Newton Cultural Alliance

New Art Center presents Friday Figure Draw
2023-09-22 19:00 - 22:00, 2023-10-27 19:00 - 22:00, 2023-11-17 19:00 - 22:00, 2023-12-15 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Enjoy a life drawing open studio with a live model, beginning with quick poses, and ending with an hour pose. The evening will be relaxed but professional, with music and a great model. For artists 21+ with drinks available for purchase. Bring your own art supplies (no oils); easels/chairs provided.

New Art Center presents Día de los Muertos Celebration
2023-10-29 12:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join New Art Center, guest artists, and performers as we celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos! We will be remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones who have left us through music, dance, and art-making.
The celebration will be from 12pm-4pm. Performance by Los Sugar Kings. Featuring Guest Artists Cristóbal Sánchez and Lennon Hernandez Wolcott. This event is free and open to the public.

Behind the Screen: Killers of the Flower Moon
2023-11-12 11:00 - 12:00 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
West Newton Cinema Foundation presents
Join us for a conversation about the true events that inspired Martin Scorsese’s film adaptation of David Grann’s best-selling book by the same name. The Osage murders, a series of killings in the 1920s targeting members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma due to their substantial oil wealth, prompted FBI involvement at a pivotal moment in the agency’s history and revealed a sinister conspiracy.
Panelists:
Emilie Connolly
Assistant professor of Native American history at Brandeis University studying political economy, colonialism, and the Indigenous peoples of North America
Denise Cummings
Senior lecturer in film and media studies at Tufts University, whose areas of expertise include Native American and global Indigenous screen cultures, as well as Native literature, Art, and visual culture
Malcolm Turvey
Sol Gittleman Professor and founder of film and media studies at Tufts University, known for research on film theory and storytelling
Moderator: J.B. Sloan, a member of the West Newton Cinema Foundation, and a member of the Osage Nation
Free event, registration required
*Movie tickets sold separately through West Newton Cinema

Free Museum Day
2024-02-03 10:00 - 17:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Admission to the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds is free to all visitors today as part of Community Weekend. The Jackson Homestead is closed today but admission there is free on Sunday, February 4.

Free Museum Day
2024-02-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
Admission to the Jackson Homestead is free to all visitors today as part of Community Weekend. The Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds is closed today.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon
2024-02-11 12:00 - 16:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join the New Art Center as we celebrate the year of the dragon with a fun, FREE event for all ages! The year of the dragon is meant to bring growth, progress, and abundance.
Art educators will lead participants through different make-and-take activities: coloring pages (illustrated by our Guest Artist Nell Valle), draw-along dragons, paper lanterns, and Chinese calligraphy (featuring a demonstration by Ren Li Song).
Performances include:
Music by the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association’s (GBCCA) music ensemble, at 12:30pm.
Dance performance by members of Newton Chinese School, at 2:00pm.
And we welcome back Kyungsun Kim, a gayageum player, with members of Boston Academy of Korean Traditional Art (BAKTA), at 3:15pm.

Suzuki School of Newton presents Diversity in Classical Music
2024-02-11 14:30 - 17:00 | MA
How can classical music lead the charge in creating a more diverse and equitable world?
Performance at 2:30
Community Conversation 3:30
The Strand Theatre
534 Columbia Road
Dorchester

April Vacation Week: Eager Engineers
2024-04-16 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-17 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-18 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Calling all kid engineers! Spend your spring break completing hands-on design challenges and crafts, each around a different daily theme. Build a boat that can float, design a transit system, construct a working Ferris wheel, invent something totally new, and more! Come to one or more sessions: each day will be different.
Suitable for kids ages 5-15 with adults; siblings welcome. Drop in for different themes and activities each day.
Location: Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
Tickets: Free with museum admission ($0-$6 per person)
More information at: https://form-usa.keela.co/2024AprilVacation

Queer Open Studios at Night
2024-06-05 18:00 - 22:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join New Art Center on June 5 for Queer Open Studios! Located at our main location, this event will feature local queer community artists and makers, along with live music, crafts, and entertainment so that attendees can experience everything that Newton’s arts and culture community has to offer.
Interested in being a vendor? View our Call for Art page on our website!

