Greetings Friends in Arts and Culture ...

There is a lot to see and do in Franklin. To help spread the word, Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy for the Town of Franklin, has expanded and updated the Cultural District's IG presence. Visit our Instagram [@franklinculture] where Ms. Shea shares a daily update on all things arts and culture. Enjoy and follow.

Arts and Culture Happen in Franklin and beyond!

Weekly Artsy Box Update

As we look forward to seeing new public art go up, feel free to snap photos and share on your pages so others in town may see the progress. Many of the artists will be painting in the coming weeks and we are excited to see the diverse range of art and messages they are sharing.

This week's highlight is artist Fatima Wojohat. Fatima is a student at Dean College and is a newer Franklin resident. Her art raises awareness for the oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan. She hopes to bring a better understanding, build community and share hope with her art. Her artsy box designed titled "Paper Planes", features a young girl playing an instrument, representing wishes and dreams of playing music. Fatima's art has been shared internationally and hopes to continue creating conversations about change. 

We are grateful for the support of the MassCultural Council and the Town of Franklin, and assistance from the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

2023 Artist Recognition: The featured Artsy Box (above) is from last summer, 2023. It was created by Greyson Higgins and Ray Powers. The box is located on the Town Common on the Union Street side.

This Week in the Cultural District and Beyond

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

May 2024 Annual Reading Challenge!

May - A book by an author's whose first or last name begins with the letter "M"!

For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. If you complete all 12 months you will be entered in to win one of multiple grand prizes! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website HERE!

CONTACT: Bree Comeau  508-520-4941  bcomeau@minlib.net

Wednesday, May 1, 10:00am, Veterans Coffee Social at Franklin Senior Center. Select Senior IG page for more information about the Senior Center events. Located 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Wednesday, May 1, 10:30am Animal Tales for ages 2.5 to 5 years at Fairmount Fruit Farm. Ticketed event. Select Animal for information and ticketing. Fairmount located 885 Lincoln St.

Wednesday, May 1, 6:30pm Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting, at Franklin Senior Center. Featuring a painting demo with Dianne Panarelli Miller. Panarelli Miller is well known on the South Shore and is a signature member of the New England Plein Air Painters and has the distinguished honor to be awarded "Copley Master" at the Copley Society in Boston as well as a member of the Salmagundi Arts Club in New York. She is also a member of the Portrait Society of America and Oil Painters of America. Select FAA for information. Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. The Franklin Art Association is partially sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

Wednesday, May 1, Second Annual SAFE Coalition Gala, Lakeview Pavilion. Join us in celebrating the world of recovery! Dinner| Live Auction| Speakers| Keynote Speaker: Rob Ninkovich. Select SAFE for ticket purchase. Lakeview Pavilion, 45 Lakeview Rd., Foxborough, MA.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Thursday, May 2, 9:45am to 11:00am. Ladies Light Hike. Hiking is fantastic exercise as well as a great time to get some fresh air and explore new places.This Spring, consider joining the Ladies Light Hiking group through Lifelong Community Learning. There are two options, Thursdays starting May 2nd or Saturdays starting May 4th, both from 9:45 - 11:00 am for 6 weeks. Choose Ladies Hiking for information. Location: Varies weekly.

Thursday, May 2, 5:00pm, Board Game Nite at Pete's Nerd Emporium. Happening every Thursday in May. Bring your own game, or try something from our game library. Free admission, but tips to keep the library growing are greatly appreciated!

Select Pete's for more information. Located at 10 Main Street.

Thursday, May 2, 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Franklin LGBTQ Alliance at Franklin Public Library. Join us for a presentation on LGBTQ+ Royals in history and some musical bingo! Select LGBTQ for more information. The Library, 118 Main Street.

