Community Calendar

Toddlers (and parents!) are invited to join us for Wee Wednesdays! Wee Wednesdays is a bi-monthly program held from 10 to 11 am on the first and third Wednesday of the month. During each session, wee ones will gain art, reading, critical thinking, and tactile development skills. Each session will be a new project created on-site for your little ones to take home and enjoy!

The program starts at 10 am, Wednesday, July 16, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Learn to express yourself through writing with instructor Cheryl Meyer. This 3-week short story course will guide you through the essentials of crafting compelling short stories, from initial concept to polished final draft. We will cover the basics of characterization, setting, plot, tone, and diction. Students will be provided with prompts to use for writing exercises, discussions, and workshops in the following sessions. Students will create and enhance written pieces, crafting a character-driven story. All levels of experience and ability are welcome.

This 3-week course takes place from 11 am-1 pm, Wednesday, July 9-23, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 16 and up

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer in a 3-week introduction to the artistry of watercolor painting. This course covers watercolor basics, including exploring different papers, various brushstrokes and techniques, color theory, and mixing colors. This class will also cover hard versus soft edges, wet on wet, wet on dry, pouring, glazing, spritzing, & masking techniques. Students will experiment with these techniques and begin their journey into watercolors. No experience needed. All supplies are provided.

This 3-week course will be held from 2-4 pm Wednesdays, July 9-23, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Garden enthusiasts will discover a new way to include the elegance of florals in their artistry. Instructor Deborah Clark leads this two-week course, discovering the beauty and versatility of gel plate printmaking. Showcasing flowers and various plant materials, students will explore techniques to create layers, textures, and vivid imagery by monoprinting with gelatin plates. Every print is unique, and opportunities for happy accidents abound! In the second week, students will utilize the resulting art papers and prints to create unique collage artworks. All supplies are provided, along with a beautiful assortment of florals to incorporate into the prints. Beginners are welcome!

The 2-week course will be held from 5:30-8 pm on Wednesday, July 16 & 23 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Join us for some creative summer fun at our fifth annual Family Art Camp at Coldwater Lake this July!

Activities include arts and crafts for all ages, tie-dying t-shirts, adult workshops, family games, campfires, and more! A responsible adult must accompany their children to the camp. Youth and family projects will be held at the Lakeview Pavilion.

Participants are not required to camp overnight and are welcome to participate in daily activities only. The Art Camp registration is $70 for an individual or $200 for a family up to 4. Activities will get started at 6 pm on Monday, July 14, and checkout is at 11 am on Wednesday, July 16.

Note: This does not include campsite registration. Overnight camping can be reserved through the Isabella County Parks & Recreation department (https://www.isabellacounty.org/departments/parks-recreation/reservations/reservations/).

Reserve your campsite and your Art Camp spot as soon as possible, as campsites and cabins are not guaranteed to be available!

*Family price includes up to 4 members of the same household or family only. Additional participants may be added at the individual rate.

*Registrations made after July 1 will not be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt to tie-dye.

This 3-day camp will be held from 6 pm on July 14 to 11 am on July 16, 2025, at the Lakeview Pavilion at Coldwater Lake Family Park at 1703 N. Littlefield Rd. in Weidman, MI

Recommended age: all ages

Whimsical Watercolors is a series for young artists to enjoy the charm and freedom of watercolors. Each month, students will be guided step-by-step in creating their version of fun and playful images. Classes are on the third Thursday of each month.

The class will be held from 5:30-7 pm on Thursday, July 17 in the Brannan Family Meeting Room at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Discover the natural beauty of our hometown Fabiano Botanical Gardens, while exploring the art of watercolor painting in this inspiring outdoor class. Led by instructor Cheryl Meyer, this plein air watercolor class offers hands-on instruction in painting directly from life amidst the vibrant flora, tranquil water features, and seasonal blooms of one of CMU’s most picturesque locations.

Students will practice how to capture light, atmosphere, and natural forms in the open air while building composition and observational skills tailored to outdoor painting. Some basic watercolor experience is helpful. Students should bring a camp chair, preferably with a cup holder, as well as water, sunscreen, and dress for the weather. All painting supplies will be provided, but you may bring a watercolor palette and pad if you have one.

This class will be held from 9 am-12 pm on Friday, July 18, at the CMU Fabiano Botanical Gardens. Class will meet at the gazebo. Metered parking, using the Pango mobile app, is available in lots 15, 10, and 36. Otherwise, students may purchase guest passes online at www.parking.cmich.edu

Recommended age: 16 and up

Join us for a unique and relaxed evening of creativity at our Creative Happy Hour! Intended to provide an open studio opportunity to get together with friends or like-minded artists, Creative Happy Hour is a weekly open studio session with a rotating media schedule.

On the third Friday of each month, you'll have the freedom to weave your words into something magical while working on your own writing projects—whether that’s poetry, short stories, personal essays, or even starting that novel you've been dreaming about. You’ll have access to prompts and exercises designed to spark your creativity, along with the support of a friendly group leader who’s there to offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement whenever you need it.

Join us from 5-8 pm, Friday, July 18 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Bring your favorite drink and snacks, and enjoy the company of fellow writers while sharing ideas and discovering new ways to approach your craft. The atmosphere is all about relaxation and creativity—no deadlines, no stress, just pure creative expression and a place to explore your creative writing in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Whether you’re looking to refine your writing, break through a creative block, or simply enjoy a creative evening with others, this is the space for you. All experience levels are welcome, and you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment, inspiration, and maybe even a few new writing friends. Come for the writing, stay for the good vibes!

Join us in an artful celebration of the cuddliest cows on the farm- Highland Cattle! Held in partnership with Just Fab Farms, instructor Deborah Clark will guide us in painting a 16×20 canvas in acrylic with our favorite fluffy friends as models. Painters will have the chance to meet and pet the resident cattle as well. We will work from the shade of a tree and have pop-up tents available if needed. All art supplies will be provided, but participants should bring a camp chair, water, sunblock, and bug spray if needed.

This workshop will be held from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, July 19, at Just Fab Farms at 475 S. Meridian Rd in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: all ages