Community Calendar

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 10 am–12 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
(no oil media, maximum of 12 students)
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

In this workshop, Cheryl Ann Boc-Chidester will guide participants in creating one-of-a-kind cyanotype images using a historic camera-less photography technique invented in 1842. Students will place flat objects on paper coated with an iron salt solution, expose them to UV light, and wash the paper to reveal striking white and Prussian blue images, which can be enhanced with light watercolor washes. During the two-hour class, each student will create at least two images. The instructor will provide a variety of flat objects, including dried flowers, leaves, lace, ribbon, and seashells, but participants are also welcome to bring their own materials to create personalized, unique works of art.

Objective: Conceptual Understanding, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Creation of Artwork, Inspiration and Creativity

Every Wednesday May 6th, 2026 - Oct 28th, 2026, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month and July 29. Free lessons at 11:30am. Lunch (bring your own) and bridge talk at Noon. ACBL-sanctioned bridge game for $5.00 begins at 12:30pm.

For more details, contact Lou Slyker at 248-770-6152 or ljslyker@gmail.com

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

Free, peer-led mental health support groups: NAMI Family Support and NAMI Connection Group.

Both held Wednesdays, 12pm at Christ Church, 430 Fair St. (See website for zoom link)

Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm Online (see website for zoom link) and at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr.

Led by Marivi Bryant, founder of HOME Agency, a people-first creative and strategy firm based in Traverse City, this workshop explores how arts organizations and artists can use storytelling and social media to inspire connection and drive fundraising. With experience helping mission-driven brands grow through authentic content and community engagement, Marivi will guide participants in identifying their unique stories, translating them into meaningful online communication, and using simple strategies to turn audiences into advocates and supporters.

Attendees will leave with practical tools to:

Clarify and share their story in a way that feels authentic and compelling

Use social media with purpose to grow community and engagement

Connect storytelling to fundraising goals in a sustainable, values-driven way

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 11:30 am–3:30 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

Discover the art of watercolor portraiture in this hands-on class. You’ll explore essential skills such as understanding facial proportions, mixing a range of skin tones, and layering translucent washes to create depth and dimension. Eleonora will guide you step by step through techniques for capturing light, shadow, and texture, helping you bring your subject’s personality to life on paper. With watercolor’s fluid and expressive qualities, you’ll learn how to add mood and character to your portraits while developing greater confidence in your painting process. This class is designed for both beginners eager to try portrait painting techniques and those with some experience who want to refine their approach. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with new techniques, a deeper understanding of portrait painting, and a finished watercolor portrait to take home.

Objective: Skill Development

Outcome: Creation of Artwork

Free, peer-led mental health support groups:

*NAMI Family Support (Mondays at 6pm. Online and in-person at HBA, 3040 Sunset Ln. See website for zoom link.)

*NAMI Connection Group (Mondays at 6pm. Online, see website for zoom link)

Every Wednesday May 6th, 2026 - Oct 28th, 2026, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month and July 29. Free lessons at 11:30am. Lunch (bring your own) and bridge talk at Noon. ACBL-sanctioned bridge game for $5.00 begins at 12:30pm.

For more details, contact Lou Slyker at 248-770-6152 or ljslyker@gmail.com

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

Free, peer-led mental health support groups: NAMI Family Support and NAMI Connection Group.

Both held Wednesdays, 12pm at Christ Church, 430 Fair St. (See website for zoom link)

Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm Online (see website for zoom link) and at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr.