Coinciding with Ten Days on the Island is Franklin’s
3rd Focus, this year officially named ‘Focus on Franklin
2009 – The Arts’, which though self explanatory,
I will elaborate.
There is already great enthusiasm from the
artists in our community and their work will be collected and displayed
throughout Franklin - in shop windows and walls of the restaurants,
businesses, and Church Studio Franklin. It is a multi media event
that welcomes sculpture, wall art, ceramics, textiles, printing, jewellery,
and so on. A sculpture walk by the river is also planned. Artists
from other areas are also welcome to participate.
Although some artists simply want to display
their work and not compete; there will be a competition with prizes
for various sections. The work will be judged before the 27th, which
is the night of The Arts Cabaret Ball at the Palais
Theatre, which marks the beginning of the festivities.
Guests are invited to come dressed as a living
art piece. Already there are some amazing ideas for this. e.g an Andy
Warhol, a Picasso, a character from an old master, a piece of sculpture.
The evening begins with cabaret performances
featuring some great local talent – often performing their own
material. There will also be ballroom and other dance exhibitions
from a local ballroom dancing school. Supper will be served at the
tables and after this the very large and talented Hobart Swing
Band will play great dance music.
An Art Auction of a Lysbeth Driessen painting will
be an exciting feature of the night. Lysbeth, a well known local artist
will be having a concurrent exhibition at the Church Studio Franklin.
Presentations will be made of art prizes.
On Saturday the 28th we envisage people wandering
through Franklin viewing the art and dining al fresco. There will
be music playing at various venues. Village Antiques plan on presenting
an Art Deco and Art Nouveau display including clothing from those
eras.
At 7.30pm Ten Days on the Island visits the
Palais with Far Flung Flicks (thoroughly enjoyed
last year). After the film we move to the oval for a Light Show called
‘Carnival of the Divine Imagination’
and on the river, boats are to be lit up to reflect on the water.
Sunday 29th begins with our Growers
Market at the Palais, followed by a day of continuous activity
on both the oval and the village green. There will be a bandstand
with changing performances throughout the day – street theatre
– selected busking – stalls which will reflect the Arts
theme and also many activities for our children – involving
them in art in various ways.
There will also be a ‘Children
of The Valley Art Competition’ in three categories:
infants; primary and secondary age.