Thursday, May 2, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Candle Making at Greco Design. Just in time for Mother’s Day! Join us for a fun night out and make your own 8oz. candle. Melissa from Salt & Branch will teach you all you need to know about creating a beautiful non-toxic, soy candle. We'll be offering light bites and beverages as you work. Click here to book your spot (limited to 10). Select Greco for more information. Greco Design is located at 8 Main St.

Thursday, May 2, 9:00pm Live Music by Steven Fritzsche (Two for the Rode). Join us for a complimentary music event at the bar/lounge. Steven and Loren, from classic rock band Two for the Rode, bring an eclectic and extensive mix of jukebox favorites from the 50’s to present! Select 3 for information. Located at 461 West Central St.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Friday, May 3, 10:00am to 12:00pm Knitting at the Franklin Public Library. Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room.Select Library for information. Located 118 Main Street.

Friday, May 3, 9:00pm Live Music by Jack Cappadonna in the bar/lounge at 3 Restaurant. Jack Cappadonna has been performing as an actor and as a musician since he was 16 years old. Select 3 for more information. Located at 461 West Central Street.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Saturday, May 4, 9:00am to 2:30pm, Mah Jongg: Play All Day, First Universalist Society. Join us for a fun day of playing Mah Jongg!  Come alone or with friends. All levels are welcome, but some experience is required. Bring your 2024 NMJL card and $5 in change to play with. $30 fee includes door prizes and lunch. Coffee and mini muffins served if you arrive before play starts. Register by 4/24/2024. Select FUSF for information. Located at 262 Chestnut Street.

Saturday, May 4, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. Horace Mann Birthday Celebration. An annual tradition at the Franklin Historical Museum is a celebration of the birthday or Franklin-born

Horace Mann – a key figure in 19th century reform movements, including abolition, and as the architect of America’s public education movement. During our regular hours, we will be showing a short classic documentary about Horace Mann. FREE. The Museum is open to visit exhibits. Select Museum for additional information about this event. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Saturday, May 4, Fairmount Fruit Farm

10:30am to 11:00am Animal Tales, Ages 6 to 10 years. Ticketed event. Select Animal for ticketing.

6:00pm to 8:00pm Paint Night. Ticketed event. Enjoy an evening of painting and fun. Follow along for a watercolor cherry blossom painting - all materials provided, including water and complimentary apple cider donuts.

Select Fairmount for information and ticketing. Fairmount is located at 885 Lincoln Street.

Saturday, May 4, 11:00am to 2:00pm, Disability Expo 2024 at Franklin Senior Center. This expo will have numerous exhibitors set up at tables that you can visit in order to learn more about a variety of disability-related resources, activities, and support. FREE. Questions? Call Chairperson, Mary O'Neill at 508-440-1265. Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Saturday, May 4, 12:00pm to 11:00pm, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina Winery. Wine ... Food... Music. Mariachi Boston Guadalajara 7:30pm to 8:30pm. DJ Nefi Latin Music 8:30pm to 11:00pm. Select La Cantina for information. La Cantina Winery is located at 230 Cottage Street.

Saturday, May 4, 1:00pm Pen to Picture with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, at the Franklin Library. Join us in partnership with the Franklin Public Middle Schools as we welcome writer, illustrator, and graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka to Franklin! Hear all about his creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings too! Select Library for information. Event made possible by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council. Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Saturday, May 4, 6:00pm at the Historical Museum, Cinema 80 Silent Saturday film night. Featuring ... Wings, a 1927 WWI epic, and the first Oscar winner for Best Picture. A romantic action-war picture, starring Clara Bow, Paramount's biggest star at the time. The film was shot on location on a budget of $2 million (equivalent to $34.42 million in 2023) at Kelly Field in San Antonio. Hundreds of extras and some 300 pilots were involved in the filming, including pilots and planes of the United States Army Air Corps. Facilitated by Chris Leverone. FREE. All welcome. Select Museum for information. Located, 80 W. Central Street.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Sunday, May 5, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. James C. "Jim" Johnston, antique and appraisal business. Mr. Johnston will offer "on the spot" oral appraisals. $5 for the first appraisal and $3 for additional items up to a maximum of three for $11. The Museum is open to visit exhibits. FREE admission to the Museum. Select Museum for information. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Sunday, May 5, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Musical Bingo at Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub. Select Teddy for information. Located at 30 Main Street.

