Walking in Franklin … for art

Main Street in downtown Franklin is art central Saturday, Aug. 13, rain or shine. Local and regional artists share the spotlight for “Promenade d’art de Franklin” from 6 to 9 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural Franklin Art Walk drew more than 1,000 people, and Community Development Director/Main Street Program Manager Marla Chirdon expects those numbers to grow. “We’ve already got 27 artists, more than twice as many as last year,” she said.

Borrowing from New Orleans’ White Linen Nights, Chirdon said “Promenade d’art de Franklin” is a free social event, spanning Main Street from Adams to Cafferty streets, designed to celebrate all forms of visual art.

“It is a way to meet artists, appreciate their works, bring attention to Main Street businesses and expand the art scene in Franklin,” she said.

“We look to New Orleans because they celebrate the art scene so well. [Last year’s walk] was a white cotton, white linen affair that was very elegant and drew a bigger crowd than we had anticipated,” Chirdon said. “It actually exceeded our expectations in terms of reception and import.”

With a stepped up marketing campaign and an invitation to artists across south Louisiana, downtown Franklin “expects good things this year as well,” the Main Street program manager said.

Chirdon said this year’s showing covers all strokes with the painting medium, acrylics, oils and watercolors; photography; fiber and recycled arts; pottery; sculpture; basketry; and hand-crafted items. Creations by a woodworker and jeweler are also on display at venues hosted by downtown merchants.

Featured artists include Mark Judice (at Chez Hope); Suzanne Wiltz, Ladaisha Bowles, Rhonda Lancios, Jeryl Judice (The Lamp Post); Laura Zuniga (Merle Norman); Michelle Blanc (Floors Etc.); Martha Mello, Caroline Simoneux (Meyer’s Shoe Store); Kelly Martin (Fad’s News Stand); Ruby Newcomb, Darnelle Delcambre, Margaret Melancon, Tony Cutrera (Main Street Caf/); Carla Hostetter, Catherine Siracusa (Argus Spa); Jon Eeingenburg (Scelfo’s); and Sarah Picrad, Gail Drinwater and Neil Minor (Acadiana Works Inc.).

Although the Franklin Art Walk is not a juried event, Chirdon said New Iberia A&E Gallery owner and renowned artist Paul Schexnayder will be judging entries. Award categories include Best of Show, which receives a special recognition plaque and $100. Ribbons and certificates are given to the top four finishers, first, second, third and honorable mention.

Also, a jazz quartet comprised of students from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts is performing outdoors in central downtown. “We’re really looking forward to hosting them,” Chirdon said.

A framed art auction, featuring a reproduction of the famed St. Louis Cathedral, is being auctioned. Tickets are $1 and proceeds benefit next year’s art walk. Watch for the ticket booth near the quartet’s staging area.

“We invite everyone to don their white cotton and come enjoy our rich art scene,” Chirdon said. “We look forward to seeing everyone out there.”

For more information, call Chirdon at (337) 828-6326 or visit the Franklin Art Walk’s Facebook page.

Franklin Art Walk

Where: Main Street in downtown Franklin

When: Saturday, Aug. 13, 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: Free and open to the public

For More Info: (337) 828-6326 or visit the Franklin Art Walk’s

Facebook page.