Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

Saturday, April 27 from 9 AM to noon

Given the prediction of a 100% chance of rain tomorrow and winds ranging from 10-15 MPH, we've made the decision to reschedule Franklin Earth Day to the following Saturday, April 27th, starting at 9 AM. 

We invite you to join us next weekend for the vital task of tidying up our parks, playgrounds, and Town-owned properties, which are in need of a thorough spring clean. We'll kick off the event with coffee and bagels during registration, and the first 100 registrants will receive complimentary tee shirts. The Department of Public Works will provide saplings for planting. 

The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town.  Meet at Beaver Pond at 9 AM and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.  

First 100 participants will receive an Earth Day t-shirt.  DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee, and bagels. 

• Earth Day Map 
• Earth Day clean up rule

Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2024

 Saturday, April 20 from 10 to 11 AM

Saturday's earth day events have been postponed due to anticipated weather - new dates/times TBD, likely next Sat but waiting for confirmation.

Rise Up will still take place, but at our regular location of the Franklin United Methodist Church, 10-11 AM

Join our community for an accessible earth day event! Seed, Stroll, & Roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote.

This event is free and open to the public.  Seed, Stroll, & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates:

• https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/
• https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
• https://alirheaume.com/rise-up
• https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department

Brought to you by your Franklin community members: Rise up, Franklin Recreation, Conservation & "Arts, Culture the Creative Economy" Departments.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gGFc-L96X/

 Saturday, April 27 from 10 to Noon

An event for children and families. Join the conservation Commission, Dept of Public Works, Department of Conservation, Recreation, Friends of Franklin Conservation, Agricultural Commission, Energize Franklin, and others to celebrate our shared earth.

(service hours validated for trash clean up and seeding) 

Location: DelCarte Open Space 

• Woods walk & historical talk 10:30a
• Native bee cocoon harvest demo
• Plant native seeds for turtles
• And bees
• Sign up for compost bins & rain barrels  
• Learn about wildlife, ecology, climate

Earth day events in Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/come-celebrate-earth-day-conservation-saturday-april-27-10am-12pm

Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Relaunches ‘Call for Artists’ for public Sculpture Park

Calling all artists and creatives! 

The Town of Franklin Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Department is excited to announce the opening wave of our Spring 2024 ‘Call to Artists’ for the Franklin Sculpture Park. 

This exhibiting opportunity aims to transform our town’s public space into vibrant expressions of art, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. Whether you're an established artist or emerging talent, we invite you to be part of this exciting opportunity.

Selected artworks will become integral parts of our town’s cultural landscape, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. This is a chance to leave a lasting impact on the community and contribute to its cultural vibrancy.

‘Call for Artists’ for public Sculpture Park

Artists interested in submitting their work can find more information and access the application process on the website https://www.franklinculture.org/home/news/public-art. The submission deadline is June 1, 2024 at 9 PM.

Join us in making Franklin a canvas of creativity! For inquiries or further information, please contact Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. 

About The Town of Franklin Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Department:

The arts and culture sector plays a vital role in enriching the fabric of the Franklin community as we strive to build a vibrant and inclusive municipality. Investing in arts and culture initiatives is essential for driving economic development, strengthening social cohesion, and nurturing a sense of identity among community members.

 

Seed, Stroll, & Roll on Earth Day - April 27

Join our community for an accessible earth day event! Stroll and roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote.

This event is free and open to the public.

Seed, Stroll, & Roll on Earth Day - April 27

Seed Stroll & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates:

• https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/
• https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
• https://alirheaume.com/rise-up
• https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department

Brought to you by your Franklin community members: Rise up, Franklin Recreation, Conservation & "Arts, Culture the Creative Economy" Departments.

 

Download the flyer as a reminder and to share with others

https://drive.google.com/file/d/194KGz85FKLbXfvjEQicHzVex_sR4RhY8/view?usp=drive_link

#FranklinEarthMonth

Rise Up scheduled for Saturday, at 10 AM at the Sculpture Park

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

Where: Franklin Sculpture Park, Panther Way

When: Saturday, Sep 9 at 10 AM

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Rise Up scheduled for Saturday, at 10 AM at the Sculpture Park

Jefferson Elementary Students ‘Tackle’ Public Art with New "Traveling School of Fish” Installation at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

On June 7, 2023, Jefferson students, family, staff and the greater Franklin community gathered for a rededication ceremony at the Franklin Sculpture Park. The park first opened in 2014, the installation "The School of Fish", previously donated by the (now closed) Franklin Art Center, had appeared weathered due to time. 

Seeing an opportunity to refresh the installation and involve the community, local artist and Jefferson parent, Amy Adams partnered with Franklin Public Schools Art Director, Adam Gooder, Jefferson Art Teacher Caroline Whelan, Jefferson Principal Stefani Wasik and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to re-imagine the installation.

Adams worked to clear and prepare each individual fish, Jefferson staff then worked with students to create the new art. The refreshed installation, retitled "Traveling School of Fish", will be updated yearly by new students within the district. During the dedication, Adams spoke with the students and encouraged "all of the little artists here to keep shining your lights. They are beautiful and bright."

This new initiative aims to nurture the artistic talents of our youth, while showcasing their work with the greater Franklin community through public art. FPS Art Director Gooder notes, "Any time students of any age get a chance to show their work publicly, it motivates them to do their best. Art is meant to be seen; this initiative gives students an opportunity to see how people react and how their artistic voice can make a positive impact on others." 

The "Traveling School of Fish" installation is available to the public at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin, MA next to the Franklin Police Station.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/jefferson-elementary-students-%E2%80%98tackle%E2%80%99-public-art-new-%E2%80%98traveling-school-fish%E2%80%9D

Traveling School of Fish 1

Traveling School of Fish 2

You are invited to the Sculpture Park Rededication - Traveling School of Fish - June 7 at 5 PM

You're invited to join us on the evening of Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 5 PM at the Franklin Sculpture Park (rain date Thursday, June 8th at 5pm). For a rededication ceremony for the Franklin Art Center installation "School of Fish". 

The public art was installed in 2014 and will now receive a refresh with the help of the Franklin Public Schools Art Director Adam Gooder, Art Teacher Caroline Whelan, Jefferson Principal Stefani Wasik and local artist Amy Adams.

The refreshed installation will be updated yearly by new students and the work will be retitled "Traveling School of Fish".

Join Jefferson students, families, faculty and more for a community celebration of art and engagement.

Event Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - 5:00 PM

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/460474210785489/permalink/2551355905030632/?mibextid=Nif5oz

photo from 2015 of the "Art School of Fish"

New art show featuring works of Ian Kabat opens at Norfolk Public Library

Linda Kabat (@l_kabat) tweeted on Sat, Apr 01, 2023:

"Forgot how much I love hanging for an art show 🥰 extra special as it's Ian's first solo show at Norfolk library! 

Stop by if you're in the area. 

Now to plan an opening!!" https://t.co/4URQXrIRms

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/l_kabat/status/1642231324109881345

Little known facts: (1) Ian Kabat is the designer of the current Franklin Food Pantry logo and branding concept.  (2) Linda and Ian are the folks behind the introduction and placement of the art works in the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way. 

Forgot how much I love hanging for an art show 🥰 extra special as it's Ian's first solo show at Norfolk library !stop by if you're in the area Now to plan an opening!! pic.twitter.com/4URQXrIRms

— LKabat (@l_kabat) April 1, 2023

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