FRANKLIN — The Franklin Recreation Department is welcoming spring with a new lineup of art classes designed to give children and adults a chance to explore creativity in a supportive, community-centered environment. Leading the new “Painting with Annie” series is instructor Annie Handy, who will host her first class through Franklin Recreation at the Parmenter Complex Art Room.
The first event, a St. Patrick’s Day Acrylic Painting class for grades 3–5, will take place on March 10 from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
“We wanted to create something fun for St. Patrick’s Day, as you mentioned,” Handy said. “I came up with something where the kids had four different paintings to choose from…we wanted to have a creative, fun, welcoming atmosphere.”
According to Handy, the class is taught step-by-step, and no prior painting experience is required. “We just really want to create this fun, welcoming atmosphere for the kids” says Handy.
To help students feel confident, Handy offers tracing options as well as drawing instruction. “I feel like sometimes when I teach these classes for children or adults, that’s where it stops them as far as drawing the actual piece of art…so I always provide traces” mentions Handy.
The St. Patrick’s Day class is just the beginning. Additional upcoming programs include:
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Outer Space Adventures After School Program – A four-session watercolor series for children grades 3-5 on Thursdays from April 2nd, 9th, 16th & 30th from 3:45 to 5:15 PM (No class April 23).
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Underwater Sea Adventure – A choose-your-painting acrylic class for children grades 3-5 on Mondays from April 6th & 13th between 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM. Adult Classes are Mondays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
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Watercolor Bunny (Youth and Adult Options) – A seasonal watercolor workshop for children grades 3-5 PM on Thursdays between May 7th & 14th from 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM. Adult Classes are Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Deputy Director Kim Carney coordinates logistics, registration, and promotion for the programs. According to Carney, expanding into art helps broaden what recreation looks like in Franklin.
“It gives residents another way to connect, build confidence, try something new” says Carney. “It’s great to offer opportunities that bring the community together beyond the playing field”.
FRD Recreation Director Ryan Jette emphasized the developmental benefits of art programming.
“All of our programs, it’s really important that we’re building confidence in young kids and leadership and life skills,” Jette said. “You see a lot of students that come in and they’re shy and maybe a little unsure of themselves…but over time, they gain confidence presenting their artwork and collaborating with other students”.
All classes take place at the Parmenter Complex Art Room in Franklin, located at 235 Wachusett Street in Franklin. Families can view full schedules and register online at franklinma.myrec.com. Additional updates are available on the Franklin Recreation Department Facebook page.
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