Lamp Post Art Stroll to feature local artists

By Casey Collier
The Lamp Post Art Stroll will be held Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Franklin.
It is sponsored by Franklin Merchants Association. Participating merchants will have tell-tale sandwich boards on the sidewalk in front of their stores, as well as price specials and door prizes.
Refreshments will be served and a silent auction will take place at The French Door.
Diane Wiltz, FMA, said, “This is an opportunity to give local artists the chance to showcase and sell some of their creations.”
Whether photography, paintings or sculpture, Wiltz says all are invited to take part.
The art stroll is taking place on Thursday, to keep in the spirit of the FMA’s First Thursdays program, which they have been taking part in for the last two years.
The first Thursday of every month, the FMA merchants stay open a little later than usual to accommodate patrons who have to work into the early evening. Wiltz said, “We always say, ‘shop local.’ Well, we know they don’t get off until five (working patrons). If all the shops on Main Street close at five, they can’t shop locally because we’re closed. So, we stay open beyond 5 o’clock.”
The FMA is also inviting women thinking of attending the stroll to feel free to wear their spring hats, as some of the ladies from the FMA will be in theirs.
This will be the first year for the stroll, but Franklin has seen iterations of it, on and off, for years. In the 1980s, it was called the Art Festival, and even at present, Franklin celebrates an annual art walk in August. The FMA is looking to achieve a certain result with their first annual art stroll—comfort and ease; and if they succeed, they intend to repeat the event.
An ordinance was passed by the city council to allow open containers of alcohol for the duration of the event, so adult libations will be served to those patrons who are interested.
Debbie Tibbs, photographer, said she is looking forward to showing people her photographs over a glass of wine.
Wiltz said, “What we are trying to do is rejuvenate Main Street.”
She said she likes the thought of seeing people strolling up and down Main Street, and she pointed out that those merchants who have guest books for visitors to sign, often hear confessions that the downtown area of Main Street is Norman Rockwell-esque with its charm.
It is that charm which Wiltz and fellow merchants would like to share with residents and tourists alike, not to mention strengthening the artistic community in Franklin, to boot.
Kathy Latiolais, merchant and artist, said her store, The French Door, highlights an artist every month. So, for her, the stroll’s allure lies in the exposure it offers to artists and customers.
Wiltz finished with, “What is it you’re looking for? Come see us,” she nods and smiles, “Come see us.”