Greetings Friends in Arts and Culture ... Arts and Culture are happening in Franklin!

FHS has an amazing opportunity to enjoy student performances during PorchFest 2024 and to participate, Side-by-Side, in “God Bless America”. See their information below.

We are pleased to introduce Nicole Littlefield, another 2024 Artsy Box Artist.

This week includes jewelry making, painting, and knitting. Additionally, there is music at 3 Restaurant, the Library, Teddy Gallagher's and the Universalist Church in Attleboro, as well as Music Trivia at Raillery and Salsa Dancing at La Cantina. The Museum is offering another Silent Saturday film … this week’s feature includes Steamboat Willie. There is Mobile Mini Golf at the Library, a Pickle Ball Fundraiser at the YNCA hosted by the YMCA and Safe Coalition.

Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Historical Museum are highlighting all things Ladybug as we mark the 50^th anniversary of the Seven-Spotted Ladybug as the official insect of Massachusetts. Recreation, Conservation, and DPW ... all Town of Franklin … offer opportunities to experience and contribute to Earth Day 2024.

There are numerous opportunities to experience arts and culture. Enjoy!

Arts and Culture happen in the Cultural District and throughout Franklin!

TEACHERS /COMMUNITY /ALUMNI & ADMINISTRATORS

Community Side by Side Performance with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department

Franklin Public Schools Music Department is inviting community musicians to join the performance of "God Bless America" at the Franklin PorchFest. "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. Reharsals will be May 15 and May 29 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in Room 131 at FHS.

The PorchFest Performances are set for June 1 on the Town Common, at the following approximate times:

• 1:00pm to 2:00pm - Jazz Bands
• 2:00pm to 2:45 pm - Choruses
• 2:45pm to 3:20pm - Orchestras
• 3:20pm - Side by Side performance of "God Bless America"

Community Members ... Teachers ... Alumni ... Administrators ... Be a part of this community music performance with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department!

Artsy Box Update

The Franklin Cultural District Committee is excited to share this week’s featured artist. "Nicole Littlefield, an artist from Massachusetts, paints at a variety of scales in her artistry. With a focus on surreal themes, she uses a blend of elements and subject matter to create dreamlike and striking pieces. Although she paints at all sizes, her passion is making murals. Most of her time is filled with portrait paintings and live wedding paintings. Nicole intertwines her art with sustainable fashion, showcasing her designs under the brand Fatal Forage In 2024, Nicole is dedicated to expanding her brand and mural presence to different states."

Littlefield’s Artsy Box design “Living in the Clouds, depicts A bright night sky with a whimsical twist. From a distance, this piece could come across as your average night sky- but the closer you get, the more details may emerge. A hidden fisherman, a child playing hopscotch, bridges and ladder, and dozens of homes all come together to create a community in the sky.”

We are looking forward to seeing this creation come to life in our town. A huge Thank you to the MassCultural Council and the Town of Franklin for funding this project. 



Artist Recognition: The featured Artsy Box (above) is from last summer, 2023. It was created by artist, Shilpa Adduri. The box is located at the corner of Cottage and East Central Streets.

PorchFest Update

Saturday, June 1, 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Franklin's PorchFest Committee is pleased to share that the number of participants and hosts has exceeded our expectations and the numbers continue to grow. We are up to 40 bands and over 26 porch locations, including many throughout the Dean College campus.

No band? No porch? NO PROBLEM!!! 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.

Another way to help out is by supporting our local merchants as you enjoy Franklin PorchFest on June 1st, 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Between band performances you can shop our independent Franklin businesses. Also, enjoy a lunch from one of Franklin's food venues and have a picnic while enjoying some great music.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to listen to great music and connect with Franklin's cultural community. The Franklin Cultural District thanks the Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural, and Town of Franklin for their support of this initiative.

This Week in the Cultural District and Beyond

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 1:00pm Mindful Moments at Franklin Senior Center. Select Senior IG page for more information about the Senior Center events. Located 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Wednesday, April 17, 5:30pm, Wire Wrapping for Teens! Franklin Public Library. Teens! Come join us for an evening of jewelry wire exploration! This often-overlooked resource has lots of useful applications within the world of jewelry-making and art. We will work on a simple wire-wrapping project, discuss wire bending techniques and how to make jump rings. Examples and materials provided, but please feel free to bring any current projects that might benefit from this workshop!

