Community Calendar

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.

Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Time: 1 pm–5 pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm (outside only)
Skill: All Skill Levels

Step into nature and rediscover your creative flow. Guided by artist and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Debby Singleton, participants will experience a four-hour sensory immersion around the beautiful environs of Thoreson Farm. Inspired by the research-based practice of forest bathing, this workshop invites you to slow down, walk mindfully, observe closely, and connect deeply with your surroundings. Through sketching, journaling, and creating with found natural materials and provided art supplies, you’ll explore how nature nurtures creativity and calm. The experience concludes with a peaceful tea ceremony, a moment to reflect and share. Join us to relax, connect, and let nature inspire your artistic spirit.

Objective: Creativity Enhancement, Personal Wellness

Outcome: Creation of Artwork, Inspiration and Creativity

Date: M/T/F September 7, 8, and 11, 2026
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: ALL

Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese pottery technique carved from a single clay block. The word means “carving out.” A solid block of clay is minimally shaped and then carved to create the interior and exterior spaces. Spontaneous and showing the marks of the making process, Kurinuki pots tend to be more alive and sculptural than other hand-building methods. An excellent clay experience for beginners, Kurinuki can also be satisfying for experienced clay artists. Some forms made using Kurinuki include yunomi (teacups), boxes, vases, and sippers. In addition, Kurinuki vessels often capture the essence of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, the beauty within imperfection. In this class, students will be guided in creating a vase and a small, lidded box.

NOTE: Finished pieces are normally ready for pick up within 2-4 weeks.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, 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.

Date: 4 Thursdays—September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 2026
Time: 2 pm–5 pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

Learn and practice wedging, centering, throwing, and trimming basic forms. Enjoy one-on-one interaction as you learn the skills needed to become comfortable working on the potter’s wheel. In addition, the class will include the basics of decorating, glazing, and firing finished work. The Open Studio option includes eight days of access plus one 25-lb bag of clay. More Information about Pottery Open can be found here: https://glenarborart.org/product/pottery-open-studio

NOTE: Finished pieces are normally ready for pick up within 2-4 weeks

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

Autumn Gratitude: A Creative Day for Reflection and Renewal
Carol Hohle
Saturday, September 12
10 am–3 pm
Thoreson
All Skill Levels
$65 member/ $ 75 nonmember

After the fullness of summer, step away to reflect and refresh with a new perspective on the gifts of the harvest season. In this workshop, participants will journal, immerse in nature and meaning-making, and leave with a foundation to be grateful for all that autumn has to offer.

Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 9 am–1 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: All

Capture your furry friend in watercolor! Learn to paint pets with personality—whether realistic or vivid and wild—while receiving guidance for individual success. In this fun, beginner-friendly class, students will explore value, color, and expressive techniques to bring their pet portraits to life. Through step-by-step demonstrations, students will be guided in using tools and techniques while providing hands-on support as they create their own artwork. Learning happens through doing, so students will be painting from the start. Leave with new watercolor skills and a one-of-a-kind portrait that reflects each pet’s unique personality.

Objective: Skill Development

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork