DEBUT of New PUBLIC ART at the Franklin Sculpture Park

The Town of Franklin is proud to present The Healing Word: Poetry for Awareness and Connection, a new public art installation making its debut this September at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Created in honor of National Suicide Awareness Month (September), this project invited local poets and writers to share original works exploring themes of mental health, healing, and hope.

DEBUT of New PUBLIC ART at the Franklin Sculpture Park

Eight poets were compensated for their contributions through the FY25 public art earmark secured by Senator Rebecca Rausch. Their words now stand as works of public art—offering space for reflection, connection, and compassion, while demonstrating the power of the arts to support both emotional well-being and the local creative economy.

Featured Poets: Jamie Brannon, Marc D. Cohen, Rachael Dubinsky, Alan R. Earls, Takaaki Matsumoto, Ella Mooradian, Ali Rheaume, and Stephen Sherlock

We invite you to visit the Sculpture Park, spend time with these moving works, and experience how poetry can bring awareness, healing, and community connection.

Photo album of the individual displays ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjcEPwhaMQUk9Cnb8

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Content Advisory: Sensitive Material

The poems presented in this series share (the poets) personal reflections of mental health, healing, and recovery. Some works may include references to depression, trauma, grief, or suicidal thoughts. This project is part of a community-wide effort to use art as a means of fostering empathy, understanding, and hope. While these pieces express individual experiences, the Town of Franklin does not promote or endorse suicide, self-harm, or any form of violence toward oneself or others.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, support is available. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org.

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More of my poetry can also be found at quietpoet.com. The work selected is linked to here

https://www.quietpoet.com/2024/12/whats-next.html

Take time to visit the first Microgallery now located at the Sculpture Park

Introducing… our first Microgallery installation! Located at the Franklin Sculpture Park by artist @amyvulf

“The Town of Franklin’s Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy is proud to announce the launch of its MicroGallery Project—a new public art initiative designed to bring dynamic, small-scale exhibitions to unexpected places in the community. The first of three MicroGalleries will be installed this summer at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way.

This rotating gallery will feature intimate, site-specific works that are accessible, engaging, and reflective of the cultural vibrancy of Franklin. Artists of all backgrounds—especially those with ties to Franklin or the region—are encouraged to submit their proposals for this unique opportunity.

Amy Vulfovich

This project is made possible through the generous support of an earmark by Senator Rebecca Rausch, helping to expand public art and creative expression across Franklin.”

Our first selected Artist is Amy Vulfovich; ‘Over the past few years, I have challenged myself to create art with materials found in nature, such as tree bark, leaves, pinecones and acorns. Whether I am on a walk in the woods, relaxing on a beach or playing with my kids in the park, my head is always down, searching the ground for items I can use in my art. There are times when I find supplies that will fit with my vision and other times when I find inspiration from the natural items I discover. I create a story with each artwork, while also showcasing the beauty and endless possibilities of working with natural materials.

When making my sculptures, I spend days searching for the perfect twigs, leaves, acorns and more in order to achieve a pose or create the small details that will give a space its intended atmosphere. Unlike traditional materials like wire or clay, I cannot change the angles of a branch or increase the size of an acorn. Although I am limited to the materials I find, I greatly enjoy the challenge this creates. I find that it pushes me to think outside the box and has given me a chance to strengthen my creativity.’

Stop by the Franklin Sculpture Park to take a peek (new signage coming soon)!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MHzkotUzQ/