2025 Summer Plein Air Artists Group
2025-07-17 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-07-24 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-07-31 14:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Various locations in Harvard
Facilitators: Ann Gillespie (agillespieart@gmail.com) and Judy Warner (awarner@charter.net).
Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating art out-of-doors in Harvard! This group will meet weekly for six weeks to create together in local private and public areas, including some beautiful sites not usually accessible to the public. While plein air is wonderful, it can be daunting and difficult to get out consistently on a solo basis. The commitment to working with a group can be extremely helpful in “making it happen” and is also fun and rewarding.
All levels are encouraged to participate, from beginner to professional, and artists are welcome to create in the medium of their choice. While this program’s volunteer facilitators are generously donating their time to plan, organize, and manage the series, they won’t be providing actual instruction; all participants are encouraged to share ideas, tips and fellowship.
Donation: $100 for the six sessions. All proceeds to benefit Fivesparks.
Space is limited.
Dates: Thursdays, June 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24 & 31. (rain dates are Friday of the same week, or rescheduled as warranted; no session the week of July 4th)
Time: 2:30-5:30pm
Registrants will receive tips for working en plein air and the schedule with locations, in advance of the sessions.
The 2025 Summer program has been filled. Click HERE to subscribe to our newsletter, to learn about future programs and events.

Summer Felting Mini-Series: Little Petshop!
2025-08-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Summer Felting Mini Series: Little Petshop!
August 6th & 7th
For kids rising 5th-8th grades
Do you love pets and crafting? If so, this mini series is perfect for you! Combine your passion for your pets with art-making. In this two-day class you will get to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques. You will learn the basics of needle felting, you will build with clay and you will explore mixed-media all while making a variety of cute pets (cats/dogs, turtles, fish, small furry pets and more). And don’t forget their habitats; you will create homes, food, and toys. Leave with your very own tiny pets but without the mess!
10am-12:30pm both days (turtle, hamster, fish)
1-3pm both days (Dog/Cat and accessories)
You can join for both full days or both 1/2 days. If you want to join for just one of the two days reach out and well see what we can do! $75 – $150 depending on the time registered for.
To register, click here.

Evening Felting - Turtle
2025-08-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Evening Felting with Rachel
Back-to-back, two project options on August 6th & 7th
6:30-8pm
Adults and teens (kids 9-12 are welcome with an adult)
Wednesday 8/6 – Turtle
Thursday 8/7 – Painting with Wool, Under the Sea (5×7)
$28 for one class, or $50 for both.
Prior experience not required!
To sign up click here:

Evening Felting - Painting with Wool, Under the Sea
2025-08-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove

Felt a Dragon or Dinosaur!
2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Felt a Dinosaur OR Dragon
Two sessions – Mondays August 11th & 18th
6:30-8:00pm
This class is appropriate for adults and kids 11 years old and up.
In this two-part class you will learn the art of needle felting while creating an adorable Dinosaur or dragon in the colors of your choosing.
For more info and to register, click here.

Evening Felting - Seagull
2025-08-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Evening Felting with Rachel
Back-to-back, two project options on August 19th & 20th
6:30-8pm
Adults and teens (kids 9-12 are welcome with an adult)
Wednesday 8/19 – Seagull
Thursday 8/20 – Unicorn
$30 for one class, or $55 for both.
Experience suggested but not required.
To sign up click here:

Autumn Equinox Illuminated Labyrinth Walk & Handheld Labyrinth Creation
2025-09-21 13:45 - 16:00 | Fivesparks
The Autumn Equinox is the perfect time to consider how our lives are balanced. Do we need to let go of some commitments in order to make more room for joy? Join Karen Szklany on Sunday, 9/21 at 1:45pm in The Loft for an illuminated labyrinth walk to support your journey toward a balanced life full of joy.
The walk will be followed by an opportunity downstairs in The Cove to create your own handheld labyrinth path meditation tool on canvas, with paints and a variety of materials for a 3D effect.
Karen will begin promptly at 2pm with a quick introduction to labyrinths and a reading before opening the labyrinth for the group walk.
To allow for maximum benefit, this workshop will be limited to 12 participants and is appropriate for those 18 years and older. $25 per participant.
To register, click HERE.
About the Instructor:

Karen Szklany is a Veriditas-certified Labyrinth Walk Facilitator (2017) who’s been dedicated to walking labyrinths every day since 2005, when she was introduced to this type of walking meditation to support her creativity at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Boston. It was love at first step! Since then, she’s moved into co-housing in 2009, where she began walking the outside labyrinth located in a grove of trees and has facilitated group walks for friends and neighbors. She has also facilitated group walks on temporary labyrinths she has built with rainbow lights at her UU church for various occasions, including for the youth in the church’s RE program.

