TOWNSEND — Holidays and crafts go hand in hand; a fact proven by a group of women gathered at the new Townsend Meeting Hall to make seasonal watercolor greeting cards.
Local artist Linda Salisbury provided materials and instruction for the project. The classes she offers, such as this one, are very popular.
“This is a wonderful thing she does,” said Bonnie Logan, one of the participants, as she got to work.
Christine Boisse attended the workshop with her mother Joyce Heon. Boisse is a repeat student. She took her first class this summer when she painted sunflowers.
Salisbury is an accomplished teacher and artist. She has been teaching for 30 years, the first 17 at home and now at the Townsend and Pepperell senior centers. During the summer she teaches classes to both adults and children.
Her holiday card featured three chickadees on a background of pine branches and red berries.
Each participant received a photocopy of the design. Salisbury provided a neat trick to transfer the drawing to the card.
“This is like making your own carbon paper,” she said. Salisbury gave each artist written instructions on how to complete the painting using the watercolors she provided.
Throughout the evening people chatted with each other while working, but all listened intently to Salibury’s instructions.
Carol Wright, former chairman of the Library’s Board of Trustees, attended the library-sponsored activity.
“Now I’m a lady of leisure,” she said. “I can enjoy life.” She sat at a table with Heon, Boisse and library director, Heidi Fowler.
Attending the class together, Marcia Foote, Sue DeFillippo and Linda Balise expressed enthusiastm about the programs at the new library/senior center. They had enjoyed making a Christmas arrangement with Dixie Picard of the Bronze Bell in Pepperell earlier in the week, they said.
“I can’t believe we are in Townsend,” Foote said of the new building.
Based on the smiles and chatter, the workshop was a success. Everyone seemed pleased with their accomplishments.
