Almanac

Something To Smile About: Mixed Media Paintings By Carol C Spaulding

Leelanau County artist Carol C Spaulding brings Something To Smile About, a small group of new mixed media paintings, to the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Lobby Gallery. The exhibition runs September 2 - December 17.

Working intuitively, Spaulding combines cut-paper collage with exuberant painting. She creates lively compositions in a bright, uplifting palette, full of expressive lines, inserting an array of delightful marks and icons. “I like to begin with an open mind and a playful attitude,” Spaulding said.

Something To Smile About may be viewed in the Lobby Gallery or online, GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.

The GAAC is open:
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
Saturday and Sunday, noon - 4 pm

Help us give GTRLC’s trails some TLC! Join us to tackle a variety of tasks aimed at improving and maintaining the incredible habitats and access to nature that the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve provides.

GTRLC will supply gloves and tools. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and trail maintenance. No prior experience necessary! A range of activities is available from lightweight trimming with loppers to more heavy-duty weed whipping or electric trimmer operation. Participants will hike up to 1.5 miles on the boardwalk carrying tools. There is a porta john available at the St. Pierre end of the boardwalk.

Please meet us in the parking lot at the M-22 end of the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve.

This artisans group has been creating art and contributing to the community for over 40 years. Newcomer's are always welcome!

For more info, email taartisansguild@gmail.com Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Join The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park for a one-of-a-kind creative experience: POP-UP: Dyed in Blue, a cyanotyping workshop happening on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Led by Executive Director and horticulturist Matthew Ross, this hands-on workshop introduces participants to the beautiful world of cyanotype printing—a solar-powered art form that captures the shapes of summer blooms in striking shades of blue.

During the workshop, you'll create your own botanical prints using flowers and leaves on both fabric and paper. You’ll also help build a 7-foot community mural that will be featured at the Art in the Elements exhibit at Meadow Brook Hall (September 4–7). Each participant will take home two personal cyanotype fabric prints.

Enjoy “blue-themed” light refreshments and the peaceful beauty of the Garden as you learn, create, and connect with others.

This event is part of a special mural project and supports the Garden’s mission to offer meaningful nature- based arts and education programming.

Learn more at https://thebotanicgarden.org or call (231) 935-4077.

People of all skill levels are invited to play.

Free Event.

Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

People of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome! For more info, contact Sue Archer at 231-944-0013.

Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center & Library, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

The Railroad Historical Society of NW Michigan will meet at 6:55 pm on Tuesday, September 2 at the Children's Museum in the Grand Traverse Mall.

The September program will be a DVD trip from Chicago to Seattle on the Milwaukee Road's Olympian Hiawatha. Anyone interested in railroad history is invited to attend. For information: rrcollector321@gmail.com.

Come visit Alden District Library and see Cassie Axtell’s collection of carved elephants.

The display can be viewed during normal library hours:
Monday 9:30a-5p
Tuesday 9:30a-6p
Wednesday 9:30a-5p
Thursday 9:30a-5p
Friday 9:30a-5p
Saturday 9:30a-2p

The library is located at 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Free Event.

At a later date, a video of the display can be viewed on the library's website, aldenlib.info and look for "On Display" link at left.

Sponsored by Alden District Library, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden.

Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in maintaining the trail system at the George and Ada Reffitt Nature Preserve, located in the heart of Traverse City!

GTRLC will supply gloves and tools. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and proper trail maintenance protocols. No experience is necessary, just come ready to learn something new!

This is a lightweight to moderate activity, with volunteers walking up to 2 miles and trimming overgrown vegetation along the way.

Please meet us at the trailhead for Reffitt Nature Preserve, accessible from Oak Drive.
Registration is appreciated but not required. Cancellations due to weather or any other reason will be communicated with registered participants via email.

The Guided Walking History Tours of Traverse City will begin its tenth season on July 9th, following the National Cherry Festival.

The informative tour is about two and a half hours covering a two-mile route. The tours begin at the Perry Hannah Plaza, located at the corner 6th and Union St. near downtown.

There is no charge for the tours, but gratuities for the guides are appreciated. Groups of six or more can schedule tours at other times.

For 2025 our 10:00 AM walking tours begin on Wednesday July 9th and continue daily through October 8th. No reservations are needed, simply arrive by 10:00 AM please.