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

Calling all artists - first public art micro gallery is here - YOU can be part of it

Calling all artists! Franklin’s first public art micro gallery is here, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

We’re inviting local and regional artists to submit proposals for original, site-specific artworks to be showcased in a unique neighborhood art space.

This small but mighty gallery will transform a repurposed library box into a dynamic space for creative expression. 

Calling all artists - first public art micro gallery is here - YOU can be part of it

Submit your proposals by May 1st to contribute to Franklin’s cultural vibrancy. Let’s bring art to the heart of our community! 

For more details -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1098/RFP-MicroGalleries

RFP details -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4780/MicroGallery-RFP-May-2025

Announcing the 1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit: Call for Artists

CALLING ALL ARTISTS:  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!

FAA meeting to feature Shilpa Aduri

The Franklin Art Association's 2025 season will begin with our Wednesday, January 8 meeting, when our Guest Artist will be Shilpa Adduri, who will be giving a fine art, water-based media demonstration. 

Shilpa Adduri works in the technique called “One Stroke”, which combines shading, blending and highlighting in a single brushstroke.  She is a Master Elite Director of this style, which is central to her teaching.  Her lessons are aimed at helping others to uncover their art potential, while fostering joy and connection. Her approach offers creativity and moments of tranquility. She offers lessons locally. 

Shilpa Adduri

Wanting to be inspirational, Shilpa says, “My art captures the beauty and serenity I find in the world, expressed through acrylics and watercolors.”

FAA meetings are held at the Franklin Senior Center at 6:30 PM, on the first Wednesday of each month and are always free and open to the public. Refreshments are served at the break.

There will be an ongoing sale of raffle tickets for our raffle of works donated by FAA members to raise money for our annual art scholarship, which goes to a student choosing to continue their education in the study of the arts.

Please come by to see the wonderful creativity of local artists as they demonstrate their skills and support our scholarship fund. 

The FAA is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District. 

You can find us online at www.franklinart.org, on Franklin Matters, Facebook and Instagram.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15hEmkafG6/

You can also listen to Shilpa talk about her Artsy Box work here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/shilpa-jeni-julia-talk-about-their-work.html

Holiday Shop & Artist Meet - Greet Event - Nov 23

I'll be hanging out and selling tons of handmade items:

Holiday Shop & Artist Meet - Greet Event - Nov 23

- embroidered beanies (which sold out within 45 minutes last year)

- embroidered ornaments

- embroidered wall hangings

- original watercolors

- various handmade cards, including Christmas cards (which sold out last year)

- original acrylic paintings

- hand painted bookmarks

- hand pointed rocks

- apparel

- and more!

» This is the only time every year that I hold a shop in person, so come check it out!

*Bonus points if you share about it!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/evBamwMh2NL4fJ3X/

Franklin Cultural District selects its Artists for the Utility Box Artsy Initiative

The Franklin Cultural District is pleased to announce it has selected the artists for the first ever Utility Box Artsy Initiative! We were excited to see so much interest in this public art initiative from local artists.  We thank all the artists for their submissions.  

Each artist selected has submitted a winning design and over the next few weeks will re-create their concepts on selected utility boxes throughout Franklin's Cultural District. The designs were created to reflect the local area and surroundings of where the boxes are located and the artist's interpretation of these surroundings.  

Weather permitting, we hope to have the unveiling of these public art projects late April, early May 2023.

The selected artists for this initiative are as follows:

• Shilpa Adduri 
• Molly Dee
• Julia Dwinell 
• Greyson Higgins
• Jeni LaBollita 
• Bridge Powers 
• Ren Schultz 

We are excited to work with these incredibly talented local artists, as we continue to promote and encourage arts and culture throughout the Franklin community!

Note: The listing of the utility box locations was included in the post announcing the call for artists -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/call-for-artists-please-join-us-in.html  The boxes are supposed to be primed by DPW (this week?) and once primed (painted white), they should be easier to pick out.

Three of the boxes are shown here: 

An Artsy Box Project comes to Franklin

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Call for artists -"Please join us in the Artsy Box Project!!!"

We are excited to announce, Franklin Cultural District is joining in the movement of creating aesthetic utility box art to share with the Franklin community. 

Franklin is a vibrant supportive town with lots of historical value. We want to highlight some of its beauty by sharing your interpretation.

Franklin artists of all backgrounds, established or emerging are welcome to submit. 

We want to see your best uplifting works of color to fit the locations they will be featured in.

Selected artists would receive a stipend between $500-$1000 dependent on location to cover time, transportation, artistic development and labor. 

Artwork and assignments will be evaluated by the Franklin Cultural District committee and Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) for the Town of Franklin.

Below are the location of the six boxes that are available for painting

•  Union Street & Beaver Streets 
•  Main Street & Pleasant Streets
•  Dean College, Main Street
•  West Central Street & Union Street
•  West Central Street & East Streets
•  Main Street & Cottage Streets

If you are interested in being considered, please review the guides (document linked below) and submit your request along with a sketch of your proposed art work.  Please consider visiting the locations and ensure your proposal incorporates the surrounding area. 

