Fivesparks exhibits, classes, activities
- Current exhibit: “Marks of Distinction”: Central Mass. Pastel Society national juried art show. On view through Sept. 28. Reception and awards ceremony Saturday, Sept. 10, 4-6 p.m.
- Mahjong for beginners. Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m.
- School early-release crafting with Rachel Benson: Wednesdays 1:45-3 p.m. Sept. 28, mini felted pumpkins, Oct. 19, clay tea light ghost.
- Teens a Tellin’ storytelling workshop. Grades 6-9. Sunday, Sept. 25, 1-4 p.m.
Sign up now for fall session classes:
- Yoga, Pilates, ballet fusion: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Sept. 13-25.
- Introduction to painting with acrylics: Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Sept. 13-25.
- Group strength, stability, and balance training. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Sept. 14-Oct. 19.
- Beginning ballet for adults: Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Sept. 15-27.
- Sketching for beginners: Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Sept. 15-27.
Children’s music classes, first class is free:
- Children’s choir: Mondays, Sept. 26-Jan. 10, 4-5 p.m. Ages 8-12.
- Music for little kids: Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Jan. 9, 4-4:45 p.m. Ages 5-7.
- Private/small group music instruction on recorder and/or guitar: Mondays or Tuesdays, Sept. 26/27-Jan. 9/10. 30-45-minute sessions between 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Save the date for these fall happenings:
- Storyfest 2022. Saturday, Oct. 1. A full day of stories with six professional storytellers.
- Oct. 1-2: Harvard/Bolton open studios. Select artists on view Saturday, Oct. 1. Full exhibit on view, Oct. 2-28: public reception Sunday Oct. 9, 3-5 p.m.
Build your strategy
The Women’s Business Network meets Thursday, Sept. 8, 7:15 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, 15 Still River Road, to discuss “Building a Brand Strategy: A New Brand World” with Leia Owen, marketing and business consultant. WBN is a local, volunteer-run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, nonprofits, and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education, and networking. Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Deb Oliva at dboliva@charter.net or 617-543-1208.
Sculptures on exhibit
Old Frog Pond Farm, 38 Eldridge Road, presents its 16th annual outdoor sculpture exhibit, “Wondrous Creatures,” Sept. 8 through Oct. 9. The exhibit will be open Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get a map and tickets at the farmstand. View work by 20 artists as well as sculptures permanently installed at the farm. Opening reception for the artists, Sunday, Sept. 11, 1-4 p.m. with live music by Greg Carlson and his Wild Fruit Band and Jason Eisenberg and friends. Meet the artists at their installations; 2-3:30 pm.
Take a hike
From Sept. 10-30, the Harvard Conservation Trust presents a storybook trail featuring “Henry Hikes to Fitchburg” by D.B. Johnson. Inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau, the story follows two friends who have very different approaches to life. The trail is ideal for young readers of all levels. Drop in at your convenience (open dawn until dusk) at the Muller Trail, Littleton County Road. Parking available. Learn about the trail at harvard-trails.com/muller.html.
National Geographic photographer at Warner Free Lecture
On Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., Kiliii Yuyan, National Geographic photographer, will present “For the Love of Sea Ice: Survival and Stewardship in the Indigenous Arctic,” via Zoom. This year’s lecture series begins with this exploration of the human relationship with the natural world from different cultural perspectives and extreme environments, on land and underwater. To learn more and register, visit tinyurl.com/2duck6xp.
Chamber music
The Worcester Chamber Music Society kicks off its 17th season with “Consider the Source,” a concert Friday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 9 Ayer Road. The program includes “Child Song” by Chinary Ung, inspired by Cambodian folk songs; “Source Code” by Jessie Montgomery, rooted in Black American spirituals; Judith Weir’s “Three Chorales for Cello and Piano,” from poetic texts; and Dvorak’s String Sextet.
Adults $30-$38, students $10, EBT/WIC $5, 17 and under free. Learn more and get tickets at worcesterchambermusic.org, or call 508-926-8624.
OUT OF TOWN
Beer and food fest
On Saturday, Sept. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. the Assabet Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival will take place at First Parish Church of Stow and Acton at 353 Great Road, Stow, rain or shine. Enjoy face painting, cornhole, and creative kids’ games in a dedicated children’s play area. General admission is through a $5-$10 donation per person and free for children under 13. Drink tickets are $5 each for a 10-ounce cup of beer or cider or a 6-ounce cup of wine. For more information, contact craftbeerfest@fpc-stow-acton.org.
Open house
Marigold studio at the Prescott Community Center, 145 Main Street, Groton, will host a studio open house Friday, Sept. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring artist-in-residence Carl Reginald Chandler Jr. Light refreshments will be provided by Chef Paul Correnty. The event will also feature Sharon Chandler Correnty’s art, jewelry, and clothing.
Farm fresh
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School was recently awarded a $180,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. With these funds, the school has started the Monty Trech freight farm, an onsite farm that will provide produce to students and staff and share crops throughout the region. The grand opening of the farm will be Friday, Sept. 16, 9-10:30 a.m. at 1050 Westminster Street, Fitchburg. Check in at the main office. RSVP Katy Whitaker at whitaker-katy@montytech.net.
Iconic events
At the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street, Clinton:
- Saturday, Sept. 17, 1-2:30 p.m.: Sergei Eisenstein’s “Strike,” (1925), 89 minutes, silent. The first feature film by the director of “Battleship Potemkin.” Members $10, others $16, includes admission and popcorn. Register at tinyurl.com/2s3nzk98.
- Monday, Oct. 10-Friday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Icon drawing class with Ileana Barbu. This workshop focuses on developing the aspiring iconographer’s drawing skills. Members $450, others $500. Limited to 14 participants; registration is required by Oct. 1. All materials included. Register at tinyurl.com/nhftpa62.
