Emily Piper, aka Mrs. Junkbox, has taught a variety of arts-based classes for children and adults for more than 10 years. Emily ties her passions for art, music, history, storytelling, and the environment into innovative and original programming. She is excited to announce her line-up of classes for the first year of the Rumphius Recycled Schoolhouse.

These are class offerings for 2011-2012. Classes are developed to include both girls and boys in a fun and energetic setting. 10% sibling discounts are available for all Rumphius classes!

Classes are held at the Rumphius Recycled Schoolhouse in Westford, Massachusetts. For more information on class registration, visit the How to Register page.

junkbox art

Mondays, 4-5:15pm | 6-week sessions
Ages: 5-8 | Fee: $70 (10% sibling/friend discount available)

Join Emily Piper (aka Mrs. Junkbox!) for creative art using recycled and found objects.  Scissors, glue, paint and a lot of imagination can turn regular throw-away objects into go-green masterpieces!!!

Session I: Silly Monsters! (September 12–October 24)
Session II: Junkbox Pirates! (November 7–December 12)
Session III: Fairytale Little Worlds! (January 9–February 27)
Session IV: A Junkbox Garden! (March 5–April 9)

masterpiece, sr.

Mondays, 5:45-7:00pm
Ages: 8-12 | Fee: $70 (10% sibling/friend discount available)

Join Emily Piper and learn fine art and craft skills based upon the artwork of favorite world-renowned artists.  Students will learn about the life and art of the artists and create projects based upon their famous masterpieces.

Session I: Dan Reeder: Fabulous Cloth-Mache Monsters
(September 12–October 24)
Session II: Van Gogh (November 7–December 12)
Session III: Paul Klee (January 9–February 27)
Session IV: Georges Seurat (March 5–April 9)

rumphius theater troupe
with director emily piper

Tuesdays, 3:30-5:15pm
Fee: $225 per student (10% family/friend discount available)
Rehearsals take place at the Parish Center for the Arts
(10 Lincoln Street, Westford)

Fall Play: Tom and Becky Tuesdays, 3:30-5:15pm | September 13–December 13 | Ages: 8-14
Final shows: December 16 and 17 at 7pm at the PCA Main Hall

Each fall, the Rumphius Theater Troupe presents a play based upon a literary classic. This year, we will explore the 1840s in a small town on the Mississippi River made famous by Mark Twain. Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, Huck Finn and more will come alive in this original play based upon the classic novel, Tom Sawyer. 

Spring Play: Cindy Smella—A Musical Go-Green Comedy
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00pm | February 28–May 8 | Ages 6-12
Final Shows: TBA at the PCA

In the Spring, the Rumphius Theater Troupe presents an original go-green fairytale comedy. In the Spring of 2012, Cinderella comes to life with a host of our favorite fairytale characters as she takes on her famously wicked and not-so-eco-conscious step-mother and sisters- in the 1950s! Yes, poodle skirts and Elvis Pretzel! We will perform this show as theater-in-the round at the PCA.  Final performance will end with a sock hop!

alcott’s attic at the
rumphius recycled schoolhouse

Tuesdays, 3:30–5:15pm | January 10–February 14
Ages: 7-14 | Fee: $75 (includes a biography of LM Alcott!)

And, as a special bonus for lovers of Louisa May Alcott and Little Women (including me!—now reading my 6th biography!), I will hold a special interim class from January 10–February 14 called Alcott’s Attic where each week we will travel back in time and relive the lives of our favorite literary sisters! Each week, we will bring plays to life, write articles for the Pickwick Portfolio and learn about Louisa May Alcott’s life. We will finish with an old-fashioned tea on the final day.

 

world art

Wednesdays, 4 –5:15pm | 6-week sessions
Ages: 8-12 | Fee: $70 (10% sibling/friend discount available)

A Rumphius classic, World Art is back for its third year- and I am so excited for the sessions listed below (especially 1920s Paris as I will have just returned from a trip to France!)  Now that I am in my own space, our creativity can explode as a myriad of supplies are always on hand at the Rumphius Recycled Schoolhouse! We will delve into each session’s culture and learn many new skills.

Session I: Native American Art: The Southwest (September 14–October 26)
Session II: 1920s Paris! (November 2–December 14)
Session III: Art of the Middle East (January 11–February 15)
Session IV: Gargoyles of Europe (March 7–April 11)

 

masterpiece, jr.

Wednesdays, 5:30–6:45pm | 6-week sessions
Ages: 5-8 | Fee: $70

This is the perfect class for your young artist who loves to draw and paint. Throughout the year, we will work with watercolor, oil, acrylic, and more to create works of art based upon the works and styles of famous masters.

Session I: Salvador Dali (perfect for the Halloween season!)  
(September 14–October 26) 
Session II: Van Gogh (November 2–December 14)
Session III: Paul Klee (January 11–February 15)
Session IV: Georges Seurat (February 29–April 4)

rumphius, jr.!
arts programming
for the younger crowd!

Fridays, 9-10:15am or 1-2:15pm | 6-week sessions
Ages 4-6 | Fee: $70 (10% sibling/friend discount)

I have been asked for some time to create programming for ages 4-6, and now, with the Rumphius Recycled Schoolhouse, I can offer daytime programming for the younger crowd!  Each class will be with Mrs. Junkbox and include a storytime, art project and weather permitting, a chance to explore the great outdoors on beautiful Meadowbrook Farm!

Session I: Autumn on the Farm! (September 16–October 28)
Session II: Snug and Cozy! (November 4–December 23)
Session III: Mr. Snowman! (January 13–February 17)
Session IV: Birds, Bugs and Beasties! (March 2–April 13)

i’m an original!
for tweens and teens!

Fridays 4-6pm | 6-week sessions
Ages: 12-16 | Fee: $85

Need a place for your teen to unwind at the end of the week? This class is the perfect place for your child to complete their school week with a creative bang! We will learn fine art and craft skills using everything from paint brushes to sewing machines. Each class will also have a “cafe” component with music and snacks to help create a feeling of community in our classroom.

Session I: Fall Felting Fashion (September 16-October 28)
Session II: My Self Portrait (November 4-December 23)
Session III: Thrift Store Altered Couture (January 13-February 17)
Session IV: Jewelry-making (March 2-April 13)