4 Voices in Color - Artist Meet & Greet
2025-06-25 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Fivesparks
4 Voices in Color
Susan Aeschbach, Cathie Brenner, Margo Ezekiel and Judith Stein are Boston-based abstract artists. “4 Voices in Color” showcases their different views on both the natural world and the fantasy world. Each artist has a unique approach to creating abstracts incorporating a variety of materials and mediums. The exhibit includes mixed media works, acrylic paintings, oil paintings, collage, fiber arts, and eco prints.
Bonded by their shared passion for abstract work and a determination to deepen their own art practices, Susan, Cathie, Margo and Judith have created a group with two other artists called the Black Sweater Artist Group. This group meets regularly to share ideas, exchange resources/techniques, encourage further experimentation in their work, and exhibit collaboratively when possible.
Cathie Brenner & Margo Ezekiel will be at Fivesparks on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 2:00-4:00pm to meet visitors and talk about their art.
Cathie is a painter and collage artist from Brookline, MA. Her mixed media paintings incorporate old scraps from family fabric, found images, writing, sand and seaweed, and other plant life. She is inspired by textures, color, memory and meaning.
Margo is a contemporary collage artist from Newton, MA. She prints her papers using a gelli-plate, which allows her to create rich textures and patterns without a press. She works organically and rarely starts with an idea; she looks to her very messy table for a spark of inspiration.
Stop by to meet the artists, hear about their inspirations, processes or to ask your own questions about their art.
Free and open to all.

2025 Summer Plein Air Artists Group
2025-06-26 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-07-10 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-07-17 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-07-24 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-07-31 14:30 - 17:30 | 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.

The Art of Felting - 3D Mushroom House
2025-06-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
The Art of Felting Using 2D and 3D Techniques
Join fiber artist Rachel Benson to learn the art of wool felting. You can join for one or both classes.
In class one you will learn how to ‘paint’ with wool to create a 2D scene of rabbits dancing around a fire. In class
two, you will learn how to sculpt with wool creating a whimsical 3D mushroom house. All materials provided!
Ages: Teens and adults (kids 9-12 are welcome to join with an adult)
Cost: $28 for one class or $56 for both classes
June 12th: Painting with Wool (Rabbit Scene)
June 26th: Felt a 3D Mushroom House
Click here to sign up:

Koan Jazz Quintet - Album Release Concert
2025-06-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
2nd Album Release – Tributaries by the Northampton based Jazz Quintet, Koan.
About Koan and the music:
Koan sprouted from our shared love and respect for the traditions of Black American music. This music is a powerful framework for communal storytelling, which captures the energy, beauty and poignant power of being human. Through our music we seek to tell our own stories and to bring our audiences into the expressive power of this artform. We approach each performance like a grand narrative weaving together our original music with arrangements which pay homage to the great innovators of modern jazz, R&B, funk, and hip hop. We hope, like any good movie, this musical narrative will be not just nice to listen to, but will immerse all in the stories we have to tell.
Have a listen here!
Koan began in the fall of 2024 out of a desire to play the music of the Second Great Quintet and Contemporary artists like Ambrose Akinmusire and Joel Ross as well as workshop our own compositions. As a collective we seek to support the projects and visions of our members. Our first album came out in June under the leadership of Mathew Mueller. We recently released our second album, Ian Behrstock’s Tributaries.

Ian hails from Maynard and Boxborough and his family is from Harvard. The Fivesparks concert brings his music back to his original community. Ian still has very strong connections to the area through family and friends.

Saturday, June 28, 7pm
TICKETS $20 — AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE PURCHASE
OR at the door.

4 Voices in Color - Closing Reception
2025-07-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks
Exhibit Closing Reception
Join us in celebrating and saying good-bye to the artists of 4 Voices in Color.
Susan Aeschbach, Cathie Brenner, Margo Ezekiel and Judith Stein will be at Fivesparks on Saturday, July 12 from 2:00-4:00pm to mark the closing of their combined show. Let’s celebrate the previous 6 weeks of enjoying their wonderful art with light refreshments and wine.
Free and open to all.

