Community Calendar

Blackthorn welcomes you to the rich tapestry of Celtic music. Traditional songs of emigration, sea shanties, lively jigs and reels and ancient airs combine with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs for an upbeat musical experience that captures the history and legend of Ireland and its people.

Unwind with an evening of watercolor painting led by Cheryl Meyer! Bring your favorite wine, a friend, and your creativity for this relaxing Saturday workshop. Participants will learn watercolor techniques while painting a unique still-life composition. All instruction and art supplies are provided, making it the perfect opportunity to embrace your creativity.

Wine & Watercolors will be held 6-8:30 pm, Saturday, March 15 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: Adults 21+

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, March 19, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Beginning Colored Pencils is an in-depth, skill-building class with acclaimed artist and instructor Julie Tyslicky. She will teach you how to effectively use artist-quality colored pencils, by exploring how to layer and blend using color theory as the backbone of the techniques learned. This class does not specifically teach basic drawing techniques (other than how to shade a sphere), therefore an understanding of basic drawing and greyscale values is advised but not necessary. If you are a beginner, don’t worry! Students will learn to draw spheres and eggs primarily as subject matter in a hands-on and in-depth manner through assignments and in-class discussions.

This 8-week course is held 3-6 pm Wednesdays, from March 19 to May 7 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: Adults only

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is touring North America again this year! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’, ‘The Sound of Silence’, and many more.

The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance.

With more than 100 million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s perfect harmonies and songs that poignantly captured the times made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won 10 Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album was nominated at the Brit Awards for Best International Album. In 2003, Simon and Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

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, March 20 in the Brannan Family Meeting Room at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 6 and up

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, March 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended for adults 21+

Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

From the author of “The Piano Lesson” and “Fences” comes the story of Memphis Lee, a diner owner in a historically black neighborhood in Pittsburgh at the height of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, who must decide if he should allow the government to take over his building or sell the property to a ruthless businessman. Full of vivid characters, joy, hope, love, and perseverance, this Tony-nominated play celebrates the spirit, laughter, heart, and resilience of the people who make our country great even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Presented in partnership with the Black Arts & Cultural Center

Join instructor Matthew Grimmer in learning some of the techniques used by the "old masters."
He will discuss using safe materials, and natural alternatives to harmful products. Students will each make their own "water-washed linseed oil" using a technique involving flaxseed oil, salt, and water, which the students can take home. Lastly, you will learn to mix and utilize skim milk in your oil painting as an alternative to paint thinner. While learning these techniques, students will be creating still-life paintings in order to demonstrate the said techniques. Workshop open to all experience levels.

This workshop takes place from 1-4 pm on Saturday, March 22, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 16 and up