The LAVA Center
Artwork by Steven Howe- reception
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesJoin local artist Steven Howe for a reception for his new art exhibit, on display at The LAVA Center through May. artist’s statement: The landscape has always captivated me. The combination of colors, shapes and textures can evoke a powerful emotional response. Unlike photography, painting allows me the freedom to create my own color palette. I tend not to work from photo references but rather create my own imaginary landscape. The addition of paper collage helps to add depth and shapes to the composition. I enjoy trying various techniques and tools for applying paint. It is often when experimenting that I discover new and exciting results. I primarily use wood panels for my work as it allows me to scratch or sand between layers and expose what is underneath. I have been painting for 5 years now and am self taught. It has been an amazing journey of discovery and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. I am a native of Western MA, having only left the area when I enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy I was trained in photography at the Naval School of Photography. I have found that painting and photography complement one…
Story Circles
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesA monthly conversation circle sharing our stories. Some months may begin with a theme or prompt, such as “How I Came to Greenfield” and others may be simply “What Would You Like To Share?” We will begin with the model of using a talking stone or stick or other object: the person speaking holds the object for as long as they want to speak, then passes it on. Others do not interrupt, cross-talk, or ask questions, but simply listen. At the end of the hour, there’s a simple debrief that again does not involve cross talk but each person offering a closing thought. The structure may be adjusted over time depending on the interests of the participants.
LAVA Film Night
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesJoin LAVA for film screenings every 2nd Thursday! We’ll share films made by local filmmakers, films with a social or environmental focus brought to you by local organizations, films we just think you should see! There will be time after each screening for a talkback session. Check back as we add more films! February 13: staff choice March 15: Greening Greenfield film series, details TBA April 10: Greening Greenfield film series, details TBA May 8: Greening Greenfield film series, details TBA $1-5 suggested donation
Cut to the Chase: Writing Short Stories with Kip Wilson
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesJoin the LAVA Center on Saturday, May 10th at 12pm for a free teen short story writing workshop with YA author Kip Wilson, whose novel The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin was a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and named a "Best YA Book of the Year" by the Boston Public Library. Is the idea of writing a novel intimidating? Do you have an idea for a story that might not be big enough for a full book? The short story might be for you! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn what a short story is, find out how to get started, and will do some hands-on writing. Bring something to write with (notebook and pencil or device), as well as any ideas or stories in progress you already have. This Mass Kids Lit Fest event is presented in partnership with the Massachusetts Center for the Book. For a full schedule, please visit https://www.makidslitfest.org/. Kip Wilson is the critically acclaimed YA author of verse novels White Rose (Versify, 2019), The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin (Versify, 2022), and One Last Shot (Versify, 2023). Awards for her books include the Malka Penn Award and the Julia Ward Howe Award,…
Mass Kids Lit Fest- teen writing workshop with Kip Wilson
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesJoin us for a FREE teen short story writing workshop with YA author Kip Wilson, whose novel The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin was a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and named a “Best YA Book of the Year” by the Boston Public Library. Is the idea of writing a novel intimidating? Do you have an idea for a story that might not be big enough for a full book? The short story might be for you! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn what a short story is, find out how to get started, and will do some hands-on writing. Bring something to write with (notebook and pencil or device), as well as any ideas or stories in progress you already have. Registration required; click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFLFfjwq7fnsOhDI-II4cI-ICM8XAsJpzyyx5znXsYOmpoqA/viewform?usp=sharing This Mass Kids Lit Fest event is presented in partnership with the Massachusetts Center for the Book. For a full schedule of events for kids and teens, please visit makidslitfest.org. Kip Wilson is the critically acclaimed author of the historical YA novels-in-verse White Rose (Versify, 2019), The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin (Versify, 2022), and One Last Shot (Versify, 2023). Awards for her books include the Malka Penn Award…
Open Stage @ LAVA
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesLike an open mic but MORE. Theater! Dance! Music! Literature! Spoken Word! Storytelling! Magic! Puppetry! Circus and Sideshow! Comedy! Improv! Any form of art or entertainment that can be staged, in any stage of development. Now on 3rd Thursdays! Signup starts at 6:30, show starts at 7. 5 minute limit for each act. You can plug into our sound system if you’d like audio to backup your act- plugin using 1/8″ mic jack input, bring adapter if needed. Questions? Contact LAVA here. $1-5 suggested donation
Beautiful Disasters: A Storytelling Open Mic
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesNisse Greenberg and Trouble Mandeson are back hosting your favorite storytelling open mic and potluck in Greenfield! Come to the LAVA Center to tell a story or share a snack or just imbibe them both. Every 1st Thursday at The LAVA Center. Doors open and food is served at 6pm. Show will start at 7pm. All stories are meant to be true, personal stories from your own life. Show is pay-what-you-want. This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Greenfield Cultural Council.
Story Circles
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesA monthly conversation circle sharing our stories. Some months may begin with a theme or prompt, such as “How I Came to Greenfield” and others may be simply “What Would You Like To Share?” We will begin with the model of using a talking stone or stick or other object: the person speaking holds the object for as long as they want to speak, then passes it on. Others do not interrupt, cross-talk, or ask questions, but simply listen. At the end of the hour, there’s a simple debrief that again does not involve cross talk but each person offering a closing thought. The structure may be adjusted over time depending on the interests of the participants.
LAVA Film Night
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesJoin LAVA for film screenings every 2nd Thursday! We’ll share films made by local filmmakers, films with a social or environmental focus brought to you by local organizations, films we just think you should see! There will be time after each screening for a talkback session. Check back as we add more films! February 13: staff choice March 15: Greening Greenfield film series, details TBA April 10: Greening Greenfield film series, details TBA May 8: Greening Greenfield film series, details TBA $1-5 suggested donation
Open Stage @ LAVA
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesLike an open mic but MORE. Theater! Dance! Music! Literature! Spoken Word! Storytelling! Magic! Puppetry! Circus and Sideshow! Comedy! Improv! Any form of art or entertainment that can be staged, in any stage of development. Now on 3rd Thursdays! Signup starts at 6:30, show starts at 7. 5 minute limit for each act. You can plug into our sound system if you’d like audio to backup your act- plugin using 1/8″ mic jack input, bring adapter if needed. Questions? Contact LAVA here. $1-5 suggested donation
Jazz Jam @ LAVA
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesJoin David Greenberg and Arlene Robbins (performing as “Two for Jazz”) and other local musicians for a jazz jam session on alternating 4th Thursdays of the month. Come to listen or come to play — all levels of musicianship are welcome! $1-5 suggested donation. For more information, email David at david.greenberg3gmailcom.
Beautiful Disasters: A Storytelling Open Mic
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, United StatesNisse Greenberg and Trouble Mandeson are back hosting your favorite storytelling open mic and potluck in Greenfield! Come to the LAVA Center to tell a story or share a snack or just imbibe them both. Every 1st Thursday at The LAVA Center. Doors open and food is served at 6pm. Show will start at 7pm. All stories are meant to be true, personal stories from your own life. Show is pay-what-you-want. This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Greenfield Cultural Council.