Get crafty with some winter winners
Programs at library and FAM great for kids and adults
By Lindsay Sauvageau

While some people may be ecstatic that the Northeast has become a veritable winter wonderland in less than a week, the snow and frigid temperatures - while perfect for skiers, snowboarders, sledders, snowmen and masochists - only makes me wish I could hibernate.

I can't bear being cold.

Cold weather and the precipitous mess that inevitably accompanies these fabulous winter months cause me feel claustrophobic, helpless and highly irritable until about April. As soon as the average temperature outside drops below 40 degrees and I start finding snow and ice clinging to my car every morning, I become testy and intolerant and downright morose.

All of my activities throughout the winter are confined to the indoors. Currently I am reading the Harry Potter series for the first time ever and have been spending long hours, buried under blankets beside whatever source of warmth I can find (fireplaces, people, the kitchen stove, etc.). However, as if my creative energies sense that I will be spending long hours inside - most likely while sitting on my behind - I find myself thinking up little craft projects to do in order to keep busy. I paint, make Christmas cards, draw, write, build large cities all over the living room with LEGOs and all sorts of things. It's fun and fulfilling work.

Now, I'm not advocating that people should take my lead and become a winter recluse but if anyone is looking for a way to fulfill their creative impulses and stay out of the cold, there are a lot of art related activities around the area that people can enjoy.

Some of the regularly scheduled events are a bit of a drive, but if you are going to go out you might as well make a trip of it. The Leominster Public Library is one place where everyone in the family can find something to do, especially kids and young adults. On Monday, Dec. 24, the library will be having a "Snowman Gift Bag" drop-in craft time from 9 to 11 a.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 26 there will be an "Angel Ornament" drop-in craft time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 27, there will be a "Winter Tree Stick" drop-in craft time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Friday, Dec. 28 there will be a "Stain Glass Picture" drop-in craft time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All these craft events will be held in the Dr. Martin T. Feldman Children's Room, Leominster Public Library, 30 West St.

In Fitchburg, there will also be a few craft events hosted by the Fitchburg Art Museum for those who want to create and learn about the Arctic. On Thursday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 28, FAM will host "Arctic Explorations in Clay" from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, Merriam Parkway. Attendees will get to sculpt and build their own wild Arctic creatures, create Inuit symbols, and construct an igloo. The class costs $45; $35 for members. Also Thursday and Friday that week there will be a second Arctic venture, "Arctic Explorations-Drawing and Printmaking" from 1 to 3 p.m. for $40 a person; $30 for members.

These are all great events and not only will you be taking advantage of some "icy" inspiration this winter, you'll be able to spend an afternoon with good people, supporting both the library and the art museum.

To find out more about the Leominster Public Library's events call (978) 534- 7522.

For information, or to register fro Fitchburg Art Museum classes, call (978) 345- 4207, Ext. 303.