Artist Reception - Archetypes: Making the Invisible, Visible
2025-04-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Fivesparks
Join us at Fivesparks for our latest exhibit Artist Reception.
Mardie Luppold – Archetypes: Making the Invisible, Visible
Meet Mardie and enjoy light refreshments and jazz music by vocalist Maggie Galloway, Bob Nieske on acoustic bass and Billy Novick on clarinet.
Sunday, April 27, 4-6pm
Free and open to all.

Taiwan Mahjong for Beginners
2025-04-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Fivesparks Loft, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Fay Childers has been playing and teaching Mahjong for years. She enjoys helping new players understand the game and grow to love it as much as she does.
Join this 5-week session to learn the basics so you can continue play on your own.
Taiwan Mahjong is a strategic game, easy to learn and fun to play. It is a four-person table game so bring a friend and have fun together.
5 Saturdays April 5 – May 10 (no class on 4/19). 1:00-3:00pm.
$125.
To register for this session, or with questions, contact Fay at faychilders@gmail.com
This class is best for adults (18+).

Chat with Mardie
2025-04-24 12:00 - 14:30 | Fivesparks
Exhibiting artist Mardie Luppold will be at Fivesparks on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout her exhibit to talk with visitors.
She welcomes your insights, questions, curiosities and reactions to her varied works on display as part of her current show Archetypes: Making the Invisible, Visible.
Mardie has a lifetime of fascinating experiences that translate into her work. You will gain a wealth of understanding by talking with her.
Stop in on Wednesdays of Thursdays between 12:00-2:30pm, through the end of the exhibit, May 24, 2025.

Portrait Session with Mardie Luppold
2025-04-24 12:00 - 14:30 | Fivesparks
Exhibiting artist Mardie Luppold will draw your portrait!
Come and visit Mardie’s varied collection of work, ranging from delicate portraits to mysterious Kachinas. You can make an appointment with Mardie on Wednesdays or Thursdays, from 12noon-2:30pm to have your own portrait drawn in pencil! Mardie’s portraits are both abstract and realistic, each containing an element of pristine clarity and focus.
Fee of $175 per portrait, of which a portion will be donated by Mardie to Fivesparks to help us continue our mission of bringing wonderful art and cultural experiences to our community.
Portraits may be drawn in real time, or via a photograph, to be determined between you and Mardie. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, send an email to admin@fivesparks.org. Sessions can be scheduled on Wednesdays or Thursdays, April 24 – May 22, 2025.

Free Poetry Reading - Special Art Exhibit Event
2025-04-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Free Poetry Reading
Come to Fivesparks to enjoy listening to area poets read works that are inspired by the artwork of Mardie Luppold on display as part of her exhibit Archetypes: Making the Invisible, Visible.
Feel free to stop in between 2:00-4:00pm and experience this interplay between spoken word and visual art. Participating poets are Jim Laughlin, Daniel Junkins, Tom Laughlin and Sarah Laughlin.
– Tom Laughlin – Professor at Middlesex Community College in Lowell and Bedford.
– Jim Laughlin – Leadership Consultant and poet; taught at Virginia Tech; studied with Donald Junkins at UMass Amherst.
– Daniel Junkins – Leukemia Survivor/Consultant and poet; studied at UMass. Amherst.
– Sarah Laughlin – Restorative Clinician/ Social Service Expert
This is a free event, donations are always welcome.

The Revolution Sings Benefit Concert
2025-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
The concert is being produced by Musicians for the Greater Good, a non-profit network of musicians that supports social change organizations.
The Revolution Sings is a concert of protest and social justice music from throughout America’s history. It will be a benefit for the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.
Performers include leading New England singer-songwriters, such as Tom Smith, the Lied Tos, Chris and John Boehmer, Howie Altholtz, Steve Azzaro, Mark Hastings, Karen Sauer, Tom Maynard, Dan Tappan, and Ron and Tristan Israel.
It will take place live on Friday, April 18, from 7:00-9:00 PM at Fivesparks, 7 Fairbanks Street, Harvard, Massachusetts, and also can be viewed via livestream.
Tickets to the live show are available at TheRevolutionSings.Eventbrite.Com and at the door.
The Live Stream will be available starting at 7:00 PM Friday the 18th at https://tinyurl.com/3ddjr6fx. Donations can be made at the following link https://tinyurl.com/ACLUM-MGG

Pastel Painting - Spring Session
2025-04-16 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-09 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-02 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-03-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
This session will cover landscape and general pastel painting techniques.
Ann will cover topics of composition, color and mark-making in this session. Each class will start with a demo followed by plenty of one-on-one feedback at your easel. If you are new to pastels this class will also cover all the basics to get you started with exploring this diverse medium.
All pastel levels are welcome but some previous drawing or painting experience is necessary.
$300.
Six Wednesdays, March 26 – May 7, 2025 (no class on 4/23)
10:00am-12:30pm
Contact Ann to register and for a supply list and with any questions you have.

