Artsy Box Weekly Update and Artist Feature

The Franklin Artsy Box project for 2023 is now in high gear. Over the next week you should start seeing artists working on their designated box locations. The Franklin Cultural District encourages you to snap photos of any boxes you see to help us document the process and progress. If you are on IG we are using the hashtag …#ArtsyBox23, if you are on Facebook, please tag Franklin Culture.

This week’s Artist Feature is one of our very own Franklin High School Seniors, Ren Schultz. Ren’s art,“The Library”, is inspired by the books gifted to the Town of Franklin by Benjamin Franklin. Using such an iconic symbol is meant to reflect the beginning of education and knowledge publicly accessible to anyone. We are so excited to see Ren’s artwork come to life and be shared with our community. 

Please check our weekly updates as we continue to share our artists and their inspiration. The FCDC is grateful for the continue support of the Artsy Box initiative from Mass Cultural Council and Town of Franklin.

Symposium Video Available

Update. Arts & Culture and Economy Symposium Video is available to stream on demand. Thank you Franklin TV and Radio for recording this event. To view the Symposium video, the Select this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzMfEudWckQ

Once again we thank Featured Speaker Michael Bobbitt; Panelists Edward M. Augustus, Jr., Carolyn Cole, and Erin Elizabeth Lynch; and Moderator, Kaye Kelly. We thank the Dean College students who opened the Symposium with a wonderful performance of Magic To Do from Pippin. This Symposium was made possible with assistance from Mass Cultural Council, Dean College,Town of Franklin, Franklin Cultural Council, and Franklin Cultural District Committee. Enjoy!

Franklin Public Library

• Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 pm, Spring, Sing, Fling with NoteAble Blend. Swing on down to the Library to put that April spring in your step! Enjoy 4-part a cappella renditions of show tunes including some ballads, up tunes, and songs from various movies and musicals! Brought to you by Mass Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural Council.
• Thursday, April 20, 10:30 am, Rockabye beats Concert. Hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish, and fun! No matter your age, this original music program is enjoyable for the whole family!
• Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22, Book Sale. The Franklin Public Library Book Sale occurs on the third Friday & Saturday of the month. All books are one dollar each. The Bag Sale is on the Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fill a brown paper shopping bag with books for five dollars! Select Library for more information. Located at 118 Main Street.

At the Senior Center ...

• Wednesday, April 19, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Open Space and Recreation Plan - Senior Center Workshop. Select Space for more information.
• Wednesday, April 19, 11:00 am, Franklin Q & A with Steve Sherlock. Please join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & WFPR.fm Community Info Director, for an informal and informative Q & A session. Steve provides updates on what’s happening from the past month and then opens the floor for discussion and questions.
• Wednesday, April 19, 11:00 am, Senior Scribblers, at the Senior Center.
• Tuesday, April 25, 11:00 am, Doors Open at 10:45 am. THE SENIOR PLAYERS SPRING PERFORMANCE! Don’t Miss the Spring Performance of the Senior Players. Seating is Limited so Sign Up Now! See you at the Show at the Senior Center. Select Senior for more information. 10 Daniel McCahill.

Gelato Flavors ... Yum!!

Wednesday April 19 - 22, Rotating flavors at Applause Franklin, Strawberry Swirl, Sicilian Pistachio, Argentine Sea Salt Caramel, Belgian Dark Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Strawberry Sorbet (Vegan), Vehan Vanilla, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies and Cream, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and Passionfruit Sorbet (Vegan). Located 34 Main Street.

Books ... Poetry ... Art ... Gifts ...

Thursday, April 20, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, Writer's Quiet Space at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. Seeking a quiet place to work? Bring your own hotspot Wi-fi.

Tuesday, April 25, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, April Poetry Night. April is Poetry Month!! Join Host Jay Adams, a local Poet...Come Slam, Write or Listen. Bring your own, your favorite, or just come in to listen to others.

Everyday during store hours, Franklin Art Association Gallery in the Bookstore. Select bookstore for information about Escape into Fiction. Located 12 Main Street.

Artisan Fair at Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen

Thursday, April 20, 4:00 to 7:00 pm, ARTISAN FAIR at Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen. Featuring Temple Etz Chaim Artists. Jo Campbell - Studio 29 Designs; Marc Cohen, Mark Cohen Photography; Andrea Chartoff, Pottery by Andrea; Melissa Chartoff, Peace Bee and Rainbow Song Henna. Food and Drinks will be available for purchase. Select Artisan for additional information. Birchwood, 17 East Central St.

Network over Breakfast

Friday, April 21, 8:00 am, Networking Breakfast, Franklin Downtown Partnership at Dean College Dining Hall, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center. Select FDP for information

67 Degrees Brewing ... in the taproom

• Friday, April 21, David Penza, Live Music, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
• Saturday, April 22, Elastic Five, Live Music, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Ongoing, Artwork by Franklin artist, Amy Adams.

Select 67 Degrees for more information about these events. 158 Grove Street.

