Community Calendar

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer to sample the art of memoir writing. This workshop will explore the essential tools & techniques to craft a powerful memoir. This class offers a supportive and inspiring environment to delve into the depths of your memories and transform them into compelling narratives. This is intended to be a sampler workshop for the full Memoir course, which will be offered beginning May 27.

This workshop will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday, May 13, in the Brannan Family Meeting Room at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Note: No prior writing experience is necessary to participate in this class! All levels of writers, from beginners to advanced, are welcome to join and explore the art of memoir writing.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Savor spring and experience the joy of painting en plein air, or “in the open air,” at Island Park. In this immersive workshop, instructor Cheryl Meyer invites you to explore the beauty of nature while capturing its essence on your watercolor palette. The class is suitable for beginners and intermediate artists alike, providing a supportive and nurturing atmosphere for everyone. Capture light and color in the moment. Instructions will be based on the surroundings. If it rains, class will work from a pavilion or covered space.

Students should bring a camp chair to sit in. Other recommended supplies include a hat with a brim, sunblock, a small side table, and drinking water. Plan to dress for the weather. If you have preferred watercolor supplies, you may bring them, however, painting supplies will be provided.

This workshop takes place from 9 am-noon, Wednesday, May 14, at Island Park in Mt Pleasant. Students will meet near the Vietnam Memorial Garden at the north end of the park.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Join instructor Tanya Ehrsam to learn the timeless art of cable knitting while creating practical and beautiful dishcloths as practice. Perfect for knitters of all skill levels, this course will teach you how to master the technique of cable knitting, allowing you to add texture and dimension to your projects.

In this 3-week course, you'll start by learning the basics of knitting, including cast-on and bind-off techniques, before diving into the intricacies of cable stitches. Over the three sessions, you'll gain a solid understanding of how to work cables and incorporate them into your dishcloth design. Whether you're looking to add texture to your knitted items or simply want a fun and relaxing project, this class is a great way to expand your crafting abilities while creating beautiful and functional pieces perfect to use at home or give as a gift to loved ones.

This course will be held from 5:30-8 pm on Wednesdays, May 14-28, in the Brannan Family Meeting Room at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Mini Masters is a delightful monthly acrylic painting class designed to inspire creativity in artists of all skill levels. With step-by-step guidance, participants will create an 8x10 canvas masterpiece to take home. Perfect for beginners, this class offers a welcoming environment where no experience is necessary, and all supplies are included. Whether you’re discovering art for the first time or nurturing a growing passion, Mini Masters is a wonderful way to enjoy a fun and fulfilling creative experience.

Mini Masters will be held from 5:30-7 pm Wednesday, May 14, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Usher in spring with this guided watercolor class focused on the delicate beauty of ferns and fungi set against the striking contrast of black paper. Instructor Cheryl Meyer leads this workshop, where you'll learn techniques for using vibrant watercolors to bring to life the intricate details of springtime botanicals while exploring how to work with black paper to create a dramatic and luminous effect. All levels of experience are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This workshop will be held from 5:30-8 pm on Thursday, May 15, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

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, May 15 in the Brannan Family Meeting Room at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Artists of all skill levels are invited to join instructor Cheryl Meyer for a four-week watercolor techniques course. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate watercolorist, you will explore a variety of methods to improve your watercolor proficiency and create vibrant and dynamic artworks. Expect to explore wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, gradient washes, and dry brushing. You will learn how to manipulate the flow of water and pigment to achieve stunning textures, tones, and effects. The course also covers the importance of composition, color theory, and layering to add depth and dimension to your pieces. If you have preferred brushes and watercolors, you are welcome to bring them, however, all supplies will be provided.

This course will be held from 2-4 pm, on Friday, May 9-30 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended for: 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, May 16, 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!

Recommended for adults

Join instructor Tanya Ehrsam for a work session creating an Easy Street 3-yard quilt top. You’ll receive patterns and directions on piecing this stunning quilt top using simple yet effective techniques. This workshop is perfect for quilters of all skill levels, whether you’re just starting or looking to refresh your quilting knowledge.

Students will pre-cut and bring their fabrics to incorporate vibrant colors and patterns to make your quilt uniquely yours. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a completed quilt top ready for layering, quilting, and binding at home or during open studio time at Art Reach. Whether you’re making this quilt for yourself, as a gift, or as a learning experience, you'll leave with a sense of accomplishment and a quilt top you can be proud of.

This workshop will be held from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, May 17, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

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, May 17 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: Adults 21+