Franklin Historical Museum To Host Miniature Metals Exhibit In October

A very special exhibit will open October 2nd at the Franklin Historical Museum. A personal collection of miniature metal artwork, hand crafted by Franklin born Abraham Megerdichian will be on display for the month of October. Megerdichian’s son Robert will open the exhibit with a presentation and talk about the history of his father’s work.

A selection of about 20 tiny recreations of everyday objects, made from brass, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper will be on display. A sampling of items for this exhibit include: a brass Asphalt Roller, a copper and steel Cannon with Cannonballs, an aluminum Inkwell with Feather Pen, a Flexible Flyer Sled and tiny brass Roller Skates.

miniature metal artwork 1

In his life time, the elder Megerdichian, a machinist by trade, made over 300 miniatures for family and friends as gifts for holidays and special occasions. Just a hobby to him at the time, his work is now being recognized as the intricate creative artwork that it is. It’s a labor of love by his son Robert to bring his father’s work out of storage and into the public eye.

Various pieces are currently being exhibited at The Attleboro Area Museum of Industry, The Science Museum in Boston, The Lynn Museum, the Providence Children’s Museum, and soon at Connecticut’s New Britain Industrial Museum. Robert approached the Franklin Historical Museum because of his father’s connection to Franklin.

miniature metal artwork 2

Abraham was born in Franklin in 1923 to Armenian Immigrants, but the family later moved to Cambridge where he was raised. The family kept close ties to Franklin and Abraham helped build Camp Haiastan, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Camp on Summer Street.

Robert Megerdichian’s presentation will cover his father’s craft, his artwork, his love of family, as well as an interesting history and anecdotal stories of Franklin’s Armenian Community.

miniature metal artwork 3

Join us for this very special event, 1:30PM, Sunday afternoon, October 2nd, 80 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Visit us on our Facebook page and our webpage franklinhistoricalmuseum.com. Admission is always free and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin returns on Wednesday, September 7th!

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, September 7th (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Life is better when you're laughing

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. Learn simple exercises to help you lighten up about life and bring more laughter into it! 

Laughing strengthens the immune system and helps with stress, depression and anxiety. There are no fancy postures and is appropriate for all ages and all physical levels. You can sit or stand. New laughers are always welcomed! 

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

Franklin Historical Museum Hosts Antique Appraisal Day - Sept16

Gather your antiques and mark your calendars to have your prized possessions appraised at the Franklin Historical Museum. This popular and enjoyable event returns to the museum this year on a new day and time, Friday September 16th, 6:00PM-8:30PM. Curious about what your favorite vintage items might be worth? Here’s your opportunity to find out. 

Antiques will be appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman of Coyles Auction Gallery of Bellingham. Guests are allowed a maximum of 3 items to be appraised at a rate of $5.00 each.

Items to be appraised include, but are not limited to:

• decorative stoneware and pottery
• vintage clothing and costume jewelry
• fine china, glass and art glass
• Oriental rugs
• paintings and prints
• lamps, clocks, decorative accessories
• Hummels and music boxes
• sterling silver, pewter and brass
• American, Victorian and country furniture

The following items will not be considered for appraisal: 

• no fine jewelry
• no coins
• no stamps
• no weapons

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible. The event is hosted by and all proceeds go to the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Don’t miss it.

Franklin Historical Museum

Franklin Historical Museum Event At Almont Gallery In Medway - Aug 28

A unique event allowing a rare opportunity to view selected vintage photographs from the collection of the Franklin Historical Museum will be held at Almont Gallery and Studios August 28th. The public is invited to view classic vintage photos from the museum’s collection which have been digitized for clearer and closer viewing. The images will be shown on giant poster size digital display units hung throughout this one-of-a-kind gallery. 

This is a unique chance to see Franklin’s historic photographs like you’ve never seen them before. Many of the photos are labeled with dates and information, but guests will have the opportunity to name people, locations and events not previously identified. The images date from the early 1900s through the 1950s and include photos of FHS Athletic teams, police and fire department photos, factory and mill images, family photos and many more.

