Wind Phone Natick: welcoming remarks by Amy Adams, July 27, 2025 (video)

Amy Adams and a small group officially welcomed the new "wind phone" to Natick on Sunday. The video of her remarks is here. She sent an email after the event to add a few items she forget to mention:

"Of course with all of the nerves about today and me hoping I didn’t forget anything- I likely talked too much…. and yet still forgot to mention to you (my home team), that there was more. 

So if you make it back over- and it’s daytime, you might see the string art installation, murals and string art piece hanging in the foyer just behind the entry.  

The string art works were part of their common threads initiative. They needed a way to connect the community space, so I created a workshop around “thread”, leading them to weave a macrame quilt together. It was meant to hang so people could add to it freely. 

Also a couple of murals I collaborated with another artist onto reflect the diversity and culture in that space."

Video link -> https://youtu.be/SXkf_qo7Tiw

Additional photos of the wind phone ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/uAtNTP1YWMJ1kt6H7

Her conversation on the development of the wind phone ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/amy-adams-talks-about-wind-phone.html

'Just Make it' Art Club - Sunday, Sep 7

Free and open to the public. All creatives & craftspeople welcome. Bring your own project, or come to learn something new.

Don't have a specific project in mind? We'll have supplies on hand to make mala bead bracelets and paper lanterns.

'Just Make it' Art Club - Sunday, Sep 7

The club is primarily targeted at adults, but well-behaved kids and teenagers are welcome to attend. Children ages 6-12 are also welcome to Dharma School.

Art Club meets in the dining room.

Staying after the Sunday Dharma Program? Grab a slice of pizza on us before digging into your project.

• RSVP to receive reminders.
• Learn more about the Art as Practice retreat

When: Sunday, September 7, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: Providence Zen Center, 99 Pound Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864, USA

Shared from ->  https://tockify.com/providence.zen.center/detail/41/1757260800000/6

Amy Adams talks about the Wind Phone & healing with heART (audio)

FM #1483 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1483 in the series. 

constructing the Wind Phone*

This session shares my conversation with Franklin artist extraordinaire Amy Adams. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, July 21, 2025.

 

Our conversation covers some of Amy’s work and approach

• The Wind Phone comes to Natick

• Dealing with grief

• Healing with HeART

• Mural and other projects

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1483-amy-adams-on-the-wind-phone-healing-with-heart-07-21-25/

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* image of the wind phone construction edited from Amy's reel

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1295208835547147

Painting Venus - Amy’s art portfolio page -> https://www.paintingvenus.art/ 

Andrea Gibson quote we opened with:  

“I have never met a heavy heart that wasn’t a phone booth with a red cape inside

Some people will never understand the kind of superpower it takes for some people to just walk outside

Some days I know my smile looks like the gutter of a killing house

But my hands are always holding tight to the ripchord of believing”

Shared from Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DMK1OK8ofa2/

The Wind Phone is located to the right of the entrance for the Common Street Spiritual Center. You do not have to enter the center. The Wind Phone is combined with art through Project Healing with HeART. It is dedicated to the community, for all that have been lost.  13 Common St, Natick, MA 01760, USA

• US Wind phone website  -> https://www.mywindphone.com/united-states-windphones 

• Food Pantry storage project -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/NjvmBZKtsqLpDPvF6 

While traditionally we think of 5 senses, the 6th sense came to my mind during my conversation and it turns out there are many more  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense  

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Wind Phone Installation being welcomed on Sunday, July 27 at noon

Almost a year after Amy Adams and I talked about her possible "wind phone" installations, one is happening next Sunday in Natick. 

"my art has always been about raising awareness and promoting healing so the proposal "Project Healing with HeART", was significant to help me continue to bring that forward."

 

Sunday, July 27 at come to participate in the welcoming event for the "wind phone" installation in Natick. 

Wind Phone Installation being welcomed on Sunday, July 27 at noon

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14rAKCqbTZtdvsm48cCcghdCfFS_ZsaCo/view?usp=drive_link

Listen to our wide ranging discussion on art including the wind phone project. 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-art-with-amy-adams-audio.html

Additional photos -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/GgG2EjUNLq23ydVJ9

“Wild About Franklin” has been added to the Town Common (video)

Dear Franklin,

“Wild About Franklin” is finished and ready for you and your littles to enjoy. Under the theme “Nature and Community”, I created a scene from DelCarte celebrating one of Franklin’s most precious gems. 

A moth and butterflies are nestled amongst native wildflowers against the pond’s backdrop. If you look closely, you might notice that something is missing. I purposefully left out the bodies of the insects as an invitation for you and your littles to complete the scene. 

Step against the box and interact with this - it’s meant for you to become a part of the landscape!

Thank you to all the passersby that came to say hello; the dog walkers, the runners, the many kiddos who joined me in painting, dear friends who stopped by for moral support bearing iced coffees and words of encouragement, and to Stan Watson for being my biggest cheerleader and for keeping everyone updated on my progress. 

