Last Day to View- A Multi-Sensory Experience: Capturing the Essence of the Local Environment
2024-03-30 | Fivesparks
Last day to view is March 30th, 12-4pm.

Whether hiking through the woods or driving around town, one is enchanted by the sights AND the sounds of the local environment. Yet, most art exhibits only focus on the visual senses when recreating a particular locale. In this multi-sensory exhibition, local artists Chris Johnson and Lisa Nelson will marry sound and vision into one cohesive art experience.

In addition to the ‘sights and sounds’ exhibition, also on view are works by Lisa Nelson from her collections Encounters of Time and Place and The Natural World – Near and Far.

Based in Ayer, Massachusetts, Lisa Nelson has a BFA in Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and has participated in art shows all over the United States, as well as in Mexico and Europe. Her work combines a diverse background in fine art painting, printmaking, graphic design, and illustration with her interest in examining unique locations as well as flora and fauna to see how they fit into the world at large. Currently, she is working on a series of paintings highlighting the beautiful and unique wildlife that can be found throughout the country. As part of that project, she recently took part in a six-month artist residency at the historic Horlock House in Navasota, TX. She is also deeply committed to promoting volunteerism and environmentalism through her work and is working with the Amphibian and Reptile Conservatory in her goal to encourage wildlife preservation.

www.painterlisa.com

Christopher Johnson is a software engineer and multimedia artist based in Ayer, Massachusetts. He draws from a variety of interests to build sonic worlds that allow the listener to explore the landscape of sound. His orchestra of choice is a modular synthesizer providing infinite possibilities for new instruments. He composes music using voltage and wires, combining simple wave-forms and transforming existing sounds into an ever evolving soundscape born as much from science and math as from art.

Private & Semi-Private Music Lessons for Kids
2024-04-01 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-04-08 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-04-22 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-04-29 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-05-06 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-05-13 15:45 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Fivesparks Movement Room, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Private/Semi-Private lessons are offered to kids 12 yrs and under on recorder, guitar and/or keyboard. Lessons will be scheduled on Mondays or Tuesdays (after other scheduled music courses taught by Steve, generally after 5pm).
These lessons will help young beginners build a strong foundation for more advanced studies on any of these instruments.
Careful listening and musicianship skills are emphasized. Fourth and fifth-grade recorder students will gain a solid foundation that will allow for rapid progress upon selecting band instruments in sixth grade.
Lessons are reasonably-priced and conveniently located in the center of Harvard. The ability to group kids into semi-private lessons offers the opportunity for middle-low income families to participate in quality music education.
Steve Peisch has taught music at several schools, including the New England Conservatory, Deerfield Academy, Lawrence Academy, The Indian Hill Music School (now called the Groton Hill Music Center) the Bromfield School, and Hildreth Elementary School.
Most recently, he has focused on providing excellent and enjoyable music classes for the youngest elementary school age children, having learned from first-hand experience that providing a strong foundation at this level will strengthen the music programs that follow in both middle and high schools.
Peisch is committed to developing curiosity and creativity in young people, to sequencing instruction carefully and in conversation with other music teachers, to broadcasting high expectations in music and other arts classes, and to encouraging music students to make connections with other subject areas.
Peisch’s music is available on his website, http://hundredsrecords.com/index.html, and his recommendations for arts educators can be found on his company’s website, http://www.newdirectionsinartseducation.com/
Contact Peisch at stevepeisch2@gmail.com with questions, pricing information and to register.

School Early-Release - Felted Spring Duck
2024-04-03 13:45 - 15:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Come on over to Fivesparks on your school early-release afternoon for some felting fun creating a handsome little duck!
When: Wednesday April 3rd
What Time: 1:45-3pm
Who: Kids, ages 9-15
$28
To sign up click here:

Felted Baby Owls In Nest
2024-04-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Learn the craft of wool needle-felting while creating irresistible baby owls in a nest!
When: Wednesday April 3rd
What Time: 6:30-8pm
Who: Adults and kids 11+ (8-10 can join with an adult)
$27
To sign up click here:

