Fivesparks

Author Event & Book Release: Helen Batchelder - 'Up on End and Spinning'
2024-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Fivesparks
Come enjoy a late afternoon treat at Fivesparks! Tasteful goodies, iced teas, and a book reading — who could ask for more?
Author Helen Batchelder is a lifetime resident of Harvard, Massachusetts, recently “removed” to southwest of Worcester.
This event heralds the release of her novel, Up on End and Spinning, diving into the breadth of effects families have on our later relationships as experienced by Sarah Hartford, daughter of Margaret, famous poet and activist.
Batchelder explores psychology, philosophy, gendered perceptions, and New England culture in the last 25 years of the 20th century. It’s not dystopian, science fiction, or action adventure. It’s literary fiction with a touch of mystery, a story of loss and regret, rage and change, love and persistence — and learning to believe in oneself.
Segments of the book will be read, allowing for audience discussion.
Batchelder has served as an historian, lecturer, lay sermon writer, teacher, and more. She is a poet, song writer, and vocalist.
The book will be available for purchase, and is available through Amazon.
FREE and open to the public.

Drawing Lessons by the Green: All Levels
2024-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Come have fun drawing with us at Fivesparks in Harvard’s town center. Enjoy the camaraderie of other drawing enthusiasts while learning and growing your art at your own pace, thoughtfully guided by award-winning professional artist and art educator, Mara Levin.
Beginners will start with traditional basic drawing lessons, while more advanced artists can work on projects in progress from home or begin new works inspired by Mara’s demonstrations and samples in graphite, charcoal, conte crayon, pastel, markers, ink wash, etc.
We will cover basic shapes, light, shadows, and shading. We will talk about perspective, texture, composition, focal points, thumbnail drawings, and more. Mara will 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.
Students are responsible for bringing all their own references (such as photographs), materials, and supplies.
REGISTER BELOW.
Questions for Mara: info@maralevin.com
Please bring the following supplies to the first class (Amazon examples shown).
Drawing pad or loose sheets Strathmore 400 series Medium Drawing Spiral Paper Pad 11×14 24 Sheets or other size(s)
A few basic drawing pencils HB – 6B or pencil leads in holders, such as:  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 (these will be shown in the first class)
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. Example: ALVIN Artist Sketch Board with Cutout Handle 15″ x 16″ Model SB1516 – Portable Drawing Board
Tuition: $200 for ten 2-hour sessions

2024 Summer Plein Air Artists Group
2024-06-27 14:30 - 17:30, 2024-06-20 14:30 - 17:30 | TBD, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
This program has reached its maximum capacity. We hope you will consider another program at Fivesparks in the future!

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 paint 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 painting 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 6, 13, 20, & 27; July 11 & 18 (rain dates Friday of same week, or resheduled as warranted; no session week of July 4th)
Time: 2:30-5:30pm
Registrants will receive tips for plein air and the schedule with locations, in advance of the sessions.

Make Your Own Mosaic Garden Stepping Stone, 2-Day Workshop!
2024-06-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Garden mosaic stepping stones:
Make your own beautiful, light-catching stepping stone with glass and other materials. The process is simple and fun, and the results will cheer your outdoor space. You can place your stepping stone outside in a day or so, and leave it outside all year. It will be tough enough to walk on too. And once you know how, you can make more of your own stepping stones to go with it.
All materials and instructions will be supplied, and you can take home extra glass pieces if you want to make more of these later!
Wear something you won’t mind getting messy, such as an old t-shirt and jeans.
Instructor Susan Altman has been making mosaics for 25 years and loves sharing them with the world.
When: This is a 2-day workshop! Wednesday, June 26 (10am-2pm) and Thursday, June 27 (10am-12pm)
Where: Fivesparks Cove
Who: This class is for adults, and teens (ages 13+).
How much: $75

Harvard Music Festival Celebration Concert
2024-06-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 9 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States

Canceled: Painting with Wool - Hot Air Balloons
2024-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Painting with Wool – Hot Air Balloons
Join fiber artist Rachel Benson to learn the basics of the unique skill of ‘painting’ with wool. In this class you will learn needle felting techniques while creating an airy landscape featuring hot air balloons.
When: Tuesday, June 18th. 6:30-8pm
Who: Adults and teens. Kids 9-12 years can attend with a parent/caregiver.
How Much: $30per person. Add $6 if you’d like an embroidery hoop to display your finished piece.
Sign-up: Click here to sign up with Rachel.

7th Annual Harvard Music Festival
2024-06-16 - 2024-06-23 | Fivesparks
THE HARVARD MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Harvard Music Festival is a weeklong summer chamber music festival in historic Harvard, Massachusetts, with many events open to the public. Participating professionally-bound musicians work together in their small ensembles with daily coaching. Mentored by coaches who are renowned musicians and teachers, groups work to shape their music in the rehearsals, coachings and masterclasses, culminating in concerts for the community in local venues.