Silent Saturday at the Historical Museum

Saturday, April 22, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, Silent Saturday ... Free Silent Movie Showing. Speedy (1928), the last silent picture released by comic genius Harold Lloyd, packs as many great gags per minute as any Lloyd film, (and one of his sweetest love stories).

Sunday, Aril 23, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Museum open. Select Museum for more information, located at 80 West Central Street.

Fairmount Fruit Farm Workshops

Saturday, April 22, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Hydroponic Gardening Workshop. Ticketed event. Join a real life farmer in our hydroponic greenhouse for some indoor vegetable gardening. Hands on workshop. Tips and tricks shared. Select Hydroponic for ticket purchase.

Saturday, April 22, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Macrame Plant Holder Workshop. Ticketed event. Join us for this fun DIY macramé plant holding workshop. Perfect for all ages. All supplies included including the plant. Light refreshments. Select Macrame for ticket purchase. Fairmount Fruit Farm, located 887 Lincoln Street.

Earth Day Weekend in Franklin

Saturday, April 22, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Earth Day Clean Up, meet at Beaver Pond and clean up targeted areas around Franklin. Please bring your own gloves and rakes. Select Earth for more information.

Sunday, April 23, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Earth Day Clean Up, at Del Carte Conservation Area, An event for children and families! Come join the Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Commission, and others to celebrate our shared Earth. Select Del Carte for more information. Located 459 Pleasant Street.

Weekend Performances at THE BLACK BOX

Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 pm, Confounded Bridge, a band put together by A-List Musicians to re-create The Led Zeppelin Experience. Big Vocals, Guitars & Drums will have you on your feet all night long screaming for more. This is a show you definitely don't want to miss. At THE BLACK BOX.

Opening Stevie J and Pride and Joy. Select Bridge for ticket information/ purchase.

Sunday, April 23 at 12:00 pm, BLACK BOX Jazz presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band! The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more.

Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon at THE BLACK BOX. Select Band for ticket information/ purchase.

Register for All Day Mah Jongg Fun!

Monday, April 24 last day to Register .. Mah Jongg Play All Day Event at the First Universalist Society on Saturday, May 6, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.  Cost: $30, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins as you arrive. To register or for additional information, contact Katie Nunes at ktnunes2@gmail.com, or call 508-254-7918. Select FUSF for more information.

Arts & Culture Listening Tour, Session 2

Friday, April 28, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Arts & Culture Listening Tour at Franklin Public Library. Mark your calendar for the Second Session of the

Listening Tour ... join the conversation! Select Listening for more information. Library is located at 118 Main Street. Use School Street entrance.

Electric Youth and Future Shock!

Saturday, April 29, 7:30 pm, Electric Youth 2023 with special guests Future Shock! Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of World-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. At THE BLACK BOX, select Electric for ticket purchase. Located 15 West Central Street.

John Gorka at Circle of Friends

Saturday, April 29, 8:00 pm, John Gorka at Circle of Friends coffeehouse. Ticketed event. Select Circle for ticket information and mask requirements. Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, located First Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut Street.

Dean College Series at Franklin Senior Center

Wednesday, May 3, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Dean College Engagement series at Franklin Senior Center, Literature of Baseball, Student Presentations, Jeff Skillings & students, at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill. Information from Instagram. Select Senior for Franklin Senior Center contact information..

PT Color is at

Escape into Fiction Bookstore for Mother's Day

Thursday, May 4, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. PT Color Market Mother's Day. Earrings Making Workshop!Grab a friend for a fun night out! Make wooden double hoop earrings and layered leaf earrings and stud earrings. Light refreshments will be searved. $45.00 Registration required.

Register: www.ptcolormarket.com. Select Escape for more information.

Dean College 157th Commencement

Saturday, May 6, 11:00 am, 157th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023. To be held in front of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way. Congratulations! Select Dean Commencement for additional information.

Walk for Peace

on World Labyrinth Day

Saturday, May 6, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Walk for Peace, First Universalist Society in Franklin. Join us in Franklin, MA as we participate in World Labyrinth Day. You will have the opportunity to walk an outdoor labyrinth, use a finger labyrinth, and learn about labyrinths. There will be a brief introduction to World Labyrinth Day at 12:30 p.m., after which people will be invited to walk the labyrinth. If you have walked a labyrinth many times, or if you have never walked a labyrinth, we welcome you. Free. Questions? Email bobbigerlits@icloud.com information. Located 262 Chestnut Street.

Interfaith Teen Climate Change Group

Sunday, May 7, 7:00 pm Interfaith Teen Climate Change Group. Join us on the first Sunday of each month to learn and plan advocacy toward slowing Climate Change to save our planet, and for Climate Justice (mitigating the effects of Climate Change onpoor and BIPOC communities) in Franklin and beyond. All young people and adult advisors are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation. St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

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

Franklin's Cultural District Committee (FCDC) engages, promotes, celebrates, and collaborates with Franklin's artists and creatives, as well as organizations, institutions, and businesses. The Committee meets May 11 at 7 PM. Zoom link on Town of Franklin website, Boards/Committees.

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, John LoPresti, 

Roberta Trahan