"A Wreath of Franklin" scheduled to return Dec 13, 2025

That’s right—planning is already underway for this year’s winter arts and culture favorite, A-Wreath-of-Franklin! Join us this December as we celebrate seasonal festivities and community cheer. Details below…

The second annual “A-Wreath-of-Franklin” Festival promises to be bigger, happier and more celebratory than ever! 

"A Wreath of Franklin" scheduled to return Dec 13, 2025

With the theme “Franklin Welcomes the World” we do hint at soccer fans from across the globe visiting Franklin in 2026 but, we hope the theme means more than that. 

As America prepares to celebrate our 250th in 2026, we celebrate how Franklin is a community of immigrants from Europe, Asia, South America, North America, Africa and Australia from countries too numerous to list,”.

Plan to participate by decorating your wreath celebrating the theme “Franklin Welcomes the World.” 

Mark your calendars; Saturday, December 13th! There will be singing, dancing, art, crafts, special food items, holiday inspired beverages for all ages and of course festive wreaths decorated by Franklinites and our friends. The Franklin community gathering in festive holiday spirit will create holiday FUN for everyone." John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair

To stay looped into Franklin Welcoming the World - check out our website here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1177/Franklin-Welcomes-the-World.

Want to get more involved with A-Wreath-of-Franklin? You don't need to be on an official town committee or council to volunteer for this initiative! Please email Director of Arts, Culture and the creative Economy, Cory Shea (cshea@franklinma.gov).

Sign up for the Cultural Newsletter -> https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/72ozdo7

Register for the Arts and Culture Symposium - Sep 18 & Sep 19

Register for the Arts and Culture Symposium - Sep 18 & Sep 19

Join us for the Arts and Culture Symposium!

Connect and create - read more about the program and how you can participate. Includes artist opportunities & more!

#Arts #Community

Symposium info -> https://conta.cc/44xaRYA

Symposium tickets -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-and-culture-symposium-tickets-1461807598879

Call for artists to create an Interactive Pop-Up Art Installation

We’re looking for bold, interactive art that pops!

Call for artists to create an Interactive Pop-Up Art Installation

The Town of Franklin/Arts and Culture Symposium Subcommittee invites artists + designers to submit proposals for an Interactive Pop-Up Art Installation — set to debut at the Franklin Arts & Culture Symposium and travel to events like our Fall Markets, World Cup celebrations, and MA250 commemorations! 🌍🎉⁠
⁠

🎯 We're seeking work that:⁠
✔️ Sparks joy + photo ops⁠
✔️ Celebrates community + creativity⁠
✔️ Is adaptable + durable⁠
✔️ Can be printed as life-size foam cut-outs!⁠
⁠
🖼️ Artist Honorarium: $1,000⁠
📅 Deadline: Friday, August 22⁠
📩 Submit to: cshea@franklinma.gov⁠
Subject line: Interactive Pop-Up Art Installation⁠
⁠
Bring your vision to life—and into the hands (and selfies!) of the community. Let’s make Franklin more vibrant, one photo at a time! 💫⁠

Franklin Cultural District Guide available for download

NEW Cultural District Guide | 

Your art. Your words. Your Franklin. Be part of the story

Franklin Cultural District Guide

You might have seen these floating around at Franklin Porchfest and the recent Strawberry Stroll - We're excited to introduce the Franklin Cultural District Guide — your go-to resource for discovering the heart of arts, culture, and community in downtown Franklin! Inside, you'll find local landmarks, public art, creative businesses, and cultural experiences that make our district unique. Guides will be created twice a year, next up is our Fall/Winter issue!

Franklin Cultural District Guide 2

Whether you're a resident or visitor, the guide helps you explore all the ways Franklin celebrates creativity. View or download your copy today and start exploring! 

Click here to see the digital version ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/franklin_cultural_district_springsummer_vol1.pdf 

Pick up printed copies at the Franklin Municipal building, Franklin Public Library, Senior Center and other downtown Franklin locations!

We want to feature YOU!

Susan Pratt Sheridan

We're looking for original work that reflects the heart of Franklin—its creativity, its culture, and the people who make it special. Whether you live here, work here, create here, or simply feel connected to this community, we want to hear from you. Interested in being the next featured artist? 

Deadline for consideration is August 1st - click here for more details! ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/1107/Call-for-Visual-Artists

Congrats to Susan Pratt Sheridan for being our FIRST featured artist!

