Four-panel installation by Michael McLaughlin celebrates Harlinsdale Farm’s equestrian history and natural beauty.
The City of Franklin officially unveiled its first permanent public art installation on the Harlinsdale Farm Pedestrian Bridge during a public ceremony held Tuesday, July 29, 2025. City officials, members of the Franklin Public Arts Commission, representatives from Friends of Franklin Parks, and the artist, Michael McLaughlin, gathered with residents to celebrate a project that blends art, infrastructure, and local heritage in one of the city’s most scenic outdoor spaces. Installed directly onto the bridge that spans the Harpeth River, the four custom panels reflect the equestrian legacy and beauty of Harlinsdale Farm. The artwork was commissioned as part of the city’s growing investment in public art and marks the first-ever permanent public art commission overseen by the Franklin Public Arts Commission.
A Bridge That Connects and Inspires
The Harlinsdale Farm Pedestrian Bridge officially opened in May 2024 and provides a vital link between The Park at Harlinsdale Farm and nearby destinations, including the Chestnut Bend neighborhood, Bicentennial Park, Franklin High School, and surrounding trail systems. Constructed to accommodate walkers, runners, and cyclists, the structure improves pedestrian safety and extends connectivity across the Harpeth River. Its location was carefully selected to serve recreational and practical needs, giving residents and visitors easier access to Franklin, Tennessee’s largest park and the historic structures at Harlinsdale. Originally envisioned as a transportation project to expand trail infrastructure and access to green space, the bridge evolved into a place where function meets creative expression. That transformation began when the Franklin Public Arts Commission joined the project during the design phase, working alongside the Parks Department to explore how permanent art could be integrated into the bridge. Franklin Parks Director Lisa Clayton emphasized the value of that early collaboration, noting, “When public art becomes part of the planning process early on, as it did here, it enhances not just the space, but the way people use it.” Mayor Ken Moore echoed that sentiment and pointed to the city’s broader commitment to supporting public art. “We’ve seen a number of art projects come forward through the years thanks to our Arts Commission,” he said. “This bridge and this artwork reflect the city’s commitment to creativity and connectivity. We want public art throughout Franklin, at parks, trailheads, and downtown corners. This is the beginning of something much bigger.” Now part of the city’s broader vision for walkability, the span not only connects key areas of Franklin, it also reflects the community’s values: preservation, access, and expression.
About the Artist and the Artwork
Michael McLaughlin is a sculptor and public artist based in Connecticut whose work blends figurative imagery with natural forms. Known for creating public installations, McLaughlin spent time in Franklin observing the landscape, engaging with the community, and drawing inspiration from Harlinsdale’s history and environment. “Harlinsdale has a very unique history, the walking horses, the pastoral beauty, the architecture, the meadows and woodlands, the winding river, all under a big, beautiful Tennessee sky,” McLaughlin said during the ceremony. “What made this project feel so special was working with all of you. You brought encouragement, sincerity, and commitment to the journey.” Each of the four 2.5 ft by 5 ft panels was fabricated using weather-resistant materials suitable for outdoor installation and designed to withstand the elements, including periodic flooding. Set into the structure of the pedestrian bridge, the panels complement the surrounding landscape. Their textured surfaces feature silhouettes and engraved details that highlight both natural and equestrian themes, inviting passersby to pause and reflect as they cross the Harpeth River.- Panel 1: Two Tennessee Walking Horses are captured mid-stride in front of the Harlinsdale barn. The horses pay homage to Harlinsdale’s most famous resident, Midnight Sun, and to the farm’s longstanding tradition of horse breeding and training.
- Panel 2: A woodland scene featuring deer, birds, a butterfly, and a beaver explores the region’s biodiversity. The imagery highlights native Tennessee wildlife and conveys a sense of peace and coexistence between the animals and their natural surroundings.
- Panel 3: A water-focused composition includes herons, frogs, ducks, turtles, and insects such as dragonflies, representing the ecosystem of the Harpeth River that flows below the bridge. This panel emphasizes the role the river plays in shaping the area’s environment and wildlife habitats.
- Panel 4: Another equestrian scene depicts horses in a tranquil pasture, one grazing and one standing alert, framed by birds in flight and flowering trees. The panel reflects both the pastoral beauty of Harlinsdale and its current role as a public space where equestrian traditions continue.
Celebrating a Creative Milestone
Public response to the project was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees at the unveiling stopped to photograph the artwork, speak with the artist and city officials, and linger on the bridge. The ceremony featured remarks not only from McLaughlin and city staff but also from members of the Franklin Public Arts Commission. Established in 2018, the commission is composed of nine citizen volunteers who guide and oversee the integration of outdoor public art in Franklin. Their mission is to enhance community life through accessible, engaging art that reflects the city’s character and history. “From the start, Michael’s immense talent and desire to connect with our community and nature stood out,” said Nan Zierden, of the Franklin Public Arts Commission. “He took time to study the area, learn about our land and wildlife, and truly immerse himself in what makes Franklin so special.” Other commissioners in attendance included Brandy Blanton, Mindy Tate, Sarah Norris, Ashley Roberts, and Maureen Thornton, who were recognized for their role in the project and their ongoing service.
The Future of Public Art in Franklin, TN
Tuesday’s event marked not only the debut of a significant public artwork but also a milestone in Franklin’s efforts to shape public space through creativity. The bridge and its art panels are more than a stand-alone project; they represent a long-term vision for embedding art into city infrastructure. “It takes a village to bring a project like this forward,” Lisa Clayton said. “We’re thankful for the camaraderie between departments that made this possible and proud to establish a process for integrating art into public spaces.” City leaders say future efforts could include additional permanent installations, temporary exhibitions, and artist partnerships as part of city planning and park development. The Public Arts Commission continues to work across departments to identify opportunities for art in civic spaces, from parks and trailheads to new construction and public buildings. As Franklin grows, officials hope the bridge and its artwork will serve as both a literal and symbolic connector, linking neighborhoods, people, and generations through thoughtful design and shared history.