Thank you to the Cultural District, Cory Shea (@franklinculture), and to Senator Rausch (@beccarausch4ma ) for funding this project and for creating such amazing artistic opportunities in our town. And last but never least a big thank you to my husband and parents for holding down the Nisbet household so that I could do this. 

I’m not sure if you can dedicate an electrical box but why not? This mural is for all the kiddos in town, but especially for my three; Henry, Lucy and Jack. It’s all for you. 

I can’t wait to see how you interact with this mural. Please tag me and share your pictures with @kaylajeancreative! 

Stay Wild, Franklin ✌🏻

Kayla Nisbet

Kayla Jean Creative

www.kaylajeancreative.com

Shared from (with Kayla's permission) -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FP2igJ6ik/

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Additional photos of the progress of re-creation of this Artsy Box on the Town Common ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Z2mqqAVdZXAcApG7

Face painting by Creative Corner Art Studio during the Strawberry Stroll, June 13

Face painting during the Strawberry Stroll, June 13

Creative Corner will do face painting at their new studio located between Birchwood Bakery and East Driving School. 

Stop by to check out their new location

They have art programs for after school and during the summer -> 

https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/

Lillian Zhou recipient of the Massachusetts Region Scholastic Art and Writing Award

Lillian Zhou

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is honored to announce Grade Seven Student Lillian Zhou as the recipient of the Massachusetts Region Scholastic Art and Writing Award, for her award as part of the Scholastic Art competition.

We have been notified that Lilian has received the Massachusetts Regional Gold Key, as well as the National Gold Medal and the prestigious New York Life Award, a scholarship given to only ten recipients! This June, she will be attending the National Gold Medal Award Ceremony in New York to celebrate this incredible achievement.

In addition to the rigorous academic program at BFCCPS, the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has several Co-Curricular departments organized in support of the classical education pillar of our school. We believe that a classical approach ensures that students will receive a well-rounded and rich educational experience. Our offerings in Music, Visual Arts, STEAM, Foreign Language, Physical Education and Library/Technology are key to our educational objectives.



About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Franklin Public Schools Holds Opening Reception for AP Studio Art Exhibition

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber are pleased to share that Franklin High School hosted the opening reception of the 2025 AP Studio Art Exhibition on Thursday, May 1.

Held in the Panther Lobby, the event served as a celebration of the creativity, dedication and hard work of Franklin High School's advanced art and design students. The works that makes up the AP Studio Art Exhibition will remain on display in the Panther Lobby and Art Hallway through May 16.

"The opening reception was a wonderful success with a large turnout from families, staff and community," said Franklin High School Art Teacher Danielle LaPlante. "The exhibition is a capstone for our AP Studio Art students, who spend the year developing a portfolio of college-level work that showcases both technical skill and personal voice. We are so proud of their achievements and thankful for everyone who came out to support them."

The exhibition featured the artwork of 19 AP Studio seniors, each with their own display of about 8 to 15 works each, including the following student artists:

• Marley Allen
• Izzy Brown

• 

  artwork by senior Ruby Stamp.
  (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

  Jess Crisileo
• Abby Cronin
• Jess Cunningham
• Maddie Damon
• Eden Donovan
• Noah Gorgas
• Zeno Hart
• Libby Hofstra
• Oswin Kerns
• Maggie Levins
• Kai Lewis
• Maliha Mahjabin
• Elliot Mann
• Ash Montani
• Deeksha Pericherla
• Ruby Stamp
• Rory Teng

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber congratulated the student artists on developing their portfolios and putting their capstone works on display.

"I am incredibly proud of each of our AP Studio seniors," said Principal Dr. Weber. "All of them put in countless hours to build up a portfolio of amazing artwork. The opening reception for the 2025 AP Studio Art Exhibition was a special night to have all of our student artists, their parents, our teachers and the community come together to celebrate their dedication, creativity and artistic achievements."

“I would like to congratulate all our students who worked so hard throughout their time in Franklin Public Schools to develop so many amazing works of art," said Superintendent Giguere. "The amount of time, effort and creativity that went into these works of art is truly incredible. We commend all of you and offer our best wishes in the future as you continue to apply yourself in the field of visual arts."

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2205137

Franklin's F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center Hosts 2nd Annual Pop Art Celebration

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Kimberly Taylor are pleased to share that the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) hosted a Pop Art event on Thursday, May 1, celebrating the creativity and hard work of the school's preschool students.

 

The event showcased student artwork created throughout the school year as part of the district's "PreK On My Way" curriculum. Many of the art pieces stemmed from the curriculum's "Let's Create" theme, which includes a study of various artists and encourages hands-on, expressive learning through art.

 

2nd Annual Pop Art Celebration

The artwork was hung on the walls throughout the ECDC, and families also gathered on the playground on a beautiful spring evening, enjoying a chance to socialize and connect. Preschoolers proudly showed off their art, shared popsicles with their friends and interacted with classmates, teachers and family members.

 

"Smiles and excitement were everywhere as our preschoolers shared their artwork with their families and interacted with their friends and teachers," said Principal Taylor. "It truly was a heartwarming evening where our school community came together to celebrate our students."

