Boston Harborwalk public art display features pieces previously at the Franklin Sculpture Park

You may not immediately recognize the name Michael Alfano but you might recall at least one of his art work. It was displayed at the Sculpture Park when it opened and is now part of a display along the Boston Harborwalk until December 2023. Plenty of time this summer or next year to get to view them along the harborwalk.

"20 of Michael’s finest outdoor public sculptures will be on view in Charlestown, along the Boston Harborwalk from the U.S.S. Constitution to Menino Park at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. See the map of the exhibit or get a PDF of the map to download. Details about the sculptures will be added soon.

Opening celebration is June 21, 2022 at the Shipyard Park amphitheater, with activities for youngsters from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, followed by remarks and a Continuum Dance Project performance with Cubed. Then we’ll walk along the exhibit – it’s sure to be spectacular with the sunset! For directions, inclement weather alternative, and more, see navyyardgarden.org/events.

The exhibit runs through December 2023 and is free and open to the public.

Generously arranged and sponsored by the Navy Yard Garden and Art association and others."

Share from Michael Alfano's webpage -> 

https://www.michaelalfano.com/of-many-minds-boston-harborwalk-in-charlestown-june-21-2022-through-december-2023/

The two pieces shown previously at the Sculpture Park:

 

Dancer - most recently on display

"Gates of Transcendence" was also displayed as one of the original at the Sculpture Park

Other photos of mine of the Sculpture park across the years

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zfGbqiWADcL9FEyQA

or here -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/vDiwJ2wMv9MbsVFN6

Watch "Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are: Episode 4" on YouTube

Marjorie Turner Hollman asked me to join her in exploring the Franklin Sculpture Park and our walk was recorded. You can join us for the about 30 minute conversation while leisurely walking around the Sculpture Park.

Her blog post about our walk and the video

https://marjorieturner.com/2020/11/15/franklin-sculpture-park-visit-with-cable-tv/

Video link = https://youtu.be/IBYcPoNICv0

The Boston Globe featured her in a recent article

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/easy-walks-are-for-anyone-who-for.html

In September, we shared a conversation with Marjorie that you can listen to here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/fm-342-easy-walks-with-marjorie-turner.html

Other videos in the Easy Walks series can be found   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRF7rPOnQu8LcznPFbScrPA

 

A photo of the Dean College dance group performing in 2015

The Sculpture Park decorated for Halloween in 2019

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157711578274067/with/48989727533/

Photos from 2014 when the Sculpture Park opened

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157646895588736

Franklin's Sculpture Park one of "Five Hidden-Gem Outdoor Sculpture Parks to Visit on a Quick Trip from Boston"

Boston Magazine's Nathan Tavares writes:

"The town of Franklin manages this petite park, spreading out over just about an acre at the past site of the now filled-in old town pool, where you can now float around the 13 sculptures. Opened in 2014, the park’s gentle walkway curves around a pond, showcasing view of local wildlife and artwork, like the painted PVC pipes of “The Trees of Life” that rise from the water, and Buddy Olson’s giant welded steel bear named “Ursus.” Many of the artworks were created by students from the Franklin Art Center and elsewhere, so bring the kiddos here to spark some creativity."

Free admission. Daily, dawn to dusk. Panther Way, Franklin, MA. 

Read all about the other four "hidden-gem" sculpture parks 

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/travel/2020/10/05/outdoor-sculpture-parks/

 

2 works of art at the Park

  

Other photos taken at the end of September on a walk around the Sculpture Park

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vDiwJ2wMv9MbsVFN6

 

Sculpture Park - September 2020 (slide show)

A walk through the Sculpture Park this weekend enabled me to capture some current photos.

To view the album directly in Flickr    https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157716169151072

 

Sculpture Park - decorated for Halloween

Catching up to share all the photos I captured on the walk through the Sculpture Park Saturday afternoon after the Franklin Police Dept did their Halloween Party.




Or view the photos directly on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157711578274067

"students learn the formal process behind applying, budgeting and proposing public art projects"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Brightly-colored PVC pipes, juxtaposed against a patch of dead trees sticking out from the small pond at Franklin’s Sculpture Park, were quickly noticed by passersby last week. 

After complications with permitting, a new sculpture, “The Trees of Life,” was installed earlier this month by students from Wheaton College. Many residents took to Facebook to express excitement about the new art installment at the popular park. 

Hyunmin Bae, an artist and recent graduate of Wheaton, designed the project in 2017. With the help of fellow artists, she put the display together last week. 

Kelly Goff, an assistant professor of art and art history at Wheaton, said after walking through the park for inspiration, Bae noticed an existing bright blue pipe sticking up from the pond. She saw the lone pipe sitting among the dying trees with its top protruding above the water and knew what she wanted to do."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190528/colorful-display-brightens-franklins-sculpture-park

the "Trees of Life" at the Sculpture Park, Panther Way

New work added to the Sculpture Park

Before or after the Parade, plan a visit to the Sculpture Park on Panther Way. There is parking next to the Police Station and off Edwards St.