Community through books - monthly discussions at the Franklin Public Library

Community through books - monthly
discussions at the Franklin Public Library

Summer in Franklin is vibrant! Join us for fun events this week - check out the details in our weekly Franklin Culture Eblast

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLUkIwNuEmY/

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub during the Strawberry Stroll

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In
Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub

Join us in the heart of downtown Franklin for one of the community’s most beloved events — the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll! On June 13th, 4-8pm, Main Street will be buzzing [and expanded up to Dean College to help connect with the Franklin Farmers' Market] with live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and of course, fresh strawberry shortcake served up with hometown pride.

Join the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District Committee and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy at the ‘Franklin Cultural Hub’ — your pop-up creative space at this year’s Strawberry Stroll (set up near the Franklin Public Library)—for a hands-on community art activity celebrating Franklin’s unique history and artistic spirit!

Led by Jessica, our Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy intern, visitors of all ages are invited to paint one of over 50 adorable ladybug garden stepping stones. After the event, Jess will varnish the stones and we’ll install them at the Sculpture Park alongside the beloved Fairy Houses, creating a whimsical, walkable trail of community-made art.

Just like strawberries, ladybugs are a symbol of summer, growth, and community—making them a perfect fit for the Stroll! Stop by, get creative, and leave your mark on Franklin’s landscape!

"A strawberry, like a creative spark, begins as a tiny seed—full of potential but needing the right conditions to take root. Organizers act as gardeners in this process, offering vital early support—through funding, visibility, and encouragement—that allows artists, educators, and cultural initiatives to grow.

With thoughtful investment and a nurturing environment, a single creative idea can blossom—branching out like strawberry runners to reach classrooms, libraries, town greens, galleries, and small businesses. These efforts don’t happen in isolation; they build meaningful connections, strengthen local identity, and foster collaboration. It all begins in a place where culture takes root."

Finance Committee closes out FY 2026 budget hearings (video)

The Finance Committee completed the 3rd of the series of budget hearings on the FY 2026 budget Thursday, May 1, 2025. 7 of the 8 members participated, 1 remotely (1 absent).

 

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/C5g8YGdpTmI?&t=430

 

The agenda and released documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1710

Quick recap

• Up for review tonight were the General government departments, many of them much smaller than the Police, FIRE, DPW, and Schools covered previously but all key to Town services. 
• Recreation pays for itself with fee revenue from servicing 7200 kids with 3 full time personnel
• Library just above the minimum required by State legislation not revised since it was enabled over 100 years ago
• Town Clerk's office runs the annual census, dog licenses, registrations, and this year 2 elections; the special override election June 3 and the local election in November (Town Council, School Cmte and other elected positions, including this year the Town Clerk).
• Senior Center has a minimal expense budget most of it is personnel and a good portion of it is covered by fee revenue or grants. Still working on how to fine tune it, won't likely get to the fee supported  status of the Recreation Dept. May 15 ribbon cutting for the van and gazebo at the Senior Center (10 AM)
• Resolutions for approval - all passed by same 7-0-1 (1 absent) roll call vote
• Resolution 25-20: Recommendation of FY2026 Budget
• Resolution 25-21: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official 
• Resolution 25-22: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended 
• Resolution 25-23: Snow and Ice Transfer of Funds 
• Resolution 25-24: Appropriation and Transfer of Funds from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LFcbiY2E14_zoCwZHMOjuSOpnIaaUM1J/view?usp=drive_link

 

Finance Committee closes out FY 2026 budget hearings (video)

 

 

