Evening Book Group October
2025-10-29 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Join the fun in discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus!
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
Books are available in store at a 10% discount or online at Bookshop.org HERE.
Please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com to let us know you’re coming.

Mixed Media Art Show by Lisa Onderdonk
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-29
Come see our November Art Show of Mixed Media works by Lisa Onderdonk!
The show includes pieces in watercolor, alcohol ink and more in both representational and abstract forms and may be viewed in the cafe gallery November 1st-29th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6 pm.
You are invited to a reception with the artist in attendance on Saturday, November 8th from 2-4 p.m.
For more information, call 508-949-6232 or visit bookloversgourmet.com/events.
Artist’s Statement: Lee is a multi-media artist with a fine arts degree from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Even though Lee graduated back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, she has never stopped growing and learning as an artist. Her never ending quest for knowledge led her to Laguna Beach, CA where she recently painted with world-renowned marine life muralist, Wyland. With praise and encouragement from Wyland, Lee decided to pursue art as a career instead of just a hobby.
Lee wants her art to appeal to a variety of tastes. She admires many styles of art and doesn’t feel the need to commit to just one style or medium. Enjoy the many faces of Lee O!

"Painting a Family" New Book Release with Mary Anne Slack
2025-11-01 14:00 - 16:00
We are pleased to be hosting a book release and signing with author Mary Anne Kalonas Slack. Her second novel, Painting a Family, features mother and daughter relationships. Her short stories have been published in Adelaide Literary Magazine and in the 2013, 2024, and 2025 Quabbin Quills Anthologies. Her first novel, The Sacrificial Daughter, was published in 2024 by White River Press.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, please call 508-949-6232.

About the book: Painting a Family tells the story of Jane, who endures a strict Catholic upbringing in the 1960s and 1970s, when good girls only leave the nest to marry and have babies. Longing to be an artist, Jane dares to follow her dreams—until she meets handsome, stalwart Tim O’Connell. They marry and have four daughters. But when her girls are nearly grown, Jane is faced with a challenge for which she is utterly unprepared.
With twists and turns along the way, the mother and daughters shield themselves with secrets and test their loyalties to one another, until the ties that bind threaten to break once and for all.

The Legend of the Oxford Pirate Book Release with Robert Racicot
2025-11-08 11:00 - 13:00
Aargh!! Join us for a high adventure book signing event with local author Robert Racicot and his latest release The Legend of the Oxford Pirate.
The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase. For more information or to RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com

About the book: A storm sinks pirate Sam Bellamy’s ship off Cape Cod. A stranger carries a secret inland along the Bay Path. Centuries later a discovery is made at ancient ruins. Blending legend, local lore, and childhood adventure, this coming of age tale uncovers how mysteries of the past still haunt the forests of New England.
About the author: Robert Racicot is a retired Air Force Lt Col and Professor of Chemistry. He is enjoying his retirement years hiking, mountain biking, and writing stories, and poetry. He is the author of the young reader books The Legend of Carbuncle Pond and The Haunting of the Oxford Library.

Reception with Mixed Media Artist Lisa Onderdonk
2025-11-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a meet and greet with mixed media artist Lisa Onderdonk.
Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to come browse the art and chat with the artist!
For more information or to RSVP, call 508-949-6232.

Local Amnesty International Group monthly meetup
2025-11-12 18:30 - 19:30
Interested in taking meaningful, focused action and learning more about human rights issues in our country and around the globe? Join our Local Amnesty International Group #356 monthly meetup. New members are always welcome. Call 508-949-6232 for more information, visit www.amnestyusa.org or join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/229444612021375 for updates and information about future events.

Holiday Shop Hop on Small Business Saturday!
2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00
Celebrate the holiday season by shopping local! Treat yourself to a fun time while finding unique gifts & books for everyone on your list.
Special appearance by Santa & Mrs. Claus for storytime and photos from 11am-12:30pm!
Free hot cider & cookies while you browse!
Discounts & deals all day long!
Visit 5 or more of 26 participating local businesses for your chance to win gift cards!
Pick up your flyer at any participating business.