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:

Marks of Distinction - Central Mass Pastels Society National Juried Art Show
2025-08-26 - 2025-09-26 | Fivesparks
Welcome to our 2025 Marks of Distinction National Juried Show! CMPS is delighted to bring you our annual exhibition of artworks in soft pastel from artists working throughout the United States and Canada. Congratulations to the accepted artists and award winners for your diverse and beautiful work! Thank you to our Jurors of Selection, Robin Frisella and Charles Peer, and our Judge of Awards, Joaquim Homann of Harvard University Art Museums.
Live Demo with Robin Frisella on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Taiwan Mahjong for Adult Beginners
2025-09-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Loft, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Taiwan Mahjong is easy to learn and fun to play. You are not required to purchase a
play card every year, it is free style. Once you know how, you can play with anyone
at any time. It is a four-person table game. Holidays are coming, grab a family or
friend and learn it together.
Space is limited, so register now!
3 Wednesdays in September. $80.
To sign up, please contact the instructor, Fay Childers at faychilders@gmail.com.

440 Gypsy Jazz (Fall Concert Series)
2025-09-11 19:30 - 21:30
Join Fivesparks and Fugitive Productions in an intimate setting for a four-event concert series in Harvard’s beautiful town center.
Come to the whole series:
Thursday, September 11: 440 Gypsy Jazz
Thursday, October 16: RD King plus Lindsay Straw & Andy Cambria
Thursday, November 13: Cassandre McKinley
Thursday, December 4: Bruce Gertz Quartet
About 440 Gypsy Jazz
In the style of hot club jazz, 440 presents their toe-tapping original tunes and Django’s music arranged with beautiful harmony by violin and clarinet.
Tomoko Iwamoto, violin, a leader of 440, has been in Boston jazz scene for more than 30 years. Being a “jazzy” violinist with a strong classical background, she expanded her repertoire in jazz, rock, pop to world music, toured with Hypnotic Clambake, while studying Jazz Composition and Arranging at Berklee College of Music. During her recent trip to Europe, she jammed with world renown gypsy jazz musicians; Tcha Limberger & the members of Les Violins de Bruxelles, and Chris & Julian Brunard. She appeared as a guest soloist with Mood Swings Orchestra and Women In World Jazz, and collaborated with modern jazz guitarist, Chris Mcdermott.
John Clark, clarinet, is the founder of the Wolverine Jazz Band and has been a fixture on the New England Jazz scene for many years. He has played professionally in the Boston area with numerous traditional jazz and big bands, including the High Society Dance Orchestra, Dan Gabel’s Abeltones, Commonwealth Jazz, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, and the Paramount Jazz Band of Boston. John is an acknowledged authority on the history of jazz and has recorded extensively. He holds a PhD. in Musicology and has published books and articles on the foundations of Early Jazz.
Jack Soref, guitar, graduate of Berklee College of Music, became captivated by the music of Django Reinhardt after attending the International Django Reinhardt festival in Samois-sur-Seine France in 2002. Jack is a mainstay of Django Festivals Django in June, where he has taught since 2009, and the Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest, where he has performed as recently as 2023.
Gregory Toro, bass, was born and raised in Boston. He fell in love with music and rhythm as a child, and at the age of 10 joined a neighborhood steel band that played calypso and church music on weekends. He found his true calling as a bass player when he was 16 years old. Greg studied electric and upright bass and jazz composition at Berklee, where he collaborated with musicians from many countries and cultures. He has traveled the world with jazz and rock groups.
Doors: 7pm • Performance: 7:30–9:30pm • $22/advance, $27/door (incl. fees) • Tickets

Marks of Distinction - Reception and Awards Ceremony
2025-09-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Fivesparks
Join us for the excitement and celebration of the many talented artists participating in this year’s National Juried Show presented by the Central Mass Pastels Society, Marks of Distinction.
Saturday, September 13, 3-5pm. Refreshments and music to be enjoyed, and awards announced. Come have a lovely afternoon at Fivesparks.

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.

