Brought
to you by:
Brought
to you by:

Wilson College ArtsFest 2027 Now Accepting Proposals

The ArtsFest Committee at Wilson College has opened the call for submissions for ArtsFest 2027, scheduled for April 5 through 9, 2027.

This year, ArtsFest will explore the theme “ART IS… PRESENCE.” The committee is seeking visual, performing, and literary artists and arts educators from Chambersburg and surrounding communities interested in sharing their work and expertise during the weeklong event. Proposed activities may include presentations, readings, performances, projects, workshops, exhibitions, immersive experiences, or other arts-based formats.

Individuals or groups interested in submitting a proposal should do so by Nov. 15, 2026, through the ArtsFest webpage at www.wilson.edu/artsfest. All ideas are welcome, and the committee is available to assist applicants in developing their concepts. While proposals should be self-supported financially, limited funding may be available on a case-by-case basis.

ArtsFest is a dynamic, multi-day celebration of creativity and community that evolved from Wilson College’s traditional Arts Day. Since its reimagining in 2023, the festival has showcased remarkable artists, artwork, and creative opportunities while becoming a signature event for Franklin County and the surrounding region.
In 2025 and 2026, ArtsFest expanded to engage campus and community audiences with international artists, art, and artmaking opportunities that reach across disciplines, subject matter, and boundaries, fostering relationships, connections, and ideas that inspire positive change through the arts.

For more information, please contact Dillon Beede, chair of music, at dillon.beede@wilson.edu.

About Wilson College: Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private coeducational liberal arts college offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Bachelor’s degree programs include 35 majors and 40 minors in high-demand and innovative fields including education, nursing, equine studies, veterinary nursing, and sport management. Graduate degrees include master’s level programs in education, fine arts, the humanities, nursing, and organizational leadership, and a hybrid, accelerated doctoral program in occupational therapy. With classes available in person and online, the College achieved the highest total enrollment in its history for Fall 2026, as it makes higher education accessible and affordable for today’s students. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information. 

Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.