In four short years, the ArtWalk in Franconia, NH, has become a much-anticipated event that draws residents and visitors alike. We anticipate even greater foot traffic in 2023 as the town celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Our annual event has been featured in the Nov 2020 issue of New Hampshire Magazine and several newspapers, including the NH Union Leader. Over 5,000 copies of our map/brochure are distributed statewide each season. The latest copy of the map is available for review here.
The Franconia ArtWalk is a long-term outdoor display of murals and sculptures that opens during July 4th weekend and runs until Columbus Day weekend. The jury selection process occurs in early February and notifications are delivered to the selected artists no later than February 25th.
Installations are scheduled between April 17th and June 24th. Artwork must be removed by the end of October.
Our association provides mounting base(s), installation/removal assistance, and appropriate landscaping for each piece. Installations also receive a plaque listing the title, artist name/location/website, and a QR code that directs viewers to our website for more detailed information about each piece and its creator(s).
Stipends are available for participating artists. Amounts are determined by travel distance (see Stipend Table) and are designed to help artists with travel-related expenses.
The Artwalk spans nearly one mile and is located between the Lafayette School and the Franconia Heritage Museum. The historic buildings, scenery, and gardens along Main Street provide a complementary backdrop for your artwork.
One portion of the trail meanders along the banks of the Gale River. The forested River Walk provides a serene setting for visitors to enjoy the installations. Artwork is also displayed on a scenic neighborhood loop on Academy Street that boasts stunning views of Mount Lafayette and the historic Dow Academy building.
Franconia ArtWalk Association is the event sponsor and a regional nonprofit focused on developing art- related attractions for people of all ages and abilities. Inspired by nature and the arts, the Association promotes tourism and enhances the creative aspects of our local communities.
Our walk provides exposure to a broad range of people because it is accessible for all physical abilities. We encourage artists to submit works created with a variety of mediums, including interactive pieces. The only real limitation is that each piece must be able to withstand outdoor exposure for at least one year.
Over a million people visit the Franconia Notch area of the White Mountains each year. The historic Omni Mount Washington and Mountain View Grand Resorts are within a reasonable driving distance of Franconia Village, as are countless inns, BnBs, and short-term rentals. Considered one of America’s best downtowns, the neighboring community of Littleton attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists year-round.
The White Mountains region attracts a growing population of outdoor recreation enthusiasts, but many of our visitors seek less strenuous cultural activities. These individuals are our target demographic, and the ArtWalk provides makers with the perfect opportunity to reach a new market.
Our nonprofit 501(c)3 organization is registered with the State of NH and the IRS, and we carry general liability insurance.