"The Wonders of Nature", Artwork by Deb Lifer-Piselli
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31
Come view our featured artist of the month!
“The Wonders of Nature”, artwork by Deb Lifer-Piselli will be on view December 1st-31st in our cafe gallery during normal business hours.
The shop will be open daily through December 24th. Monday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6, Sunday 12-4.
A meet the artist reception will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2-4 p.m. with light refreshments. Free and open to the public. For more information call 508-949-6232.
Artist’s Statement: Art, photography and writing are my passions. Many of my paintings are inspired by my photography. I am drawn to the quiet beauty and wonders of nature. Detail oriented, I gravitate towards painting animals, while my photography focuses mainly on flowers and nature. My paintings blend realism with emotion, often incorporating natural elements.
I work primarily in acrylics, with occasional pieces in oil or pastels, approaching each project with patients in precision, building many careful layers of detail, every subject slowly comes to life until its unique personality shines through.
Commissions are available, including pet portraits or a favorite animal and flower combined to make a beautiful piece of art.

Artist Reception for "The Wonders of Nature" by Deb Lifer-Piselli
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a meet and greet with artist Deb Lifer-Piselli!
Light refreshments will be served.

Special Holiday Hours-Christmas Eve
2025-12-24 10:00 - 15:00
We will be closing at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Happy Holidays!!

Closed Christmas Day
2025-12-25

Post Holiday Sale!!
2025-12-26 - 2026-01-03

Special Holiday Hours-New Year's Eve
2025-12-31
We will be closing at 3 p.m. on December 31st.
Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve Day Party!
2025-12-31 10:00 - 15:00
We invite you to our Annual Year End Gathering on New Year’s Eve Day! Feel free to bring a snack or dish to share, or just come visit and meet up with friends to celebrate the end of 2025 and new beginnings for 2026. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232. See you there!!

Closed New Year's Day
2026-01-01

Cyanotypes by Lisa Shea
2026-01-02 - 2026-01-31
A display of original Cyanotypes by Lisa Shea will be shown in our cafe gallery for the month of January.
The show may be viewed during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6
Please note: The shop will be closed for vacation January 4th-9th
Cyanotypes are one of the original forms of photography, dating back to the 1800s. Cyanotypes are powered by the sun! By mixing together potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate – the resulting paint is light-reactive. You can then paint that liquid onto canvas, watercolor paper, t-shirts, pillowcases, and a variety of other surfaces. You can use items such as bicycle gears and ferns, but the sky’s the limit. You can cast shadows with leaves, cut-out letters, film negatives, and anything else which blocks the sun from reaching the painted surface. You can also paint abstract designs with the liquid on corrugated paper to explore light and dark. Creating cyanotypes is a lot of fun for all ages.
Come by the shop on Friday, January 23rd, from 5-7 p.m. to create your own cyanotypes. We will be using a UV Light to expose the image, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes. View the art and chat with the artist. All supplies will be provided. Snacks will be available for purchase. To RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Artist’s Statement
I discovered at an early age that I loved a variety of creative arenas. I photographed everything I saw. I scribbled on notepads. I folded origami out of receipts. Rides in busses and cars would become long brainstorming sessions for epic sagas.
One of my central themes is the embracing of serenity and peace. So many times precious energy is squandered on stress, guilt, or wallowing in a past which cannot be changed. The more we can find a sense of peace within us, and cultivate our energy to use in a focused manner, the more we can achieve our goals and dreams. This is valuable not only for us directly, but also for all of those around us who we wish to help and support.
Most of all, I enthusiastically strive to learn and grow every day. I am continually exploring new techniques, researching new styles, and extolling the diversity which is our world.
I actively embrace social networking and would love to talk with fellow artists and fans about the world of art. I am inspired and awed every day by what our world has to offer us.

January Used Book Sale!
2026-01-02 - 2026-01-31
STOCK UP FOR THOSE COLD WINTER NIGHTS!

Closed for Vacation
2026-01-04 - 2026-01-09
The shop will be closed for a little post-holiday R&R.
Thank you for making our season merry & bright!!

Local Amnesty International Group Monthly Meetup
2026-01-14 18:30 - 20:00
This month we are writing letters and cards for our annual “Write For Rights” campaign in honor of International Human Rights Day. For over 20 years, Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign has transformed lives by standing up for those whose human rights have been violated. Each year, we unite supporters from around the globe to advocate for those facing injustice.
Light refreshments will be served. New members are always welcome!
Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com for more information or to RSVP.

