Overview:
North Quabbin Nature Arts, a private nonprofit art school, will host a children's art show on March 21 at Petersham Town Hall. The event will feature artwork from 16 young artists, ages 7 to 15, as well as one new adult student, and will include live music, food, raffle baskets, and opportunities to meet the artists and their families. Attendees can purchase artwork by donation, with funds going towards buying materials and fundraising for new programs and special events.
PETERSHAM – North Quabbin Nature Arts, a private nonprofit art school founded in November 2025, will host a children’s art show this weekend, giving the community a chance to view student work while supporting the program’s continued growth.
The event will take place Saturday, March 21, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Petersham Town Hall, 1 S. Main St.
NQNA founder Elana Dower said the show will feature artwork from 16 young artists, ages 7 to 15, as well as one new adult student. She said attendees can expect a broad range of styles and media.
“Painting, drawing, mixed media, mythology, original stories, puppets, fiber arts, still lifes, self-portraits and more,” Dower said.
In addition to the artwork, the event will include live music, food, raffle baskets and opportunities to meet the artists and their families.
Dower said artwork will be available by donation, allowing visitors to choose how much to contribute.
“All of the funds collected goes into buying materials and fundraising for our new digital art program, dance program, theater program and special events,” she said.
Dower began teaching art lessons to homeschool students, including her two daughters, at the Athol Public Library in 2024, paying for supplies out of pocket while working a part-time job.
As interest grew, she launched an art studio and began charging tuition.
“Because I believe the arts should be accessible I decided to make the tuition affordable ($32 per month) so more kids could benefit,” Dower said.
She said forming a 501(c)(3) has helped the NQNA secure funding to rent space and expand opportunities for students.
Since opening, NQNA has seen increased enrollment and support across the North Quabbin region. Dower said it has received funding from local cultural councils in Athol, Warwick and Phillipston, along with support from families, community members and a corporate sponsor. Outreach efforts have included setting up a table at the Workers Credit Union in Orange, and partnerships with organizations such as Mount Grace and Miller’s River Environmental Center have secured programming.
“There is no other program in the area like NQNA,” Dower said.
She said the school teaches subjects in nature and science, visual art, art history, creative writing, theater and dance, while also supporting confidence building, social skills and critical thinking.
“We have an uplifting and inclusive lesson studio where the kids have support and acceptance,” Dower said.
“The kids in NQNA are like a big family,” she added. “We also celebrate holidays and birthdays. In today’s climate it is so important for young people to have a safe place to thrive and belong.”
Dower said community members interested in supporting the program can get involved by sponsoring a student’s tuition, donating funds, purchasing needed items or volunteering as guest educators.