Fivesparks

2024 Harvard Community Conference
2024-03-02 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Volunteers Hall, Harvard, 01451, United States
WHEN: Saturday, March 2nd from 2 – 4 pm
WHERE: Volunteers Hall, Harvard Public Library (snow date, March 16th)
Co-sponsored by: Arm in Arm and Harvard’s Climate Initiative Committee
Arm in Arm and Harvard’s Climate Initiative Committee are delighted to co-sponsor this year’s Harvard Community Conference (HC2). The first HC2 event was held 7 years ago. A Bromfield student approached Harvard’s inclusive community group, Arm in Arm, with her idea to start a yearly student-led event to explore the theme of embracing human diversity through stories, shared with community. The theme of the first conference was “Identity”.
This year’s student conference will focus on stories and observations of climate change as seen through the eyes of local residents. These stories will touch upon personal experience, thoughts, and feelings about climate change. The student has gathered a great line-up of live speakers and recorded interviews which include:

Melissa Marteney (Harvard Resident): Melissa worked for 21 years at the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) where she observed the effects of climate change in many different aspects of recreational activities, conservation efforts and beach operations.
Ellie Maglothin: Ellie is a youth activist and Bromfield graduate.
Adam Meier (Harvard Resident): Adam is a Green, Healthy, and Sustainable Products Director. He works across a network of leading affordable housing nonprofits to build and support healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities for all.
Marion Stoddart (Ayer Resident): Marion is an activist and community leader best known for her work leading up to the rescue and recovery of the Nashua River in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She later founded the Nashua River Watershed Association.
Charlotte Vallaeys (Harvard Resident): Charlotte is expert in all things organic at General Mills, one of the largest producers of certified packaged foods with brands including Annie’s, Cascadian Farm and Muir Glen.
Paul Willard (Still River Resident): Paul is a well-known member of our community. Paul ran the Willard Farm and provided vegetable plants and summertime produce in Still River for the last several decades. He is especially known for his superior corn. Paul also served on the Town Conservation Commission and as the Harvard’s Animal Control Officer.

Come! Gather with us to share these stories and browse the student and community art display. Chat with local community organizations and be surprised by a presentation by 5th grade HES students.
Enjoy some beverages, sweets, and time with your neighbors.
===============================
And mark your calendars for the
April 13th Climate Stories Music Performance and Presentation
at Fivesparks

Reception & Sound Demonstration, Open to the Public - A Multi-Sensory Experience: Capturing the Essence of the Local Environment
2024-03-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Fivesparks
Reception & Sound Demonstration (open to the public): Sunday, March 3, 2024. 3:00-5:00pm

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
2024-03-04 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-03-18 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-03-25 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-04-01 15:45 - 18:00, 2024-04-08 15:45 - 18:00 | 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 Half Day Felting! The Lorax Movie Truffula Tree
2024-03-06 12:30 - 14:00, 2024-03-20 12:30 - 14:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Come to Fivesparks for some Dr. Seuss felting fun on your school half day! You can come for one, or both sessions in March where we’ll channel some creative energy from the movie The Lorax.
When: Wednesday 3/6 – Truffula tree with colors of your choosing
Wednesday 3/20 – Lorax creature
What time: 12:30-2pm
Who: Open to 5th-7th graders
How much: $28 for one class, $52 for both
To sign up click here:

Painting with Wool - Prospect Hill
2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Join fiber artist Rachel Benson to learn the art of painting with wool while you are guided step-by-step in creating a beautiful felted creation inspired by the view from Prospect Hill in Harvard, MA.
When: Wednesday March 6th
What Time: 6:30-8pm
Who: Anyone 11 years and up.
How Much: $30
Click here to save your spot:

Taiwan-Mahjong Classes
2024-03-07 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-03-14 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-03-21 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-03-28 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 Thursdays: March 7, 14, 21, 28 (additional series of 4 more classes may be added in April)
Cost for series: $120