 

"The 2nd Annual Pop Art celebration was one of the wonderful events organized by our F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center staff," Superintendent Giguere said. "The event reflected the strong sense of community at ECDC and the District's commitment to fostering creativity, expression and joy in early childhood education."

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2205192

Consider Creative Corner kids art activities for June school half days

Consider Creative Corner kids art
activities for June school half days

 

June half days we have programs 12:30 to 5:30 PM and school pick up options for some schools too ! 

 

 

LARGE NEW SPACE/ LOCATION to Birchwood Bakery, 99 Main St.

Register -> 
www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

 

 

 

 

 

Shared from -> 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJG6Uz5xFONPbvL5YVowvQzfle2ttMiOcKS2l40/?

Reminder: Call for Artists to participate in the 1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit

CALLING ALL ARTISTS:  

1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit

The Franklin Art Association is collaborating with the Franklin Historical Museum to present the 1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit.  This exhibit is open to all artists including student artists in Franklin and the surrounding areas.  

There is no entry fee to participate.   

The exhibit will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum June 7 - June 22, with a registration deadline of May 23rd.  

Artists may request an entry form and exhibit guidelines by emailing the Franklin Art Association at faasecretary@gmail.com.  

So get those brushes and paints out and help make this first of its kind Franklin community event a huge success!

Franklin Art Association meeting & Guest Demo by Chris West - location changed to Historical Museum

The Franklin Art Association invites the public to our Wednesday, March 5th meeting. We will greet Guest Demo-Artist, Christine West, our collage painter for this month’s public demonstration. She will be giving a talk about her work and a step by step demonstration of her collage production technique. She creates monotypes and mixed-media collages using acrylic mediums, inks, photography and various papers. Her work has been inspired by modern architecture, the textures of nature, mid-century style and science-fiction. She’s particularly moved by Abstract Expressionism and collages of the mid-century type. 

Guest Demo-Artist, Christine West

In 2015, she enrolled in classes at the Holliston Mills where she focused on painting city and abstract landscapes. Under the present day instruction of Paula DeSimone, she’s undertaken various medium painting, printing and drawing. She continues currently following DeSimone’s tutelage at the Danforth Art Museum. Her work can be seen at True Grit Gallery in Middleboro, MA. And she has exhibited in ‘Member shows” at Attleboro Arts Museum, Hopkington Art Center and the Morini Gallery. 

The free-to-the-public-meetings are held at the Franklin Historical Museum* at 6:30 PM. FAA welcomes the public to attend. Refreshments are served at the break. We have an on-going FAA Scholarship Fund to which attendees are invited to contribute. 

The FAA is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District and www.franklinart.org. And we can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. 

*Note - change in location this time due to scheduled repairs at the Franklin Senior Center.

"This Love" art exhibit and talk back scheduled for Historical Musem Feb 20

"This Love"  art exhibit and talk back

The Franklin Historical Museum presents "THIS LOVE" by Amy Adams. An Exhibit and talk back is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 20 from 4 PM to 6 PM.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kv4QVPc6DvUo1ruSk8Ukpxgmi6IJk7co/view?usp=drive_link

Tri-County Carpentry students collaborate on Franklin art project

"Tri-County Carpentry students had a fantastic time teaming up with local artist Amy Adams for an incredible community project with Franklin Elementary School!  

Mrs. Adams reached out to our students to create wooden fish for the elementary students to paint and display at the Franklin Community Sculpture Park. Using their CAD/CAM skills and the CNC router, our students designed and crafted a variety of fish shapes from pine boards. After some meticulous sanding, the school of fish was ready to swim over to Mrs. Adams.  

Tri-County Carpentry students collaborate on Franklin art project

Mrs. Adams, a passionate artist dedicated to her community, has been collaborating with Franklin Elementary students for years. This project was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and inspire creativity. 

Our Tri-County Carpentry students are so proud to have been a part of this amazing initiative. Well done, Dylan Fairchild, Jackson Kullich, Austin LeBlanc, and Gideon Vazquez! 

#TriCountyCarpentry #CommunityProject #FranklinElementary #WorkHardTodayCounts"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BZFRVxYQr/

Consider signing up for this Quilling Art Class, February 6

Details inside!

Roll, shape, and glue paper into beautiful Galentine / Valentine designs! Lifelong Community Learning is hosting this adult craft on February 6th. Click the link below for all the details. For information and to register, visit: Community Learning Arts & Crafts Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Creative Corner offers coupon for any 4 week art class session

New Year, new opportunities for you to explore your creative side ! Winter months best time to be inside doing something creative with friends. 

Still have openings T and Th art club for elementary ages and Friday night teen ( middle and high school ages). 

Creative Corner offers coupon

Coupon good for adult group nights events Thursday night options call to book your girls night, girls scout troops or birthday party with us ! 

www.creativecornerfranklin.com   Locally owned small business

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aab2uwxP/

Creative Corner schedules Christmas school break workshops for age 5-11

Christmas school break workshops for age 5-11

 

Creative Camp Winter Break Fun!  

www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GVVH5phG8/