Just for Fun: Outdoor Art & Community
July 18 & 25 and August 1, 10 am-12 pm
What to expect:
- Fun & zero pressure. Whether you already keep a sketchbook or haven’t touched paint since kindergarten, these sessions are about play, laughter, and meeting neighbors.
- Breathe in summer. We’ll feel the breeze, listen to birds, and let nature sneak into our creations.
- Community picnic. Pack a sandwich and linger after class – tables will stay up so we can swap stories and show off masterpieces.
July 18: Plein-Air & Finger Painting
Bright paints and freedom to paint with hands, leaves, or anything you find under the maple trees. Expect joyful mess, laughter, and colorful landscapes.
July 25: Grown-Up Tie-Dye
Tie dye isn’t just for kids. We’ll supply vibrant dyes, rubber bands, and tricks for beautiful tie dyes. Bring a white tee, tote, or socks to customize.
Aug 1: Sun Printing
See nature’s beauty in a whole new way. Arrange flowers, ferns, and found objects on light-sensitive paper, then watch the summer sun turn them into brilliant blue-and-white prints.
Basic materials are supplied, but feel free to bring along any supplies you have such as a favorite canvas, garments, or foraged leaves. More details will be emailed upon registration.
Details at a glance
- Art activities are led by local artist-in-residence, Valarie Poitier – known for turning “I’m not artistic” into “Look what I made!”
- Who: Ages 12 +, beginners welcome (younger kids must be accompanied by an adult).
- Fees: Suggested donation of $15-$30 per session (more if you can, less if you can’t). Cash and checks accepted during workshop. To pay via PayPal, please click here.
- Register: Please sign up at least 48 hours ahead so we can prepare supplies. To register, click here! or go to www.openspiritcenter.org/special-events
- Bring: Water bottle, sun hat, picnic lunch, and clothes that can handle a bit of color.
These workshops will be held under the tent at Open Spirit. In case of inclement weather, the workshops will be held in Edwards Hall. Following the art activities, you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch and join us under the tent for conversation.
Tasty, Fun & Beautiful: Creating a Family Herb Box
July 18, 5-6:15 pm at Roosevelt Park in Framingham
July 25, 5-6:15 pm at Bates Park in Framingham
This is an interactive, hands-on program designed for parents and kids to experience the joy of growing herbs while using all of their senses! This program is offered in collaboration with Open Spirit’s Nourishing Gardens Project, Tasty Harvests, and the Framingham Department of Parks and Recreation. This program is open to both Framingham residents and non-residents. To learn more and to sign up visit: https://framinghamma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31238
Spirituality and Poetry; Grounded in Awe
Monday, July 21 – 2-3:30 pm in Edwards Hall
What stirs in us when we reach for a poem, whether sitting down to write or read the work of a favorite poet? Why do poems stay with us and continue to inform our lives?
Come join us and be inspired as we approach poetry as a vehicle for living fully in the present and deepening our humanity. Each month we’ll focus on an element of craft in the context of a particular theme to generate new work.
This class is for anyone interested in poetry as a spiritual practice and no previous writing experience is required to enjoy the pleasures of creative expression.
RSVPs appreciated. To RSVP, click here or go to www.openspiritcenter.org/special-events
Suggested donation of $20. More if you can, less if you can’t. Email info@openspiritcenter.org with any questions.
“Summer to Remember” – Memory-Book / Junk-Journal Workshop
Thursday, August 28 – 4:30-6:30 pm
What’s a memory-book / junk-journal? It’s a pocket-sized scrapbook that mixes bits of everyday life such as ticket stubs, photos, pamphlets, and doodles into one artsy little volume – part diary, part collage, all heart.
What we’ll do:
- Gather & sort keepsakes you bring –movie tickets, beach photos, special napkins, pamphlets, etc.
- Build a simple book using materials with pockets to store memories.
- Decorate with stamps, washi tape, paints, and surprise textures.
- Share stories while creating –the best part of memory-making is telling them!
Please bring any summer mementos you want to incorporate into your book along with your own scissors and a glue stick. All are welcome. Appropriate for age 12+.
Suggested donation of $15-$25 (more if you can, less if you can’t). To donate via PayPal, please click here.
Registration is required. Please visit www.openspiritcenter.org/special-events to register.
*Be on the lookout on Open Spirit’s upcoming events page for forthcoming information about a new meditation workshop series, led by Tsering Yodsampa, beginning on July 24.