Community Membership and ValleyCAST are aspects of Open Sky's unique approach to our services, as part of our overall Community Engagement efforts. Our partnerships, events and activities are entirely inclusive. We collaborate with various community resources (classes, clubs, centers, etc.) to make it easy for individuals we serve to participate. We also bring arts and culture opportunities into the Alternatives' Whitin Mill for community members to enjoy and participate in side-by-side with those we serve. We work closely with program staff to encourage and support participation.
Get Involved! (Click to Jump to Section)
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA) - Art Show & Open Paint
Furniture A.R.T. Recovery Program
Registration Day - Worcester Volleyball Club BLAZERS - Tuesday, June 20th
Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center - Volunteers Needed
Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
Art Show & Open Paint (ongoing) - Saturdays 10am-3pm
All are welcome to drop into Open Sky’s Uxbridge Gallery to view the show and paint. You may bring your own supplies or pieces to work on, but supplies are also provided if needed. Visit www.bvaa.org for other art opportunities.
Please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for assistance entering or delivering pieces for the exhibits or for information on membership and how else you may get involved in this inclusive art community!
BVAA Monthly Meetings
6:30pm - 9pm
3rd Tuesday of each month
Open Sky's Community Gallery, 5 South Main St., Uxbridge.
After a short meeting covering details of upcoming events, an art topic will be explored - from medium demos to hands-on art workshops! Please check the BVAA website for the topic of each meeting.
Club 21 is Seeking New Discovery Members
Club 21 is a social club made up of individuals served by Open Sky (Recovery Members) paired with members of their community (Discovery Members) who come together for a couple hours twice a month to enjoy activities together while developing new friendships.
Discovery Members are not counselors or helpers/volunteers. They are members of the community who are open to meeting new people they might not otherwise meet and engaging in new experiences/activities one-to-one with their Club partner, in small groups, and with the whole Club.
Currently we are seeking Discovery Members for clubs serving individuals in BH programs in North County and Worcester County, and for the Blackstone Valley Club 21, which serves individuals in I/DD programs. Would you or someone you know be a good fit for Club 21?
Please contact Club21@openskycs.org. Learn more about Club21 at openskycs.org/community/club-21.html.
Furniture A.R.T. Recovery Program View Flyer
Adaptive • Recovery • Teaching
June 6, 2023 to August 31, 2023 (12 weeks, no workshops held on August 15th and 17th)
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3-5 pm
Alternatives’ Whitin Mill Complex, 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville.
Adaptive curriculum focused on Recovery customized to individual needs. Teaching using the 3 main learning styles, audio, visual and tactile allowing for maximum retention. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and the option to keep their furniture piece. Each session includes a 1-hour recovery/wellness focused meeting and a 1-hour furniture workshop. Using evidence based customized curriculum, individuals will learn how to restore vintage furniture with a focus on restoration of self.
Learn more and sign up: email Michael.Pickering@openskycs.org or Star.McConnell@openskycs.org
Registration Day - Worcester Volleyball Club BLAZERS View Flyer
Tuesday, June 20th, 6-8pm
We invite you to join us for registration or to meet the Coach and learn more about the Blazers.
Scholarships and financial aid are available for individuals served by Open Sky.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.or or Ashley.carrion@openskycs.org.
Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center
Attention Animal Lovers! Volunteers Needed!
These are terrific ongoing opportunities for volunteers to have a meaningful impact on the lives of furry friends awaiting permanent homes. Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center is in North Brookfield and needs dedicated dog walkers.
There are a few short training videos to watch and sign off on before volunteers can begin. Volunteers can sign up once a week, a couple times per month, or periodically as it fits their schedule. The Community Cat Connection is in Webster and is looking for volunteers to help care for the animals. Interested parties, please contact Vicki Prince, South County Community Membership Facilitator, at victoria.prince@openskycs.org
Set Design
Do you know some creative individuals who would like to see their work come to life? We are looking for a few individuals to help with set designs for the Open Mic Series and other events. Work will take place at 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville. Time commitment can be as little as one visit if they just want to check things out.
Please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Southbridge Community Center
Join others in the Southbridge Community for activities including arts and hiking trips. This is a great opportunity to connect with others in your area, get creative or to stretch your legs while exploring the trails that surround Southbridge’s many parks.
Contact victoria.prince@openskycs.org to see how you can get connected! See upcoming events.
Summer Creations Workshops View Flyer
Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
Learn new techniques and create art with new friends in our space overlooking the river! All materials included (Hydro Dipping must bring own item to dip).
Register for Workshops
Please register no later than 7 days before the start of each workshop.
Minimum of 5 participants needed to run each workshop. If minimum is not reached, you will be notified, otherwise please assume class will be held. In the event of low enrollment your payment will be returned and any Multi-class discounts will not be affected. Class sizes are limited!
