Artbeat kicks off an Art for Peace fundraiser this Thursday with free family fun and a way to support local programs that work for peace.

Third Thursday May 17th 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Bring the family! Join us for a cookie reception and free crafts: tissue paper flowers and Peace bottle cap magnets. Free.

 ”They have the will. They have the creativity. But they lack the means. We give them the means.” ~ Lenny Zakim

Support the Lenny Zakim Fund when you shop at Artbeat on Thursday, May 17th. Founded in 1995 by Boston’s late civil rights leader, the Lenny Zakim fund believes that positive social change can be created by small, effective, grassroots organizations. LZF provides funding to 58 local programs that are improving literacy, alleviating poverty and ending youth violence.

Artbeat will donate a percentage of your purchases to the Lenny Zakim Fund to help further their work. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on birthday gifts while contributing to peace efforts.

Art for Peace
Support the Lenny Zakim Fund when you make art projects all month long. We offer these studio projects with themes of peace at special prices from now through the end of the month. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lenny Zakim Fund.

Peace Lantern. This round white paper lantern can hang or sit on a table, adding a soft glow to any room (battery operated). Add colorful flowers and butterflies to create your own peaceful design. $12

Peace Flower Painting. Paint an 8 x 10 canvas with peace symbol sunflowers. $12
Peace Sand Painting. Design a symbol of peace in sand to display or send as a greeting card. Small (5 x 7) $8, Large (8 x 10) $10

•  Peace Lantern. This round white paper lantern adds a soft glow to any room, and can sit on a table or hang. Add colorful flowers and butterflies to create your own design. $12
• Peace Painting. Paint an 8” papier mache peace sign or an 8 x 10 canvas with peace symbol sunflowers. $12
• Peace Sand Painting. Design a symbol of peace in sand to display or send as a card. Small (5 x 7) $8, Large (8 x 10) $10

• A flower bouquet that lasts (left). Give Mom a sweet bouquet of ten of the most colorful and original flowers possible! This unique paper bouquet is long lasting and a completely original work of art. Add a paper-covered papier mache flower pot for just $5.00 more.
• Flower photo plaque. Paint it here and photo it up at home! This pretty rectangular plaque with three dangling blossoms is the perfect way to deliver a message to Mom. Paint it in the colors Mom likes best and add pretty jewels. Then attach the flowers with ribbons and take it home to add favorite family photos.
• Blossom Carry-All Bag. Make a fabric design on a canvas bag that Mom will love to take shopping. Add a puffy fabric flower for just $5.00 more.
• Blooming Keepsake Box. Paint a small papier mache box with colorful enamel paints and add painted flowers using sponges or special brush techniques.

 Saturday, May 12th (Artbeat is closed on Mother’s Day)
Free when you bring your Mom! Bring Mom in for a special gift you can make together: a felt flower pin in her favorite colors that she can wear on a jacket, bag, or hat. $6 each or one free with Mom.

At Artbeat we practice a number of environmentally friendly habits: We offer art and craft supplies made from natural and recycled materials and use eco-friendly materials in our studio. We repurpose cardboard as paint palettes, and we recycle our boxes and bottles.

Recycling is one of my passions, and for some time now, I’ve been wondering: Where does all that recycling go?

I recently had the opportunity to find out! I toured the Casella Recycling Facility in Charlestown, MA and learned some fascinating facts about what happens to all that stuff once it leaves your curbside bin.

I had a chance to ask the kind of questions that have always bugged me: Why aren’t some plastics recyclable even though they say they are? Should I keep the lids on plastic bottles? Does it matter if there’s a paper label on a glass jar?

As a hobby, I write a blog about how to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle. I’ve written about my trip to Casella and what I learned, and you can read about it here.

Next time you visit Artbeat, let us know if what I found out surprised you. And check out our new line of eco-friendly acrylic paints and artist’s mediums. They’re great for mixed media projects and will be featured in upcoming workshops. Stay tuned!

Thursday, April 26 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Henna body painting is an ancient art form that is increasingly popular today, done for fun or for wedding celebrations and other special occasions. Henna is an all-natural, fun, safe, and easy way to embellish your body with beautiful–and temporary– designs. Henna art lasts about 1 – 3 weeks, gradually fading over time.

Can you imagine trying henna for yourself? This workshop will help you get started in the easiest way possible. We’ll start with a central paisley figure and fill it with various traditional embellishments, which we’ll talk about and practice in the class. Choose what feels most comfortable to you: sketch your original ideas, copy a sample that you like, or just improvise using a mix of our design suggestions and your own ideas. You’ll find that as the lines flow smoothly from the tip of the bottle, it’s easy to lose yourself in the emerging design, .

Draw your henna design on a hand, an arm, a foot – or on a friend in the class. There will also be practice materials available so you can give it a try before applying the henna to your skin. Don’t worry if you feel unsure of your drawing abilities, as the process will be very step-by-step and inclusive of everyone.

Open to adults and teens, age 13 and up, reservations required. $25 includes all materials. Kits are also available for purchase.

CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE! 781-646-2200

About the Instructor, Karyn Alzayer

Karyn is an experienced teacher who has been practicing henna art for about a year. She has attended the Northeast Henna Gathering, where she had the opportunity to learn from some of the most distinguished and well-known henna artists from across the country. Additionally, Karyn has studied from time to time with henna artist Penni Alzayer, who also happens to be her mother-in-law. Karyn is available to do henna by private appointment for individuals, groups, parties, and various gatherings.

Try something new! Join us in this fun workshop – perfect for a date night or night out with a friend!

FREE RAINBOW DECOUPAGE PROJECT:

12:00 to 6:00 PM

Search your RECYCLE bin for a cardboard box or plastic bottle and bring it to our studio to TRANSFORM it with rainbow tissue paper! Free!

FREE ART MAGNETS!

6:00 to 8:00 PM

Family activity! Join us for tasty treats and two fun ways to make art magnets.

Walk in when it’s convenient for you. Our hours:
Mon, Tues, Weds 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thurs, Fri, Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 PM

MOSAICS. Create original designs in tile and glass for a lasting work of art. Special prices for vacation week: 4″ Tray ($10, no grout); 6″ Square ($18); 8″ Square $20.

SAND PAINTING. Create a textured work of art, simple or sophisticated, with our 5 x 7 canvases. Choose from dozens of designs. Vacation week special: FREE mini canvas with each 5 x 7 canvas.

PILLOWS AND POTHOLDERS. Easy weaving and sewing for beautiful, practical gifts. Special prices for vacation week: Pillow $15, Potholder $10.

 AND MORE!

Creative Basket Stuffers and Springtime Crafts: 

Egg-shaped candles.Add decorating wax and a set of pattern cutters for sweet illumination at your springtime dinner table.

Papier mache eggs, pigs and bunnies. Add a strip of bright paint pots and a brush for a great Easter day activity.

Candy making kits. Make chocolate, gummis, and chewing gum while learning how these favorite foods came to be.

Sand art kits. Favorite images come to life with colored sand and a sweep of the hand. Ages 3 years to adult love this creative art form!

Brain noodles. These playful favorites will keep the kids occupied for hours. Sold as singles or in sets of 12.

Miniature Books, Good Luck Minis, and Japanese Erasers. These ever-popular miniatures add special charm to Easter morning!

Family values. Time spent crafting means time spent together – what better way to create memories that will be cherished forever? And the item you make – a crocheted blanket, felted coaster, candle or painted box – makes a wonderful gift for someone you care about!

Brain building. Handwork augments the mental work we all do, creating connections in the brain that actually improve the brain’s functioning. For every hour of time spent in front of the computer or the tv, give yourself an hour of hands-on creative activity – cooking, building, or crafting.

Stress reduction. Crafting offers a relaxing antidote to the stresses of every day – especially important for teens and adults.

Pretty awesome for a pastime that’s so much fun!

Here are some upcoming opportunities for hands-on play:

Third Thursday in Capitol Square Join us for a free Craft Sampler Thursday, March 15, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Enjoy cookies and some crafting favorites: make a mini sand painting, color a wooden plaque, and get a real henna tattoo. Bring the kids! Temporary washable tattoos offered for young children. more

Spring Craft Activites for All Ages  in the Studio or to Take Home

EGGS! egg candles, mache eggs in goose and hen sizes, wooden eggs with stands

BUNNIES! papier mache bunnies in two sizes, sand art bunnies, and soon – bunny dolls

PIGS! papier mache pigs – fun to paint or decoupage

Adult Workshops

UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING: Saturday, March 17, 6:00 to 8:00 pm for adults, teens, and children 10 and older with adult. Call 781-646-2200 to sign up!

RESIN JEWELRY Sunday March 18, 6:00 to 8:00 pm for adults and teens (age 13 and older). Call 781-646-2200 to reserve your seat!

MIXED MEDIA CANVAS Saturday, March 24, 6:00 to 8:00 pm for adults, teens (age 13 and older). Call 781-646-2200 to save your place!