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! CONTACT: Caleigh Keating  5085204941  ckeating@minlib.neton about this and other activities. Located at 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Thursday, April 18, at Franklin Public Library

• 10:30am to 11:15am, The BenAnna Band. Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing! No registration required! CONTACT: Caleigh Keating  508-520-4941  ckeating@minlib.net
• 6:30pm to 7:30pm How to Steal a Masterpiece. Hybrid program in person and over Zoom. Explore the underworld of stolen art, examining the little known stories from some of history’s greatest art heists! Art Historian Mallory Mortillaro leads us through the most significant art thefts in the last century and a half! Let’s question and discuss how the legitimate art market has managed to pique the interest of so many criminals! CONTACT: Mitzi Gousie  15085204941  mgousie@minlib.net. Library 118 Main St.

Friday April 19, 2024

Friday, April 19, Franklin Public Library

• 10:00am to 12:00pm Knitting. 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.
• 1:00pm to 4:00pm Mobile Mini Golf at Franklin Public Library. Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages!! Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Select Library for more information. Located 118 Main Street.

Friday, April 19, 9:00pm Live Music David Weber in the bar/lounge at 3 Restaurant. David Weber plays at venues in Eastern MA with a broad catalogue that touches on 80s/90s/2000s rock, pop and country hits.

Select 3 for more information. Located at 461 West Central Street.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Saturday, April 20, 8:00am to 11:00am, Hock Area YMCA/SAFE Coalition Charity Pickleball Tournament. Fee is $65 per player. All proceeds benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA's Bernon Family Branch (Franklin) and the SAFE Coalition. Registration is open now. Click here more information or to register online at Pickleballbrackets.com. Note: There are events for different ages happening throughout the day. Located, 45 Forge Hill Road.

Saturday, April 20, 9:00am to 3:00pm Second Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. Franklin Downtown Partnership, in downtown Franklin. Walk at your own pace and time. Ladybug Trail maps are available at Escape into Fiction Bookstore and the Historical Museum. Select Downtown for more information.

Saturday, April 20, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum celebrates all things Ladybug!

• At 11:00am, State Rep. Jeff Roy will speak about the Ladybug kids and about the legislative process then and now – an informative topic for kids and adults!
• The Museum will also be showing throughout the day, a short Chronicle segment about the Ladybug Trail and a presentation about the 1974 ladybug kids and the 1984 Kennedy School kids that went to the statehouse in 1984, for the 10th anniversary.
• Vintage newspaper clips and ladybug outfits used by Franklin children in their 1974 ‘lobbying’

effort will be on display.

• And, late in the afternoon, we plan to release live native ladybugs at the nearby Methodist

Church garden as a finale for the celebration.

Note: All Saturday events are rain or shine (the Downtown Partnership’s Trail Walk, however, has a

rain date of Sunday, April 21).

Note: The museum will only be open for regular hours.

Select Museum for information. FREE. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Saturday, April 20, Escape into Fiction Bookstore celebrates Franklin's Ladybug Trail. We will be open 10:00am -4:00pm giving a treat and we have maps! Select Escape for more information about the bookstore. Escape into Fiction bookstore is located at 12 Main Street.

Saturday, April 20. Earth Day in Franklin

9:00am to 12:00pm Recreation, Conservation and DPW. Join the Town of Franklin Recreation, Conservation and DPW for a month long celebration of Earth Month. The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9am-12pm with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town. Meet at Beaver Pond at 9am and pick up your bags/gloves and maps. First 100 participants will receive an earth day t-shirt. DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee and bagels provided by Elizabeth's Bagels. 

• 10:00am to 11:00am Seed, Stroll and Roll on Earth Day. Franklin Sculpture Park. Join our community for an accessible earth day event!Stroll and roll along the paved pathway aJoin our community for an accessible earth day event!Stroll and roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin SculpturePark. Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote. This event is free and open to the public. SeedStroll & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates. Select FranklinCulture IG page for more information. The Sculpture Park is located on Panther Way.

Saturday, April 20 10:30am to 11:30am, Fairytale Fun at Franklin Public Library. When will your life begin? Today! Join us for a special royal visit from a princess who spent 18 years living in a tower! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required! Select Library for information. Located at 118 Main Street.