Sunday, May 5, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Book Talk and Presentation by Miriam Ornstein, Franklin Public Library. Sponsored by Temple Etz Chaim. Join us on May 5, the beginning of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), as Anna’s daughter, Miriam Ornstein, MD, reads selections from the book and provides an opportunity for discussion. Select Temple for more information. The Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Monday, May 6, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Dungeons and Dragons for Kids! at Franklin Library. Sign Ups are here! Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! Our first meeting is September 11th. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) CONTACT: Mitzi Gousie  15085204941  

mgousie@minlib.net. Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Tuesday, May 7, beginning at 6:00pm - 7:00pm Cocktails; 7:00pm to 8:30pm Class, Specialty Grazing Board Class at The Shed, featuring unique cheeses. Learn pairings, cutting techniques and more. Taught by Kristen from K Cooks. Hosted by The Shed-Franklin. Ticketed event. Must be registered to attend. Select registration to enroll. A portion of the proceeds benefits Temple Etz Chaim. The Shed is located at 342 E. Central Street.

Tuesday, May 7, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Drum Circle, Lifelong Community Learning Learn the fundamentals of hand drumming and play basic rhythmic patterns in this one-night Drum Circle Workshop for adults from Lifelong Community Learning. Side benefits can include supporting emotional expression, improving motor skills, and enhancing cognitive functions! Click Drum Circle to register. Location: Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street.

Tuesday, May 7, 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Night Yoga at the Farm, Fairmount Fruit Farm. A versatile class that will combine physical postures, gentle flow, intentional breathing, and mindfulness practices to support mind, body, and soul in an environment that helps us get a little more connected with nature. All levels welcome! Ticketed event. Select Yoga for information and ticketing. Fairmount Fruit Farm, located at 885 Lincoln St.

Tuesday, May 7, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Franklin Garden Club at Franklin Senior Center. Select Garden for more information about this organization. The Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Tuesday, May 7, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Musical Bingo Night, Raillery Public House. Join us every Tuesday night for Musical Bingo! Select Raillery for information about this restaurant. Located 280 Franklin Village Dr.

Tuesday, May 7, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, Toastmasters, Voice of Franklin, bi-monthly meeting at Franklin TV and Radio Station. Select Toastmasters for information. Franklin TV, located at 23 Hutchinson St.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Wine and Charcuterie Demonstration at The Little Shop. 21+ Event. Ticketed event. This unique charcuterie board demonstration event, set in a cozy and elegant ambiance, will showcase the art of pairing exquisite wines with a variety of gourmet cheeses, meats, and artisanal breads. Select Shop for information and tickets. The Little Shop is located at 5 Main Street.

Thursday, May 9, 7:00 pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm) Join us for a special Mother’s Day celebration at La Cantina Winery! Learn how to treat Mom to a delightful charcuterie class while you enjoy the best La Cantina pairing wine with a variety of gourmet meats and cheeses. Make sure you come on time so you can enjoy the delicious grazing table before we start the class. Charcuterie workshop is with Red Apron Charcuterie. This two-hour, interactive event will show you how to create a charcuterie board from start to finish. Ana from Red Apron will answer your questions while you sip on a free glass of La Cantina’s New Pink Rose wine. Select La Cantina for ticket purchase and information. La Cantina is located at 230 Cottage St.