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life"

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life" 2

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life"

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life" 4

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life" 5

view across the old swimming hole to the 'rainbow'

two faces with a view of the rainbow

Harvest Festival - 2013

The Festival got off to a decent start in 2013 but then the downpour came and that washed the remainder away. There'll be another year!





Or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636268013466/


The lollipop garden was installed at the Sculpture Park and remained there for quite some time in the weather. Alas, they are no gone to wherever lollipops go when their color has ended.

The lollipop garden was located on the ground to the left of the rainbow arches

“When you leave here, it’s a good feeling and you don’t have to pay for it”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Anyone who frequents the walking path at the Sculpture Park in the morning is sure to see ducks enjoying breakfast. And Marty Kenzerski is usually in the midst of the flock. 

Much like Cesar Millan, the acclaimed “Dog Whisperer,” Kenzerski can expect the ducks to gather around his car as he pulls into the Franklin Police Department lot, where he typically parks in the morning. 

The ducks then usually keep a close eye on the Franklin resident, but oftentimes end up walking down the path behind him to the area where they know they’ll be fed the typical meal of dry oats."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181021/franklin-man-attracts-following-at-sculpture-park

one of two new sculptures added to the Sculpture Park recently

the second of two new sculptures added to the Sculpture Park recently

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28

The Franklin Police Department and Franklin Recreation Department are offering a free Halloween celebration on October 28, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at 911 Panther Way. 

The Police Department will turn the station into the Hall of Justice with superheroes and villains. They will have a spooky trail, bounce house, obstacle course, face painting and games. 

The Franklin Recreation Department will also be hosting a carved pumpkin contest. Please drop off finished, already carved pumpkins to the Sculpture Park on Panther Way between 5:00-7:00 PM. 

We will provide tea light candles. Contest starts right at 7:00 PM. 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Ages: Pre-school- 5th grade.

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28

Shared from the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/281559379347664/

In the News: Franklin students play in Central District honors concert; missing art mystery solved

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Sixteen Franklin High School musicians are scheduled to play at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 13, as part of the Massachusetts Central District Honors concert. 

Students from chorus, orchestra, band, and jazz band, made this year’s ensemble. Music Director Diane Plouffe said about 300 students from about 90 towns will qualify for the central districts. 

She said during their auditions, judges look for several qualities like tone-quality, articulation, knowledge of scales, and sight-reading skills. 

“They’re all very responsible kids,” she said. “They’ve been studying music since middle school, or some since elementary school.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180112/franklin-high-musicians-perform-at-mechanics-hall

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus

"The disappearance of Tyvek-covered books contained in an art exhibit was not vandalism, but rather an act prompted by misunderstanding by a public-spirited citizen. 

Franklin Police announced the end of the investigation regarding the missing art installment at Sculpture Park, and while the person responsible was found, those in charge of the installment chose not to press charges. 

Leader of the investigation, Lt. Mark Manocchio, said the previously suspected vandalism of the property was in fact fallout by a resident who chose to take things into their own hands. 

The installment was a project authorized by the town, where art students from Wheaton College were hanging 116 Tyvek-covered books in the park to commemorate the books donated to Franklin’s first public library by Benjamin Franklin. They plan to redo the project in the spring, along with two other sculptures."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180112/franklin-police-say-theft-of-books-in-art-exhibit-was-misunderstanding

Franklin Police: "no malicious intent behind the removal of the sculpture"

The Sculpture Park's missing art has been resolved:

"The Franklin Police Department has concluded its investigation into the missing Sculpture from the Town’s Sculpture Park, which was originally reported on December 1st, 2017. The missing sculpture was one of three graciously donated by a public art class from Wheaton College. Before the final installation was complete Wheaton Students noticed the majority of the sculpture that was previously installed had been removed.

The Franklin Police Department has determined that there was no malicious intent behind the removal of the sculpture. It was removed as a result of a miscommunication and misunderstanding. The town resident that removed it has contacted Wheaton College, explained their actions, and offered an apology.

There will be no charges filed as a result of the incident. “The Franklin Police believe this to be a teaching moment.” said Franklin Police Lieutenant Mark Manocchio, the principal investigator. “Art is looked at and interpreted in different ways, by different people.” Manocchio said. 

If you see something and are not sure if it belongs in the park please contact the Town Administrator’s office or the police department for clarification."

This was shared from the Franklin Police Dept page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-sculpture-park

In case you missed the prior notice, you can view it in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/missing-100-sculptures-at-sculpture-park.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/they-put-in-all-that-time-and-they.html

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus

This was one of several photos I had the opportunity to take on the Sunday before the books were found missing.

Additional photos of the Sculpture Park can be found here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157646895588736/

Where is the Sculpture Park?

"they put in all that time, and they donated to the town"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"When artists from Wheaton College went to the Franklin Sculpture Park earlier this month to finish an art installment they had been working on, they found their entire project dismantled. 

The project, which involved hanging 116 blank, Tyvek-covered books onto branches in the park, was meant to commemorate the donation of books from Benjamin Franklin to the town, marking the first public library in the United States. 