Call for Artists Request Form

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13kpI3aoez8LMJHwKKtn37v-HUBxaDkFC/view?usp=share_link

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris

"67 Degrees Brewing is pleased to welcome our new Resident Artist 

Dobritte Norris @wesley_the_minifrenchie 

Mrs Norris is a local to Franklin and her work is displayed in our taproom. 

She specializes in canvas pours and her work is delightful and vibrant.
Link to her page -> https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlowbyDobritte  

An Art Reception is planned for the first week of March. Please stay tuned for details."

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsIDiol9Om/?utm_medium=copy_link

Visit 67 Degrees online at https://67degreesbrewing.com/  or in person on Grove St

67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris

Amy Adams: "planting seeds of love to grow hope" (video)

Franklin artist Amy Adams was the "Artist in Residence" for Natick in2021. In this brief video she reflect on her experience there bring art to Natick.

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/XocjFL_HxZo

Shared from Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1942928382554954&id=243620642485745

Amy Adams selected as Artist In Residence for Natick Center Cultural District

Amy Adams was part of a recent Franklin Matters Radio episode. She shares some good news:

"I was selected as the first Artist In Residence for Natick Center Cultural District in Massachusetts. It will be focused on social justice and four interrelated principals: equity, access, participation, and rights. I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the opportunity to include the community in using art as a tool to enhance how we share messages in our work. I am grateful and I cannot wait to share in this journey"

Shared from  https://paintingvenus1.wixsite.com/mysite/post/when-words-aren-t-enough

Recent Franklin Matters Radio episode:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/fm-525-amy-jamele-adams-041521-audio.html

 

https://paintingvenus1.wixsite.com/mysite/post/when-words-aren-t-enough

 

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Town of Franklin, City of Beverly, City of Boston, and Town of Arlington, is collecting data from artists and creative workers to help municipalities respond to impacts of COVID-19 on artists, arts organizations, creative activity, and civic life. 

Please take five to ten minutes to fill out our survey to help the arts thrive in our region! We’ll use the results to assess the effect of COVID on artists and creative organizations and to create strategies for local governments to help.  

To learn more about the project visit  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/arts-indicators/

Action =>  Artists and creatives can respond to the survey    https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

Watch "Confronting Colonial Myths in Boston's Public Space: Highlight Video" on YouTube

Boston Artist-in-Residence Erin Genia led a panel series called Confronting Colonial Myths in Boston's Public Space, featuring Indigenous artists, leaders, and allies.  

"As part of her residency, Erin led a virtual panel series called "Confronting Colonial Myths in Boston's Public Space". In this two-part series, Indigenous leaders and artists spoke about their work in the public realm. They addressed how symbols perpetuating colonial myths affect the lives of Indigenous people in the City, and how these symbols contribute to the public health emergency of racism."

To watch the full series or listen to the podcast, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/erin-genia

Video link:  https://youtu.be/UMx-XXpJkT4

 

Artist Reception - rescheduled to April 26

The previously scheduled art reception hosted by The First Universalist Society in Franklin for Franklin artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau has been postponed from March 29 to Sunday, April 26, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called "Future Awash"
  
Ms. Toubeau (www.chrisbluelamb.com) uses art as a vehicle to communicate about the current climate change crisis, and how humans are complicit. 

The exhibit will run from March 9 - May 3 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. www.fusf.org.

1 of a series of paintings "Future Awash"

Artist Reception: Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - March 29

The First Universalist Society in Franklin will be hosting a public reception for Franklin artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau on Sunday, March 29, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. 

Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called “Future Awash”. (www.chrisbluelamb.com) Ms. Toubeau uses art as a vehicle to communicate about the current climate change crisis, and how humans are complicit. 

The exhibit will run from March 9 - May 3 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. www.fusf.org

Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called “Future Awash”

THE BLACK BOX Announces February 2020 Calendar of Events

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, has announced its February 2020 Calendar.

Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar return to THE BLACK BOX February 9th as part of the THE BLACK BOX Classical Series. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen is member of Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and has performed with New Hampshire Symphony, Lexington Symphony, Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra, and recently with Broadway on Tour’s Phantom of the Opera at Boston Opera House. Born in Ukraine, Irina Kotlyar received degrees from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Israel. With Gregory Shifrin, the Kotlyar-Shifrin Piano Duo has won several international prizes and awards and has performed throughout Israel, Europe, and America. Tea service will be available in the lobby.

adam connie sr

THE BLACK BOX Comedy Series debuts on February 13 with adam connie sr. adam connie sr. is a Franklin, MA bred comedian based in San Diego, CA . His career in entertainment began when he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the web series "Fully Staffed." His love for comedy then took him to the stage. Now in his ninth year performing, he's ready to kick off his first tour in his hometown Franklin, MA.