Overheard in the Orchard - Ellen Harasimowicz, Linda Hoffman and Ariel Matisse
2025-10-04 - 2025-11-15 | Fivesparks
“I am an apple tree. I come from a long line of apple trees reaching back eons.”
And so begins Linda Hoffman and Ellen Harasimowicz’s collaborative artist book, Overheard in the Orchard, a series of conversations between one Golden Delicious tree and their orchardist written by Hoffman with orchard photographs by Harasimowicz. The exhibit at Fivesparks invites visitors into the orchard at Old Frog Pond Farm in Harvard—not only as the home of apple trees, but also as a place of birds, insects, history, longing, and mystery. Joining Hoffman and Harasimowicz is Hoffman’s daughter, Ariel Matisse, who grew up working in the orchard where this very tree still bears a bountiful crop every year. The exhibit brings together Harasimowicz’s silver-toned and color photographs, Hoffman’s sculptures and watercolors, and Matisse’s prints and wire sculptures – a multimedia visual feast, alive with textures, shadows, shapes, and forms.
On view October 4, 2025 – November 15, 2025.
Reception, open to all, Sunday, October 12, 2025, 3:00-5:00pm.
Exhibit closing event on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 4:00pm. Book reading by Hoffman and thoughts shared from both Hoffman and Harasimowicz about the collaborative process that resulted in the book Overheard in the Orchard.
Books can be purchased at Fivesparks during the exhibit.

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

Snapology: School Half Day - Monster Mania
2025-10-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Get your scare on with Snapology’s Monster Mania Workshop!
Come over to Fivesparks on the October 8th school half-day! Students will create their own Jack O’Lanterns as well as haunted scenes that will engage student’s creativity and problem solving as they work with increasingly difficult and complex challenges. Students not only learn about the origins of scary myths, but they will use their knowledge for their builds thereby confronting what lurks in the night!
This workshops is appropriate for kids aged 5-12 years. 1:00-4:00pm, $60/registrant
Click HERE to register for Monster Mania with Snapology of Harvard, MA
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Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM programs worldwide. The organization’s goal is to provide children’s enrichment with STEAM learning programs that engage kids 4-14 years old with fun, hands-on activities to teach science, technology, engineering, art and math. While children are exploring robotics, coding and design challenges using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, and technology, they’re building skills that will help them throughout school and their careers. To kids, it’s just fun!
Fivesparks is partnering with Snapology of Harvard, MA to bring these fun and educational programs to our community! Snapology of Harvard, MA is owned/operated by area parents whose family fell in love with Snapology’s methods and philosophies. So much so, they want to share them! You will find Snapology of Harvard, MA programs at Fivesparks, in local schools and community centers around the Metro-West area. https://www.snapology.com/massachusetts-harvard/
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Etudes in the Gallery: a Benefit Concert on Piano for the Fivesparks Music Festival
2025-10-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Pianist D.J. Cleavinger returns to the Fivesparks gallery for an intimate night of music, ranging from Beethoven’s dramatic Pathétique Sonata to the harmony of Schubert and Debussy. Some Bernstein closes the first half, and the breathtaking journey of Chopin’s 12 Etudes, Opus 10 serves as the second half. Proceeds from this recital benefit the annual Fivesparks Music Festival.
BIO:
A native of Cincinnati, OH, D.J. Cleavinger grew up in an array of artistic activities: piano and voice study, leading roles in musical theatre productions, studio art classes – earning three gold key awards in the National Scholastic Competition, and various genres of choral singing through churches, schools, and the Cincinnati May Festival Youth Chorus. He completed his Bachelor of Music in 2021 at Miami University of Ohio, and his Master of Music from Boston University in 2025 as a student of Pavel Nersessian.
D.J. has performed at summer festivals in Austria, Germany, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and Spain; he has studied with esteemed artists such as Dror Biran, Kenneth Griffiths, Jihye Chang, Frank Huang, Siok Lian Tan, and Asiya Korepanova. Since age 14, D.J. has served in various churches as pianist, organist, and vocalist. He is an avid reader, a lover of languages, and a frequent collaborator of both instrumental and vocal opportunities.
Friday, October 10, 2025
7:30-9:00pm with intermission
TICKETS
General Admission: $20
Seniors / Students 12-18yrs: $15
Kids 12 and under: FREE

Art Exhibit Reception: Overheard in the Orchard
2025-10-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Fivesparks
Please join your friends, neighbors and fellow art lovers at Fivesparks to celebrate Overheard in the Orchard, the book and art by Linda Hoffman and Ellen Harasimowicz with guest Ariel Matisse.
Open to all. Refreshments provided.
Sunday October 12, 3-5pm.
An informal artist talk will occur at 4pm.

Pastel Painting with Ann Gillespie - Fall Session
2025-10-15 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.
