"cyber art is at its best when it appears almost to be magic"

"The marquee is just an amazing thing. It is an LED sculpture unique in the world in its size, in its shape, in its multiplicity of screens. Every artist who does work on it, when they first see it on the marquee, their eyes widen and their jaws drop. I think it’s the most spectacular public art medium in the entire city. It really runs the gamut of artistic expression you can do in a 30-second piece."

You can read the full article in the Boston Sunday Globe Magazine here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/05/26/lighting-them/XKT6YvXnNj12lIHfY2MhPK/story.html


The marquee outside the Boston Convention Center is sure to catch your eye. What is that? A rotation of photos, advertisements, and works of art scroll across the expansive surface.


From April 2015, two views of the marquee:

fun facts touting the ladybug as the state insect (Yay, Franklin!)

honeybees working in the hive

In the News: looking for gently used musical instruments, Rotary club to hold pasta supper

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"International Arts Foundation, a Franklin nonprofit, is looking for donations of new art supplies and small, gently used musical instruments. 

Guitars, violins, and wind instruments are especially appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible. Pickup can be arranged. 

This organization gives underprivileged kids new art supplies, musical instruments and dance equipment free of charge. 

For more information, visit givekidsthearts.org or call 508-507-8209."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160526/arts-foundation-seeking-instrument-donations

Give Kids the Arts

"The Franklin Rotary Club International will host its 25th annual pasta supper at 5 p.m. June 9 at Central Park Terrace Hall, 1000 Central Park Terrace. All senior citizens are welcome to attend this annual event. 

The event is free. 

Seniors will not only enjoy a meal, they will also be entertained by Franklin native Tony Dale. Dale has performed at locations in California and Cape Cod."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160526/franklin-rotary-club-to-host-pasta-supper

In the News: students take initiative on depression, FPSA schedules ballet performances, Adult Ed plans an evening of the arts

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Three students in Tri-County Regional’s Medical Careers program are leading an effort to inform their peers about the signs and symptoms of depression and healthy strategies for coping with stress. 

Hollyann Edwards, a junior from Norfolk, and Ashley Barratt and Hannah Goudreau, both sophomores from North Attleborough, took on the initiative as part of their SkillsUSA Community Service Project, which will be presented at the State Leadership & Skills Conference in April. SkillsUSA is a national professional organization for career and technical students that provides leadership, citizenship and character development programs. 

The students are working alongside their classmates in the Students Against Distracted DrivingClub to educate their peers. They are also receiving assistance from Tri-County’s Guidance Department."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160325/tri-county-students-leading-depression-awareness-initiative

screen image from Tri-County webpage

"The Franklin School for the Performing Arts Ballet Conservatory will present three short ballets, "Class Concert," "Graduation Ball" and "Western Revelries," at 2 and 6 p.m. April 2 and the Black Box Theatre, 15 W. Central St., Franklin. 

The production features about 50 area dancers from FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory Division and is a mixed bill that highlights the dancers’ versatility and provides students with the opportunity to explore different facets of their technique."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160325/fspa-ballet-conservatory-to-present-three-ballets-in-franklin

"The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning will hold a Music and Art Appreciation Night at 7 p.m. April 14 in the Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St. 

Entertainment will include the center’s adult chorus Franklin Forte, a student cello ensemble, guitar students and art on display. The presenters will be Matthew Macaulay, Jill Noddin, Brent Selby, Steven Sergi and Gail Eckberg. 

The event is free to attend."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160325/franklin-high-school-to-host-music-and-art-appreciation-night

Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) Boosters will be hosting a Wine-Tasting Fundraiser - Jan 21

The Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) Boosters will be hosting a Wine-Tasting Fundraiser with proceeds being used to fund an FAA student field trip and scholarships for FAA seniors. 


TICKETS: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. For advance tickets, contact Karen Glynn.  (karen.glynn@verizon.net)


Pour Richard’s is graciously hosting the event and will also be donating a portion of sales proceeds to the FAA Boosters.

FAA Fund Raiser at Pour Richard's

You can find additional info on the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1710229295855906/

Arts Happen Here!

The title of this article is the tag line for the Cultural District Committee, as they work toward the establishment of a Cultural District in Franklin. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts established a process through which cities and towns may apply for Cultural District status. The Town of Franklin Cultural District Committee in the process of applying for Cultural District status and one step in the process is the Franklin Cultural Festival, which is scheduled for July 29 to August 2, 2015. 

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here!

When Anita Walker, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, visited Franklin in November 2013, she noted that, “A cultural district is a specific walkable area in the community with a concentration of cultural buildings and activities. Cultural districts aim to attract artists and cultural enterprises to the community, encourage business and job development, establish tourist destinations, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values and foster local cultural development.” 

