The LAVA Center

The LAVA Center Where ideas erupt,
and creativity flows,
community grows. Our mission is to create opportunities and build community in and through the arts and humanities.

a community arts & humanities space, arts incubator, and black box theater in downtown Greenfield, Mass

cafe/gallery hours, recurring events, free programming, community, inspiration! The LAVA Center is a community arts space, arts incubator, and black box theater in downtown Greenfield, MA. We are a place where all, including marginalized communities and individuals, can have their voices heard.

An arts incubator, providing many opportunities for creatives and their work to be nourished. Our humanities programming centers on local history, and social and environmental justice themes. The LAVA Center is located at 324 Main St., between TD Bank and the Pushkin Gallery. NOTE: Our staff is part-time, and we cannot always respond to comments quickly. You may get a faster response if you contact us using this form - https://thelavacenter.org/contact-us/ - or text us at 413-376-8118. Thank you.

LAVA Fall Appeal—there are many ways to support us!Your support—financial and otherwise—has helped the LAVA Center survi...
09/05/2025

LAVA Fall Appeal—there are many ways to support us!

Your support—financial and otherwise—has helped the LAVA Center survive Covid and continue to grow into a mainstay of Greenfield’s Crossroads Cultural District. Thank you! Look at what you’ve helped make happen! (see image)

As you know, arts and humanities are essential to our vibrant community. We are committed to LAVA’s mission as a place where everyone can find and speak their voice, express their creativity, and participate in community. With so much at stake these days nationally, our local organizations are more important than ever. Please join our Fall Appeal or renew your crucial financial support. If you already donate and are able, please consider increasing your gift. And encourage others to donate as well.

And we hope our Fall programs Appeal to you, too... so that LAVA remains affordable and accessible to all. You can help LAVA grow in so many ways…

Attend
• Ismene (an original play production), September 12–14—> https://thelavacenter.org/events/ismene/
• 5th Annual LAVA Film Festival, October 10–12—> https://thelavacenter.org/lava-film-festival/
• The Time Is Now (Climate Change Theater Action), October 24–26
• Writers Read (9/10, 10/8, 11/12, 12/10)—> https://www.facebook.com/events/1345456693279675/
• Any of our open mics, storytelling events, discussions, film nights

Purchase original art from our Silent Art Auction, opening September 6—> https://thelavacenter.org/exhibits/silent-art-auction/

Purchase a copy of the 2nd Writers Read Anthology when it is available (it's due to be released in December). It makes a great holiday gift!

Support LAVA’s mission as a cultural center. Make a donation - https://thelavacenter.org/donate/ - buy a ticket… attend a show and bring a friend… spread the word.

“Where ideas erupt and creativity flows, community grows.”
You can make all the difference.

Thank you so very much for your support.

Sincerely,
All of us at LAVA

Check our LAVA calendar for a detailed listing of all programming—>

Greenfield First Sunday Word (formerly Third Tuesday)Sunday, Sept 7, 1:30pmThe LAVA Center: 324 Main St, GreenfieldForme...
09/05/2025

Greenfield First Sunday Word (formerly Third Tuesday)
Sunday, Sept 7, 1:30pm
The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, Greenfield

Formerly Third Tuesday Word, Paul Richmond and Human Error Publishing’s long-running literary event. Doors open at 1, open mic starts at 1:30, features start at 2:30. $1-5 sliding scale. Books will be for sale.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1264735328090396/

You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening of a Silent Art Auctionin collaboration with Art Deviation Gallerybenefit...
09/04/2025

You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening of a Silent Art Auction

in collaboration with Art Deviation Gallery
benefiting The LAVA Center
featuring the assemblages of Andy Rothschild
and additional donations from artists who’ve exhibited at LAVA
Saturday, September 6, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

The LAVA Center
324 Main Street
Greenfeld, MA

Bid on the pieces you like or pay the “buy me now” price to carry it home Saturday. The exhibit will be up from September 6 through December 20. Bids starting at $25, plus several pieces at “pay whatever you want, including nothing” pricing thanks to the generosity of the artist!

“I am delighted,” Rothschild says, “to be showing my Assembled Found Objects at The LAVA Center. And to be able to donate all the proceeds to the Center to help them continue their wonderful work.”

Click here for more information on the exhibit—> https://thelavacenter.org/exhibits/silent-art-auction/

FB event—> https://www.facebook.com/events/1069954695255212/

In Search of Lizzie Borden, with Dennis BinetteFriday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, GreenfieldJoin autho...
09/04/2025

In Search of Lizzie Borden, with Dennis Binette
Friday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, Greenfield

Join author Dennis Binette for a fascinating look beyond the Borden murders and trial to examine Lizzie’s life in the context of her home and society. Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden and Her Fall River by Michael Martins and Dennis A. Binette was hailed as “riveting” by Kirkus Reviews and listed as a Best Book of 2012. The authors had unprecedented access to newly discovered, previously unpublished materials. Students of history will enjoy this perspective on an infamous piece of our Massachusetts past.

