Community Calendar

What’s the backstory on some of the artwork created for the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s American Tree exhibit? Four artists represented in this show will talk about the inspiration behind, and creation of, their work on July 25, 11 am in the GAAC’s Main Gallery.

American Tree explores the role trees played in the formation of the United States 250 years ago — and the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. Featured exhibitors in this discussion are Carolyn Swift, Best of Show; Royce Deans and Lisa Yontz, Merit Award winners; and Rebecca Robbe. Each artist approached the show’s theme from different thematic avenues, materials and processes: printmaking, collage, mixed media and painting. These artists will discuss how they developed the ideas that became their American Tree entries; and how themed exhibits inspire or impede creativity.

The American Tree exhibit may be viewed in the GAAC Main Gallery, or online: https://glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-american-tree/ The July 25 program is open to the public without charge.

Join a conversational tour of the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s current exhibits on July 25, 1 pm.

GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads a Walk + Talk of "American Tree," and "Poetic Visions Of Port Oneida: Painting And Poems That Reimagine."

Two forest stewards bring to life the world of Northern Michigan’s woodland 250 years before -- at the time of the nation’s founding -- and after. Woodland Home: A History Of A Place takes place at the Glen Arbor Arts Center on August 1, 11 am, with Dave Fenlon, Interpretive Park Ranger with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; and Mae Wright, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. The program is free, and is offered as part of the GAAC’s American Tree exhibit.

The woods and forests of Leelanau County were here before Leelanau County was officially declared a place on the map. They are as iconic as Art’s Bar and the Sleeping Bear Dunes Dune Climb. But like so many familiar things, it’s easy to forget their histories. Fenlon and Wright will explore the woods’ history -- who called them home, what was the life of the forest like before European contact -- and speculate what lies ahead in the next 250 years for these woodlands.

American Tree features the work of 28 visual artists. The exhibit examines the role trees played in the formation of the United States, and the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. It is on view June 5 - August 13 in the GAAC’s Main Gallery. For more information go to GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.

Emily Umbarger, Sustainability Director and Instructor of Agricultural Sciences at Interlochen Center for the Arts, will discuss the diverse pollinators of Northern Michigan and their essential roles in local ecosystems. Emphasizing native plants, we examine the species that have co-evolved with them revealing intricate relationships shaped over time.

To join by Zoom, join our mailing list to automatically receive Zoom links for all programs. Go to Plantitwild.net.

Creative Wellness Monthly Gathering
Facilitators: 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 Levels
Cost: $10 member/ $12 nonmember
Min/Max: N/A
Time to Set Up: 15 minutes
Time 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.

Plant It Wild hosts a panel discussion covering lawn regulations in municipalities, Home Owner Associations, and Condo Associations. How can the rules be changed to encourage native plant habitats to expand in our communities. Bring your questions, ideas, and successes!

To join on Zoom, go to Plantitwild.net and join the mailing list.

Creative Wellness Monthly Gathering
Facilitators: 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 Levels
Cost: $10 member/ $12 nonmember
Min/Max: N/A
Time to Set Up: 15 minutes
Time 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.

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

Creative Wellness Monthly Gathering
Facilitators: 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 Levels
Cost: $10 member/ $12 nonmember
Min/Max: N/A
Time to Set Up: 15 minutes
Time 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.

Creative Wellness Monthly Gathering
Facilitators: 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 Levels
Cost: $10 member/ $12 nonmember
Min/Max: N/A
Time to Set Up: 15 minutes
Time 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.