“It’s amazing how you have built the ‘go to’ center for the arts in just 5 years.”
Pat Hynes
from our 5th birthday party…
“A community hub to creatively be seen and heard.”
Skyler Lambert
…to our art party & auction
100+ donated pieces, 20 artist donors!
“I am delighted to help The LAVA Center continue their wonderful work.”
—Andy Rothschild
Creating opportunities in and through the arts and humanities: literary, visual, theater, film, performance, music, comedy, storytelling, & more!
2025 Highlights
Sweet Spirit & A Balm In Gilead
In collaboration with Música Franklin & Twice as Smart ~250 people of all ages came together to sing and learn about the power and meaning of the Spirituals.
“It has been a great pleasure partnering with LAVA… which gave every one of the Twice as Smart students a chance to sing with people in the Greenfield community.” —Gloria Matlock
Polish Mini-Fest
“Thank you so much for this great partnership; we appreciate all your efforts in our community!” —Jeanne Sojka
Tour of indiVISIBLE
“It was amazing to watch our students [learn] about… the stories of local agricultural workers that have long been unheard.” —Sheryl L. Stanton, Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts
~525 students, educators, parents, and community members visited the exhibit.
“LAVA promotes the best of our humanity: community and culture.”
Lillian Ruiz
On the Boards
Our 3rd annual festival of new plays featured readings of new work by 12 playwrights, brought to life by three directors and 39 actors. Engaged feedback and lively discussion followed each of the plays.
“The sense of joy and community were terrific. I appreciated the time and care the actors took with the material… It gave me a great sense of what worked in the piece, the rhythms, and what needed to be changed. I already rewrote it and the revised version is out on submission.” —Eva Schegulla, playwright
“A communal muse for local artists as we share our visions… A convergence where community and artistic endeavors come together.”
Nina Gross
Essie Chambers
Essie Chambers read from her award-winning novel Swift River, followed by conversation and Q&A.
“I was thrilled by the energy in the room and the thoughtful comments and questions. I also hope that in addition to an engaging conversation, people who didn’t know about the LAVA Center left feeling like they’d discovered a gem.” —Essie Chambers
“Explores and breaks boundaries of our comfort zone. Allows each of us to grow as human beings.”
Jan Ross
Writers Read
This year we had 34 readers at Writers Read, drawing from Western MA and beyond, from ages 14 to 82.
“Writers Read has developed a reputation with writers who enjoy hearing what other writers are doing and how they are addressing challenges.” —Lindy Whiton
Portraits in RED
Nayana LaFond’s powerful Portraits in RED honored Missing and Murdered Indigenous People in both Canada and the United States.
“A place to meet and learn with and from each other.”
Doug Selwyn
Words on Art on Words
Our gallery featured an evolving visual art and writing installation. Each week, new pieces were added in response to existing pieces. There were 50 artists and 59 pieces of art.
“LAVA offers a venue for people to learn and try things out.”
Andrea CK
5th Annual Film Festival
Over the weekend, 42 films were screened, made by current residents of Massachusetts—with more than half of them hailing from Western Mass. The 4-day event brought out over 300 people.
“The LAVA Center is one of those extremely precious places where art really comes to life—in community with people who care.” —Brooklyn Demme
Rising River’s Edge
A 30-minute documentary exploring the effects of extreme weather events on 3 local farms. 210 people came to 2 initial screenings at local venues.
“I came away full of admiration and respect for our local farmers…. Engaging and beautiful filmmaking!” —Edie Heinemann
Climate Change Theater Action
Our 4th collaboration with CCTA and 6th year collaborating with Greening Greenfield to explore the challenge of climate change through theater, film, discussion, and action. The Time Is Now, a 3-day festival of 9 plays realized by 3 directors and 10 actors, offered guided discussions and resources for action organized by the themes of Resilience, Urgency, and Hope.
“The LAVA Center has become a central hub for creative expression, community engagement, and cultural innovation downtown.”
Amy Cahillane, Community and Economic Development Director, City of Greenfield
Community Art Show
This annual gallery exhibit highlights local artists and brings them together to support one another. This year, we displayed 30 artists’ work.
“The LAVA Center is a cornerstone of downtown Greenfield’s revitalization, creating a consistent and dynamic calendar of arts programming that draws residents and visitors alike to the heart of the city. Beyond their artistic contributions, LAVA’s programming serves as a catalyst for economic growth. Their efforts directly support local business viability and the broader ecosystem of commerce and culture.”
Hannah Rechtschaffen, Executive Director, Greenfield Business Association
