An Afternoon of Irish Music
2025-01-19 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
An Afternoon of Irish Music with Sarah Collins, Marty Frye, and David McKindley-Ward

Three close friends, having played tunes in many configurations for years, finally assemble in a trio with roots in DC, Boston and Baltimore. Sarah Collins, Marty Frye, and David McKindley-Ward have a shared passion for the tunes, and a shared quest for the balanced lightness and depth of a good groove. With Marty on flute, Sarah on fiddle, and David on bouzouki, this new trio presents their version of Irish music, a sound influenced by an appreciation for old-time and other groovy genres. Sarah grew up in Harvard, graduating from Bromfield in 2010, and is excited to return to town and share her music with family and friends.
This will be a family-friendly concert! Admission at the door: $20 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under.

Free AIR Demo - Corinne Walker - Pastel
2025-01-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Fireplace Room, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
FREE DEMO
Casual demonstration with pastel artist Corinne Walker
12:00-4:00PM in the Fivesparks Fireplace Room
Come meet Corinne, watch her work and learn about her art philosophies/techniques. You’re talk with her and welcome to sit and watch her work anytime from 12-4pm.

Free AIR Demo - Elizabeth Noonan - Ceramics
2025-01-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Fivesparks Cove
FREE DEMO
Stop by the Cove at Fivesparks to visit with Ceramicist Elizabeth Noonan between 12:00-2:00PM. Chat with her about her creative philosophies, ask her questions, or simply watch her work.
Liz describes herself as a storyteller and her work as a visual narrative of her surroundings and past.
Using clay, she attempts to create the experience of shared stories, magic and nature. Her work manifests ephemeral feelings and nostalgia. The fleeting joy of colors that come with short seasons and the yearning we feel for that color once winter has arrived. She is inspired by what she sees and tries to capture that.

Artists in Residence (AIR) Program 2025
2025-01-18 - 2025-02-22 | Fivesparks
What has now become an annual tradition, Fivesparks is thrilled to invite artists into our historic building for 6 weeks of communal creativity for our Artists in Residence (AIR) Program. We also welcome the public to observe, visit and interact with artists while they work during our open hours and through scheduled demos, discussions and workshops on Saturdays.
AIR runs from Saturday, January 18 – Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Our 2025 Artists Participants (more details about all the artists HERE):

Keith Demanche (Rochester, NH) – Pastels, Acrylic
John Haiduk (Lowell, MA) – Acrylic
Ann Marie Hershberger (Bolton, MA) – Mixed Media
Oreon Mode (Sudbury, MA) – Mixed Media
Elizabeth Noonan (Boxborough, MA) – Ceramics
Suzan Osborn (Harvard, MA) – Oils
Anne Swinton (Northborough, MA) – Clay
Corinne Walker (Lancaster, MA) – Soft Pastels
Judy Warner (Harvard, MA) – Oils

In addition to interaction and observation, all artists will have art to sell, arranged as the Artists in Residence Exhibition.
Stop in often to see what’s happening: Tuesdays-Fridays 10am-4pm and Saturdays 12-4pm
Check our Saturday schedule for Demonstrations, Workshops and Discussions.
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.

LAST DAY TO VIEW: Destination:Nature 2024 - "Wild and Scenic"
2025-01-04 | Fivesparks
January 4th, 2025 is the last day to view this exhibit.
A juried art show featuring art inspired by the balance between society and nature in the Nashua River Watershed.

The Harvard Conservation Trust is partnering again with Fivesparks to celebrate art and nature with a juried art show. This partnership will highlight the beauty of the diverse environments of the Nashua River Watershed: the river with all its tributaries, its wildlife, plant life and the lands and communities it nourishes.
This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic”, offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers’ attention and imagination.

LAST WEEK TO VIEW: Destination:Nature 2024 - "Wild and Scenic"
2024-12-28 - 2025-01-03 | Fivesparks
This is the last week to view this exhibit.
A juried art show featuring art inspired by the balance between society and nature in the Nashua River Watershed.

The Harvard Conservation Trust is partnering again with Fivesparks to celebrate art and nature with a juried art show. This partnership will highlight the beauty of the diverse environments of the Nashua River Watershed: the river with all its tributaries, its wildlife, plant life and the lands and communities it nourishes.
This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic”, offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers’ attention and imagination.