Celebrating Poetry
2024-04-05 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-04-12 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-04-19 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-04-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
To commemorate the art of writing and thinking about poetry, we’re thrilled to offer this 4-part series during April, National Poetry Month!
“If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.” – Emily Dickinson
Whether you love poetry or hate it, talking about it in a small group can lead to better understanding and deeper appreciation. Poems are containers of universal emotions, and in them we can find meaning that comes from affirmation and inspiration.
The goal of the poetry group is to become better observers of the way language works to create a mood and convey an idea and to share personal responses.
Carlene Phillips, a retired high school English teacher, will facilitate the discussions.
Friday mornings 10:30am – 12:00pm
April 5, 12, 19 & 26.
There is no set fee to attend, but a donation of $40 to Fivesparks is suggested. Please register below to reserve your spot in all four sessions.
If you have questions, please contact Carlene at carphillips01451@gmail.com.

APRIL - Celebrating Poetry
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Exhibit: Natural Inspirations - Paintings by Barry Van Dusen
2024-04-06 - 2024-05-25 | Fivesparks
On View: April 6 – May 25
Public Reception: Sunday, April 14, from 3-5pm
Barry Van Dusen is an internationally recognized artist living in central Massachusetts. Barry has illustrated many publications for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and his bird illustrations have appeared in books published by the American Birding Association, HarperCollins, Princeton University Press and Cornell University (Comstock). His book FINDING SANCTUARY was published by Mass Audubon in 2020.
This exhibition showcases his watercolor paintings of New England birds, wildflowers, insects and other animals. You’ll find New England landscapes here too and a special group of paintings from his travels around the world. Some of these pictures were painted on location, while others were created in the studio. Related ‘mini-exhibition’ feature his field sketches and book illustrations, and a special selection of pictures by some of his European colleagues.
150 of Barry’s watercolors and field sketches are included in a new book, “A Year of Birds: Writings on Birds from the Journal of Henry David Thoreau“, available from the Thoreau Society.

Drawing & Painting
Nature Workshop
with Barry Van Dusen
Saturday, April 27: 10am-4pm
Illustrated Talk: The Making of a Field Artist

with Barry Van Dusen
Saturday, May 18: 4-5pm

Piano Concert: Mozart to Mompou
2024-04-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Barbara Weiss performs her “senior, senior recital” and shares her joy of music with the community, fulfilling a personal goal she set for herself. The event’s program includes:
Mozart: Fantasia in C minor, K. 475
Debussy: from Preludes, Book 2
No. 3 (“La Puerta del Vino”)
No. 5 (“Bruyères”)
No. 6 (“Générale Lavine – eccentric”)
Brahms: Three Intermezzi
Intermezzo in E major, Op. 116, No. 4
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 118, No. 1
Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2
Mompou: from Songs and Dances
No. 5, in C-sharp minor and E major
No. 6, in E-flat minor and B-flat minor
No. 7, in A major and A major
Attendance is free, but we ask that seats be reserved, using the form at the link below. Donations at the door are welcome, but not required.
Reserved Seat Request Form

Taiwan-Mahjong Classes (April series)
2024-04-09 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-04-16 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-04-23 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-04-30 13:30 - 15:30 | Fivesparks Loft, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
All instructor proceeds from these classes will be donated to support the Harvard Historical Society’s purchase of the Antique Stove housed at Fivesparks.
If you want to try something new or different than American Mahjong, sign up for this series of 4 Taiwan-Mahjong classes. American Mahjong requires players to purchase a play card every year, but Taiwan-Mahjong (16-piece) is totally different, no extra card purchasing required. It is a ‘free style’ Mahjong, much easier to learn and play. Once you know how to play, you can play with anyone at anytime, year after year.
4 Tuesdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30 / 1:30-3:30pm
Cost for series: $120

Climate Stories Music Presentation and Performance
2024-04-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Musician and director of Climate Stories Project Jason Davis will present his work with climate narrative music, which features the recorded voices of people from around the world speaking about their personal responses to the climate crisis. In addition to discussing the music in the context of climate storytelling and artistic responses to climate change, he will perform several pieces for solo double bass and electronics featuring excerpts from recorded climate stories and interviews. The goal of the performance is to engage and inspire audience members to confront the climate crisis through the power of creativity and storytelling.
To purchase tickets via Eventbrite, use the QR code or go directly to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climate-stories-project-music-presentation-and-performance-tickets-850306348177.