Who Inspired Our School Names? A Newton Cemetery Tour
2024-06-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Newton Cemetery and Arboretum, 791 Walnut St, Newton, Massachusetts, 02459, United States
Stroll through the Newton Cemetery and learn more about the namesakes of many of our city’s elementary and middle schools. Learn about their lives and see the final resting places of Dr. Henry Bigelow, Isaac Tucker Burr, and others whose legacy continues in our public schools. With the upcoming renovations, remodeling, and construction of many Newton’s Public Schools, now is the perfect time to reminisce about their founding and look forward to the future.
Walking tours are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/schoolnames2024walkingtour. For more information and a complete list of this year’s walking tours visit www.newtonma.gov/HNwalks.

Life at the Lake: A Crystal Lake Walking Tour
2024-07-28 08:30 - 10:00 | MA
Ever wondered about the evolution of Crystal Lake? This Newton landmark has been a spot for ice harvesting, recreational activities, famous neighbors, preservation efforts, and more. During this early morning walking tour we’ll share stories, photos, and seasonal memories as we walk all the way around the pond.
Walking tours are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/crystal2024walkingtour. For more information and a complete list of this year’s walking tours visit www.newtonma.gov/HNwalks.

The Tree Nursery on Nonantum Hill: A Durant-Kenrick Walking Tour
2024-08-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Did you know Newton Corner was the site of one of New England’s first commercial nurseries? Put yourself back in time to when the Kenrick family cultivated fruit trees, ornamental trees, and shrubberies. Travel the original acreage of the nursery, see an 1882 Kenrick house, and visit the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds. As nature allows, taste fruit from Durant-Kenrick’s own historic gardens.
Walking tours are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/durantkenrick2024walkingtour. For more information and a complete list of this year’s walking tours visit www.newtonma.gov/HNwalks.

Walking Tour: Founding Newtonians in East Parish Burying Ground
2024-09-15 14:00 - 15:30 | MA
How does a burying ground tell our local story? Ramble through East Parish Burying Ground as we visit the grave sites of some of Newton’s early English settlers and the location of the 1630s meetinghouse. We’ll also reveal the hidden stories of the Indigenous Massachusett people and enslaved and free Black Newtonians who were not buried there, but whose experience is equally as important in understanding this time period. Please note that the majority of this walk will take place on unpaved, uneven terrain.
Walking tours are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/eastparish2024walkingtour. For more information and a complete list of this year’s walking tours visit www.newtonma.gov/HNwalks.

Suzuki School Open House
2024-09-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Suzuki School of Newton, 1615 Beacon St, Waban, MA, 02468, United States
Suzuki School Open House
Sunday, September 15th, 3:00 pm
Suzuki School of Newton hosts an Open House for its preschool program, promoting love and respect for music and learning in students of all ages through musical instrument instruction and preschool education using the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

Museum Makerdays
2024-09-26 11:00 - 15:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
The school day is over early, and the museum is open! On Newton Public School’s special early release days, stop by Durant-Kenrick House & Grounds to try out a handicraft and make something new to take home with you. This month’s theme is beadwork! Explore the history of the craft and make your own beaded keychain or bracelet to keep. In addition to the craft, you can explore the exhibits and gardens, build with Legos, and play outdoor games.
$5 per person, kids 5 and under are free. Suitable for kids ages 5-15, younger and older siblings welcome. Registration not required; drop in any time during the event. Adults must remain with their child during the program. Let us know you’re interested at: https://form-usa.keela.co/2425EarlyRelease
This is a series, taking place each special early release day in school year 2024-2025, according to the Newton Public School calendar.

Historic Newton presents Hayfest
2024-10-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
Join us for a free, family-friendly day of fall fun! At Historic Newton’s Hayfest, travel back in time to 19th century Newton as you dip candles, press apples, churn butter, play games, and more. Learn more at www.newtonma.gov/hayfest
Interested in volunteering to help make Hayfest great? Sign up here: https://form-usa.keela.co/VolunteerHayfest2024

Uncovering Your Home’s History
2024-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Are you curious about the history of your home but don’t know where to start? In this workshop, learn from the lead researcher of our House Marker Program. We’ll guide you through using available resources and creating a matrix of information about a property, and you’ll leave with a toolkit for continuing your own research and a discount for a future Historic House Marker order.
This program is $50 per person. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/housemarkerworkshop.

Suzuki School presents a Parent Information Session
2024-11-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Suzuki School of Newton, 1615 Beacon St, Waban, MA, 02468, United States
Join Suzuki School for a Parent Information Session on Thursday, November 14th, 6:30-7:30 PM to learn about violin, viola, and cello lessons at the Suzuki School of Newton! No fees or commitments required to attend!
Our group classes are a key part of the Suzuki curriculum, combining individual lessons, group lessons, and musicianship each week. Playing with peers helps students build confidence, improve memory, and develop stamina—while younger students find role models and older students see their progress firsthand.
Ready to begin your child’s musical journey? Email suzukinewton@gmail.com or visit suzukinewton.org for more details.

Historic Newton presents Candlelight Scavenger Hunt
2024-11-23 16:00 - 20:00 | Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02458, United States
Explore the Jackson Homestead after dark! Complete an active scavenger hunt around the galleries and grounds, lit mainly by candlelight, and win a prize! Make shadow puppets, tell spooky stories, and see the museum in a whole new way.
$5 for Historic Newton members, $10 for non-members, kids 5 and under are free. Stop by anytime during the event. Walk-ins welcome, or register here in advance: https://events.humanitix.com/candlelight-scavenger-hunt

Historic Newton presents Museum Makerdays: Sewing
2024-12-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
The school day is over early and the museum is open! Stop by Durant-Kenrick House to try out a handicraft and make something new to take home with you. This month’s theme is sewing! Explore the history of the craft and sew your own drawstring bag to keep. Kids can also explore the exhibits and gardens, build with LEGOs, and play outdoor games. This is a series, taking place each special early release day in school year 2024-2025, according to the Newton Public School calendar.
$5 per child, kids 5 and under are free. Suitable for kids ages 5-15, younger and older siblings welcome. Registration not required; drop in any time during the event. Adults must remain onsite during the program. Let us know you’re interested at: https://form-usa.keela.co/2425EarlyRelease

Historic Newton presents Candles & Cards
2024-12-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Get into the holiday spirit while you dip candles and craft cards! You’ll gain inspiration from vintage greeting cards and advertisements in our collection, enjoy seasonal music and refreshments, and craft candles and cards to keep or share with a friend. This program is appropriate for all ages; stop by anytime during the event.
This program is $5 for Historic Newton members and $10 for non-members. Register in advance at https://events.humanitix.com/candles-and-cards; walk-ins welcome.

Historic Newton Presents Newton History Series: A Pressing Matter - 18th Century Media Literacy and Bias
2024-12-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Media and information literacy are essential 21st-century skills in order to be an informed citizen. These are also skills that, when applied in a historical context, help us become better historians. In this discussion, we will analyze perspective, language, and bias in 18th-century newspapers, with a critical lens on how news was consumed in colonial America.
About the speaker: Michele Gabrielson is a local history teacher and historic interpreter of the 18th century. When she is not teaching in the classroom, Michele can be found leading tours, lectures, and demonstrations at historic sites in the greater Boston area. She specializes in interpreting the history of colonial women printers, the stories of loyalist refugees, and of 18th century chocolate makers! Most recently, she has taken on building a first-person impression of the revolutionary playwright and poet Mercy Otis Warren. Michele additionally serves on several historical committees dedicated to helping preserve the history of colonial America, is a member of the Authenticity Standards Committee for Minuteman National Historic Park, and is the coordinator for the Battle Road Guides for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. She was recently awarded a 2024 Rising Star Award for Public History by the Massachusetts History Alliance for her programming titled, “The Revolutionary Classroom,” and named a finalist for the 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year.
This program is part of the Newton History Series, co-sponsored by Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library. Look out for lectures in both February and March 2025.
Thursday, January 16, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Free, registration not required

Historic Newton presents Winter Craft Series: The Art of Embroidery
2025-01-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Join Historic Newton for a hands-on embroidery workshop where participants will recreate a design inspired by an object from the museum’s collection. This beginner-friendly session is open to all skill levels, from first-time stitchers to experienced embroiderers. Discover the art of embroidery while connecting with history through thread and needle. All materials will be provided!
Price: $20 general admission | $15 members
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/winter-craft-series-the-art-of-embroidery