The fishing lines are still visible on many tree branches. Wheaton art professor Kelly Goff confirmed that the lines were cut intentionally, but could not provide further detail, aside from the fact that his class was upset by the occurrence. The books were tied high up on some trees, making the action of cutting them down difficult without being noticed at night when the incident allegedly occurred. Police were unable to respond to comment. 

Linda Kabat, former coordinator at the Franklin Arts Center and manager of the Franklin Sculpture Park, said she was disheartened by the incident. She said the artists often expect damage, but this was not the work of a windy day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171211/franklin-sculpture-park-vandalism-devastating

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus

Related post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/missing-100-sculptures-at-sculpture-park.html

MISSING 100 Sculptures at Sculpture Park

Please help. If you know or saw something at the Sculpture Park from Sunday, Nov 26 through Friday, Dec 1, please call the Franklin Police Dept.




I can confirm the books were hanging from the trees as I took photos of them Sunday morning, Nov 26 on my walk

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus

#ShopFranklin features Elizabeth's Bagels (video)

#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Jen Garcia of Elizabeth's Bagels in Franklin,MA. Elizabeth's Bagels preserved the age old art of perfectly kettle boiled bagels. This delicacy is then augmented with a great selection of in house blended cream cheese options, seasonal offerings, loose leaf teas and an assortment of coffee creations







One of my favorite breakfasts is to walk to Elizabeth's Bagels, grab a bagel breakfast sandwich and coffee, then walk over to the Sculpture Park to enjoy breakfast before continuing the walk around Franklin and home.

Elizabeth's Bagels and the Sculpture Park a breakfast combo

Pumpkins in the Park - October 29 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM

"Come join us in our Second Annual Pumpkins in the Park Saturday, October 29 from 6 - 8 PM. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 favorites via public voting 

Lights provided by the Franklin Art Center

Drop off times to be announced 

Dance performance by Inspire Dance Academy 

Trick or Treating with local merchants for children in costumes from 6 - 7 PM"

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 29

Where:
The Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way (next to the Police Station)

This was shared from the Franklin Art Center Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1807538506141251/

Today's schedule for the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Friday, July 29

Summer Music Concert – Band, Strings and Chorus

• Location – Franklin High School Auditorium – 11:00 AM

Farmer’s Market – on High Street Side

• Location – Franklin Town Common – 12 Noon to 6 PM

CANCELED due to the weather at 11:30AM 7/29/16

Kevin Wolfe – Soft Classic Rock

• Location – The Sculpture Park – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Shakespeare on the Common –– FPAC

• Location – Franklin Town Common – 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM  on the lawn by the Statue (High St side of the Common)

Franklin Sculpture Park

****    ****    ****

Get the full Cultural Festival brochure to download and print from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZGhDUmdGWm1GNHM/view?usp=sharing

• Get updates on the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival on the webpage

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

• or follow Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalFestival/

• or Twitter  https://twitter.com/artshappenhere

* note the schedule is subject to change

Pumpkins in the Park - Friday, Oct 30

The Franklin Art Center presents....

Pumpkins in the Park

in cooperation with the Franklin Recreation Dept.

Where?
At the Sculpture Park on Panther Way (before the Police Station)

In the News: Superfund listing good news, Pumpkins in the Park, Purr-fect Cat Shelter fund raising

Area officials reacted favorably to news that a contaminated property on Fisher Street had been added to the Environmental Protection Agency's list of Superfund sites.

The EPA announced Wednesday that the former BJACT LLC property will be placed on the agency's National Priorities List of Superfund sites. The land at 300 Fisher St., according to an EPA release, has been used for industrial purposes since the late 1800s, with rubber and plastic manufacture among its uses. It is currently inactive, and has been so since 1985.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151001/NEWS/151008865/1994/NEWS

In cooperation with the Franklin Recreation Department, Pumpkins in the Park will take place at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way, near the police station. 

Those interested are asked to drop off pumpkins between noon and 2 p.m., or 5-6 p.m. Lights will be provided by Franklin Art Center. Event attendees will vote for their favorite pumpkins and prizes will be given for the most creative, scariest and funniest.

Franklin Art Center Facebook photo

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151001/NEWS/151009491/1994/NEWS

The Purr-fect Cat Shelter will hold the Pour for Paws Wine Tasting fundraiser 2-5 p.m. Oct. 18 at Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove St. 

The event will be an afternoon of wine sampling provided by Pour Richard’s and raffle items. Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits will also donate 20 percent of the sales during the event to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151001/NEWS/151009214/1994/NEWS

Reporting by walking around - Saturday, Aug 29 (photo essay)

Reporting by walking around on Saturday morning, Aug 29.

The DPW is replacing the sewer line on Dale St.

sidewalk work along West Central in front of the Historical Museum

sidewalk work in front of Dean on West Central

sidewalk work on the other side of West Central at Dean

sidewalk in front of Davis Thayer

new sidewalk on Davis Thayer where the modulars were located

the FHS boys cross country team out for their workout

the FHS girls cross country team out for their workout

Sculpture Park, Franklin Art Center ladybug

fish painted during the Cultural Festival now hung along the railing

fish painted during the Cultural Festival now hung along the railing