New Moon Soundscape - Sound Bath Journey for Healing & Peace
2024-03-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Join Mary Malloy of ‘Wild at Heart Healing Arts Studio’ in the Fivesparks Gallery as we gather in community. We will welcome each other as we prepare to submerge ourselves in the power and tranquility of vibrational sound…releasing, cleansing and relaxing while clearing our bodies and breaking into a deep resonant place of stillness as you relax into your sound bath experience.
Your journey into tranquility, healing and peace will consist of:

The Sacred Healing Sounds of Gongs
Mine Cristal Quartzophone Harp
Crystal Tones Alchemy Bowls
Light chimes
Tibetan Bowls, and
Frosted Chakra Tunes Crystal Bowls

This transformation will surely leave you with feelings of bliss, peace and well-being.
When: Sunday, March 10
What time: 3:00-4:30pm
Cost: $45 (REGISTER BELOW)
What to bring: Mat, Water, Blankets, Pillow (Anything that will help you feel comfy).
Mary is a healer of the heart, mind, body and soul and her passion is to touch the heart of all those she encounters. She is owner and creator of ‘Wild at Heart Healing Arts Studio & Himalayan Salt Room’ located in Littleton, MA.
She’s a Reiki Practitioner, Sound Healer and facilitator of many workshops and events held at her studio. She has been working within the healing arts for 7 years and is continuously evolving, growing and learning.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Student Visionaries of the Year Fundraising Event
2024-03-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Khivi Nanra, local 10th grader and Bromfield student is honored to be a candidate for Student Visionary of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Boston Student Visionaries campaign, a groundbreaking philanthropic leadership development program.
Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibility.
They challenge the status quo—and make the impossible possible.
They boldly imagine a better world – and lead the charge to create it. – LLS
Khivi is a co-captain of ‘Beyond Blood’ a combined Harvard/Shrewsbury team. She is leading seven 10th-12th graders on a mission to raise $50,000 in support of LLS and its cutting edge blood cancer research and patient advocacy and support by April 7, 2024.
Please come to Fivesparks for some fun and celebration and help Khivi raise money while doing so. This fundraising evening will feature a live performance by the Bromfield High School Jazz Band, a silent art auction, gift baskets to win/purchase, door prizes and more.
All proceeds will go towards Khivi’s goal and benefit LLS. Entrance $5 per person, $20 cap per family.
Saturday, March 16, 6-8pm. $5 entrance fee.
For questions, or to inquire about donating directly to Khivi’s campaign, or purchasing ‘Heart Signs’ email chinni806@yahoo.com.

A Multi-Sensory Experience: Sound Creation Performance & Discussion
2024-03-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
As part of the shared exhibit A Multi-Sensory Experience: Capturing the Essence of the Local Environment, Christopher Johnson will be performing and demonstrating how he uses his modular synthesizer to build his sound compositions.
His modular synth provides infinite possibilities for new interesting sounds. He will demo how he comes up with his unique sound recordings. Then he will show how he distorts and plays with them to create bizarre and wonderful new soundscapes.
Don’t miss this chance to delve into the specifics of a unique method of producing digital musical soundscapes!! Participants of all ages are welcome and will be invited to create their own sounds to be used in Chris’ synth compositions.
When: Sunday, March 17, 2024, 4-5pm
Where: Fivesparks Gallery
How Much: FREE to all!

Last Week to View- A Multi-Sensory Experience: Capturing the Essence of the Local Environment
2024-03-23 | Fivesparks
Exhibit on view through March 30th.

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.

8th Annual Bloom N Art Show
2024-03-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-24 12:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Bloom N Art is on view at Fivesparks Saturday, March 23rd from 10am-4pm and Sunday March 24 from 12-4pm.
In the tradition of many prestigious museums, the Garden Club of Harvard created a wonderful event celebrating the relationship between artwork and floral arrangements.
This year, in partnership with the Bromfield School Art Department and Fivesparks, the Garden Club of Harvard is proud to present its 8th annual Bloom N Art show.
Free and open to the public, this event highlights artwork created by Bromfield students paired with members of the Garden Club, who interpret the artwork in amazing, beautiful, creative and unique floral arrangements.
This is a true multi-generational, community-wide event!

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.

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 | 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 | 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.