Public Reception: Natural Inspirations - Paintings by Barry Van Dusen
2024-04-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Fivesparks
Public Reception: Natural Inspirations – Paintings by Barry Van Dusen
SUNDAY, April 14, 2024. 3-5pm
This exhibition showcases watercolor paintings of New England birds, wildflowers, insects and other animals by Barry Van Dusen. You’ll find New England landscapes here too, and a special group of paintings from his travels around the world. Some of these pictures were painted on location, while others were created in the studio. Related ‘mini-exhibitions’ feature field sketches and book illustrations and a special selection of pictures by some of his European colleagues.

School Vacation Felting - Under the Sea
2024-04-17 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
If you’re looking for some adorable and creative fun activities to do during April Vacation, this is it! Immerse yourself in an ‘Under the Sea’ theme!
You can come for two half days, or two full days (with a lunch break). If only one day is desired, contact Rachel for details.
Wednesday & Thursday, April 17 & 18
10am-3pm (with a lunch break)
Open to kids in grades 5th-10th.
Cost is $175 for two full days or $90 for two half days
10am-12noon: Sculpting with wool. You will be guided to design and create your own whimsical 3D sculptural mermaid.
1-3pm: Jellies & Sea Turtle
If there is extra time, we’ll explore the art of painting with wool.
For these activities, prior felting experience is a plus, but not required.
For more information, and reserve your spot, click here.

Open Drawing Workshop for Adults - All Levels
2024-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Fivesparks
Begin drawing or increase your knowledge and skills at your own pace. Instruction will be available as desired. We will cover basic shapes, light, shadows, and shading.
For beginners, Mara will set up some basic shapes and a simple still life, and be available to demonstrate as needed. Intermediate and advanced students may bring ongoing projects, references, and objects to draw.
We will talk about perspective, texture, composition, focal points, thumbnail drawings, etc. Mara will also bring a tablet so we can look at drawings by great artists for information and inspiration. Realistic and abstract drawings will both be encouraged and all subject matter is allowed.
Fee: $40 per person. REGISTER BELOW.
Students are responsible for bringing all their own references, materials, and supplies.
Questions for Mara: info@maralevin.com
Required Materials (Amazon examples shown)
Drawing pad/loose sheets
Strathmore 400 series Medium Drawing Spiral Paper Pad 11×14 24 Sheets
Basic drawing pencils HB – 6B or pencil leads in holders
Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set – 6 Graphite Pencils (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B) or buy HB, 2B, 4B, 6B pencils or leads and holders separately.
Knife or sharpener for pencils
Kneaded Eraser
A drawing board with clip is very handy, but not required. Make sure the board is big enough to hold your pad.
ALVIN Artist Sketch Board with Cutout Handle 15″ x 16″ Model SB1516 – Portable Drawing Board

APR 19 - Open Drawing Workshop
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(WKSHP) Open Drawing Workshop*

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Author Event: Francie Nolde - "She Looked to the Sky"
2024-04-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Frances Dean Wilcox Nolde’s life as “… pioneer pilot, World War II Civil Air Patrol (CAP) commander, winner of an early transcontinental all-women’s air race …” is recounted by her daughter Francie Nolde. Using images, film, and readings, Francie will describe her mother’s remarkable public achievements and the unseen joys and trials in her personal life.
FREE – Reservations not required.

Drawing and Painting Nature with Barry Van Dusen
2024-04-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
This full-day workshop focuses on drawing and painting nature subjects using pencils and watercolor paints.
You’ll learn how I use a field sketchbook to explore and record my outdoor observations, and I’ll show several watercolor field kits (including a very simple and portable kit for beginners!)
Next, we’ll delve into tone and color. We’ll discuss the importance of values, and then proceed to color theory and color temperature. We’ll explore ways to mix color and do some hands-on color-mixing exercises, with an emphasis on important color families for nature artists.
We’ll finish with some simple watercolor demonstrations aimed at de-mystifying the wash sequence by applying the concepts of local color and show pattern.
The 10am to 4pm program will include a one hour break for lunch. The program is designed for intermediate students, but beginners are also welcome.
A MATERIALS LIST will be provided for participants.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024
What Time: 10am-4pm with a 1-hour break for lunch (bring your own).
Cost: $175

School Early Release! - Felted Panda
2024-05-01 13:45 - 15:15 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
School Early Release Day! Felted Panda
Wednesday 5/1
1:45-3:15pm
Ages: 9-15
$28.50

To register, or for more information click this link.

