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

Franklin PorchFest 2025 - Call for Bands and Porches: Register NOW Thru April 30!

Porchfest is coming back to Franklin, MA!! PorchFest an outdoor music event that will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a rain date of June 8th. 

Franklin PorchFest 2025

Come spend the day in Franklin’s beautiful Cultural District while listening to live music. Sole performers and full bands of all genres will be performing on porches and patios throughout the district. This walkable event is also the perfect opportunity to check out our local shops and restaurants. Public bathrooms will be available. 

If you would like to host a band or performer on your Porch or if you have a band or are a performer and would be interested in performing at Franklin PorchFest, go to Franklin PorchFest and register for the event.  All the information you need to register is on our website Franklin PorchFest. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Franklin PorchFest is made possible with investment funds granted from the Mass Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District and Town of Franklin. 

Save the date! Bands and Porches register now, we look forward to seeing you June 7th!  Web page -> https://franklin.porchfest.info/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 ???

Wednesday, March 5

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

12:00pm Community Conversations (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on the Library & Senior Center calendar check the interactive version on the Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

Community Conversation at THE BLACK BOX

March 5, 2025, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

no agenda at this time

Town Council Meeting

March 5, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608 

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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

Franklin, MA: agenda for Town Council meeting March 5 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 5, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officers

i. Steven Dejoie

ii. Tyler Hosley

b. Proclamation & Performance: Franklin Fine & Performing Arts Students

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural District Committee - Peter Rochat   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4571/5a---Cultural-District-Appointment---Peter-Rochat

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4572/8a---OPEB-Presentation---Franklin-FYE2024-GASB7475-v1-1

b. FY26 Budget Preview - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4575/8b-1---MEMO---FY26-Budget-Preview---Google-Docs

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4573/9a-25-927-and-25-928---Shared-Used-Kitchens

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4574/9b-1---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-928---Use-Regulations---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen-1

c. Resolution 25-12: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation from Parking Fund

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-12 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4576/9c-25-12---Parking-Kiosk-Appropriation

d. Resolution 25-13: Authorization to Grant Easement to Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation to Enable Construction of Rail Trail Extension (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-13 - ⅔ Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4578/9d-25-13---Grant-of-Easement-and-MOA---SNETT---Google-Docs

e. Resolution 25-14: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($250) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-14 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4577/9e-25-14---Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

b. Capital Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Joint Budget Subcommittee

e. Police Station Building Committee

f. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608

Franklin, MA: agenda for Town Council meeting March 5 at 7 PM

You're Invited! #ThinkFranklinFirst (2/26), Community Conversation (3/5) FY2025 Grant recipients (3/13)

Community Conversations + A Celebration!

Springing into Arts & Culture

Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Think Franklin First Gift Card Program Art Pharmacy in Franklin Franklin Cultural Volunteer & Grant Recipient Reception Call for Artists

FEBRUARY 26TH | 7 PM DEAN BANK By attending this event, you'll discover how your business can become a participating merchant, the benefits of joining the program, and how to maximize your exposure to local consumers. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and contribute to the growth of Franklin's local economy. Click here for more info + to RSVP

MARCH 5TH | 12-2 PM, Black Box Theater We're thrilled to welcome Michael Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council) & Emily Devlin (Art Pharmacy) as we explore how Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program—will support substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment & recovery in our community.⁠ This is your chance to get involved and help bring this initiative to life!⁠ ⁠ 🔹 Learn how Art Pharmacy will impact Franklin⁠ 🔹 Discover partnership opportunities⁠ 🔹 Explore the role of arts in mental health & social connection⁠ Click here for more info + RSVP

MARCH 13TH | SAVE THE DATE Thursday, March 13th, 7-8:30pm | A night to honor our FY2025 grant recipients and our Franklin cultural volunteers Dean College | Guidrey Center in the Paula Rooney Student Center. Our reception is free and open to the public. Click here to RSVP

Read more on the Town of Franklin website under the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US