Free Cyanotype Workshop with Lisa Shea
2026-01-23 17:00 - 19:00
Come by the shop on Friday, January 23rd, from 5-7 p.m. to create your own cyanotypes! We will be using a UV Light to expose the image, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
View the art and chat with the artist. All supplies will be provided. Snacks will be available for purchase.
To RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
Cyanotypes are one of the original forms of photography, dating back to the 1800s. Cyanotypes are powered by the sun! By mixing together potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate – the resulting paint is light-reactive. You can then paint that liquid onto canvas, watercolor paper, t-shirts, pillowcases, and a variety of other surfaces. You can use items such as bicycle gears and ferns, but the sky’s the limit. You can cast shadows with leaves, cut-out letters, film negatives, and anything else which blocks the sun from reaching the painted surface. You can also paint abstract designs with the liquid on corrugated paper to explore light and dark. Creating cyanotypes is a lot of fun for all ages.

Art Drop Off for February Group Show
2026-01-29 - 2026-01-31
Bleeding Hearts, photo by Debra Horan
Booklovers’ Gourmet invites all local artists to be part of the Annual Group Art Show in February.
The theme is “HEARTS”, and is open to all mediums & styles, but must feature “hearts” either man-made or in nature, literally or figuratively.
Drop off dates are January 29th-31st between 10am-5pm in person at 72 East Main Street, Webster, MA.
There is a $10 entry fee per artist, which will go towards a People’s Choice Award to be awarded at the end of the month, decided by votes from the public. One vote per person is allowed and must be made in store during the month of February.
Space is limited to 1 piece per artist. You may submit up to 2 pieces to be considered. Acceptance of work is at the sole discretion of Booklovers’ Gourmet.
Additional details & requirements:
* Work may be in any medium including photography, watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawings, prints, collage, fabric, mixed media, etc.
*Dimensions must not exceed 20″ in any direction
* All work must be ready to hang on the wall, preferably with a wire
* A 30% commission will be taken on any sales. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the artist.
For more information, email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

Make Your Own Valentine!
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:00
Come by the shop to create your very own Valentine Postcard using collage elements! All materials will be provided including various papers, stamps, glue, markers and other ephemera. Guidance and helpful tips will be provided by artist Dawn Wilson. You can create up to 5 postcards that are standard size for mailing. Go vintage or contemporary, sweet or sultry!
Cost is $10 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

Annual Group HEART Show
2026-02-03 - 2026-02-28
Heart Chakra, Mixed Media Collage by Debra Horan
We invite all local artists to be part of the Annual Group Art Show in February.
The theme is “HEARTS”, and is open to all mediums & styles, but must feature “hearts” either man-made or in nature, literally or figuratively.

Drop off dates are January 29th-31st between 10am-5pm in person at 72 East Main Street, Webster, MA.
An artists’ reception will take place on Saturday, February 7th, 2-4 p.m. with light refreshments. Free and open to the public.
The show will be on view in the cafe gallery February 3rd-28th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm.
There is a $10 entry fee per artist, which will go towards a People’s Choice Award to be awarded at the end of the month, decided by votes from the public. One vote per person is allowed and must be made in store during the month of February.
Space is limited to 1 piece per artist. You may submit up to 2 pieces to be considered. Acceptance of work is at the sole discretion of Booklovers’ Gourmet.

Additional details & requirements:
* Work may be in any medium including photography, watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawings, prints, collage, fabric, mixed media, etc.
*Dimensions must not exceed 20″ in any direction
* All work must be ready to hang on the wall, preferably with a wire
* A 30% commission will be taken on any sales. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the artist.

For more information, email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

Group HEART Show Reception
2026-02-14 14:00 - 16:00
***DUE TO THE WEATHER THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 14TH***
Join us to meet some of the artists in our Annual Group HEART Show!
Free and open to the public with light refreshments being served.
Viewers may vote for their favorite piece during the whole month of February. The top 3 vote-getters will win People’s Choice Awards at the end of the show. One vote per person is allowed.
The show will be on view in the cafe gallery February 3rd-28th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm.

Japanese Stab Binding Workshop
2026-02-17 18:00 - 20:00
Unleash your inner bookbinder and join artist Dawn Wilson for a hands-on journey into the elegant world of Japanese Stab Binding!
This workshop is more than just a craft class; it’s an opportunity to transform loose sheets, art scraps, and decorative papers into a stunning, hand-stitched masterpiece. Whether you’re looking to create a personalized photo album, a unique poetry journal, or a one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll master the traditional technique to create a spine that is as much a work of art as the pages within.
No experience is necessary and all premium materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and leave with a finished journal and the skills to start your own home library.
Space is limited, so grab your spot today and let’s start stitching!
Cost is $25. Reserve your spot in store or on Eventbrite.