Painting with Wool - Purple Sunset
2024-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Painting with Wool – Purple Sunset
Wednesday May 1st
6:30-8pm
Ages: Adults and kids 11+
Join Rachel Benson at Fivesparks to learn the art of painting with wool. She will guide you through the chosen landscape, but you are welcome to add details to make it your own.
All material provided!
$30
For more information or to sign up click this link

Litho Pencil & Caran d'Ache Monotype Prints
2024-05-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
This three-hour workshop will cover the process of making monotypes by using litho pencils and Caran d’Ache water-soluble crayons on plexiglass and printing them onto paper – no press needed!
Anyone who can make a mark can use this technique. It is also a perfect way for artists who are focused on drawing to become printmakers. The simplicity is startling and the results are beautiful. All materials are supplied.
Instructor: Carolyn Letvin. This class is appropriate for participants 18 yrs and older. Cost is $60 for the workshop and $15 for materials provided by the instructor. Total: $75.
Carolyn exhibited art in our October 2023 exhibit, ‘Rural Reverie.’

MAY 4 - Litho Pencil Registration Form
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PLEASE NOTE: OUR FORMS WORK BEST WITH A PC/LAPTOP DEVICE AND BROWSER; MOBILE DEVICES/BROWSERS MAY NOT WORK. PLEASE TRY BOTH BEFORE CONTACTING US WITH ANY ISSUES. THANK YOU. ​Name of Person Completing This Form*REGISTRANT Name*Enter your Mailing Address in the fields below:*

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Please read the terms here and then check the box below.Acknowledgment*

I have read the Fivesparks Consent and Waiver of Liability terms and understand and agree to them.
Cancellation & Refunds*

Fivesparks and its program providers rely on a minimum number of participants in order to run their programs. If I am unable to attend, I agree to notify Fivesparks (by emailing admin@fivesparks.org) at least 3 business days in advance of the program. Late cancellation may result in registration fees not being refunded.
(ART) MAY 4 - Litho Pencil Workshop*

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Españolería - A Spanish Song Experience
2024-05-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Fanny Lora, Mezzo-soprano & Dave McLellan, Guitarist
Españolería is an opportunity for the audience to experience some of the greatest Spanish poetry and classical music for voice and guitar. This musical journey not only celebrates the unique classical music traditions of Spain but also serves as a powerful educational tool, enlightening audiences of all backgrounds about the intricate tapestry woven by centuries of artistic evolution. Through our performances, we aspire to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding, offering a rare opportunity to savor the culturally diverse repertoire that seldom graces the stage in such an intimate format.
Ticket prices: Adults $25, Seniors and Students $15, Under 12 free.
TICKETS via Eventbrite (or scan the QR code below).

Mezzo-soprano Fanny Lora and guitarist Dave McLellan perform La Tarara from the Canciones Espanolas Antiguas by Federico Garcia Lorca. Recorded at Holliston Town Hall, Holliston, MA, March 2024.

Fanny Lora is a versatile artist with a passion for classical Spanish & Latin American repertoire. Her genuine interpretations breathe life into the music, captivating audiences during her national and international recital tours. Fanny holds Music Performance and Music Education degrees from Ithaca College. She is also a graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Alexander Technique Training Program, where she now teaches. After becoming a mother in 2020, Fanny founded LullaYou, a company that connects parents and babies through personalized and singable nursery songs. She lives with her husband and their two children in Holliston, MA. For more information, please visit: www.FannyLora.com

Dave McLellan is an award-winning classical guitarist and accompanist who has been performing in the U.S., South America, Great Britain, and Europe since 1976. He has appeared in major concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Wigmore Hall (London). Throughout the 1980’s, he gave numerous concerts with duo partner Neil Anderson as the Anderson-McLellan Duo, including two concert tours of Great Britain, performing also for festivals in the US and South America. David McLellan studied classical guitar at the Hartt School of Music, New England Conservatory, and the Aspen Music Festival.
