Franklin Dean Train Station Mural

In August 2024, the Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy released a ‘Call for Mural Artists’ for a special project: a history-inspired mural at the Franklin/Dean Train Station in downtown Franklin. This project is funded through a Public Arts Earmark secured by Senator Rebecca Rausch, with additional support from Representative Jeffrey Roy. We are grateful for their leadership and advocacy in making this project possible. 

The call drew an enthusiastic response from the community, and the selected proposal came from Kayla Nisbet—an award-winning photographer, graphic artist, mother and proud Franklin resident.

Kayla’s mural is scheduled for completion in October 2025, just in time for Franklin residents to enjoy during the holiday season and to welcome international soccer fans arriving next summer. Through her creative studio, Kayla Jean Creative, she specializes in visual storytelling—working with families, brands, and local businesses across MetroWest Boston to craft imagery that is both vibrant and deeply personal. 

A committed member of Franklin’s creative community, Kayla also serves on the Franklin Cultural Council and was recently selected by the Franklin Cultural District Committee to paint the newest 2025 Artsy Box. When she’s not behind the lens or designing, you’ll often find Kayla painting murals, sketching alongside her kids, or experimenting with new plant-based recipes—infusing creativity into every corner of her life.

“We’re thrilled to see the Franklin/Dean Train Station transformed into a welcoming gateway through this mural project. Public art has the power to celebrate our community’s spirit, showcase local talent, and make Franklin an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. 

Kayla’s vision will leave a lasting impression on residents, commuters, and visitors alike, and we couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life.”  – Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator

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On Monday October 20th, town and MBTA officials met alongside community members to cut the ribbon for the new ADA ramp as well as the train station mural that Kayla created. See below the words that Kayla shared for this momentous accomplishment:

"Hello everyone. My name is Kayla Nisbet and I’m a Franklin artist. I’d like to share a few thank you starting with Jamie Hellen and Cory Shea. A very big thank you to you both for the opportunity to create this work of art. 

Thank you to the MBTA for letting me paint on your building, to Senator Rebecca Rausch for securing funding for incredible opportunities like this for public art in Franklin and to Representative Jeff Roy for pushing this project application over the finish line. Thank you to the Franklin Cultural District and Cultural Council for your support.

Last but not least, thank you to my family, my husband Jeff, my 3 kids Henry, Lucy and Jack. And to my parents, Steve and Deanna Hood for holding down the Nisbet fort so that I could do this. 

This mural celebrates our town and its namesake, Ben Franklin. More specifically, it celebrates the 116 books that he once donated that established America’s First Public Library. You’ll see some of the original titles and flourishes from the exact books around the mural. 

When you put artwork on an empty building such as this charming little station, you tend to see the structure in a new light. People notice the art, and then they notice the town and then a transformation takes place. Care and meaning give way to respect and wonder and excitement for what is beyond the art. 

I feel so lucky to live in a town that values public art and creates opportunities for artists. Big things are happening here in Franklin, and I’m honored to have played a small part in it. Thank you."

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