Artsy Box Project Underway!

April 26, 2023

The weather is warming up and Franklin’s first ever Artsy Box Project is on to its next phase. This week we have been priming the boxes and our artists have been setting up interviews with Stephen Sherlock of Franklin matters, that will soon be shared. While we continue to look forward to the art process unfolding, we ask that you help us document the progress you catch on your walks. Please snap photos and tag Franklin Culture on Facebook or tag #ArtsyBox23 on Instagram. 

This week’s Featured Artist is Julia Dwinell. Dwinell is a Wrentham based artist who has worked frequently in Franklin and currently has art exhibited at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. Dwinell’s art piece is titled “Pieced together”, a collection of puzzle pieces creating a picture of fun and whimsical tulips. They are a representation of New England’s Spring season. We are excited to see the wonderful variety of colors expressed by Dwinell’s interpretation of Franklin’s beauty.

Please continue to follow our weekly updates as we share information about our artists and their inspiration. The FCDC is grateful for the continue support of the Artsy Box Project from Mass Cultural Council and Town of Franklin.

Critical Conversations

Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 pm, at Franklin High School Auditorium or via Zoom, Critical Conversations, Perspectives on Student Wellbeing. Featuring Nicole Clermont reflecting on student experiences in high school and college. Her remarks will be followed by a panel of educators, community members and students sharing perspectives on managing stressors. Select Conversations for more information and Zoom link. Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street.

A Busy week at ... Franklin Public Library

• Wednesday, April 26, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Popcorn and a Play. Teens, join us for an evening of snacks and acting! We will be reading a one act play together on the spot, and enjoying some popcorn! Questions? CONTACT: Caleigh Keating  5085204941 or email [email protected].
• Thursday, April 27, 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Community Conversations. Folks of all ages are welcome to join us each month as we unpack, discuss, and engage with topics relevant both within our community and beyond. Come with an open mind, leave with plenty of food for thought! This Month's Topic: What is Environmental Justice? CONTACT: Caleigh Keating  5085204943 or email [email protected]
• Friday, April 28, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Arts & Culture Discussion! Calling all creatives, cultural partners and residents! We’re excited to announce that the Franklin Town Council has established an Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives! For more information, contact Lily Rivera  5085204941 or email  [email protected]
• Saturday, April 29, 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm Favorite Poem Project with Steve Sherlock and Camille Napier Bernstein. Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Read it for a recording celebrating National Poetry Month for later inclusion on Steve's podcast. Note Poems may not be ones you or family members or friends have written. Limit: Five minutes reading time. Questions/information please email [email protected].
• Sunday, April 30, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Eid Celebration! Families! Join us for a special celebration of Eid, complete with crafts, music, snacks, and more! For questions/to get involved, email Caleigh at [email protected]!
• Tuesday, May 2, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friends of Franklin Library Book Club. CONTACT: Mitzi Gousie  15085204941 or email [email protected].

At the Senior Center ...

• Wednesday, April 26, 1:00 pm, The Senior Scribblers. The group meets weekly at the Senior Center and once a month meeting at the Franklin TV studio to record their radio show/ podcast! A remote option is available too– call the Senior Center for more info!
• Thursday, April 27, 1:00 pm, Danielle's Art Class. All levels welcome. Call the Senior Center to register.

Select Senior for more information or telephone (508) 520-4945. Located 10 Daniel McCahill.

Books ... Writing ... Art ... Gifts ...

• Wednesday, April 26, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Come in and talk books! The April book is Radium Girls  by Kate Moore.
• Thursday, April 27, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, Writer's Quiet Space at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. Seeking a quiet place to work? Bring your own hotspot Wi-fi.
• Saturday, April 29, all day, Independent Bookstore Day is being celebrated at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. Come in and grab your favorite reads. See how much we've grown all because of your support!!
• Everyday during store hours, Franklin Art Association Gallery in the Bookstore. Select bookstore for more information about Escape into Fiction. Located 12 Main Street.

Family Science Night

Thursday, April 27, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Family Science Night. FHS Science National Honor Society. For students of all ages. Explore robotics to anatomy. Demonstrations and hands on activities. Select FHS. Use the Community Entrance. FHS at 218 Oak Street.

Dance Company at Dean College

Thursday, April 27, Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, Dance Company, Dean College. Award-winning faculty and guest choreographers showcase the impressive talent of our dance majors through a mixed bill of new and restaged dance works, ranging in style from hip-hop to jazz dance, tap to modern and ballet. Select Dance for performance times and ticket purchase.

67 Degrees Brewing ... in the taproom

• Thursday, April 27, Open Mic Night hosted by David Penza, 6:00 t0 9:00 pm
• Friday, April 28, Northeast Groove, Live Music, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
• Saturday, April 29, Corner to Corner, Live Music, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Ongoing, Artwork by Franklin artist, Amy Adams.
• Second new location ... Visit 67 Degrees Brewing at Wrenthem Outlet Beer Garden.

Select 67 Degrees for more information about these events. 158 Grove Street.

Weekend Hours at the Historical Museum

Saturday, April 29, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Museum Open.

Sunday, Aril 30, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Museum open. Select Museum for more information. FREE. Located at 80 West Central Street.

