Franklin invites everyone to come create Art in the Park

​Saturday’s forecast is 69 and sunny – perfect for hanging out in the park and, if you are so inclined, creating some art.

Franklin will host its first Art in the Park event from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday in Fountain Park and everyone is invited to come create.

“There’s no class, no judging, and no expectations,” said Ashley Zaccari, one of the event organizers.

The goal is to simply give people a common place to create, no strings attached.

It’s an idea that was partially inspired by this summer’s activities at the nearby bike trail.

“I keep thinking about the success of the Trail Mix bike club this summer, where bike riders have been invited to meet at the Saltbox on Wednesdays and go for a group ride. It gives people who already enjoy biking an easy way to find other people who enjoy it too and feel connected or have to ride alone,” Zaccari said. “Of course, anyone can get a group together and ride, but people don’t naturally do that anymore and there has been great success from the AVTA posting a meet up. People need to be invited.”

And Zaccari is one who would know. She is the leader of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s Be Here initiative, a member of the Franklin Fine Arts Council and a City of Franklin councilperson.

To her, an important aspect of the Art in the Park event is that it’s open to all skill levels. Just make sure to bring your own supplies.

“I can picture a family spreading out a blanket with coloring books while nearby a professional plein air artist is painting. Maybe someone is crocheting on a bench, another person is journaling, and someone else is walking around with their camera… everyone creating (simultaneously),” she said.  “The Franklin Fine Arts Council is inviting everyone to bring whatever they’re working on and create alongside their neighbors.”
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If two hours seems too short, Zaccari suggests making a day of it. “We also want people to enjoy downtown while they’re here,” she said. “Come early and explore the shops, grab a coffee or a snack, join us in Fountain Park from 4 to 6 p.m., and then stick around for dinner afterward.”

Here's a little impression to get you thinking about possibilities for Saturday. Photographer Richard Sayer grabbed these shoots of the Egbert Fountain in 2024. See more of them in his short story - Oh that wonderful light in that wonderful town.