A native of Fall River, Massachusetts, Dennis Binette has been associated with the Fall River Historical Society (FRHS) for thirty-two years, having held the position of Assistant Curator until his retirement in 2020. He is a noted authority on the Borden case and has appeared in several television documentaries on the subject.

In 1994, he edited, along with FRHS Curator Michael Martins, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Lizzie A. Borden: The Knowlton Papers 1892-1893. The book consists of the personal files of Atty. Hosea Morrill Knowlton, prosecuting attorney in the case against Lizzie Borden, and the volume stands as the first collection of primary source material ever made available on the case, published 101 years after that infamous trial. Binette also co-authored, with Martins, Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden and Her Fall River. The volume provides a look at Lizzie Borden, the woman, against the backdrop of Fall River, Massachusetts, during her lifetime. This approach has been described as follows: “Where Lizzie Borden has previously only been presented in black-and-white, she is now seen here in full color.” The book was the recipient of a Kirkus Starred Review and listed among Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012.

A resident of Massachusetts, Binette continues to be active with the FRHS and the Fall River Historical Society Press.

https://www.facebook.com/events/782734357420831/

Coming up at LAVA!Ismene, an original play written and directed by Jan MaherFriday & Saturday, Sept 12 & 13, 7pm and Sun...
09/03/2025

Coming up at LAVA!

Ismene, an original play written and directed by Jan Maher

Friday & Saturday, Sept 12 & 13, 7pm and Sunday, Sept 14, 2pm

"Antigone bade her sister say no more. 'Your choice was to live,' she said, 'mine to die.'" —Antigone, quoted by Edith Hamilton

The LAVA Center and playwright/director Jan Maher are thrilled to announce a special collaboration to present Maher’s play Ismene in mid-September. The play features Freya Andromeda in the title role and Liza Manchester as Martha. Kiersten Samalis is stage manager/assistant director.

Fans of the classic Greek tragedies may (or may not) remember Ismene as the sister of Antigone and daughter of Oedipus. Over the course of several plays penned by Greek tragedians, her parents and all three siblings die. But there is no record of Ismene’s death. In Maher’s play she has been wandering the earth looking for resolution. When she meets Martha, a shy, journal-keeping woman, she is finally able to tell her own story in her own terms.

Ismene debuted in Seattle where A. J. Mell in the Seattle Weekly characterized it as “Probing, sensitive, and accessible… rife with lyricism and unexpected humor.” Ken Freehill of Actors Equity Association called it “a brilliant script,” saying he was “thrilled to have been part of the audience.”

This production of Ismene is part of LAVA’s year-end fundraising campaign. Patrons are invited to make a donation above their sliding scale ticket price ($1–$30) to support LAVA’s mission to keep the vast majority of programming free or donation-based.

Made possible with funding from the Greenfield Local Cultural Council.

tickets—> https://www.tixtree.com/e/ismene-written-directed-by-jan-maher-full-production-47dd0b62edd0

Beautiful Disasters Storytelling Open Mic + Potluck!Thursday, Sept 4, 6pm potluck, 7pm storiesThe LAVA Center: 324 Main ...
09/02/2025

Beautiful Disasters Storytelling Open Mic + Potluck!
Thursday, Sept 4, 6pm potluck, 7pm stories
The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, Greenfield

Beautiful Disasters is a monthly storytelling open mic and potluck, every first Thursday at The LAVA Center. All stories are meant to be true, personal stories from your own life.

Doors open and food is served at 6 p.m. Show will start at 7 p.m. Show is pay-what-you-want.

September's theme is Near Misses: Avoided Disasters.

https://www.facebook.com/events/605773041953157/

Words on Art on Words: Closing Reception/ Community Response Workshop & ExhibitFriday, Aug. 29, 5-8pmThe LAVA Center: 32...
08/28/2025

Words on Art on Words: Closing Reception/ Community Response Workshop & Exhibit
Friday, Aug. 29, 5-8pm
The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, Greenfield

Words on Art on Words is a community art exhibit, a steadily evolving installation on display at The LAVA Center July and August. Each week, at least four new visual or written pieces will be added to the installation wall. The only rule is that visual artists must create in response to a piece of writing that is already on display and writers must create in response to a piece of visual art that is already on display. Attendees will continue responding and expanding the gallery until the end of August, when there will be a large display of words responding to images responding to words.

The response to WAW has been terrific and the project team would like to give others a chance to respond to and interact with the project as a whole.

