Local artists Denise Girardin, Steve Levinsky, and Liza Curtis are some of the brains behind Palettes, a studio that aims to awaken the creative side of the community with painting's jubilant anthem. Their artistic endeavors stretch far beyond Palettes, though—Steve plumbs the depths of fire to find glass art, Liza paints with the intention to inspirer herself and others, and Denise designs unique pottery inspired by the ocean and the seahorses that ride off into the sunset every evening. In addition, they are so involved in local affairs that Natick Center Associates selected them as the recipients of the 2012 Heart of the Community Award.

A row of easels dominates Palettes' roomy space during classes and open sessions, in which students re-create works of art while snacking on menu items such as cheese plates and cannoli. Additionally, house-made waters are perfect for making toasts to the art instructors for offering such helpfully Latin-free guidance.