An Evening of Music with Mark & Raianne
2026-02-21 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for a night of beautiful music with Mark & Raianne!
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in store or on Eventbrite (ticket fees apply)

Welcome to An Evening of Music with Mark & Raianne at Booklovers’ Gourmet! Join us for a night filled with beautiful melodies and soulful tunes. Mark and Raianne will serenade you with their enchanting voices and captivating music. Sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to another world. This in-person event promises to be a memorable evening for all music lovers! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience live music in a cozy setting. Grab your friends and come enjoy a magical night with Mark & Raianne!
Mark & Raianne are a married couple who entertain with unmistakable vocal harmonies, poetic lyrics and down-to-earth personae. These musically talented artists have contributed over seventeen albums within their first decade and toured consistently throughout the US and Canada. These artists blend distinctive voices with rich tantalizing harmonies and a wide range of accompaniment (guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, ukulele, clarinet and penny whistle) featuring original and traditional acoustic Folk/Americana songwriting. Their live performances are both musically captivating and spiritually uplifting as audiences are carefully balanced between serious songs and humorous commentary.
In addition to writing and performing, Mark and Raianne have founded the Massachusetts Walking Tour . Since 2010 the annual tour raises awareness of local greenspace throughout their home state, organizing daily public hikes and free community concerts each June. www.masswalkingtour.org
In 2024 Mark and Raianne established a board and helped form a 501(c)3 non-profit entity Blackstone Valley Music and Performing Arts Collaborative (BVMPAC) where they also serve as music educators for local community music school Blackstone Valley Music located in Uxbridge Massachusetts, leading one-on-one private lessons, yearly rock band camps for teens, a monthly community coffeehouse and open mic, a new student orchestra and community ukulele groups.
For more information on Mark and Raianne, concert dates, music, and video, please visit www.markandraianne.com. Follow them on social media @markandraianne

"Moody Abstract Art" by Steev Riccardo
2026-03-03 - 2026-03-31
Abstract paintings by Steev Riccardo, will be on display and for sale from March 3rd-31st in our cafe gallery.
The public is invited to a meet the artist reception on Saturday, March 14th, 2-4 p.m.
The show may also be viewed during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6. For more information, call 508-949-6232.

Steev Riccardo is an abstract artist from Webster MA., who has been displaying his work primarily in galleries in New England and Pittsburgh PA. His work is pure patterns of form color and line, non-objective, Geometric, Fragmented, and deviations of representation. His process is to pick out the colors and just start painting.

Evening Book Group
2026-03-04 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for this month’s book group meetup!! **PLEASE NOTE: DATE CHANGE DUE TO SNOW**
We will be discussing The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
From James McBride, author of the bestselling Oprah’s Book Club pick Deacon King Kong and the National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird, a novel about small-town secrets and the people who keep them.
All are welcome!
Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232.
Books are available in store at a 10% discount on online at Bookshop.org.

Agree to Disagree: Mastering the Art of Respectful Dialogue
2026-03-07 14:00 - 16:00
The public is invited to a free information session on Mastering the Art of Respectful Dialogue with Jessica Butler.
Please RSVP to 508-949-6232 or deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
Overview: This session will help attendees better communicate with others when they disagree. It will focus on strategies, listening skills and prompts that can be used to diffuse stressful situations and even turn them into opportunities to learn more about others (and ourself.)
Learning Outcomes:

Understand why we feel threatened and get defensive when our opinions are questioned or challenged
Learn how to replace defensiveness with curiosity
Learn several techniques that can be used to diffuse tense situations, improve relationships, and help you find “common ground”

Jessica Butler bio: Prior to retiring this past Spring, Jessica was principal and founder of Attain Consulting Group, specializing in Business Process Improvement for over 20 years. Before starting her consulting company, Jessica was a partner in an international accounting and consulting firm. She holds a BS in Psychology and an MBA in Finance. Since her retirement, Jessica is focusing on activities that “feed her soul” as well as give back to the community, including communication skills, joint problem solving, tolerance and finding common ground. Formerly from New Jersey, Jessica and her husband moved to Webster in 2023.

Artist Reception for Steev Riccardo
2026-03-14 14:00 - 16:00
Come by our cafe gallery to meet artist Steev Riccardo, enjoy light refreshments and stimulating conversation about the creative process and techniques.
