James Benjamin Franklin has brightly reimagined the conventions of painting through a language of process and discovery. His works incorporate repurposed textiles such as blankets, towels, afghans, clothing, and bathroom mats, creating sensually-layered rafts of visual and physical texture which serve as alternative canvases. These surfaces, in turn, are painted, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed with materials which include acrylic paint, sand and glitter. Whereas traditional canvas can be precious or overbearing, Franklin’s tactile surfaces are liberating and playful. They allow open experimentation where his visual lexicon and studio methods can evolve or reinvent themselves.

Franklin’s paintings are housed in handcrafted plaster-molded frames, each one with a unique geometry. Irregular shapes complement and contain the playful chaos of the many-layered painting surfaces. His process of discovery explores how specific media become more meaningful when applied to textiles and other found surfaces. His work is experimental in the best sense of that oft-used expression: it deploys intentional, rigorous investigation while learning from each new result.

The finished pieces suggest an artist who relishes surprise at the unexpected while discovering freedom in technique. This freedom has led Franklin to refine his practice with increasing nuance in shape, edge, color, and texture, and their interactions over time. Ultimately, the artist wishes to communicate something essentially human about the making of his art – the joys of creative experimentation, as evidenced by the work itself.

“There’s an understanding of time that I appreciate,” says Franklin. “You can get a sense of how the art was made, revealing a story or history to the process – the joy, as well as the struggle. Bringing the viewer into the piece and having a shared experience about making and about life.” Creative acts are communicated and felt more urgently than an aesthetics borne of intellectual preoccupations. Within a single work of art, new meanings and additional layers are revealed over time. Franklin’s art is evergreen, relational, and continuously inspiring.

Paintings shown in Visitor feature vivid, bold colors and mark-making, resulting in finishes and atmospheres which are new to Franklin’s body of work. His edges and borders have also evolved, enabling a variety of ways of seeing the painting as an ensemble. The frames create counterpoints to prevailing visual energies which radiate from an alchemical display of pigment, texture, and surface.

The title of the show references a poetic entrance, or visitation, to otherworldly spaces. Franklin is a first-time visitor to Savannah, Georgia, where his work also fills the galleries at Laney Contemporary for the first time. Both artist and audience share an experience of visiting and being visited.

Bio:
James Benjamin Franklin received his BFA from Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA in 1999 and his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI in 2017. Recent exhibitions include Cranbrook Museum of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI; KMAC, Louisville, KY; FRONT International, The Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH; Broadway, New York, NY; Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit, MI; Reyes | Finn, Detroit, MI; and Proyectos Monclova, Mexico City. Franklin was born in Tacoma, WA in 1972 and lives and works in Detroit, MI.

Hours:
Tuesday-Friday, 11-5pm
Saturday, 11-2pm
Free Admission

Advanced Wheel: Form, Function & Funk
Ready to push your pottery past “round and smooth”? This class is for seasoned wheel throwers who want to refine form, explore bold design choices, and experiment with functional work that’s anything but ordinary. We’ll focus on advanced shaping techniques, complex forms, and intentional design details that bring personality and precision to your work.

Expect to dive into:
Altering and assembling thrown components into dynamic pieces
Balancing function with expressive style
Advanced trimming and finishing techniques
Surface treatments that enhance form rather than hide it
Problem-solving for complex builds

Whether you’re chasing clean modern lines, whimsical organic shapes, or “funky” functional ware that makes people smile, this class will help you get there. Bring your skill, your ideas, and your willingness to try something unexpected.

Two class times available:
Thursdays
Sept 18 – Oct 23
10 AM – 12:30 PM

Thursdays
Sept 18 – Oct 23
5:30 – 8:00 PM

Visiting Angels has relocated to its new space off Abercorn. Sept 18th will be our Open House & Ribbon cutting ceremony . Join us for refreshments, an awesome Silent Auction to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Visiting Angels is dedicated to providing compassionate, customized in-home care for seniors, tailored to their needs and preferences in 4 counties.
We are glad to have you as part of our community!

Mint To Give is where networking and community meet!
In September, we will be benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer, dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families, represented by Makenzie Mullins & Amanda Crosby.
Portion of the proceeds will benefit our local nonprofit, what better way to help the community than donating while enjoying the best Mojitos?!