Thursday, May 9, 7:00pm Franklin Cultural District Committee, monthly meeting, Franklin Public Library. Select Cultural for agenda. The Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Friday, May 10, 7:00pm, BEN4Franklin, a community group focused on the building of equitable neighborhoods, celebrates its launch with a party at Franklin TV and Radio, 23 Hutchinson Street. BEN4Franklin supports responsible growth and development in Franklin with abundant housing at a range of income levels and life stages, complemented by a walkable, economically vibrant downtown. Select BEN to register for the launch party. Select BEN4Franklin.org to visit the group's website for more information. Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson St.

Friday, May 10 and Saturday May 11, 7:000m, The Franklin Public School middle school theater company, The Franklin Footlighters, is proud to present “Footloose: Youth Edition” at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street. Tickets are now available on the Franklin Footlighters Footloose ticket website. Appropriate for all ages.

Friday, May 10, 7:00pm, Rising Stars Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX. THE BLACK BOX Cabaret presents a special cabaret revue spotlighting the talents of promising young singers! This annual Rising Stars Cabaret is presented in an intimate, nightclub atmosphere with professional accompaniment.

Select TBB for tickets and information. THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street.

Saturday, May 11, 10:30am to 12:00pm, 2nd Annual Jane Jacobs Walk! Jane Jacobs was an urbanist, activist and writer who believed in the many aspects of community life in city neighborhoods. Join BEN4Franklin in collaboration with Franklin Matters, in a walk through Franklin's neighborhoods. Select BEN to register for the walk. Meet at Franklin TV and Radio, 23 Hutchinson. Join after for drinks at La Cantina, 230 Cottage Street.

Saturday, May 11, 8:00pm Susan Werner at Circle of Friends Coffee House at First Universalist Society in Franklin. Ticketed event. Select Circle for information and tickets. FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut St.

Saturday, May 11, 8:00pm, EY "Funraiser" at THE BLACK BOX. Night of Rock & Pop from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, Presenting: Two Dudes and a Guy. Opening: Three Day Weekend, Tickets: $15. Select TBB for tickets and information. THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street.

Thursday, May 16, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Art on the Table Collage Workshop with Jenny Brown. We're excited to launch our inaugural event and extend our gratitude to our instructor Jenny Brown and our Franklin community partners the Franklin Historical Museum and Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen.Select Collage for information and registration. Proudly presented by the Town of Franklin Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

Saturday, May 18, 5 K Road Race, Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and Tri-Valley Front Runners partner on their annual 5K Road Race at the Grove Street Trailhead. Select Race for information and registration.

Saturday, May 18, 158th Commencement, Dean College. The keynote speaker will be Michael J. Bobbitt, the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, who will also be receiving an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa. Additionally, Dean College will be presenting Former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations in Afghanistan, Peter W. Galbraith, with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Congratulations to Dean College! Select Dean for information.

Thursday, May 23, Empty Bowls Fundraiser at Franklin High School. Support Franklin Food Pantry. More details to follow. Select Bowls for information. Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street.

Friday, May 31, Franklin High School Graduation, Class of 2024. Pisini Field. Congratulations to FHS Class of 2024! Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street.

PORCHFEST 2024, June 1, seeking Volunters. Get in on the fun by signing up on our website to volunteer. There are numerous ways you can help. Anyone interested can go to our website and select the tab for Volunteer Signup and fill out the form. Go to  Franklin.PorchFest.Info. The Franklin Cultural District thanks the Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural Council, and Town of Franklin for their support of this initiative.

Franklin Public Schools Music Department is inviting community musicians to join the performance of "God Bless America" at the Franklin PorchFest June 1. "Whether you have not performed since High School or you are a professional musician, come perform side by side with our talented FHS Symphony Orchestra, Band and Chorus." Select Poster for more information about rehearsals and the PorchFest performance. Select Performance to sign up as a participant.

Partnering with Franklin Matters @https://www.franklinmatters.org sharing information about arts and culture. Visit Franklin Matters for Franklin information.

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, Sue Cass, Patrick Conlan,

John LoPresti, Roberta Trahan

Next meeting 7:00pm. May 9 at Franklin Library and on Zoom.