email: agillespieart@gmail.com anngillespieart.com

Free ARTIST TALK: Manifesting Storytelling in Sculptural Vessels by AIR Ceramicist Elizabeth Noonan
2025-04-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
THIS EVENT WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED IN FEBRUARY 2025 AS A PART OF THE ANNUAL ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM.
As part of Artists in Residence, join us in the Fivesparks Gallery to listen to ceramicist Liz Noonan discuss her passion for melding storytelling and ceramics.
She will discuss how she uses sculptural pots to relay a narrative. and share the process and inspiration for her work. Including how memory, childhood, interactions with nature, and society help her to both weave and explore often competing values and ideas.
She will also share her technical process as a ceramic artist using porcelain and custom glazes to achieve certain effects which she feels prompts uninhibited joy.
This is a FREE event! Saturday, April 12, 2025. 3:30-4:30pm
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Harvard Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Nature Journaling Workshop with AIR Artist Ann Marie Hershberger
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
The workshop is full/registrations are closed. If you would like to attend this workshop at a later date, email us at admin@fivesparks.org. Thanks!
This workshop was originally scheduled as part of the annual Artists in Residence Program.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on creative with one of our AIR artists. Ann Marie will guide you through her method of nature journaling. This type of journaling has multiple benefits including appreciation for nature, improving/increasing observation/sketching skills, general enjoyment and reducing anxiety.
Delve into some basic sketching techniques and color application that can be applied to observations on your next hike, trip, or view from your own your backyard
Materials are FREE! A registration fee of $5 is required to hold your spot, as space is limited. This workshop is open to those 15yrs+.
Saturday, March 8, 10am-12pm.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Harvard Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Author Talk - An Evening with John Hanson Mitchell: The Sweet Revenge of Marcus Aurelius - Based on the True Story of a Slave Who Sold His Master
2025-04-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Fivesparks is delighted to welcome John Hanson Mitchell, celebrated author of The Sweet Revenge of Marcus Aurelius, a compelling novel inspired by the true story of a talented and ingenious slave who outwitted his master.
Join us on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM for a captivating journey into the incredible saga of Marcus Aurelius—a courageous and resourceful man who defied the odds, pursued freedom, and claimed a victory that reshaped his life.
In celebration of Black History Month, this event offers an opportunity to reflect, learn, and connect as Fivesparks honors the contributions and stories that shape our collective history.
Through Mitchell’s masterful storytelling, experience the dramatic twists of plantation life, daring escapes, high-society intrigue, and even pirate adventures. This extraordinary tale of resilience, humanity, and justice will leave you inspired and deeply moved.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from an award-winning author and environmental visionary whose work explores the profound connections between human stories and the natural world. The book will be available for purchase by cash or check.
Description:
The Sweet Revenge of Marcus Aurelius is based on the true story of a talented and ingenious slave who sold his master. When he was still a young house boy, Marcus Aurelius was taught to read and write by the plantation owner’s rebellious twelve-year-old daughter, who also instilled in him a passionate desire for freedom. She even encouraged him to escape, which he did – three different times – thus setting in motion his ultimate and sweetest revenge.
His story, even without fictionalizing, is a wide-ranging, swash-buckling tale of a fittingly just revenge set against many venues: the cruelties and dehumanizing effects of plantation life, a year in a unique community of escaped slaves in the Great Dismal Swamp, Paris high society in the Second Republic, duels, an enduring love affair, bad dogs and violent slave catchers, crime-ridden New Orleans street life, and even a stint as a passenger on a pirate ship.
About the Author:
John (Hanson Mitchell) has been working in the environmental field for most of his life, first as a naturalist and educator, and then as a writer for various environmental journals and magazines, and finally as an author.
For over 40 years he was the creator and editor of ‘Sanctuary’ , the award-winning journal of the Audubon Society of Massachusetts. In 1993, he was the winner of the John Burroughs Outstanding Natural History Essay Award for his ‘Sanctuary’ piece, Of Time and the River. His first book, Ceremonial Time: Fifteen Thousand Years on a Single Square Mile, was an ‘Editor’s Choice’ in the New York Times Book Review and set the stage for six more books, known as the ‘Scratch Flat’ series, which examine the interrelationship between human cultures and nature. In 2000, he was given the New England Booksellers Award for the body of his work.
Other books John has written deal with international travel, gardens, and the biography of Robert A Gilbert, a formerly unknown man John put on the map as the first African American landscape photographer. It was this book which led to John’s discovery of the man whose life became the source of Marcus Aurelius: the Slave Who Sold His Master.
Next spring, The Garden at the End of Time will be published. It will be the latest in John’s series of ‘Scratch Flat Chronicles’.
Learn more about John and his work at http://www.johnhansonmitchell.com/

Painting with Wool - Monet-Inspired Waterlilies
2025-04-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Join Rachel at Fivesparks to learn the art of painting with wool. In this two-part class you will learn the art of painting with wool, using both wet felting and needle felting techniques. In class one, we will wet-felt a painterly wool base. In class two, we will needle-felt details on top of our bases. You will be guided step-by-step to create a scene similar to the one pictured. All levels welcome and all materials provided!
Two-Part Painting with Wool (Waterlilies)
Wednesday 4/2 & Wednesday 4/9
6:30-8pm
Open to adults and teens, $55 for the two-part class.
To Sign up click here:

School Half Day Felting - Spring Bunny
2025-04-09 13:15 - 14:45 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Come to Fivesparks on some school half days to create some adorable Spring critters! Come to one, two, or all three sessions.
Wednesday 4/2- Spring Duck
Wednesday 4/9 – Spring Bunny
Wednesday 5/16- Spring Otter
1:15-2:45pm
$29 for 1 class, $54 for 2 or $78 for all 3.
This class is for 5th-7th graders
To sign up click here:

School Half Day Felting - Spring Duck
2025-04-02 13:15 - 14:45 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States

Bloom N Art Special Viewing for Bromfield Classes
2025-03-31 08:00 - 14:30 | Fivesparks
Fivesparks will hold special viewing hours today for students, teachers, administrators and classes to view Bloom N Art.

9th Annual Bloom N Art Show
2025-03-30 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks
Bloom N Art is on view at Fivesparks Saturday, March 29th from 10am-4pm and Sunday March 30th 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.
In partnership with the Bromfield School Art Department and Fivesparks, the Garden Club of Harvard is proud to present its 9th 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!

Bloom N Art Reception for Student and Floral Artists
2025-03-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Fivesparks
Let’s bring the generations together! This reception is by invitation and is meant to bring together the multi-generational magic of Bloom N Art. Student artists and their families, Garden Club floral artists, Bromfield school art teachers and administrators are invited to gather for this special time together.
Light refreshments will be served.

Village Nursery School Children's Art Show
2025-03-18 10:00 - 2025-03-21 16:00 | Fivesparks
Fivesparks is proud to collaborate with Harvard’s Village Nursery School to help them present their annual Children’s Art Show.
If you visit Fivesparks during the week of March 18-21, 2025, you’ll delight in the creations of some of the littlest artists, in addition to our formal art exhibition on display.
The Village Nursery School is a non-profit, private school for toddler and preschool aged children from Harvard and surrounding communities. Learn more about the school at villagenurseryschool.org.
There are special viewing hours specifically for Village Nursery School families after Fivesparks regular open hours.

Painting with Wool - Spring!
2025-03-05 18:00 - 19:45 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Learn the art of needle felting or perfect your skills in this ‘Painting with Wool’ workshop with Rachel Benson. You’ll go home with an uplifting and colorful landscape!
This workshop is great for adults and teens. Kids 8-12 years are also welcome with an adult companion.
Wednesday, March 5th. 6:00-7:45pm. $28.
Register here.

Crafting on School Half Days
2025-03-05 13:15 - 14:45 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Hey kids! Join Rachel Benson for some fun felting and crafting fun on two school half days!
You can come for one or both classes on February 5th and March 5th – 1:15-2:45pm.
February 5th – Hedgehog and Bowls
March 5th – Design Your Own Pocket Creatures & Accessories
$29 for one class/$54 for both classes
These sessions are perfect for 5th to 7th-graders.
Register here.

Pastel Painting with Ann Gillespie - Loosening Up!
2025-03-05 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-02-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Free up your mark-making, color usage, and creativity in this session! I 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. If you are new to pastels this class will also cover all the basics to get you started with exploring this diverse medium.
All pastel levels are welcome but some previous drawing or painting experience is necessary.
$250.
Five Wednesdays, January 29 – March 5, 2025 (no class on 2/19)
10:00am-12:30pm
Contact Ann to register and for a supply list and with any questions you have.

email: agillespieart@gmail.com anngillespieart.com

EXHIBIT Laurie Simko: Past and Present
2025-03-01 - 2025-04-12 | Fivesparks
Laurie Simko: Past and Present

On view March 1 – April 12, 2025

Artists Reception, open to the public, Sunday, March 9, 2025. 3:00-5:00pm

Laurie Simko is an oil painter and collage artist who explores many subjects: primarily the natural world but also still life and portraiture. Her award-winning work is exhibited in galleries and organizations throughout New England and NYC. She is the recipient of 2 Mass Cultural Council Grants for 2 solo exhibitions of a series of portraits of nurses during the 2020 pandemic.

Simko grew up in the Greater Boston area in Massachusetts. She graduated from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She worked as an Art Director and Graphic Designer in several advertising and high-tech firms in the Boston area and was the Design Director at Apollo/Hewlett-Packard for thirteen years. From there she started her own web and print graphic design company, called Simko Eye Design.

Simko currently paints full-time and co-manages/teaches art classes with Lowell Learns, an art outreach program for children and adults. Simko lives with her husband and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Free AIR Demo - Anne Swinton - Clay
2025-02-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Cove, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Come down to the Cove at Fivesparks to chat with clay artist Anne Swinton. Watch her work magic with clay and fall in love with the end product of her handwork.
Saturday, 2:00-4:00PM
I’ve had an appreciation of clay since graduating college and taking wheel throwing classes. My artistic awakening, however, only started 6 years ago when I began hand-building. Since then, I’ve grown as a creator and continue to learn more about the possibilities of this exciting medium. I am a slow ceramicist, and I like it that way! Hand-building allows me to spend more time with each piece – gradually building it to its final form, then refining with careful attention to the lines and textures.