Karen is currently a member of and Regional Representative for The Labyrinth Society. She is very excited to facilitate a walk for you and offer an opportunity to create your own handheld meditation tool!

Free Demo with Master Pastelist Robin Frisella
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Fivesparks
Copper Bowl by Robin Frisella
Robin Frisella’s pastel paintings are known for their rich textures, natural light effects, and nostalgic grace. Drawing from a carefully curated collection of antique vessels, vintage glassware, and fresh flowers and fruit, she creates serene tableaus that weave together the past and present – objects rich with history pared with nature’s ephemeral gifts. The paintings Frisella creates have an almost photo-realistic quality, but they are hardly images captured in a flash. Each painting is meticulously arranged and rendered in layer upon layer of pastel pigment. Speaking of her process, Robin explains “working in pastel allows me to build soft, buttery layers that bring a richness and depth to each piece – capturing light, texture, and atmosphere in a way that feels both vivid and intimate.
Robin began her creative journey in 2000, when a local pastel class sparked a passion that quickly grew into a full-time calling and her work has since garnered numerous national and regional awards. She is a juried member of the Copley Society of Art and a signature member of the Pastel Society of NH. In October 2016 she received the designation of Master Pastelist from the Pastel Society of America. In addition, Robin’s work has been published in the Best of America Pastel Artists Vol. II, The American Artist Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine, Artscope Magazine, Monadnock Table, The American Art Collector, The Artist Magazine, and the Pastel Journal.
This is an amazing opportunity to hear Robin talk about her work and process! Presented by the Central Mass Pastels Society, as part of the National Juried Show Marks of Distinction.

Felt a Ghost
2025-10-08 12:45 - 14:30 | Fivesparks Loft, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Join fiber artist Rachel Benson after school on Harvard 1/2 days to learn the art of needle felting!
Open to grades 5th-8th
Join for one, two or all three classes.
School Half Day: 12:45-2:30pm
October 8th – Felt a Ghost
November 13th – Felt an Owl
November 20th – Felt a Snowman
For more info and to register, click HERE

Pastel Painting with Ann Gillespie - Fall Session
2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-22 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-12 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
This class is now full. If you would like to receive information about the next session, please contact the instructor, Ann Gillespie at agillespieart@gmail.com.
Pastel painting with a focus on local landscape.
Ann will cover the basics of her process along with exploring composition, values, color and mark-making. She will have a combination of weekly demos and exercises at the beginning of class, followed by plenty of one-on-one feedback at your easel.
All pastel levels are welcome but some previous drawing or painting experience is necessary.
Contact agillespieart@gmail.com with questions, to register and for list of supplies. This class is appropriate for adults. $330/participant.

Felt a Cat
2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:15 | Fivesparks Loft, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Join fiber artist Rachel Benson to learn the art of needle felting!
Open to Adults and teens (kids 9-12 are welcome with an adult)
Join for one, two or all three classes!
October 15th, 4:15-6:00pm – Felt a Pumpkin Face
October 15th, 6:30-8:15pm – Felt a Cat
November 20th 6:30-8:15pm – Felt a Fall Scene
For more info and to register, please click HERE.

Bohemian Necklace Workshop
2025-11-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Design and craft your own unique wooden disc and thread necklace in this three-hour, hands-on workshop with artist Kimberly Stoney. You’ll learn simple yet striking techniques for combining wooden discs, embroidery thread, and beads into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece — perfect for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
No prior experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm and creativity. All materials are included, and you’ll leave with a necklace ready to wear or share.
This class is appropriate for anyone 18 yrs+. $40 per participant.
Click HERE to sign up with Kimberly Stoney.

Make a Stained Glass Pumpkin
2025-11-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Fivesparks Cove
Make a Stained Glass Pumpkin!
Create a 3-D pumpkin just in time for your fall holiday decorating. A variety of colors will be available of pre-cut pieces to create a 5-sided pumpkin.
All materials provided. Students will learn to foil and solder.
This class is appropriate for adults and kids aged 7 years and older (caregivers are not required to stay).
Sunday, November 9th, 11:00am-12:30pm. $45
To register, please click HERE.
Judy Romatelli is owner of Periwinkle Art & Glassworks, a studio and gift shop located at the Prescott School on Main Street in Groton, MA. Judy is brining her passion and years of knowledge creating stained glass pieces to Fivesparks!