Saturday, April 20, Fairmount Fruit Farm

• 10:30am, Animal Tales, ages 6 to 10, ticketed event. Animal and farm themed stories, crafts, and activities. You may book for the entire 6-week session, a select few, or drop in (space limited).
• 6:00pm, Paint Night at Fairmount Farm, 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. Located at 885 Lincoln Street.

Saturday, April 20, 6:00pm at the Historical Museum, Cinema 80 Silent Saturday film night. Featuring ... Early Animation Shorts, including Steamboat Willie, The Dinosaur and The Missing Link and other gems. Facilitated by Chris Leverone. FREE. All welcome. Select Museum for information. Located at 80 W. Central Street.

Saturday, April 20, 8:00pm, The Zajac Brothers Band at Teddy Gallagher's. Select Gallagher's IG for information about this restaurant. Located at 30 Main Street.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Sunday, April 21, 10:30am to 2:00pm (specific entry times upon registration) Walk-in Mobile Children's Museum at Annie Sullivan Middle School (ASMS). Tickets are required for all adults and children over 12 months old. Select Museum for information and ticket purchase. ASMS, located 500 Lincoln St.

Sunday, April 21, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. FREE. The Museum is open to visit exhibits. Select Museum for information. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. Select Museum for information and ticket purchase. Annie Sullivan Middle School is located at 500 Lincoln Street

Sunday, April 21, 3:00pm to 5:00pm Chaminade Club - Community Concert by LiveARTS. Event will happen at Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, Select LiveARTS for tickets and information. Murray Unitarian Universalist church, 505 N Main St, Attleboro.

Monday, April 22, 2024 ... Earth Day

Mondays, beginning April 22, 4:00pm to 5:00pm, Lean in Girls, A leadership program designed to empower girls 11 - 15 years old. Proudly offered by Children's Museum of Franklin. The Lean In Girls curriculum, a subset of Sheryl Sandbergs original Lean In program, was established in 2023 as a “leadership program that helps girls see themselves as leaders in a world that often tells them they’re not.” Space is limited. Registered today! Select Girls for curriculum information and registration. All sessions take place in the Campanella Board Room at Dean College.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 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.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Wednesday, April 24, 3:00pm Stop the Bleed. The Town of Franklin Health Dept. & Fire Dept. Present: STOP THE BLEED, a training course in how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control it. Become empowered to make a life or death difference when a bleeding emergency happens. Select STOP to register. Franklin Fire Headquarters, located at 40 West Central Street.

Wednesday, April 24, 7:00pm to 7:30pm Salsa Bachata Dance Class, ticketed event at La Cantina Winery. Select Salsa for lesson ticket. The evening continues with Social Dance Hours, 7:30pm to 9:30pm. La Cantina Winery is located at 230 Cottage Street.

Thursday, April 25, 4:00pm to 6:00pm, A DREAM SHARED with Dean Student, Fatima Wojohat, Franklin Historical Museum. Please join us in celebrating the artwork and journey of Dean Student, Fatima Wojohat. A Franklin resident, Fatima Wojohat, has shared her work internationally and is eager to meet more of her community. She brings personal experience and awareness of the oppression brought to the girls of Afghanistan. The event is FREE to the public. For more on Fatima, view Fatima Wojohat. Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Thursday, April 25, 4:00pm to 6:30pm Thursday Night Book Club at Escape into Fiction bookstore. This month we're reading, The Shack by William P. Young. Select Escape for more information about this bookstore. Escape into Fiction is located at 12 Main Street.

BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School 

Thursday, April 25, 7:00pm The BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble. By employing the traditional instrumentation reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul and hip hop, afro-beat, reggae and jazz styles, the BT ALC Big Band has created an undeniably unique sound they dub Big Band Funk. Original repertoire encompassing funk, soul, hip hop, afrobeat, reggae and jazz styles, combined with a rotating cast of Boston’s heaviest hitters make each show special. FREE. All welcome. FHS located at 218 Oak Street. Made possible by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, the Franklin Music Boosters, and the Franklin Public Schools.

Thursday, April 25, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Thursday Night Adult Creative Art Classes at Creative Corner Art Studio. Ticketed Event. Select Creative IG page for information and ticketing. Located at 13 Main Street, Depot Plaza.

Saturday, April 27, 8:00pm Garnet Rogers, Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Ticketed Event. Select Circle for Ticket Purchase and information. The Coffeehouse is located at First Universalist in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street.

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.

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. Located at 230 Cottage Street.

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.

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.

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.

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.