If you love Franklin, love history, love photography and love unique social events, you won’t want to miss this chance to see these vintage photographs come to life. If you find a favorite image, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase the photo.

Almont Gallery is located at Medway Mills, 161 Main Street, across from Choate Park. The event starts at 3:00PM and runs to 6:30PM, light refreshments will be served. 

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing our collection. Admission is free of charge.

Almont Gallery and Studios

“We know that the arts bring economic prosperity”

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

"Roberta Trahan said she always has a song in her head as she makes her way through each day. 

On Saturday though, she said, that daily song was replaced with the music that was in the air at the Franklin Cultural Festival. 

“Today is all about whatever's on that stage,” said Trahan, a member of the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee. 

Both inside and outside The Black Box theater on West Central Street Saturday afternoon, musical acts traded off the spotlight as the festival came to a close after four days of theater, art and food."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160731/franklin-cultural-festival-showcases-music-art-and-more

A sampling of photos from Saturday:

check the marquee for future events

Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli

Jamie Barrett

Ferrara's Market was one of several offering a "Taste of Franklin" 

Susan Cattaneo, Jim Henry, Stephanie Marshall performing

the Franklin Cultural Festival closed with a rocking performance by Victims of Gravity

 Additional photos and videos will be shared as they become available


This posting was also shared on Franklin Matters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/we-know-that-arts-bring-economic.html

James Montgomery Band Headlines THE BLACK BOX - Aug 5

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents the renowned James Montgomery Band on Friday, August 5 at 8 p.m.

Whether it’s recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his band of 30 years, blues legend James Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit, he learned firsthand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, Montgomery has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

James Montgomery

He formed the James Montgomery Band in 1970 while attending Boston University. Montgomery’s inimitable harmonica playing, combined with his energetic live shows, led to the band’s quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery Band was among the hottest acts in Boston, along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn records.

Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, First Time Out, has been re-mastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Others include James Montgomery Band on Island Records, which was number nine on Billboard’s national playlist; Duck Fever, with members of the David Letterman Band; Live Trax, with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones’ horn section); and his release on Tone-Cool, The Oven Is On.

Montgomery has toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf, among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax.”

Over the years, Montgomery’s band has been a springboard for many musicians, with members having included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra and Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire, and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith’s Tom Gambel, and many others.

Tickets are $25. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Today's schedule for the Cultural Festival - Saturday, July 30

Franklin Cultural Festival

Performance Schedule

Saturday, July 30

At THE BLACK BOX

the tent is set up and ready for Saturday's Cultural Festival events at THE BLACK BOX

	Stage inside	Stage outside under the tent
12:45 PM	Emma Newton – voice and harp
1:15 PM		Stefilia's Stone
2:00 PM	Kevin T Wolfe - acoustic guitar
2:30 PM		Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli
3:15 PM	LiveARTS – Don Krishnaswami – viola and Phil Hall – piano
3:45 PM		Jamie Barrett
4:30 PM	Heath Nisbett – classical and flamenco guitar
5:00 PM		Jim Henry with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies
6:00 PM	Kaye Kelly – vocals and guitar
6:30 PM	‘One Acts’ by FSPA
7:30 PM		Victims of Gravity
9:00 PM	Soiree
10:00 PM	Closing Ceremony

Note: each entry in the table above is linked to some additional information for each performer

Also at THE BLACK BOX

• Culinary Arts – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Taste of Franklin … enjoy the food!

 

sample a signature taste for $2 each

• Visual Arts – Afternoon and evening – featuring Franklin Art Association and Robot Designs

Performers outside THE BLACK BOX are presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

July 27 - July 30 in Franklin, MA

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Get the full Cultural Festival brochure to download and print from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbERFUllKS19id1k/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