Felt a Squirrel
2025-11-13 16:30 - 18:15 | Fivesparks Cove
Felt a Squirrel
Join fiber artist Rachel Benson to learn the art of needle felting while creating an adorable little fall squirrel holding an acorn.
Thursday 11/13, 4:30-6:15pm
This class is open to adults and teens (13+). Kids aged 9-12 can join with an adult.
$30
For more info or to sign up click HERE:

Free Demo! Building with Gingerbread: Tips & Tricks
2025-11-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Just ahead of the first ever Fivesparks Gingerbread Showcase, join us for BUILDING WITH GINGERBREAD: Tips & Tricks
Building with gingerbread doesn’t have to be stressful! Join us for a free demonstration of gingerbread construction tips and tricks from two local bakers with decades of experience.
Instructors Judy Baumhover and Lyn Slade will share with you the disaster-averting tips they’ve learned over the years. From major (start early!) to minor (tweezers are your friend), you’ll leave armed with lots of new techniques to help you avert disaster and enjoy the process.
Get inspiration for designing your entry for the Fivesparks Gingerbread Showcase (December 13 + 14) or come just to sharpen your skills and enjoy the show!
Open to adults and teens (kids 9-12 are welcome with an adult).
Instructors: Judy Baumhover graduated at the top of her class from the Culinary Institute of America’s Baking & Pastry program and embarked upon a career of creating wedding cakes and truffles for private clients as well as various catering companies. Lyn Slade is the former owner of Chef D’jour Ltd. Catering, Charlotte‘s House B&B, and Designs by Lyn Cookie Buffets. Now retired, she continues to bake as a hobby.
These two friends are always happy to share their love and knowledge of the craft of baking. With just a little encouragement, they’ll also tell us some of their always-entertaining near-disaster stories — moments that every baker can relate to!
Saturday, November 15, 1-3pm. This is a FREE event! No need to register.

Felt a Fall Scene
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:15 | Fivesparks Loft, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States

Make a Stained Glass Gingerbread House
2025-11-23 13:00 - 15:30 | Fivesparks Cove
Make a Stained Glass Gingerbread House!
Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake for the holidays! Each student will receive pre-cut glass pieces to create a gingerbread house with a snowy roof.
Students will foil and solder the individual pieces and the instructor will assist with assembly. Resin and glass candy decorations are provided to decorate the house. All materials provided
The completed project will come with a battery-
operated light stand!
This class is appropriate for adults and kids aged 8 years and older (caregivers are not required to stay).
Sunday, November 23rd. 1:00-3:30pm. $65
To register, please click HERE.
Judy Romatelli is owner of Periwinkle Art & Glassworks, a studio and gift shop located at the Prescott School on Main Street in Groton, MA. Judy is brining her passion and years of knowledge creating stained glass pieces to Fivesparks!

2025 Holiday Artisan Fair
2025-12-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks
Fivesparks is excited to once again bring this holiday fair to the community, featuring unique handmade gifts by many of our talented friends and neighbors: ornaments, silk scarves, greeting cards, stationery, ceramics, glass and wooden wares, handmade soaps, fiber arts, jewelry, and more. Support local arts and give gifts as individual and unique as your friends and loved ones!
If you are interested in reserving space as a vendor, please follow this link.

Create a 3-D Stained Glass Angel
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Make a 3-D Stained Glass Angel!
Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Each student will receive pre-cut glass pieces in varied colors to create a unique, three-dimensional glass angel with clear or white wings.
Students will foil and solder the individual pieces and the instructor will assist with assembly. All materials provided.
This class is appropriate for adults (18+ years). No prior experience is required.
Sunday, December 7th. 10:00am-12:00pm. $45
To register, please click HERE.
Judy Romatelli is owner of Periwinkle Art & Glassworks, a studio and gift shop located at the Prescott School on Main Street in Groton, MA. Judy is brining her passion and years of knowledge creating stained glass pieces to Fivesparks!

Winter Scene Painting with Wool - Two-Part Class
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Winter Scene Two Part Painting with Wool
Wednesdays December 10th and 17th
6:30-8:00pm
This class is open to adults and teens (13 yrs+) Youth 10-12 years old can join with an adult. $58
In this two part workshop you will learn the art of painting with wool while creating a whimsical winter scene. You’ll go home with a finished piece roughly 8×10″.
Class #1- learn the basics of wet felting while we prepare a fabric base.
Class #2- learn needle felting while we will needle felt on additional details.
For more info or to sign up click HERE.