Art Pharmacy Officially Launching 5/1/25

Franklin Arts & Culture | April 30th

Officially Launching May 1st - Art Pharmacy in Franklin Massachusetts Dear Community Partners, We're excited to officially announce the launch of Franklin's Art Pharmacy Program, beginning May 1, 2025! Art Pharmacy is a creative well-being initiative launched by the Town of Franklin, grounded in the belief that art can be a powerful path to healing. Backed by opioid settlement funding, this visionary program is led by the Town administration in partnership with local cultural organizations, prescribing partners, and community leaders. It connects residents with transformative arts and cultural experiences—offering "prescriptions" for creativity that nurture mental health, reduce isolation, and restore a sense of community connection. As noted by Erik Holmgren, Manager of Advancement and Strategic Partnerships at the Massachusetts Cultural Council, 'Franklin is the first municipality in the country to invest in Arts Prescriptions as a public health response to the opioid crisis—prescribing music, dance, visual arts, and more as a new tool for care.' "Funded through the Town's opioid settlement funds, their Arts Prescriptions initiative is designed to support substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts within the community. Arts Prescription is a proven tool for improving mental health and fostering resilience, and since 2020 Mass Cultural Council has been investing in and developing cross-sector partnerships to establish Arts Prescriptions in the Commonwealth. The arts have historically played a positive role in substance abuse recovery, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and depression while increasing motivation, treatment eagerness, and enjoyment. By integrating the arts into wellness strategies, the Town of Franklin aims to provide inventive, accessible support for those in need." Read more from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Blog here. We're proud to recognize our inaugural Cultural Partner Organizations, who have already signed on: Franklin Recreation Department Franklin Art Association Pete's Nerd Emporium Franklin Senior Center Creative Corner Art Studio Franklin Public Library Franklin School for the Performing Arts THE BLACK BOX Mass Audubon – Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Franklin United Methodist Church Town of Franklin: Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Painting Venus by Amy Adams LLC Rise Up Franklin Franklin Historical Museum Here's what Pete from Pete's Nerd Emporium had to say about joining: "Signing up was super easy, especially for how much good the program can do! No cost, no risk to the business; nothing but up side for all involved. Was an absolute no-brainer to sign up." Registration remains open on a rolling basis for cultural organizations and prescribing partners who want to join the network. Please help us spread the word to others who may want to get involved! To learn more, please visit the Town of Franklin's website a franklinma.gov or the Art Pharmacy landing page to access all forms and details. Thank you for helping make Franklin a more creative, connected, and compassionate place to live. We can't wait to see the positive ripple effect the Art Pharmacy will have across our community.  Click the image to go to Enrollment form. Click the buttons below to link up cultural events in Franklin! Franklin Community Calendar Franklin Matters Franklin.TV Town Calendar Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Town of Franklin issues a "CALL FOR ARTISTS" + Includes Stipend Opportunities

Let's get your artwork published!

Call for Artists | Fairy Trails & Franklin Tales The Town of Franklin's Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy invites artists and creators of all ages to craft an environmentally friendly fairy house for display in the Franklin Sculpture Park! As part of our Fairy Trails & Tales of Franklin exhibition, we're looking for imaginative and sustainable designs that harmonize with the park's natural beauty. Click here for more details. Call for Artists| Artsy Boxes ARTIST STIPEND AVAILABLE Call for Artists – 2025 Artsy Box Project | Join us in adding color, creativity, and culture to Franklin's streets!  The Franklin Cultural District Committee is excited to announce the 2025 Artsy Box Project, inviting artists to transform a utility box in downtown Franklin into a vibrant public art piece! This initiative celebrates Franklin's creativity and history by showcasing art inspired by nature and community. We welcome artists of all backgrounds—established and emerging—to submit their most uplifting and colorful designs. Click here for more details.   Call for Artists| Micro Galleries ARTIST STIPEND AVAILABLE Franklin's first public art micro gallery is a unique, small-scale exhibition space housed inside a repurposed neighborhood library box. This innovative initiative transforms a traditional book-sharing box into a miniature art gallery, bringing accessible, rotating exhibitions to the heart of our community. Located in an accessible public space, the micro gallery will feature small, original artworks created by local and regional artists. Much like a traditional gallery but on a smaller scale, this space will showcase diverse artistic voices while encouraging engagement, curiosity, and creativity among residents and visitors alike. Click here for more details. Call for Artists| The Art of Play: Franklin's Cornhole Project ARTIST STIPEND AVAILABLE The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy is seeking artists to create/share vibrant, pieces of artwork for cornhole boards that will be used at town festivals and events for years to come! This is a unique opportunity to bring public art into an accessible, interactive setting, allowing the community to experience and enjoy local creativity in a whole new way. Upcoming events these boards will be featured: Strawberry Stroll, Farmers Markets, PorchFest! Click here for more details. Call for Artists & Writers | Featured in Printed + Digital District Guides Who We're Looking For: Visual artists: illustrators, painters, photographers, printmakers, digital artists, muralists. Writers: poets, lyricists, flash fiction authors, and storytellers Open to creatives who live, work, or create in Franklin or nearby communities. Artwork or short written pieces (poems, lyrics, or very short stories) that reflect the essence of Franklin—its community, creativity, culture, seasons, and shared spaces. Themes can include nature, community connection, public gathering, small-town life, cultural expression, or the passage of seasons. Selected Creatives Will Receive: Featured placement in the seasonal printed guides Artist/writer credit and short feature with your name and contact/social info + artist statements Promotion via Franklin Culture's digital platforms Timeline: Submission Deadline: Wednesday, May 21st Summer Guide Release: Mid June 2025 Fall/Winter Guide Release: October 2025 How to Submit: Email 3–5 art samples (JPEG or PDF) or 1–2 written pieces (under 250 words each), along with a short bio and why you'd like to participate, the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Cory Shea, Cshea@franklinma.gov with the subject line: FCD Creative Submission 2025 by Wednesday May 21st Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US