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!

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."

“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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, June 5, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, June 5

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:00pm RMS Concert (Horace Mann School)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Cultural District Committee June Meeting

Thursday, June 5 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5813/CDC-Agenda_Meeting_june_2025docx?bidId= 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, June 5 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06052025-1744 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Celebrate Spring on April 26 at 3rd Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

Residents of Franklin and beyond are invited to celebrate Spring on Saturday, April 26. Come and explore downtown Franklin at the Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail Spring Walk. Rain date is Sunday, April 27.

Get your trail map at the Franklin Historical Museum at 80 West Central Street, Route 140. The trail map guides you on where to find the ladybug sculptures tucked among buildings and other points of interest along the trail. The museum will be open 9 AM to 3 PM on April 26, and open 1 PM to 4 PM on April 27.

Many activities are planned: Learn why Franklin celebrates the ladybug at the Historical Museum; create a project showing the ladybug’s lifecycle at Dean College; enjoy games, crafts and snacks at Franklin Public Library. Plus, businesses will be offering ladybug-themed food and drinks, games and activities, and special deals.

More formally known as the “Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail Spring Walk”, the Ladybug Trail is located in Franklin’s Cultural District on Main Street and neighboring streets. Walkers search for 2-foot-wide fiberglass ladybug sculptures tucked among buildings, businesses and residences, tying together approximately 25 historical and cultural sites. The Ladybug Cultural Trail was initiated by the Franklin Cultural Council and The Rotary Club in 2022.

The walk is also fun way to see murals painted by members of the Franklin Art Association. Joining the trend toward public art, many uninviting alleyways have become canvases for many local artists to create colorful murals.

While April 26th is the town’s official start date, the trail is open year-round. Enjoy the trail at your leisure any time of the week. “The Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is the perfect time to celebrate spring and see all that downtown Franklin has to offer. Visit the shops or take a break at one of the many restaurants along the trail for lunch or dinner,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director.

For details about the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  
https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Celebrate Spring on April 26 at 3rd Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Deadline to sign up is April 30 -> Franklin PorchFest 2025

LAST CALL to Join the Music! 

Franklin PorchFest 2025 is hitting the streets on Saturday, June 7th from 12–6 PM, and this is your last chance to be part of it!

Are you a band or solo performer ready to rock the block?
Do you have a porch and want to be a part of the biggest outdoor music celebration in Franklin?

Then don’t wait — register now at Franklin.PorchFest.Info!

Deadline to sign up is April 30th!

Be a host, be a performer, be part of the music and community that makes Franklin shine.

Let’s turn our porches into stages and our streets into a celebration!

Date set for Franklin’s 2nd Annual PorchFest - June 7, 2025

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

The Boston Typewriter Orchestra coming to Franklin Saturday to play at the Library. Yes, you read that correctly!

Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 PM

The Franklin Cultural District is thrilled to support the Franklin Public Library in bringing the Boston Typewriter Orchestra to town!

Through the Franklin Cultural District Community Investment Grants, we provided funding to help make this unique and exciting performance possible.

The Boston Typewriter Orchestra blends music, rhythm, and a touch of nostalgia, transforming classic typewriters into percussion instruments for an unforgettable show.

This collaboration highlights our commitment to fostering innovative arts and cultural experiences in Franklin. Get ready to experience creativity in action! 

 

Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 PM

Call for Artists - Artsy Box 2025 Project

The Franklin Cultural District is excited to announce the start of the Artsy Box 25' Project!  This year we are focused on the renewal of the box "Love Bugs" located on Town Common created by Ray Powers and Greyson Higgens.  

Call for Artists - Artsy Box 25 Project

We are calling on all local artists for designs that speak to the vibrant energy of Franklin. The selected artist will need to be able to prime and prep the box prior to painting it with the approved design. We are looking for artists that will add color and flare to our town.

If you'd like to be considered, get the Artsy Box submission form, by clicking the link; https://form.jotform.com/250844751079160  and complete and submit the form no later that April 25, 2025 by 3PM.  

A photo of the box that is being updated is shown here and is located on the Union Street side of the Town Common.

Additional photos of the box ->

Call for Artists - Artsy Box 2025 Project 1

Call for Artists - Artsy Box 2025 Project 2

Call for Artists - Artsy Box 2025 Project 3

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, March 20, 2025 ???

Thursday, March 20

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->     
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

** Town Meetings today   **

Coffee Hour with State & Local Officials

Thursday, March 20th Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda expected, open session (coffee only available today)

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, March 20th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/321?fileID=4200 

Franklin Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 20th  Time: 7:00 PM 

https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4767/CDC-Agenda_Meeting_-march-2025docx-1?bidId=

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars