Downtown Franklin Association’s Art Crawl to Raise Awareness for Heart Disease in Women
On Friday, Feb. 1, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) and the Franklin Art Scene are encouraging businesses and downtown visitors to participate in National Wear Red Day, the 10th Annual American Heart Association movement to raise awareness of heart disease in women.
The Main Street group and its members will show their support by wearing red clothing all day Friday, and have asked that the 30 plus participating art crawl sites do the same.
“The DFA always hopes to work with local organizations to raise awareness for the good of the community, in every way we can,” said Nancy Williams, director of the DFA. “Our members have shown a lot of interest in participating in Wear Red Day, and it’s an easy way for downtown businesses to make an impact.”
Many of the Franklin Art Scene participants are taking the event one step further, and will display heart-themed art or offer incentives to visitors wearing red. Jack Yacoubian Jewelers, a new fine jewelry store on Third Avenue South, is holding a special giveaway, announced during the art crawl, in honor of National Wear Red Day. Any guest who wears the designated color in his shop on Friday will be entered into a drawing to win a woman’s Citizen luxury watch.
“This movement in particular holds a special place in my family’s heart. I’m proud that our downtown organization and the Art Scene are raising awareness for it,” Yacoubian said. “My wife had heart complications during one of her pregnancies, and I feel fortunate to be able to give back to the cause in this way.”
Gallery 202 on Second Avenue South will host Chattanooga native Susan Parry and her hand-blown “Key To My Heart” jewelry pieces during Friday’s event.
“This is a perfect opportunity for our community to showcase art for the heart,” said Kelly Harwood, gallery owner and Franklin Art Scene committee member. “It’s a great tie-in, and a cause I believe many people connect with.”
The Franklin Art Scene is a first-Friday event presented by the Downtown Franklin Association. The crawl and its 30 plus locations are free, but a $5 wristband includes unlimited stops on the trolleys that circulate from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more details and map information, go to www.franklinartscene.com.