The gallery will be open during Greenfield Arts Walk, 5–8 p.m., and between 6–8 p.m., people are invited to join the project’s artists and writers and be part of a workshop centered around the exhibit. Then there will be a discussion about the project itself, facilitated by the exhibit’s organizers. Refreshments will be served.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1267773021574599/

Comedy Project WorkshopThursday, Aug 28, 4-6pmThe LAVA Center: 324 Main St, GreenfieldNew Offering the Comedy Project Wo...
08/28/2025

Comedy Project Workshop
Thursday, Aug 28, 4-6pm
The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, Greenfield

New Offering the Comedy Project Workshop, Hosted by Andrea CK. 4th Thursdays, 4-6pm. Sharpen up your funny bone in the company of other creatives. Try out new material, practice, support others, co-work. Interest groups are forming around character and sketch work, writing jokes and funny stories. Add yourself to the mix! No charge; donations appreciated. Questions? Email andrea[at]thelavacenter.org.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1222450982846216/

Live Soul & Hip Hop with Nbs Malay and Ezzy PThursday, Aug 28, 7pmThe LAVA Center: 324 Main St, GreenfieldCome enjoy Nbs...
08/25/2025

Live Soul & Hip Hop with Nbs Malay and Ezzy P
Thursday, Aug 28, 7pm
The LAVA Center: 324 Main St, Greenfield

Come enjoy Nbs Malay The Artist as she graces Greenfield with much needed soul and R&B music with her sweet voice!

Nbs Malay, short for Naturally Beautiful and Sophisticated, is a multifaceted artist and community advocate from Springfield, MA. Known for her roles as a curator, promoter, singer, author, guitarist, speaker, and actress, she has been a champion of local talent through her “Speak N Eat” open mic event. Growing up with seven siblings, Malay channeled her emotions into creative arts, laying the groundwork for her diverse career. Now a published author with a global reach, she strives to inspire others, especially her 14-year-old son, while upholding her belief that “you are what you believe.” Honored with community awards and “Nbs Malay Day” on September 8, 2023, she continues her journey of growth and resilience.

Featuring a performance of Ezzy P’s nerdcore rap music.

$20 suggested donation (notaflof—no one turned away for lack of funds)

https://www.facebook.com/events/703609159108966/

Words on Art on Words: Kids’ Response WorkshopSaturday, Aug 23, 12-2pmThe LAVA Center324 Main St, GreenfieldWords on Art...
08/22/2025

Words on Art on Words: Kids’ Response Workshop
Saturday, Aug 23, 12-2pm
The LAVA Center
324 Main St, Greenfield

Words on Art on Words is a community art exhibit, a steadily evolving installation on display at The LAVA Center through August. Each week, new visual or written pieces are being added to the installation wall. The only rule is that visual artists must create in response to a piece of writing that is already on display and writers must create in response to a piece of visual art that is already on display. Attendees will continue responding and expanding the gallery until the end of August, when there will be a large display of words responding to images responding to words.

The response to Words on Art on Words has been terrific and the project team would like to give others a chance to respond to and interact with the project as a whole.

Materials and staff will be available to help children of all ages to come and interact with the show. There will be staff tour guides to help children decide whether they want to write or create visual art, and then to navigate prompt pieces most appropriate to their age range. Children will be able to decide if they want their art added to our wall or bring their pieces home. Come and spend some time interacting with a gallery rich in community expressions.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1623878154973317/

Open Stage @ LAVAThursday, Aug 21, 7pm (signups start at 6:30)324 Main St, GreenfieldLike an open mic but MORE.Theater! ...
08/19/2025

Open Stage @ LAVA
Thursday, Aug 21, 7pm (signups start at 6:30)
324 Main St, Greenfield

Like an open mic but MORE.

Theater! Dance! Music! Literature! Spoken Word! Storytelling! Magic! Puppetry! Circus and Sideshow! Comedy! Improv!

Any form of art or entertainment that can be staged, in any stage of development.
Signup starts at 6:30, show starts at 7. 5 minute limit for each act. You can use our sound system if you’d like audio to backup your act.

$1-5 suggested donation

https://www.facebook.com/events/945066157727925/

Address

324 Main Street
Greenfield, MA
01301

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 2pm
5pm - 8pm
Friday 5pm - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 2pm

Telephone

+14133768118

Website

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a new space for art & community!

Arts nonprofit organization Local Access to Valley Arts is thrilled to announce the opening of its new performing arts and community space in downtown Greenfield, MA!

The LAVA Center is a new arts incubator, black box theater and community space in downtown Greenfield, MA. The LAVA Center is located at 324 Main St., in between TD Bank and the Pushkin Gallery.

With a focus on creating opportunities in and through primarily the performing and literary arts, the LAVA Center will host a wide variety of arts events, classes, and workshops as well as be a space to display and sell art made by local artisans.

The LAVA Center is also available to rent for meetings and workshops, and provides an affordable option for groups needing space for rehearsals, classes, and small performances.