Community Calendar

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.

Public art is one of the most visible expressions of a community’s identity—but the work behind it can feel surprisingly isolated. This Caffeinated Conversation brings together arts commissioners, arts councils, municipal leaders, and public art advocates for a candid exchange of ideas, challenges, and opportunities.

Facilitated by Caitlin Early, the session will explore how public art takes shape across different communities—from murals and installations to policy, partnerships, and planning. What’s working? Where are the sticking points? How do we advocate for public art as essential infrastructure?

This is a peer-driven discussion, not a presentation. Expect practical insight, honest conversation, and the chance to connect with others doing similar work across the region.

Facilitator: Caitlin Early
Caitlin Early (she/her) is the Campaign & Development Officer at TART Trails, and is the curator of their trailside public art program Art on the TART. She also serves on the Traverse City Arts Commission.

Audience: Who is this for? This session is designed for:

Art & culture professionals / administrators
Arts councils / commissions
Public art advocates

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.

Too much to do and too little time? You are not alone! Join us for this interactive workshop to explore tools and strategies to help your organization tighten its strategy and focus on what is most important. Learn how to identify what matters most, align your Board and staff around your top priorities, and develop a strategic screen to stay on track. Explore how to reduce mission drift, increase community impact, and prevent employee burnout and turnover.

Facilitator: Colleen Masterson-Bzdok
Colleen Masterson-Bzdok has over 20 years of experience working with northern Michigan nonprofits as a staff member, board member, volunteer, funder and consultant. She is passionate about helping leaders and organizations improve their culture, align their work around what is most important and maximize their impact in the communities they serve.

Audience: Who is this for? This session is designed for:

Art & culture administrators

Must register for event. Not a member - join at https://nwmiarts.org/members/become-a-member.html

Date: Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–3:30 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

If you’ve ever picked up a maple leaf in awe of October color, you belong here. This workshop offers classical botanical illustration studies in a fun group setting. Learn about drawing techniques like mark-making and practice working with a nib pen to give your drawing character and style. Working from real leaves, mix colors and practice techniques to achieve colors that deliver autumn’s joy. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have at least two leaf studies and newfound confidence to take your illustration and watercolor skills to the next level. Expect plenty of demos, time to explore and practice techniques, and a fun group environment that will send you home feeling inspired and encouraged.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

Date: Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–3:30 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

If you’ve ever picked up a maple leaf in awe of October color, you belong here. This workshop offers classical botanical illustration studies in a fun group setting. Learn about drawing techniques like mark-making and practice working with a nib pen to give your drawing character and style. Working from real leaves, mix colors and practice techniques to achieve colors that deliver autumn’s joy. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have at least two leaf studies and newfound confidence to take your illustration and watercolor skills to the next level. Expect plenty of demos, time to explore and practice techniques, and a fun group environment that will send you home feeling inspired and encouraged.

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)

Torch Area Artisans Guild (TAAG) meets every Tuesday from 10am-12pm. We have been creating art and contributing to our community for over 40 years. We are quilters, embroiderers, knitters, weavers, painters, potters, jewelers, and more; all artists welcome!

Newcomers are invited to visit our meetings. Contact us by email at taartisansguild@gmail.com, or view our page at www.facebook.com/TorchAreaArtisansGuild.

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