Donate to CURE – CURE Childhood Cancer https://share.google/QC4L2qFTq4sMtQfRx

Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), which is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary, will feature Savannah Archaeological Alliance founder Laura Seifert as a guest speaker on Thurs., Sept. 18 at the Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, located in the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy at 323 E. Broughton St. in Savannah, Ga. Seifert will discuss “Faith in Education: 19th-Century African American Education in Savannah” as part of the 2025 Historic Savannah Foundation Lecture Series, “The People, Places and Stories That Define Savannah.” Attendees are invited to attend a wine reception at 5:30 p.m. The lecture will start at 6 p.m.

Following emancipation, education was considered an urgent priority in the African American community. Demand was high, but resources were scarce. Underfunding, lack of infrastructure, insufficient staffing, racism and segregation shaped Savannah’s earliest public and private schools. With few exceptions, such as the Beach Institute and Haven Home Industrial School in Savannah, most schools popped up and disappeared quickly.

In her lecture, Seifert will use the unique lens of archaeological and historical data to balance the story of the Skidaway Island Benedictine Mission, a Catholic mission and boys boarding school from 1877 to 1900, with the larger history of African American education in Savannah. She will connect the past to the present, sharing how the cultural and logistical challenges school organizers faced in the 1800s continue to impact today’s students.

Seifert’s book “Faith in Education at the Skidaway Island Benedictine Mission” details her archaeological and historical findings on this important topic. For her innovative research and steadfast dedication to sharing the educational stories and political forces that shaped Savannah’s early public, private, religious and secular education systems, Seifert was awarded the only archaeology-based Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award.

With nearly 25 years of experience in archaeology, museums and higher education, Seifert has dedicated her career to research and preservation. To date, she has traced local history from Revolutionary War battle sites in Savannah to the Industrial Revolution at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum and personal, domestic histories at the Sorrel Weed House and the Kiah House. Prior to founding the Savannah Archaeological Alliance in 2018, she was an instructor at Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University) who co-founded and directed Armstrong State University’s public archaeology program, Digging Savannah.

Seifert earned a master’s degree in Anthropology from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Syracuse University. She is the author of “Old Fort Jackson,” “Faith in Education at the Skidaway Island Benedictine Mission” and her most recent book, “Mothering and Archaeology: Past and Present Perspectives.”

Historic Savannah Foundation’s Lecture Series is open to the public. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. Attendance is free for Historic Savannah Foundation members and $15 for non-members. Members may RSVP by emailing Kendall Graham at kgraham@myhsf.org or calling 912-233-7787, ext. 109. Non-members can purchase tickets by visiting myhsf.org/events/lecture-series

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of pickleball, food, and good vibes–Savannah style! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the laughs, this casual tournament is the perfect way to enjoy a late-summer night.

We are serving up cold beverages, small bites, and some lighthearted competition on 4 courts, with plenty of time to play, socialize, and cheer each other on. Grab a friend, as the minimum sign-up is 2 players.

What to Expect:
• A Low-Competitive, Double-Elimination Format – Perfect For All Skill Levels
• 20-Minute Games – Fast-Paced Fun
• Food & Drinks On-Site

Ticket Price Includes One Drink Ticket, Two Snack Tickets, One Night of Play.
Additional Tickets Will Be Available for Purchase.

This Entrepreneur’s Academy is designed for individuals who have recently started or are preparing to start a small business. Each session focuses on a key area of business practice, covering topics such as the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, financial reporting, and creating a comprehensive business plan. Participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to successfully launch and manage their business. While attending all 10 sessions is recommended for maximum benefit, the course is flexible and allows participants to join or drop in at any point.
Session topics include: The steps to create a business, Business legal structures, Capital requirements and financial resources, Cost analysis and pricing, Finacial statements and projections, Accounting principles, Business operations, Taxes, Marketing and promotions, How to write a business plan Levels 1–3 – Open to all entrepreneurs, this class offers personalized insights and guidance, no matter your business stage.

