Community Calendar

Instructor Emily Gunning leads this five-week introductory course in clay. Students will explore various methods of building functional or decorative clay vessels without needing a pottery wheel. Pinch pots, slab, and coil construction will be covered, as well as various methods of achieving texture and form for a solid foundation in pottery construction. Projects will be fired offsite and ready for glazing at the end of the course. All supplies provided.

This 5-week course will be held weekly from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, April 15-May 12, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 16 and up

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, April 16, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Join instructor Matthew Grimmer for an exploration of paper clay sculpting. Over the 3 sessions, students will recreate the portrait of a chosen subject by creating an armature, layering paper clay, and finishing with painting. Students should come to the first class prepared with printouts or photographs of their models. It can be a friend, family, movie character, or historical figure! You will learn how to accurately craft a 3D armature using drawings and measurements while also learning anatomy and capturing important features.

Week 2 will encompass working with paper clay to sculpt the representation of the figure. Students will be guided in layering and sculptural shaping techniques to achieve their chosen person's likeness.

Students will use week 3 to learn how to paint their figures to give them added depth. You may also use craft-items to add details such as clothes, jewelry, or hair if desired. By the end of the process, students will have learned skills in drawing, sculpture, and painting to create a finished artwork.

This 3-week course will be held from 5-8 pm, on Wednesdays, April 16-30 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended ages: 16 and up

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer in exploring the vibrant world of Henri Matisse through acrylic painting. We invite both beginners and experienced painters to delve into Matisse’s iconic use of color, form, and expressive compositions.

For this workshop, you'll experiment with acrylic paints to recreate Matisse's 1905 work “Open Window, Colloiure”. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or discover new creative methods, this class is designed to inspire and push the boundaries of your artistic abilities. Supplies are provided, and students will leave with a 16×20 finished canvas.

This workshop will be held from 5-8 pm, Thursday, April 17, 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, April 17 in the Brannan Family Meeting Room at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Join us for a relaxing evening and a double dose of creativity! Instructor Kim Bigard will lead students in pouring soy wax candles, selecting from an assortment of scents, colors, and botanical additions. Students may choose from glass jars, dainty teacups, or decorative votives for a personal touch. Cheryl Meyer will then guide you in creating luminous watercolor images on cards, to use as pint-size artworks or sending to loved ones. You will explore varied watercolor techniques that are beginner-friendly, so all will walk away with beautiful imagery.

This is a perfect opportunity for mother figures to spend creative, quality time with loved ones or for anyone looking to create a personal gift just in time for Mother’s Day! All levels of experience are welcome and all supplies are provided.

This workshop will be held from 5:30-8:30 pm, Friday, April 18, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 12 and up

Join instructor Amy Perschbacher for a night of disco fever! Students will learn some of the iconic moves of the ‘70s, including the Hustle. If you don’t have dance experience, that’s ok; dancers of all skill levels are welcome! Come as a couple, come as a single, or with friends for a night out.

This workshop takes place from 6-7:30 pm on Friday, April 18 in the Morey Family Gallery at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended for adults

Come make your next favorite jacket with those previously sewn orphan blocks lying around. Instructor Tanya Ehrsam will guide you in using those leftovers to make something stylish and functional. You could also use a layer cake pack of fabric, or a quilt top you haven't sewn together yet. We'll add an oversized sweatshirt and make the comfiest, coolest jacket all your friends will want.

Students will spend this two-session course deconstructing a sweatshirt and layering their block choices to assemble and add structure to create a flattering jacket fit. Students will need the equivalent of 3-4 yards of total fabric to finish their jackets. Please bring your sewing machine, coordinating quilt blocks/layer cake, and coordinating thread to the first class session. Patterns and instruction will be provided. If you do not have a machine, please contact Art Reach and we may be able to provide one.

This two-session course will be held Tuesday, April 22 from 4:30-6:30 and Saturday, April 26 from noon-4 pm in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended ages: 16 and up

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer in an exploration of mixed media. In this two-week class, you'll learn how to balance the bold precision of ink with the fluidity and spontaneity of watercolors. We will utilize India ink and various tools to create sharp, detailed linework, that pairs beautifully with loose watercolor washes or detailed forms. All levels of experience are welcome to join and all supplies are provided.

This two-week course will be held from 2-4 pm on Thursday, April 24 & May 1 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 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, April 24, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended for adults 21+