This summer, the Cultural Festival will focus its efforts throughout downtown Franklin and beyond, including Dean College, the Franklin Public Library, the Town Common, and the Horace Mann Middle School. The activities will be clustered each day to increase the walkability of the proposed cultural district while simultaneously highlighting the activities and events in the performing arts, the fine arts and the culinary arts. 

The next meeting of the Cultural District Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX. For more information, contact the Cultural District Committee via email at FranklinCulturalDistrict@gmail.com.

Franklin Cultural Festival: Application and Process Info

Hello,

Attached, please find the application package for the Franklin Cultural Festival performances and events. The Festival will take place between July 29 and August 2, 2015, and will celebrate the Performing Arts, the Fine Arts and the Culinary Arts.

The application package includes a briefing memo that explains the Festival and the application process. Additionally, it includes information about dates, times and potential locations. There is a 3-page application and a map of the proposed Franklin Cultural District. 

screen grab of proposed Franklin Cultural District

As you read these materials please note:

1. The deadline for application: April 17, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

2. All applications must be emailed to the programming committee at the following email address: franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com

3. If you want to apply for more than one performance or more than one event, you will need to complete a separate application form for each performance or event.

4. For questions or additional information, please email the Programming Committee at the following address: franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com

Should you know of other people with a Franklin connection who would be interested in participating in the Franklin Cultural Festival you may forward these materials to them. You may also give them our email address to contact us directly.

We look forward to celebrating Franklin through the Franklin Cultural Festival!

With appreciation,

The Programming Committee

Hold the date: July 25 - Aug 1 - Arts Festival in Franklin

Organizers putting together a summer arts festival in the downtown say the celebration will take place July 25 through Aug. 1. 

The festival, a first for the town, will mark the start of a volunteer-led effort to have the downtown named a state cultural district. 

Organizers, who met twice in January, have selected three main venues for the many music and theatrical performances slated during the week: the Franklin Performing Arts company 200-seat theater, The Black Box, 15 West Central St., the Franklin Town Common and Dean College.

Continue reading the article: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150201/NEWS/150209725#sthash.Vb2V7XJj.dpuf

Dean College in the snow

Franklin Arts Festival Meeting Reminder - Jan 29 - 7:00 PM

Hi All  

We wanted to remind you that the Franklin Arts Festival meeting will be held tomorrow evening Thursday, January 29 at 7PM at THE BLACK BOX. 

Please spread the word and invite any potential participants.  

Topics

• Name the Festival
• Update on Action Items
• Discuss Length of Festival and number of venues
• Finalize Committees
• Define Next Steps

Our committee has been working hard developing the plans and soliciting support for the festival.  We hope that you and all our participants are spreading the word to develop an energy and enthusiasm for the week.  

See you tomorrow night  

Best,  

Steering Committee

 

THE BLACK BOX Theater, 15 West Central St, Franklin, MA

Plan "a week-long celebration of the arts"

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee is in the process of planning a week-long celebration of the arts in downtown Franklin in July.

We envision a celebration that would include participation by all things Cultural that are Franklin-based.

We’ll celebrate Franklin’s

• Musicians 
• Dancers 
• Actors 
• Artists 
• Writers 
• Poets 
• History through Museum and Library tours and events 
• OTHER SUGGESTIONS

The week could include performances at venues throughout the downtown such as Franklin Common, THE BLACK BOX and others. Museum and Library tours. Events at our Downtown Restaurants. Let’s think out of the box.

BRING YOUR IDEAS. Plans are not finalized yet. The purpose our meeting is to develop some enthusiasm and get your feedback to drive this event to a wonderful week celebrating the arts and perhaps to build an annual celebration.


When:  January 15 at 7PM 
Where: THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin

Why Franklin, MA public schools deserve your financial support

If you need proof that your local tax dollars are being spent well at the Franklin, MA public schools, please take a few seconds to look at the following repost from the 02038.com blog.








The post covers the recent art festival held at the Franklin High School by the school’s Franklin Arts Academy (FAA). The FAA functions as a school within a school. It helps boost the academic achievements of artistically talented Franklin students who might otherwise struggle in a traditional school environment.

Video of the FAA’s art festival

Here’s a short video of the art festival:

Why Franklin public schools deserve your financial support

I brought my two young sons to the art festival thinking I’d be showing them some typical high school art. Instead I came away excited about the vision and dedication of Franklin High’s teaching and administrative staff and very encouraged about the future of Franklin’s public schools. We have something special in the Franklin public schools and we’d be smart to dedicate the funding needed in coming years to maintain the outstanding services we are getting from the system.

As I said in the 02038.com post: Franklin High School’s excellence in action

It says a lot about the quality and dedication of the educators in the Franklin Public School system that the High School has implemented such a forward-thinking and creative program that truly helps students.

In these times of budget cuts and municipal layoffs, it is refreshing to see such dedication to the ideals of public education. Please remember this the next time you hear complaints about local real estate taxes and municipal spending. Support your public schools!

You can read the whole post here.

In the News - MetroWest, teen, Arts Academy, summer programs

Health Foundation distributes grants to Franklin

by Staff reports

Franklin teen vies for honors in Alabama

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin High Arts Academy to showcase skills

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin to hold summer program for children

by Staff reports

In the News - Arts Academy, Woodshed Gallery, Partridge St

Franklin Arts Academy arts festival set

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Woodshed Gallery featuring Franklin artist’s work

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin street will partially open after collapse

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Live reporting - Franklin Arts Academy

2. Guests/Presentations
c. Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) – Mike Caple

Several students spoke for their experience in the Arts Academy
one thought it was a joke at first, students still have responsibility to meet challenges
students have more input into the challenges

I like art and thought it would be easier, but it is not
we have projects and more art based work, used to be really shy

school work used to be boring, now it is really engaging

we were worried at first because it was our last year of school, if it didn't work out, we'd be in trouble
we get to do what we love and we are excited to come to school and learn
we are excited for the week instead of the weekend

(video produced by Students of FAA shown)

mother: What I found was a program that my daughter absolutely loves, she is on the honor role for the first time ever.
She is up and doing it on her own, no fighting anymore, joined the vision exercise, I didn't think she would have done it without the FAA

Mrs Walsh - to hear him say he loved his academic teachers, was something great to hear, I knew he loved his arts teachers, they feel it is not a generic course they are needed to provide input into the course, couldn't be a better bunch of teachers, they are great. They feel more comfortable in the classroom knowing that others in the room will have a similar point of view.  The FAA is really an example of following the mission!

Mr Caple - reviews a presentation
38 students in the program, small learning community

Art Director, Mike Caple making his presentation to the School Committee about the Franklin Arts Academy

Rohrbach - How many applications?
Caple - last year we had about 50 and selected 38, we can do about 25 per class or 50 total

Rohrbach - can you tell a little more about the project based learning
Caple - 20 integrated projects with the standard academic subjects. They'll demonstrate what the learn with an art project. O a math project, they will demonstrate the motion of something with a video presentation. The initial outline was provided yesterday, the project is due on Friday. So time management is required as well as the details of the math and then the project production itself

It is a team project. This would not be possible without a strong K-8 arts program! This is not something that magically appears in the 9th grade.

Mullen - Having watched this grow, FHS is a great comprehensive high school, we talk about the sports but this is a great program, exceeding my expectations!

Jane Hogan - visual arts
Mike Peacock - musical production
Ms Walsh - committee member of the academy
Mrs Waters - (at the love fest at FHS)
other names to be added later -

Mrs Sabolinski - this program is incredible, this was built within the existing budget, no incremental costs, yet outside this would cost big bucks in a private school - this demonstrates the ingenuity of our staff.



Franklin, MA

Franklin Area Blogs: arts and crafts

The art and craft world is covered by Franklin Area blogs.

The Franklin Mill Store has its own blog. Mary writes

ruminations from the Franklin Mill Store

... just a little something is a creation by joanne b who says of herself

"First and foremost, I'm a mom to two wonderful young boys. I'm a home daycare provider by day, and at night, and on the weekends, I treat myself with lots of stamping time! Thanks for stopping by!"

AubreyGreenPhotography is a blog by a recent Franklin resident and photographer.

"I am a professional photographer specializing in creative and fun photography. I am located in Franklin, MA, but serve all of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Islans and New Hampshire. ~Please contact me if you are interested in portrait, engagement or wedding services~"

The most recent updates from each of these blogs can be found in the Franklin Area Blogs section, along the far right column here on Franklin Matters.

Click through to visit them from time to time and let them know you heard about them here!

Enjoy!


Franklin, MA

"a teacher-driven initiative"

The Franklin Arts Academy is a "school within a school" designed to create smaller learning communities where students can engage in academics through music and video production, visual art, theater and architecture.

"Each of the arts classes is creating a lesson through academics," Waters said. "Everything is interrelated."

The Franklin Arts Academy program was proposed for Franklin High School. Hopefully it will be implemented for the next school year (Fall 2010) with no impact to the budget. Read more about the program in the Milford Daily News here.

