Energy Park

On May 10, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Greenfield will host its very first Crankie Festival, set in the scenic Energy Park. The free event invites the community to experience this unique form of storytelling through crankies – an analog art form with folk tale origins from around the world. A crankie is a storytelling device that consists of a scroll inside a box, where a puppeteer “cranks” the scroll as a performance unfolds, revealing a visual representation of the story. Often compared to "analog television" or "2D puppet shows," crankies offer a captivating, hands-on way to engage with art. The festival will showcase over 10 crankie performances, created by eight local and touring artists, with acts ranging from storytelling and music performances to theatrical expressions. This eclectic mix is designed to highlight the rich variety of artistic possibilities within the medium. “We hope to introduce the magic of crankies to local artists and residents, while building a more connected and artistic community in Franklin County,” said Bella Levavi, Greenfield resident and multidisciplinary artist. Levavi, who has created five crankies in collaboration with other artists. often performs across the valley and beyond with the puppet company Free Pile Productions.…