Arts & Culture Listening Tour, Session 2

Friday, April 28, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Arts & Culture Listening Tour at Franklin Public Library. Mark your calendar for the Second Session of the

Listening Tour ... join the conversation! Select Listening for more information. Library is located at 118 Main Street. Use School Street entrance.

Electric Youth and Future Shock!

Saturday, April 29, 7:30 pm, Electric Youth 2023 with special guests Future Shock! Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of World-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. At THE BLACK BOX, select Electric for ticket purchase. Located 15 West Central Street.

John Gorka at Circle of Friends

Saturday, April 29, 8:00 pm, John Gorka at Circle of Friends coffeehouse. Ticketed event. Select Circle for ticket information and mask requirements. Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, located First Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut Street.

Blueberry Galette

Ongoing. Recipe of the Month. Blueberry Galette. At The Little Shop. Select Blueberry to download the recipe for this blueberry infused dessert. The Little Shop, Located at 5 Main Street.

Dean College Series at Franklin Senior Center

Wednesday, May 3, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Dean College Engagement series at Franklin Senior Center, Literature of Baseball, Student Presentations, Jeff Skillings & students, at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill. Information from Instagram. Select Senior for Franklin Senior Center contact information..

Franklin Art Association ... Featuring Nan Rumpf

Wednesday, May 3 at 6:30 pm, Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting. The FAA is pleased to announce that outstanding Watermedia Artist Nan Rumpf will be doing a watercolor demonstration at the upcoming May 3 monthly meeting at the Franklin Senior Center.Select FAA for the link to their FB page and more information. Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill.

PT Color is at

Escape into Fiction Bookstore for Mother's Day

Thursday, May 4, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. PT Color Market Mother's Day. Earrings Making Workshop!Grab a friend for a fun night out! Make wooden double hoop earrings and layered leaf earrings and stud earrings. Light refreshments will be searved. $45.00 Registration required.

Register: www.ptcolormarket.com. Select Escape for more information. Escape into Fiction Bookstore is located at 12 Main Street.

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Thursday, May 4 at 6:30 pm, Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Monthly Meeting at the Franklin Public Library or via Zoom. Please email [email protected] if you would like to attend via Zoom. After the business portion will decorate cupcakes with Dawn Ruggio, FLA Member and local pastry chef! Library is located at 118 Main Street.

La Cantina Winery ... on the Patio

• Thursday, May 4, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, Ken Barney, Live Music and Papalias Wood Fired Pizza
• Friday, May 5 .... 5 de Mayo Fiesta SOLD OUT EVENT
• Saturday, May 6, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Laura May Duo, Live Music

Select La Cantina for their IG post. Located at 357 Union Street.

Dean College 157th Commencement

Saturday, May 6, 11:00 am, 157th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023. To be held in front of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way. Congratulations! Select Dean Commencement for additional information.

Two Events at First Universalist Society

• Walk for Peace on World Labyrinth Day, Saturday, May 6, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Walk for Peace, First Universalist Society in Franklin. Join us in Franklin, as we participate in World Labyrinth Day. You will have the opportunity to walk an outdoor labyrinth, use a finger labyrinth, and learn about labyrinths. There will be a brief introduction to World Labyrinth Day at 12:30 p.m., after which people will be invited to walk the labyrinth. If you have walked a labyrinth many times, or if you have never walked a labyrinth, we welcome you. Free. Questions? Email [email protected] information. First Universalist Society of Franklin is located 262 Chestnut Street.
• All Day Mah Jongg Fun! Saturday, May 6, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Mah Jongg Play All Day Event at the First Universalist Society.  Cost: $30, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins as you arrive. To register or for additional information, contact Katie Nunes at [email protected], or call 508-254-7918. Select FUSF for more information.

Interfaith Teen Climate Change Group

Sunday, May 7, 7:00 pm Interfaith Teen Climate Change Group. Join us on the first Sunday of each month to learn and plan advocacy toward slowing Climate Change to save our planet, and for Climate Justice (mitigating the effects of Climate Change onpoor and BIPOC communities) in Franklin and beyond. All young people and adult advisors are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation. St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

Pen to Picture ... Franklin Public Library

Saturday, May 13, 12:00 noon, Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel featuring Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares and Maris Wicks, at Franklin Public Library. Books available for purchase at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. Select Library for more information. 118 Main Street.

5-K Road Race

Saturday, May 13,12th Annual 5-K Road Race, Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. Select Race for the Tai-Valley Front Runners website with race details and registration information.

Voices of Faith

Sunday, May 21, 7:00 pm. Voices of Faith. A community concert with the Franklin Interfaith Council. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Select Voices for information. Located 91 Jordan Road.

Partnering with Franklin Matters @https://www.franklinmatters.org sharing information about arts and culture. Visit Franklin Matters for Franklin information.

Franklin's Cultural District Committee (FCDC) engages, promotes, celebrates, and collaborates with Franklin's artists and creatives, as well as organizations, institutions, and businesses. The Committee meets May 11 at 7 PM. Zoom link on Town of Franklin website, Boards/Committees.

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, John LoPresti, 

Roberta Trahan