The live reporting and presentation from the Dec 8th School Committee meeting can be found here. The video and Q&A discussion can be found here.

Live reporting - Arts Academy Q&A

The video that was shown during the presentation:

Franklin, MA - Franklin Arts Academy from Steve Sherlock on Vimeo.

Q - How will you handle the grading?
A - They will met the regular course program. We are arranging to visit the Boston Arts Academy tomorrow to further explore some of the details behind that.

Q - Is it positioned for students who want arts as a career or for those students who struggle with the traditional curriculum?
A - Both.

Q - Where are others doing this?
A - There are many others, this is not a new concept. The Boston Arts Academy is the main one. There are others. Tolman High School in Pawtuclet, RI.

C - Mullen, we have talked about creating communities at FHS and it is continuing to grow so this is a great step. I am excited to see how this plays out. It is really impressive that this is teacher driven.

Caple - the team is very good, it is not just lip service, the real work is being done by the team and others whom we need from time to time.

Roy - Thank you for having the opportunity to work with you. I am delighted to be able to sit at the table and see the energy around the room where folks are trying to improve the education for our students. In the Globe, there was an article yesterday about a surgeon who is exploring using music in the operating room and it is improving his performance. Recalls Daniel Pinks book: A Whole New Mind.

Story of Rosanne Walsh suggesting to read this book 3-4 years ago when budget cuts were being talked of. Rosanne is on the committee now.

Sabolinski - Thanks to the team, this has not been without controversy and they have been very courageous doing this.

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the video

Live reporting - Franklin Arts Academy

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Fine Arts Academy – Mike Caple, Marushka Waters

Franklin Arts Academy

View more presentations from Steve Sherlock.

_ the video will be added to this posting later_

"budget neutral repackaging of the curriculum"

Proposal to start in Fall of 2010 with the Junior Class at that time

• Creative Literacy
• Humanities
• Mathematics and Science

Example of math and science combination: to study the parabola of the basketball free throw and explain it with a video production.

Example of humanities: read "The Sun Also Rises", study the art cubism and Picasso that was being done at that time, the post WWI period.

Students would apply for this program.

coordinated with guidance counselor and special education liaison, teacher to be assigned as a mentor to the student to accompany them through the program.

"We can ride this out"

Music venues of all sizes are tightening their belts as well. The Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham and Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin report a 20 percent drop in fall and winter ticket sales.

"What we're also seeing is that people are waiting longer to buy tickets," said Circle of Friends volunteer organizer Jake Jacobson. "It's understandable because people are afraid of losing their jobs."

For Circle of Friends, a small, well-respected, volunteer-run operation that does not rely on donations, the consequences are manageable. Equipment purchases are being put on hold.

Read the full article on how non-profit arts organizations are coping with the downturn in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here

The next concert at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is scheduled January 31 featuring Vance Gilbert and Ann Heaton

"an effort that could net roughly $30,000 per year"

By Michael Morton/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Dec 05, 2008 @ 11:30 PM

---

Several years ago, the School Committee in Hopkinton turned down a company offering a free softball scoreboard branded with its corporate logo, ruling that ads did not belong on school property.

This week, however, members reviewed a mailing that will let businesses know they can buy space on the indoor and outdoor scoreboards and on the concession stand, a move being watched by other area school committees.

"I think given what's happening with the state budget and local aid currently, people are thinking a little differently about that now," said Dave Stoldt, a Hopkinton School Committee member. "We're trying to do it in an orderly fashion and a tasteful fashion."

Part of a financial working group's larger effort to increase revenue and trim expenses, school ads won the School Committee's approval earlier this year.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Franklin Art Association awards

FRANKLIN - The Franklin Art Association’s "Fall Into Art" festival, presented Nov. 8 and 9, with a gala on Saturday evening, consisted of an open exhibit of more than 140 works of art, bins of members’ artwork and cards for sale, a silent auction of donated paintings and a raffle of artwork donated by members and well-known artists who have demonstrated their talent during the past year, and a gift certificate and gift basket donated by local businesses.

Proceeds from the raffle go to the scholarship fund. Those eligible to receive the annual scholarship are graduating seniors who live and/or attend school in Franklin or who are children or grandchildren of Franklin Art Association members. More than half of the members of the association are from Franklin and the rest are from the greater MetroWest area.

More than 500 people attended the event. Entertainment was provided by members of the Newton Symphony Orchestra and music students of Franklin High School. A variety of food was donated by area restaurants and FAA members.

Read the full article to see all the awards in the Franklin Gazette here