FRANCONIA ARTWALK JULY 2023 NEWSLETTER

ABOUT THE ARTWALK

The Franconia Artwalk is an easy, self-directed walking tour of Franconia, New Hampshire. You'll find sculpture, architecture, paintings and gardens. Combine it with a loop across the Hillwinds Bridge, past the Dow Academy, or peacefully stroll along the Gale River and enjoy art surrounded by magnificent mountain and river views!

FRANCONIA ARTWALK OPENS JULY SECOND

You will experience:

33 works of art in various mediums: Metal, Ceramics, Murals, Recycled Materials, Felt, Mosaics & Wood

3 art activities, Art Sparks, in which you can participate in at your leisure

2 exhibit areas; 1 dedicated to the artwork of local youth and 1 dedicated to the works of students of the Littleton Studio School

Beautiful mountain scenery

The peaceful Gale River

The lovely 250-year-old Village of Franconia established in 1773

CELEBRATING THE FRANCONIA ARTWALK FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

2023 is the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Franconia ArtWalk by the Franconia ArtWalk Association. Our mission is to promote tourism and encourage economic development by providing a venue in the region north of Franconia Notch suitable for people of all ages and abilities to interact with nature and the arts.

The Franconia ArtWalk opened in 2019 with 5 artists and 6 sculptures spread along Franconia Village’s Main Street. In 2023 there will be 32 sculptures and 2 murals created by 25 New England artists. These exhibits will be located along Main Street, the Dow Field recreation area, and the Riverwalk.

Last year we introduced Art Sparks, 3 locations along the Riverwalk where visitors can participate in creative nature-related arts projects. This year we are introducing 2 major exhibits; a Youth Exhibit and the Littleton Studio School Exhibit. The Youth Exhibit will be located in the area at the entrance to Lafayette Regional School and will provide space for local schools and youth organizations to exhibit their student's and participants’ artwork. The Littleton Studio School Exhibit will be located on the field next to the Franconia Heritage Museum and will provide space for the artwork created by their students.

ENJOY the WALK

WHAT IS ART SPARKS?

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin" - Will Shakespeare

Art Sparks is an interactive experience blending hands-on adventure with observations of the natural world based on the educational material provided.

Walkers on the Riverwalk section of the Franconia ArtWalk can stop by three Art Spark stations - DRAWING, WORDS and IN MOTION and follow Art Sparks instructions provided at each natural setting.

EXPERIENCE ART THROUGH MOVEMENT

We’ve all heard that exercise is good for you. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of dancing in particular are endless. We also know breathing fresh air and feeling the warmth of the sun has numerous benefits. Now combine movement, breathwork, fresh air, sounds of nature, and artwork. Can you imagine how relaxed and productive you might feel after 30 minutes? And not just adults, kids too.

Angie Beaulieu of Marimo Dance Studio in Franconia offers a new series that will guide you through the Franconia Artwalk Riverwalk. Note:

There is a potential opportunity to include the full Artwalk based on interest.

Not only will you see the artwork of local & regional artists but you will experience them in a creative way in the outdoors. Each piece of artwork will have its unique dance or pose to try. Let the piece inspire you as you move, or practice stillness. The transition from each artwork will be a time to connect with nature listening to the sounds surrounding you and the subtle curated playlist to help enhance the mindful flow of the class. This is a family-friendly experience where you are welcome to bring a friend, the whole family, or make new friends along the way, and explore the two different forms of art & nature.

Improve mood, sleep, creativity, and strength, plus reduce stress, make new friends, and so much more and come join us on our ARTWALK & MOVE experience. Visit: marimodance.com for more information

THE FRANCONIA ARTWALK YOUTH EXHIBIT

For several years, the Franconia Artwalk Association (FAA) has placed a sculpture on the triangle green leading to Lafayette Elementary School. In 2023 the association will install an array of art pieces at this location created by the Franconia area communities young residents to be called the Franconia Artwalk Youth Exhibit. Local preschools, after-school/summer recreation programs, and other schools in the area have been contacted about contributing art by their students for this project.

The following have indicated an interest in participating in the Artwalk Youth Exhibit:

Franconia Children’s Center
Gale Rive Pre-school
Lupine Montessori
Heartwood Public Charter School
Profile High School
North Country Boys and Girls Club

Although some schools such as Bethlehem Elementary and Profile High School have already planned their 2023 summer initiatives and may not be able to participate this year, other summer programs and pre-schools have indicated readiness to participate in the Franconia Artwalk Youth Exhibit during the 2023 summer season. These exhibits will be simple structures created and displayed by area children. It is the Franconia Artwalk’s expectation that the Franconia Artwalk Youth Exhibit will not only be an ongoing community collaboration but will also engage new viewers to the other exhibits that comprise the 2023 Franconia Artwalk. The Franconia Select Board has overwhelmingly approved the Franconia Artwalk Youth Exhibit.

THE LITTLETON STUDIO SCHOOL EXHIBIT

The Littleton Studio School is excited for our 5th year as part of the Franconia Artwalk at our new location at the Franconia Heritage Museum. This year our Artful Mischief sculpture will be enhanced with ceramic flowers, stained glass birds, and more! You never know what types of "Artful Mischief" will pop up during the summer.

A POEM ABOUT THE SCULPTURE

ONE THAT GOT AWAY

BY CONNELIA VEENENDAAL

Back Story: Connelia is the mother of Barbara Ferro, the owner of the home on Main Street, Franconia NH where the ceramic sculpture, One that Got Away, was installed in 2022. This is what Connelia wrote about the installation.

The Poem:

The ArtWalk people and the artist

came on Tuesday to install “One

that Got Away”. What a Nice color

my daughter said as the sea-blue ceramic

form was carefully secured in place

on our grass near the sidewalk

The dark tail, the scaled lower body

with disappearing fin, at the split

second of saving its life in the green sea

near a rough old ironwood tree

it should have left our sight at once