Oct 08 Thursday
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
Oct 10 Saturday
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026Time: 11:30 am–3:30 pmRegistration Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center ClassroomSkill: 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
Oct 12 Monday
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)
Oct 14 Wednesday
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.
Oct 15 Thursday
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026Time: 10 am–2 pm with lunch breakRegistration Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2026Location: Myles Kimmerly County ParkSkill: All
Paint “The most beautiful place in America” at the most beautiful time of the year. Painting is about color, and there is no better time than the fall to capture the colorful beauty of Sleeping Bear Country.
Objective: Creativity Enhancement
Outcome: Inspiration and Creativity
Creative Wellness Monthly GatheringFacilitators: Carol Hohle & Meridith Mulcahy
Time: 1:30 pm–3 pm
Registration Deadline: N/A
Location: Meet at the GAAC front desk, then follow the fun—we may head to locations like Pine Street Studio or Thoreson Farm Studio during the summer. (Reserve Pinestreet Classroom as permanent option)Skill: All Skill LevelsCost: $10 member/ $12 nonmemberMin/Max: N/ATime to Set Up: 15 minutesTime to Clean Up: 15 minutes
This group will gather once a month to share and learn more about the value of creativity in our daily lives. Over a warm mug of brewed tea/coffee (or ice tea/lemonade in the summer!), come connect with others, share ideas, find inspiration, and practical tips to lead a more creative and whole-hearted approach to life. Each month, in addition to checking in with one another, we will explore different practices (journaling, stitching, collaging, photography) that may pique your creative curiosity.
Each week the group will meet at the front desk of the Glen Arbor Art Center and will move to locations such as Pine Street Studio, the GAAC Classroom, the GAAC grove or Thoreson Farm.
Oct 16 Friday
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026Time: 10 am–4 pmRegistration Deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center ClassroomSkill Level: All
White-line woodcut, also known as the Provincetown print, is a distinctive printmaking method developed in the early 20th century in Massachusetts. Unlike traditional woodcuts that require multiple blocks for color, this technique uses just one block to create a multicolor image. Carved lines define shapes and remain white in the final print, while watercolor is brushed directly onto the block and transferred to paper. This process blends the structure of carving with the expressive qualities of painting, producing vibrant, one-of-a-kind impressions. In this class, participants will learn how to design, carve, and register a block, apply watercolor to create luminous effects, and experiment with layering color. The method offers both precision and spontaneity, making it accessible to beginners while engaging for experienced artists. Students will leave with unique prints and the skills to continue exploring this painterly form of printmaking.
Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome: Improved Technique, Inspiration and Creativity
Oct 19 Monday
Oct 21 Wednesday