Imagine all of the different ways art can take shape.
Chances are, you’ll be able to find them all in downtown Franklin during the Ethos Celebration of the Arts.
Professional artists will display their fine art for the community to enjoy, while at the same time your neighbors and friends show off their own artistic abilities. Families can decorate downtown sidewalks in chalk, while some of the area’s best-known artists will demonstrate their talents.
Creativity abounds this weekend, as the Ethos Celebration of the Arts puts the spotlight on artistry of all kinds. From a color-soaked 5K to artistic automobiles to a wealth of art shows, the entire weekend is aimed at showing off the talent that exists within the county.
And at the same time, the event will hopefully inspire people to paint, draw, sculpt or create something themselves.
Here is a rundown of what to find over the course of the celebration:
Canvas Clash
Details: 6:30 at 11 p.m. Friday, courthouse square; franklindepartmentofpublicart.square.site
What: The weekend kicks off with a Friday night battle royale, as competing artists will square off to create a work in a 20-minute time frame. Over the course of three rounds of competition, the ultimate artist will rise to the top. Attendees can vote for the favorites, paying $1 for each vote. Beer and wine will be available, and music is scheduled by Dean Martini. All proceeds benefit Discover Downtown Franklin.
Homeview Color Bash 5K
Details: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Province Park, 396 Branigin Blvd.
What: Turn your morning run into a work of art during this fundraising 5K from the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. The race starts at the copper-topped gazebo in Province Park and weaves along the Greenway Trail through Blue Heron Park and back. Along the way, the race features eight total color stations to make sure participants are tie-dyed head to toe. Afterwards, participants can enjoy post-race snacks and refreshments. To register, go to thehomeviewcolorbash5k.itsyourrace.com
Chalk the Block
Details: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Festival Country Indiana visitors center, 66 S. Water St.
What: For attendees to Ethos, the day is about viewing and experiencing art that others have made. But Chalk the Block allows them to create something incredible themselves for all to see. People were able to register for a 3 feet-by-3 feet chalk masterpiece in front of the visitor center, with the chance to win cash prizes. Those who didn’t register can still enjoy the color visions rendered on concrete along Water Street.
Community art show
Details: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St.
What: Recognize the best that area artists of all ages have to offer, when your friends, family and neighbors submit their own works for the annual community art show. Submitted pieces will be judged in categories such as two-dimensional, acrylics, mixed media, oil, photography, pottery, recycled materials and woodwork. Monetary prizes and ribbons will be awarded to first, second and third place in each category.
Juried art fair
Details: Noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, North Main Street
What: The opportunity for professional artists, or those who want to be professional, can be hard to find. But at Ethos, creators will have the chance to put their paintings, sculptures, glass- and metalwork, multimedia pieces and many other forms of art on display for the public to consume. At the same time, they’ll vie for prizes decided by a panel of judges. Even for those who don’t win, the chance to make some sales and new fans is a victory.
Live art demonstrations and show
Details: Noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Generation Art and Frame, 43 N. Main St.
What: See professional artists work in real time during demonstrations by watercolorist Luke Buck and scratchboard artist Patrick Norris, who will be practicing their crafts inside Generation Art and Frame throughout the day Saturday. In addition, there will be more than 30 local artists displaying their work and appearing throughout the day. The shop will also be offering discounts and a prize to those who stop by.
Vintage artisan fair
Details: Noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, downtown Franklin
What: Downtown Franklin has earned a reputation as a haven for vintage shoppers, and throughout Ethos Celebration of the Arts, that distinction only gains strength. Dozens of craft, antique, vintage, artisan, handmade and art booths will be set up offering eclectic, funky and unique items for sale.
Creative Council of Franklin Art to Finish art show
Details: Noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, downtown Franklin
What: On Aug. 7, artists from all over the area came together with a common mission — to make some kind of art in the span of five hours. Paintings, musical performances and spoken word works were some of the varied submissions in the Art to Finish contest. The results of that flurry of creativity will be on display for people to enjoy throughout the day.
Franklin Symphonic Council musical performances
Details: 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, downtown Franklin
What: The artistry of music from all over the world will serve as the soundtrack for the Ethos Celebration of the Arts, as a variety of unique bands have been lined up to perform during the day. Lose yourself in the ceaseless rhythm of Groit Drum Ensemble, a sub-Saharan African drum troupe, or the music of the Middle East with Salaam Band. Adam Riviere will play Aboriginal-style didgeridoo music, while Son de Esquina kicks up the beat with salsa, bolero and cumbia music. Other performers include Southern Indiana Taiko, a Japanese drum and rhythm band; Indianapolis Ceili Band playing Irish music, and the traditional sound of the Shelbyville Community Band.
