Threads of Belonging
Threads of Belonging: A Community Art & Science Experience
You've supported Jookender all year - now it's our turn to do something special for YOU!
Sunday, December 27, 2026 | Jookender, Framingham, MA
Thanks to a generous grant from the Mass Cultural Council, we're inviting our entire community to enjoy a wonderful day of art, creativity, science, and human connection - completely FREE!
Whether you enjoy painting, making jewelry, exploring STEM, listening to stories, or simply trying something new, there's something for everyone!
Why "Threads of Belonging"?
Each of us brings something different to our community - our memories, traditions, experiences, and stories. Like colorful threads woven into one beautiful fabric, our individual journeys come together to create something bigger than ourselves.
Through art, creativity, storytelling, and a little science, we'll explore what connects us, how colors and memories shape our experiences, and why belonging matters.
Whether you've lived in Massachusetts all your life or recently made it your home, whether you're young or young at heart, you're part of our community, and this day is for YOU!
What's Happening on December 27?
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Children's Time (Under 12)
Our youngest creators will enjoy hands-on Arts & Crafts, Appliqués, Diamond Art, Sewing Toys, and fun STEM explorations with dinosaurs, wooden tracks, wooden animals, and foil figures.
At 11:00 AM, Big Joe will bring stories to life with a special 45-minute storytelling experience featuring tales from around the world!
Children's activities conclude at 12:00 PM.
Important Information for Parents
Our Children's Time is a community event, not a drop-off program, camp, or childcare service. Parents and guardians are fully responsible for their children throughout the event and must remain nearby and available at all times, especially if their child is visiting Jookender for the first time.
Every child is different! Some may enjoy the activities for just 20 minutes, while others may happily participate for the entire three hours. You know your child best, so please plan your arrival and departure accordingly.
Our volunteers will be busy leading the scheduled activities. We do not have additional staff or volunteers available to supervise children individually, entertain them between activities, or care for children who no longer wish to participate.
Please do not leave your children unattended. All supervision, safety, and childcare responsibilities remain with parents or guardians. All children must leave the morning program with their parents or guardians by 12:00 PM.
We want every family to have a wonderful experience, and your cooperation will help make the day enjoyable for everyone!
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Teens & Adults Time
The afternoon belongs to teens, young adults, adults, and seniors! Come explore:
- Diamond Art, Jewelry Making, and Glass Painting with Sasha
- Seashell Decoupage and Mixed Media with Lena Pechatnikov
- Acrylic Painting with Irina Tolmach
- Wool Painting with Lena Shevchenko
- Art Exhibition and Meet the Artist with Michael Faro
- Modern Marquetry Lectures & Demonstrations with Michael Faro at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
No artistic experience? No problem! Come to learn, experiment, meet new people, and enjoy creating something with your own hands.
ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE! Thanks to the Mass Cultural Council, all art materials are provided at no cost to participants.
Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and some have limited capacity. Activities and instructors are subject to change, and certain workshops may be replaced if necessary.
Location, Parking & Accessibility
Jookender
650 Worcester Rd., Unit 102
Framingham, MA 01702
Accessible Parking: For guests with limited mobility, please use the parking lot at 79 Main St., Framingham, MA. Our building will be on your left, and you'll be able to access the main entrance without climbing any stairs.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available inside the building, on the same floor as Jookender. These are shared building facilities and are not operated or maintained by Jookender.
Free Admission - Donations Welcome!
Thanks to the generous support of the Mass Cultural Council, all activities, workshops, and art materials are provided completely FREE of charge!
While donations are never required, they are always welcome and appreciated. Your generosity helps Jookender continue offering creative, educational, and cultural programs for children, teens, young adults, families, and seniors throughout the year.
If you'd like to support our work, please visit: https://www.jookender.org/waystogive/make-donation.html
Come enjoy the day - no donation or payment is expected!
Our Community. Our Stories. Our Celebration.
Throughout the year, our community members, families, friends, and volunteers have supported Jookender in so many ways. Now, with the generous support of the Mass Cultural Council, we have an opportunity to give something back.
Threads of Belonging is more than a collection of art workshops. It's a chance for people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds to come together, share experiences, discover new interests, and celebrate the connections that make our community special.
One community. Many stories. Countless colorful threads.
And the best part? Everything is FREE!
Come spend a little time with us, create something beautiful, and become another colorful thread in our growing community tapestry.
We can't wait to see you on December 27!