Community Calendar

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while exploring the art of plein air watercolor painting with instructor Cheryl Meyer. This course offers a unique opportunity to connect with the landscape as we paint in the protected natural areas of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy preserves. Learn how to capture in watercolors the tranquil Chippewa River and serene surroundings of Sylvan Solace, Hiawatha Hills, Bundy Hill and Halls Lake Natural Area.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class will guide you through the fundamentals of plein air painting, including sketching, color mixing, composition, and watercolor techniques. We’ll explore how to work with natural light, the changing weather, and the dynamic environment around us to create stunning, atmospheric pieces of art that reflect the beauty of our local Chippewa watershed preserves.

This course takes place from 9 am-noon on Wednesdays, June 4-18 at the following four Chippewa Watershed Conservancy preserves in Isabella County. Students may register for individual sessions or select the full three session course for a discounted rate.

June 4: Sylvan Solace

June 11: Hiawatha Hills

June 18: Bundy Hill

June 25: Halls Lake Natural Area

Note: all painting supplies will be provided. If you have supplies, we suggest one pan watercolor set for outdoors, assorted brushes, & water. All students should bring a camp chair, drinking water, sunblock and bug spray. Each location will have a short hike in to the preserve.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Instructor Tanya Ehrsam invites young writers and artists to come together to craft their own stories and bring them to life through handmade books! Students will not only explore fiction writing but also learn the art of bookbinding to create their very own personal book to showcase their work. We’ll delve into character development, setting, establishing plot, and conflict, and find creative ways for resolution. Students will learn how to build their book with sewn-in signatures, create covers, and even make illustrations in their book for a creative finishing touch.

This 3-week course will be held from 10-11:30 am on Wednesdays, June 11-25, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 8-12

Club Create is a Michigan Arts Access program for adults with disabilities. Club Create provides opportunities for adults with disabilities to have hands-on experiences in the arts provided by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting, as well as have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 10-11:30 am on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Club Create of Mid Michigan members will meet from 10-11:30 am, Wednesday, June 25, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Unlock your creativity and bring the written word to life in this class, where young aspiring writers can explore the art of storytelling and the craft of making personalized books. Led by instructor Tanya Ehrsam, this course will help you develop your voice as a writer while learning the timeless skill of bookbinding to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind books that showcase your work. Students will explore different genres, develop captivating characters, establish a plot and conflict, and find creative ways for resolution. Students will learn how to build their book with sewn-in signatures, create covers, and even make illustrations in their book for a creative finishing touch.

This 3-week course will be held from 12-2 pm Wednesdays, June 11-25, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-17

Join instructor Matthew Grimmer for an exploration of the human form. In this 4-week course, students will learn the elements of drawing from a live model. We will learn to capture the essence of the figure using charcoal on paper, starting with simple “stick-figure” compositions before finally moving to complete line drawings of the nude figure. This course has much to offer for both beginning and experienced artists. We will focus on capturing the figure through a variety of methods, which by the end of this course will leave students feeling confident drawing a completed figure, whether given two minutes or two hours.

This 4-week skill-building course takes place from 1-3:30 pm, Wednesdays, June 4-25, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: Adults only- a live nude model will be provided for the final 2 sessions

If you’re looking to spend an evening with one of the most energetic and entertaining bands in mid-Michigan – If you’re looking to spend an evening listening to all the amazing music from the 80s – look no further. These two entities will fuse into an exceptional evening of just plain old good music, adding up to a lot of fun fun fun! Formed in 2015, Miranda & the M80s will bring it home with Miranda out front on vocals. She brings a background of classical training and musical theater experience to her amazing vocals, and does she ever have a lot of energy. Others on stage are Len ‘The Axe’ guitar, Drew ‘The Bass Melter’ along with Jeff Dietrich on drums. This is one band you’re going to want to spend some time with. Bring a chair or a blanket - Rain or Shine - and enjoy this special concert.

Brews & Brushes is the perfect way to unwind, get creative, and enjoy a fun evening out. This monthly acrylic painting class is led by Brenda O’Brien, who provides step-by-step instructions to help you create a beautiful 16x20 masterpiece, no matter your skill level. Bring your favorite beverage, invite a friend, and let your imagination flow! We provide all the supplies you need—just come ready to paint and leave with a finished work of art. Brews & Brushes is a great way to explore your artistic side in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

This class will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 pm Thursday, June 26, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended for adults 21+

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 fourth Friday of each month, you’ll have the freedom to create whatever you like—whether it's painting, drawing, mixed media, or any other art form that inspires you. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a total beginner, this is the perfect space to explore your artistic side while the studio is yours to explore at your own pace.

Join us from 5-8 pm, Friday, June 27, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Bring a drink and snacks, engage in friendly conversation, creativity and connection, and have fun as you work at your own pace. You bring your own supplies, but non-consumable tools are available for use.

It’s the perfect way to relax, meet new people, and tap into your inner artist in a fun and supportive environment. Come for the art, stay for the good vibes!

Recommended for adults

Does your houseplant or garden need a little extra sparkle? Join instructor Mary Anne Tompkins for a fun and creative workshop where you'll craft your very own colorful garden wand! Using a variety of beads, trinkets, and more, Mary Anne will guide you through the process of decorating 18-inch wands that will add a magical touch to your plants and garden.

Each participant will receive all the materials needed to create one unique garden wand, with additional wand supplies available for purchase at $15 each. Come ready to get crafty and give your plants a little extra personality!

This workshop will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday, June 28, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended ages: all ages!

Teen Open Studio is a relaxed, creative night just for teens—perfect for hanging out, making art, and enjoying some pizza. Whether you're into painting, drawing, or want to try something new, this is a great space to explore your creativity and meet other teen artists. Teen Open Studio runs from 6 to 8 pm starting Saturday, June 28, and takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month.

This program is a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) initiative designed to give teens space and support to explore their creativity.

Recommended age: 13-19