Local Legends: Franklin's Author and Artist Summer Showcase
Presented by Fenix Rising Press & the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy
Local Legends
Franklin's Author & Artist Summer Showcase
Recap: A Look Back
A free afternoon of local art, stories, and community. August 1. Franklin, NC.
Give Back to Our Community
✦ Back to School Supply Drive ✦
Thanks to this community, we donated 137 school supply items to two teachers at South Macon Elementary. Every donation stayed right here in Macon County.
Recap
The Inaugural Local Legends Recap
On August 1st, I welcomed 28 vendors and about 100 neighbors through the doors of the Macon County Public Library. Together we raised 137 school supply items for two teachers at South Macon Elementary, and watched three ballerinas silence an entire room in awe.
This page stays live as a record of the day and everything a small community can build together. Read the full story on the blog →
A Few Moments From the Day
The Gallery
Captured by hand while I was busy running around as MC, vendor, and everything in between. Every photo here is proof of what a small community can build together.
Meet the Lineup
Our 2026 Local Legends Class
Featured Author & Creator
Nita Lipan
Fantasy Author & Host
Featured Author
Anna Mercier
Author
Fiscal Sponsor
Bartram Trail Conservancy
Fiscal Sponsor
Community Sponsor
Dance Arts Co-Op
Dance Studio
Community Partner
Scottish Tartans Museum
Franklin, NC
Live Performance
WNC Ballet
Live Performance
Sandy Pantaleo
Deeply Rooted Juice
Jeremy Brooks
Comic Artist & Author
Matt Gauck
Visual Artist
A.J. Trimble
Author
Madison Traviss
Author & Artist
Anjelica Childs
Author
Nicole Vaughan
Apothecary & Creative
Emma McSween
Handmade Crochet
Abbey Penland
Artist
Nancy Reeder
Storyteller & Author
Jeff Epperson
Author
Deanna Loacano
Stained Glass Artist
Randy Johnson
Steampunk Metal Artist
Lonnie Busch
Author & Artist
Ralph Verano
Visual Artist & Painter
Deena Bouknight
Author & Managing Editor
Mark Muncy
Eerie Travels · Podcast & Author
Carol Anne Bates
Local Artist
Susan Lee
Starla Marz Designs
Pauline Henning
Author
Sold
Out!
Out!
All Spots Filled
Thank You Franklin!
Vendor spots are officially sold out! Thank you to our incredible community of authors, artists, and creatives.
Thank You
Our Community Sponsors
★ Founding Sponsor
Kelly Penland
Realtor · Realty One Group
★ Founding Sponsor
Dance Arts Co-Op
Dance Studio · Franklin, NC
★ Silver Sponsor
Need More Glass
Stained Glass · Deanna Loacano
★ Silver Sponsor
Alarka Expeditions
Brent & Angela · goalarka.com
Fiscal Sponsor
Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy
blueridgebartram.org
Community Friend
Eerie Travels
Mark Muncy · Podcast & Author
TY
Community Friend
Tom Young
Community Supporter
Event Hosted At
Macon County Public Library
149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC 28734
Recap
The Day's Magic Unfolding
Day of Schedule Highlights
11:00 AM
Doors open · Vendors ready · Bingo cards available
11:10 AM
Author and artist spotlights begin
12:00 PM
⭐ Raffle Drawing #1
12:25 PM
Eerie Travels Live Podcast
1:10 PM
⭐ Raffle Drawing #2
1:15 PM
Dance Arts Co-Op + WNC Ballet Live Performance
2:00 PM
⭐ Raffle Drawing #3
2:45 PM
Nita — Closing Thank You
2:50 PM
⭐ Grand Finale Raffle Drawing #4
3:00 PM
Event closes
Raffle Recap
Raffle Fun Throughout the Day
Four raffle drawings kept the energy going all afternoon, with prizes donated by our incredible vendors. The grand prize, a year of free Chick-fil-A, went home with one lucky winner at 2:50 PM.
August 1, 2026·
11AM – 3PM·
Macon County Public Library · Franklin, NC
Free
Meet your local legends. The story is just beginning.
✦ Back to School Supply Drive benefiting Macon County Schools ✦