Join us for a fun and creative evening at our Painting Class on September 18, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Hosted by talented instructor Olivia Bressler, all supplies will be provided, so just bring your enthusiasm! Each participant will receive one free drink ticket to enjoy during the session. The event will be held at American Legion Post 184. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ladies Auxiliary. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, come enjoy a relaxing night of painting and community.

Enjoy four nights of incredible music with singer-songwriter Brendan Nolan. With a rich Celtic heritage and a voice that blends tradition with heartfelt storytelling, Brendan’s performances will transport you through folk ballads, original songs, and timeless classics.

📅 Show Dates & Times

Thursday, Sept. 18 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Friday, Sept. 19 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Saturday, Sept. 20 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Sunday, Sept. 21 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM

🎶 Come early, grab your favorite treat, and settle in for an evening of live music you won’t forget!

Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy for FREE at Starland Yard! Featuring Savannah’s funniest comedians, this showcase-style show brings top local talent to the stage for a night of laughs. Grab a drink, some food, and a seat under the stars—it’s the perfect way to spend a Thursday night.

Date: Thursday, September 18

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Starland Yard

Bring your friends, bring your date, or just bring yourself—either way, you’re in for a fun night out!

Latin@ over 30 years old?
Oh… this is your jam mis amores…
Noche de Reggaeton but the oldies! We don’t get to listen to these songs at a club anymore but they really bring back great memories when you hear them!

Never a cover!
Just come and enjoy with us!
Will be happening at @la.aparicion.speakeasy

Also, Salsa & Bachata up front like every Thursday 💃🏻🕺🏼💃🕺🏻

Vente pa’ca!

#doublelatinnight #doublewin #maslatino #maslatinos #aquiestamos #nochelatina #mejornoche #latinnight #savannahlatinos #latinosensavannah #reggaeton #musicalatina

The Frank Callen Classic is a pickleball tournament fundraiser for the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, located in Savannah, GA. The tournament is taking place at the Chatham Racquet Club.

There is a guaranteed $2,500 Prize Pool for the Open Division for Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Men’s and Women’s Singles!

Come beat the heat, crowds, and see Bonaventure in one of its more pristine hours as we celebrate a daily morning overview with a casual 60-75 minute walking tour in all of the right shady spots! Ideal for locals & their guests! Amazing photography light, too! We’ll behaved dogs welcome!

Join Sea Grant-funded researcher Mallory Mintz from UGA’s Cohen Lab for an interactive exploration of phytoplankton—the tiny drifters that sustain oysters, fish, and much more. Learn how phytoplankton shape marine environments, how harmful algal blooms form, and the impacts these blooms can have on local ecosystems.

This program takes place at the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island, where Mallory will present her work as a Sea Grant Research Trainee. After the presentation, we’ll then head down to the river for hands-on fieldwork, collecting water samples and using a variety of instruments to assess water quality. Then, we’ll head back indoors to observe and identify the sample up close under the microscope.

Registration is required (unless child is 2 or under) and includes admission to the UGA Aquarium. This program was created with older kids and adults in mind, but children under 18 are welcome. Cost: $15.

Every Friday, guests can witness mealtime in the aquarium as marine educators feed a variety of animals. Learn fascinating facts about their diets, behaviors and feeding techniques while watching marine life enjoy their meals.

All ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday Feeding programs are included in the cost of admission to the UGA Aquarium. Registration is not required.

Come to the Savannah Convention Center September 19th through 21st and see what all the excitement is about; Villain Arts’ 4th Annual Savannah Tattoo Arts Festival will be in town! This festival will be a celebration of the history and culture behind tattooing itself, as well as all that the Hostess city has to offer. There will be hundreds of tattoo artists in attendance, specializing in all different types and styles of ink. Attendees have their pick of artists to tattoo them, including artists you may recognize from their time on TV, including Ink Master and VH1.

And if tattoos aren’t your thing, there is still plenty to do at the show! There will be vendors galore, selling everything from bizarre oddities, to beautiful clothing and jewelry, to art prints and stickers and more. The live entertainment on offer includes unusual sideshow acts, a circus performer, a clown, and even a contortionist archer.

So, why delay? Join the fun and come get tattooed this weekend!