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs this Valentine's Day for a special night out. Take one red-hot horn section, add liberal amounts of barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano and stinging Fender guitar, pour over a funky and swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called "the best in the business," and top it all off with a crazy and charismatic front-man with one of the biggest blues voices around. Season with a few years on the road tearing up juke joints, festivals, and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic.It's a recipe for music and mayhem, for intensity and irreverence; it's The Love Dogs.

THE BLACK BOX features a full bar. The venue is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Cape Cod Orleans Artist Cottage features Peter WIllis

Peter Willis will be in Cape Cod to sell his photos at The Orleans Artist Cottages during the week of July 4! (July 3 - July 7)

Come visit and meet other local artists as well as visit the Farmers Market. It's sure to be a fun day in the Sun! 

Check out the video link for more info on the Artist Cottages at Orleans Market Square.


Artist Cottages Sprout at Orleans Market Square from Lower Cape TV on Vimeo.


Can't make it to the event, you can still chat with Peter, place your order at https://www.peterwillisphotography.com anytime, and get your favorite image delivered to your door. 

Thank you in advance for your support!!!! 😃📸

http://artcottages.com/OurArtists/Peter%20Willis/

Peter Willis photography   https://www.peterwillisphotography.com/

Peter Willis (courtesy photo)

Local Artist Series presents The Baxter Hall Trio at THE BLACK BOX - May 24

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series will present The Baxter Hall Trio with opener Dwayne Haggins on Friday, May 24 at 8 pm.

The Baxter Hall Trio is an experimental rock band which began in early 2019. The group consists of Baxter Hall on guitar, Mike Jones on bass, and Lukas Bratsos on drums. Baxter is a nineteen year old guitarist/singer-songwriter from Millis, MA, who has shared the stage with many blues musicians throughout New England and beyond including Duke Robillard, James Montgomery, George McCann, Sam Gentile, and many others. Baxter Hall's official debut album is set to be released sometime in late 2019. This album is being produced by Grammy nominated guitarist and producer Duke Robillard.

Since early 2017, Dwayne Haggins has been on a quest to make a living playing music, leaving his mark on dozens of bars, restaurants and clubs scattered across eastern and central Massachusetts. His distinctive sound, which delivers a brand new take on the traditional country-blues and soul that he loves, has generated a rare sense of excitement and possibility throughout the area's musical community.

THE BLACK BOX venue features a full bar to accompany an evening of great music. Tickets are available at www.theblackboxonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin.

Local Artist Series presents The Baxter Hall Trio at THE BLACK BOX - May 24

New England Artist Series: Booty Vortex plays at THE BLACK BOX - May 18

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents Booty Vortex! 

In Boston, MA during the year 2005, 12 funky musicians banded together and dared to play the groovy tunes from the 70’s. These timeless disco, funk songs will have you shakin' what yo' mama gave ya! And the heat these players/singers bring is guaranteed to knock you off your feet! 

If there's a hole in your life, if your dancing shoes are staring at you woefully from the back of the closet, or if you just love to dance! Then you need to spend some time in the Vortex. Renew your spirit, get your groove on and experience the power of Booty Vortex!

Tickets available online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1244

The Franklin Underground, The DayBreakers and CoPilot - Apr - 12

THE BLACK BOX Local Artists Series will present The Franklin Underground, The DayBreakers, and CoPilot on Friday, April 12 at 8 PM. 

Born out of infectious grooves and a shared love of soulful performance, the four-piece band, The Franklin Underground, features a unique musical style at the intersection of rock, funk, blues, and indie/alternative.

CoPilot is a Massachusetts-based group made up of powerhouse vocalist Maggie Quealy, charismatic frontman Ry McDonald, bassist Austin Beverridge, and drummer Dylan Allwine. Together, CoPilot crafts a musical experience.

The DayBreakers are a five piece band led by lead singer/guitarist Kyle Murphy and bassist Matt Schairer. Fueled by two songwriters with contrasting approaches, The DayBreakers craft their distinct sound through a blend of folk rock melodies, blues guitar muscle, and rock and roll grit.

This downtown Franklin music, theater, and event venue features a full bar. Tickets for the concert are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

The Franklin Underground, The DayBreakers and CoPilot - Apr - 12

Mural Artists invited to showcase their work in downtown Franklin

Artists are invited to showcase their work in downtown Franklin! Last year, the Franklin Downtown Partnership began offering opportunities to local artists to paint murals in the alleys throughout downtown Franklin. The Partnership is expanding those opportunities this year.

Artists who are interested in creating pro bono murals should email the Partnership office to request a submission packet. Artists will be asked to submit portfolios and ideas for murals once the committee decides on the theme for each alleyway. Submissions will be juried by the Artist Alley Committee.

Joining the trend toward public art, the Partnership’s goal is to turn the uninviting alleyways into alley galleries. Boarded up windows and rusted doors in those alleys create ideal canvases for painting.

Mural Artists invited to showcase their work in downtown Franklin