Felted Reindeer
2024-12-19 18:00 - 19:45 | Fivesparks Cove
Just in time for the Winter Holidays, join fiber artist Rachel Benson to create a festive reindeer! What a great piece to add to your Holiday decorating. Step-by-step guidance and all materials included.
This class is great for adults as well as independent kids 10+yrs.
Thursday 12/19
6:00-7:45pm

Painting with Wool - Mushroom Scene
2024-12-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Fivesparks
Join fiber artist and long-time Fivesparks instructor in this fun class. Learn how to ‘paint’ with wool to create a mushroom scene. Step-by-step guidance in needle-felting and all materials provided.
This class is best for teens and adults.
Saturday 12/14
5:30-7:00pm

Creating Luminous Portraits on Toned Paper
2024-12-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Unlock the timeless art of portrait drawing with an atelier-style approach designed to make your work stand out! In this four-hour workshop, you’ll learn traditional drawing skills that bring character and life to your portraits—all on beautiful toned paper that enhances depth and realism.
What You’ll Gain:
Atelier-Style Instruction: Experience a structured, hands-on approach to learning that emphasizes foundational skills and one-on-one guidance. This workshop offers the kind of in-depth, focused training typically found in classical art studios.
Essential Techniques: Discover a time-saving method to simplify the process, helping you capture accurate proportions and realistic features more easily.
Depth & Contrast: Learn how working on toned paper allows your highlights and shadows to shine, adding an instant professional touch.
Guided Practice: Step-by-step instruction ensures you understand the principles behind each stroke, allowing you to build skills you can apply to future projects.
Workshop Kit Included
To set you up for success, this workshop includes a specially curated kit with things you can use to create stunning portraits. Each kit contains:
General’s Charcoal White Pencil for luminous highlights
Kneaded Eraser for delicate adjustments
Blending Stump for smooth shading transitions
Westcott Flexible Clear Ruler for precise measurements
Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser for clean corrections
Sandpaper Pencil Sharpener Pad for maintaining fine points
1-Inch soft brush to keep your work area clean and smudge-free
Please Bring:
Strathmore Toned Paper Pad, 11 x 14: https://amzn.to/3CsqeqG
Drawing Tote Board for Artists with Clips, Rubber Bands, 14 x 18 (or larger): https://amzn.to/4ftQmzU
A few pencils (H, HB, 2B, or 3B): https://amzn.to/4egEPTD
Knife or Sharpener
Special Offer
As a thank-you for joining the workshop, participants will receive a $25 credit toward enrollment in the class, Drawing Lessons by the Green (8 sessions, beginning March 7, 2025), should you decide to continue your learning journey. This credit is our way of welcoming you back for more in-depth training.
Limited Seats Available! Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to transform your drawing skills—register now to secure your spot.
Mara is an award-winning fine artist with decades of experience teaching students of all ages. She studied classical drawing, painting, and sculpture with master artists at Boston University, where she earned a BFA in Painting. Her work has been shown in fine galleries, and her art is part of numerous private collections across the United States.

Contact Mara to inquire about supplies for drawing in graphite and charcoal at info@maralevin.com.

School Early Release: Kid's Paperwhite Potting Workshop
2024-12-11 12:45 - 13:45 | Fivesparks Cove
Join Still River’s Broken Pot Farm for a kid’s paperwhite planting workshop!
The session will start with decorating a small terracotta pot with paint markers and stickers. We’ll then plant our paperwhite bulbs, and finish it off with a cute plant tag. Take your bulb home and watch it grow and bloom!
Total cost per participant is $25 – all materials included.
Kids of all ages are welcome to come for some planting fun. (Children 10 years and under please attend with a caregiver.)
Contact us with any questions at brokenpotfarm@gmail.com.

Pastel Landscape Painting with Ann Gillespie
2024-12-11 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-12-04 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-11-27 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-11-20 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-11-13 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-11-06 10:00 - 12:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Ann Gillespie is an award-winning artist in pastels and printmaking. Pastels have been her primary focus since 2012, with periodic forays in printmaking and other painting. She is passionate about landscape painting, especially painting “en plein air” which helps her observe color and light more directly and keeps her more connected to nature.
Ann has been teaching Pastel Painting at Fivesparks for several years. This class series will have a focus on local landscape inspiration. Basics will include use of underpainting, composition, color, values and mark-making. She will also help you consider your motivation for painting a scene to determine mood, what to leave in or out, and movement through a painting.
Each class will start with a demo followed by plenty of painting time and one-on-one feedback. All pastel levels are welcome but some previous drawing or painting experience is necessary.
Contact Ann to register at anngillespieart.com. Feel free to contact her with any questions and for supply list.
THIS CLASS SERIES IS FULL AND CLOSED FOR ADDITIONAL REGISTRATIONS. KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR ANN’S NEXT CLASS OFFERING!

