FRANKLIN -- Two artists last night donated a new seal with an oil portrait of Benjamin Franklin and gold leaf lettering to the town, honoring the 300th anniversary of the founding father’s birth.

To "oohs" and "aahs" in the packed Town Council chambers, Franklin sign artist Rocco Cavallaro and Worcester painter Scott Holloway unveiled the 40-inch diameter, handcrafted seal.

"I don’t think everybody realizes what a labor of love this is," said Building Commissioner David Roche, who first suggested the project to Cavallaro. "These guys really put in a great deal of time on this."

More than 100 people attended last night’s council meeting, which opened with more of the town’s ongoing celebration of Ben Franklin’s 300th.
State Rep. James Vallee, D-Franklin, delivered a resolution from Beacon Hill, honoring the town for its recognition of Ben Franklin.

Second-grade students from Jefferson Elementary School also sang an original song titled, "The City Known as the Town of Franklin," led by music teacher Jamie Barrett. Councilor Scott Mason later suggested the town adopt the tune as its official song.

Cavallaro Signs has created other signs throughout town and Holloway runs an online painting business at www.paintingloft.com 
Cavallaro and Holloway included 23-karat gold leaf lettering and Renaissance-era painting techniques on the seal.

"I wanted to depict him at the age when he was figuring out electricity ... to get him in the prime of his life," Holloway said.

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