Almanac

It's a colorful Storytime Adventure with MSU Extension here at the library with a vibrant storytime featuring a colorful tale, a tasty rainbow-inspired snack, and a chance to create your very own paper journal. It's a hands-on, heart-full experience where little ones can read, snack, and craft their way through a world of color. Perfect for all of our summer readers!

Date: Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time: 12:30 pm–3:30 pm
Registration Deadline: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Location: GAAC
Ages: 6–12
This workshop delves into the world of block printing, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature. Students will explore and create printmaking. They will discover the fascinating history of Japanese block printing. They will gain foundational knowledge of art composition for an impactful design. Students will transform their nature sketches into a hand-carved block made from natural materials (styrofoam, corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, etc.).

Final class project would consist of a vibrant colored, printing of their own unique art piece.

Date: Saturday, June 28
Time: 10 am–3 pm with 1-hour lunch break
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 26, 2025
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom

Have you been wanting to create your own needlepoint designs? Not sure where to start? When she began to learn needlepoint, Mercedes threw out the rule book and created her own process. In this class, she will provide an overview of her process of creating original works. From setting up the canvas, composition, various traditional stitches, thread and color selection, and how to think outside the box.

Students will leave class with their own work on an 8×8 piece of mesh canvas, stretcher bars and tacks, take-home stitch handouts, and a list of resources to keep the creativity flowing!

There will be an hour lunch break to enjoy a sack lunch with your fellow stitchers, stretch your legs, or stroll the gallery and grounds.
Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate
Objectives

Creativity Enhancement, Personal Growth
Outcome

Creation of Artwork, Development of Personal Style

Starting at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater and walking to the Sable River Trail.

Experience fishing the Big Sable River at Ludington State Park. Come and learn a new skill, spend some time relaxing along the river and maybe even catch a fish or two.

Bringing a pole is encouraged but limited poles will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. All bait will be provided.

*All fishing participants 17 years of age or older will require a Michigan Fishing Liscense

Cancellation of this event will be announced two hours prior to the scheduled start time. Cancellations may be made for poor weather conditions and/or safety concerns. Cancellations will be announced through the “Ludington
State Park” Facebook page and website or will be announced on the Ludington State Park’s answering machine (231) 843-2423 ext 1.

Take a thought-provoking journey through the pages of Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit, an acclaimed writer, historian, and activist. As part of the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Walking exhibition (April 1 – May 29, 2025), this facilitated discussion will invite you to explore Solnit’s fascinating perspectives that connect the act of walking to a wide range of social, cultural, and physical touch points.

Join GAAC’s Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal for four lively conversations that delve into the history and meaning of walking. Wanderlust focuses on the walkers whose everyday and extreme acts have shaped our culture, from philosophers to poets to mountaineers. The author of more than 20 books, Solnit is a regular contributor to The Guardian and one of today’s most thought-provoking voices.
Discussion Schedule

April 6: The Pace of Thoughts (Pages 3–78)
April 20: From the Gardens to the Wild (Pages 79–168)
May 4: Lives of the Streets (Pages 169–246)
May 25: Past the End of the Road (Pages 247–291)

How to Participate

Register by April 2. This event is free, but space is limited!
Participants are responsible for securing their own copy of Wanderlust. Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor offers discussion group members a 15% discount. Pre-order required. Call 231-334-4223 to order your copy.
Read ahead to prepare for each session and get ready to share your thoughts.

Skill Level

All
Objective

To explore the theme of the GAAC’s Walking exhibit from other creative disciplines and avenues.
Outcome

An opportunity to sharpen critical thinking skills, and expand one’s thinking about the act of walking.

Image: Wanderlust front cover

DIY craft - pressed flower votive candle holder. RSVP required.

Celebrate Independence Day with a fun and festive parent/adult and child ceramics workshop at Thoreson Farm. Together, you’ll create one or two mugs with an Americana theme, perfect for the summer season. In this hands-on class, adults and children will learn basic ceramics techniques to shape and design functional, one-of-a-kind mugs. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll decorate your creations with Independence Day-inspired colors and patterns using a variety of surface treatments, making each mug uniquely yours. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.

All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. After kiln firing, your mugs will be available for pick up at a later date.

Creating art and contributing to the community for over 40 years.

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.

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.