Destination:Nature 2024 - "Wild and Scenic"
2024-12-02 - 2025-01-04 | Fivesparks
On view through January 4, 2025 – more info at www.destination-nature.org
A juried art show featuring art inspired by the balance between society and nature in the Nashua River Watershed.

The Harvard Conservation Trust is partnering again with Fivesparks to celebrate art and nature with a juried art show. This partnership will highlight the beauty of the diverse environments of the Nashua River Watershed: the river with all its tributaries, its wildlife, plant life and the lands and communities it nourishes.
This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic”, offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers’ attention and imagination.

ART RECEPTION : Destination:Nature 2024 - "Wild and Scenic"
2024-11-23 15:00 - 18:00 | Fivesparks
DESTINATION: NATURE 2024
ART RECEPTION, OPEN AND FREE TO ALL.
Saturday, November 23, 2024. 3:00-6:00pm.
A juried art show featuring art inspired by the balance between society and nature in the Nashua River Watershed.

The Harvard Conservation Trust is partnering again with Fivesparks to celebrate art and nature with a juried art show. This partnership will highlight the beauty of the diverse environments of the Nashua River Watershed: the river with all its tributaries, its wildlife, plant life and the lands and communities it nourishes.
This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic”, offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers’ attention and imagination.

Drawing Lessons by the Green: All Levels - Fall Session
2024-11-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Fivesparks Cove
Drawing Lessons by the Green – All Levels, Fall Session
Come have fun drawing with us at Fivesparks in Harvard’s town center! Enjoy the camaraderie of other drawing enthusiasts in a supportive environment while learning and growing your art at your own pace, thoughtfully guided by 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 a variety of drawing mediums, beginning with graphite.
We will cover basic shapes, light, shadows, and shading. We will talk about perspective, texture, composition, focal points, gesture, thumbnail drawings, and much 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 printed or digital photographs), materials, and supplies.
A highlight of each session is our group critique, where everyone joins in to share feedback and support each other’s artistic journeys. This collaborative and encouraging environment helps students grow and gain confidence in their work.
___________________
Mara’s Art Workshops and Classes: Cultivating Creativity and Expression
Mara Levin, BFA (Painting) is a current member of Oil Painters of America. She has been a skilled professional fine artist, commercial artist, and illustrator (hand and digital) since 1979. Her recent art exhibits include the 57th Annual Members’ Spring Art Exhibit, Leominster, MA where her paintings won the President’s Award for “The Potato Chip Wars: Skirmish” and three other prizes.
Mara has been inspiring students through art education since the 1975-1976 school year at Boston Technical High School, where she taught a range of art subjects, including Art I, Art II, Commercial Art, and Mechanical Drafting. Her high school students achieved notable awards, such as the Gold Key Award, Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, and prizes in the New York Stock Exchange Poster Competition.
Over the years, Mara has taught high school art, private lessons, adult education, after-school classes, and workshops in various locations including Boston, Framingham, Holliston, Ashland, Natick, Sherborn, Bolton, Marlborough, Bellingham, and Harvard. She has covered a diverse range of subjects, including Drawing, Painting, Silkscreen Printing, and Calligraphy.
Mara’s approach to teaching emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and a deep appreciation for art’s role in expressing personal and societal issues. She brings decades of experience and a passion for art to each of her classes, fostering an environment where students can develop their skills and explore their artistic potential.
___________________
Questions for Mara, write to info@maralevin.com
The class supplies list is available here. For the first class, please bring the supplies listed in GREEN under the heading, “Basic Supplies for Drawing with Graphite”. Under each green heading you will find a link to that supply on Amazon. If you already have equivalent supplies, you may bring them instead of buying new. At the bottom of my web page is a list of alternate supply stockists with links, if you prefer them.
Tuition: $200 for ten 2-hour sessions
Class dates:
Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27
Oct. 4, 18, 25
Nov. 1, 8, 22

Evening Felting - Fox and Ornaments
2024-11-21 18:15 - 20:00, 2024-11-14 18:15 - 20:00 | Fivesparks Cove
2 x Evening Felting
November 14th- Fox with a scarf
November 21st- Ornaments
Ages: This class is great for adults and teens. Younger kids (ages 8-12) can attend with an adult.
6:15-8pm
Cost: $27 for one class or $50 for both, all materials provided.
For more info or to save your spot click here.

2 School Half Days - Felted Fox and Ornaments
2024-11-21 12:45 - 14:30, 2024-11-14 12:45 - 14:30 | Fivesparks Cove
2 x School Half Day Felting
November 14th- Fox with a scarf
November 21st- Ornaments
Ages: This class is great for kids 9-13 years old
12:45-2:30pm
Cost: $27 for one class or $50 for both, all materials provided.
For more info or to save your spot click here.

ARTIST RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY : Destination:Nature 2024 - "Wild and Scenic"
2024-11-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Fivesparks
INVITATION ONLY – ARTISTS RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY
Saturday, November 16, 2024. 5:00-7:00pm.
A juried art show featuring art inspired by the balance between society and nature in the Nashua River Watershed.

The Harvard Conservation Trust is partnering again with Fivesparks to celebrate art and nature with a juried art show. This partnership will highlight the beauty of the diverse environments of the Nashua River Watershed: the river with all its tributaries, its wildlife, plant life and the lands and communities it nourishes.
This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic”, offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers’ attention and imagination.

Destination:Nature 2024 - "Wild and Scenic"
2024-11-16 - 2025-01-04 | Fivesparks
A juried art show featuring art inspired by the balance between society and nature in the Nashua River Watershed.

The Harvard Conservation Trust is partnering again with Fivesparks to celebrate art and nature with a juried art show. This partnership will highlight the beauty of the diverse environments of the Nashua River Watershed: the river with all its tributaries, its wildlife, plant life and the lands and communities it nourishes.
This year’s theme is “Wild and Scenic”, offering artists the chance to reflect their interactions with and response to the wild and scenic Nashua River Watershed. Artists are free to interpret this theme in any way that captivates viewers’ attention and imagination.

Submissions open September 6, 2024

Nurture Your Creative Practice
2024-11-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-11-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Fivesparks Cove
Nurture Your Creative Practice
Do you want to express yourself creatively but find you keep getting stuck? Do you have lots of ideas but can never get yourself to sit down and write them? Do you struggle with perfectionism, self-doubt, or self-criticism? In this series of creative workshops inspired by Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” we will explore ways to bring freedom, nourishment, and productivity to your creative practice, including stream-of-consciousness journaling, play-based artist dates, permission slips, and affirmations. Together we will support each other in our individual writing activities (like NaNoWriMo?) to help keep momentum and nurture a practice that is fun and feels good.
Cost: $40 per session ($120 total)
Materials: Pen, paper, and a sense of adventure
No previous creative experience or special technology is needed.
18+
3 Sessions: November 4, 11 & 25. 6:30-8:30pm.

LAST DAY: Over, Under and Through the Warp : The Art of Tapestry Weaving
2024-11-09 | Fivesparks
November 9, 2024 is the last day to view this exhibit.
Over Under and Through the Warp : The Art of Tapestry Weaving showcases the variety of techniques, imagery, materials and design processes involved in creating handwoven tapestries. The goal of this exhibit is not only to showcase beautiful, thought-provoking tapestries and the amazing talent of TWINE members but to also expand the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of this unique art form.
Tapestry Weavers in New England ( TWINE ), founded in 1991, is a professional organization of 60+ contemporary tapestry weavers. It is an inclusive member-run organization dedicated to promoting the fine art of handwoven contemporary tapestry and educating the public about the history and techniques involved. Exhibitions, retreats, workshops and supporting one another are key to our mission.

Author Event in partnership with Harvard's Climate Initiative: Rich Marcello - The Means of Keeping
2024-11-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Fivesparks Gallery, 7 Fairbank Street, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Fivesparks and Harvard’s Climate Initiative present a book talk with local author Rich Marcello about his 6th novel The Means of Keeping.
The Means of Keeping is a profound exploration of grief, friendship, and the indelible impact of climate change on personal and global scales. Set in a near-future America, the novel follows Tereza Allard and David Luca, two lifelong friends in their forties shattered by a climate crisis-induced tragedy that claims the lives of their families. The evolving dynamics between these characters against the pressing issue of climate change provide a rich narrative ground, exploring the intersections of personal loss, love, renewal, environmental activism, and the search for meaning in a world on the brink of unrepairable catastrophe.
With a narrative style that blends the introspective depth of Kazuo Ishiguro’s works with the environmental consciousness of Barbara Kingsolver, The Means of Keeping is aimed at readers who appreciate books that not only tell a compelling story but also reflect on the larger issues facing humanity today. With haunting prose and evocative imagery, the novel challenges us to imagine a future where love, resilience, community, and the fervent desire to protect our planet become the means to reclaim our shared humanity. May our children inherit not only a healthier planet but also an indomitable spirit to prevail against all odds.
You can purchase a copy of the book NOW at Fivesparks. Read it ahead of the event to allow for a richer conversation with Rich about the story and his writing process. A portion of the sales for books purchased at Fivesparks will be generously donated back to us in support of our programs.
Sunday, November 3rd, 4pm. Free and open to all.