Contact star.mcconnell@openskycs.org or text/leave a message at (508) 769-3265
Financial assistance available for individuals served by Open Sky. Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Choose from up to 12 projects:
Mosaics
Join us for a fun and inclusive workshop where you'll learn how to create beautiful works of art using colorful ceramic tiles. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, we'll teach you the ins and outs of mosaic-making and guide you as you design and craft your very own masterpiece. So, grab your friends, unleash your creativity, and let's get tiling!
Mosaics 1: Choose from either a garden paver or garden box
Participants meet two Mondays, 6/5 & 6/12 from 10:30am-12:15pm; or two Wednesdays, 6/14 & 6/21 from 3pm-4:45pm Registration fee: $60 each (Register for both Mosaics 1 Workshops to make both the garden paver and garden box)
Mosaics 2: In this workshop we will embellish a stone birdbath bowl
Participants meet two Mondays, 6/5 & 6/12 from 3pm-5pm; or two Wednesdays, 6/14 & 6/21 from 10:30am-12:30pm Registration fee: $80
Mosaics 3: Choose from either a clay pot or wooden serving tray
Participants meet two Wednesdays, 7/12 & 7/19 from 10am-12pm; or two Mondays, 8/7 & 8/14 from 2pm-4pm
Registration fee: $65 each (Register for both Mosaics 3 Workshops to make both the clay pot and wooden serving tray)
Mosaics 4: In this workshop we will embellish a small step stool (indoor use) using mosaics
Participants meet two Wednesdays, 7/12 & 7/19 from 2pm-4:15pm; or two Mondays, 8/7 & 8/14 from 10am-12:15pm
Registration fee: $75
Birdhouses
Birdhouses for indoor decorative use only. Register for Birdhouse 1 & 2 Workshops and make different projects!
Registration fee: $40 each.
Birdhouses 1: Participants meet two Mondays, 7/10 & 7/17 from 10:30am-12pm; or two Wednesdays, 8/2 & 8/9 from 1:30-3pm
Create a whimsical design using florals and using vibrant colors, perhaps a fairy will even want to move in!
Birdhouses 2: Participants meet two Mondays, 7/10 & 7/17 from 1:30-3pm; or two Wednesdays, 8/2 & 8/9 from 10:30am-12pm
Use paint techniques, organic and rustic materials to create a unique design. Anything goes from shabby chic to rustic farmhouse style in this class
Summer Garden Box
Participants meet two Mondays, 7/24 & 7/31 from 1pm-3pm; or two Wednesdays, 8/16 & 8/23 from 10am-12pm.
Registration fee: $65
In this workshop, participants will decorate a garden box using a variety of mediums including paint, wooden shapes, mosaics, and jewelry pieces.
Spray Paint Art
Participants meet two Fridays, 6/16 & 6/23 from 4pm-6pm. Registration fee: $45
Participants will learn two different spray art techniques using spray paint and complete two finished art pieces. Using non-toxic water based spray paint in a well ventilated space, create your very own masterpieces to show off!
Hydro Dipping
Participants meet on Saturday, 7/15 from 11am-2pm. Participants must supply their own item to dip. All other materials included. Registration fee: $40
Get your creative juices flowing as we teach you the exciting technique of using water and paint to create amazing designs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, you'll enjoy the experience of preparing your object for dipping, selecting the perfect colors, and then watching the magic happen as you dip and reveal your unique artwork.
Corn Hole Boards
Participants meet two Saturdays, 7/22 & 7/29 from 11am-1pm Registration fee: $105
In this workshop, participants will build and customize their own regulation size corn hole board set. Design options will include customizable stencils and various paint colors. Each workshop participant takes home a set of boards and bags to enjoy for years to come!
Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights View June Flyer
Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
Doors open at 6pm
Come share your talents, or just come to socialize and enjoy performances from this growing creative community! All abilities and levels of experience are welcome at this inclusive event. Each month has a new theme and featured artist. Admission is free (suggested donation $5). Concessions available for purchase.
Questions? Contact star.mcconnell@openskycs.org
Upcoming dates:
Saturday, June 10th - Melodies in Bloom, featured artist Victoria Dobbs
Saturday, July 8th
Friday, August 11th
Friday, September 15th
Friday, October 20th
Friday, Nov 17th
Dec - No event, happy holidays!
Saturday, January 13th
February - No event
Saturday, March 9th
The Community Lens View Flyer
Do you know of an individual served by Open Sky who likes photography, or who likes attending events? The Community Membership Department is looking for individuals to take photos at upcoming events. Camera equipment will be provided if needed. All levels of photography skills welcome. Photos may be used in social media, newsletters, and other marketing materials!
Contact Michelle.Benjamin@openskycs.org