly blends her passion for art with education—bringing history to life through creativity, expression, and visual storytelling.
Art has always been a meaningful part of Hillary’s life, and she shares that passion through a variety of artistic styles, techniques, and explorations of color.
In her role as Program Manager, she helps shape engaging, hands-on experiences that allow youth to explore their creativity while building confidence and real-world skills.
Since joining the team, Hillary has been a powerful influence—introducing new ways for youth to think, create, and express themselves. She also has a natural ability to connect with teens, creating an environment where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to find their voice.