Almanac

CERAMICS: PINCH POT MAKING
MAY 20 & 27 2025.
TUESDAYS, 6 - 9pm

REGISTER BY: May 19th

CLASS FEE: $75, or $67.50 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

Have you ever wanted learn the basics of ceramics? In this beginner class you will be able to get your hands in the clay and build a vessel from start to finish - including glazing!

With instructor Bethany Newman, participants will have the opportunity to learn basic skills & principles of working with clay, hand building, adding texture, and of course glazing!

Students will be able to pick up their finished piece, complete with clear coat.

This class is open to ages 12 and above.

All materials included.

Photographer Robert Beras is an urban dream catcher. On May 29 he’ll discuss the rural and woodland dreams he captured with his camera during his May artist’s residency with the Glen Arbor Arts Center. The program begins at 10. Beras will share work and stories. The program is open to the public at no charge.

“My goal for this artist residency is to gather images for my Dream Series, expanding beyond Detroit's urban and industrial landscapes,” said the Lathrup Village, Michigan, resident. “I aim to explore new environments that push the series in fresh directions. The residency will also provide dedicated time to develop my minimalist work, focusing on in-camera techniques — strong composition, exposure, and a heightened awareness of light and shadow — without reliance on digital manipulation.”

The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Contact:
Scott Bouma

Executive Director

Glen Arbor Arts Center

231 2334-6112

director@glenarborart.org

PASTEL 3-DAY CLASS SERIES:
Hard & Soft Pastels
JUNE 2, 4 & 6, 2025
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
1 - 3pm each day

REGISTER BY: May 30

CLASS FEE: $225, or $202.50 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

With northern Michigan artist Steve Seebohm!
Steve is excited to offer this workshop in the use of hard & soft pastels in drawing and painting. He will provide a variety of local & regional photos for students to work with in exploring the spontaneity, vibrancy and limitations of working with pastels, and the variety of surfaces available for creating your own personal piece.

For three afternoons you will learn the difference between hard and soft pastels, which surfaces are most appropriate for this medium, layering and blending to produce a variety of effects, minimizing the use of white and black for richer paintings, and which fixatives are best for securing your artwork for years to come.

Whether you’re interested in producing a popular landscape, a fantasy piece or something more abstract, experimentation with this medium is encouraged for those who might desire a fun, creative outlet and wonderful means for producing art!

Individuals of all levels are welcome.

All materials provided.

DRAWING SKILLS:
Shape, Shadow, Contour & Gesture
JUNE 3, 4 & 5, 2025
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
9am - 12pm each day

REGISTER BY: May 30

CLASS FEE: $250, or $225 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

In this engaging and accessible class, you will explore four fundamental drawing techniques to
enhance your sketching abilities. The focus will be on graphite drawing, emphasizing the
importance of observing shapes and shadows. Using reference materials, we will analyze the
shapes present in a still life and practice pencil positioning and fluid movements. Learning the art
of shadow and light will give dimensions to shapes. The second day will be dedicated to honing
your skills in observing details through blind contour drawing and perfecting loose sketching
movements with gestural lines. These techniques are essential for working with figures. This class
is designed for novice artists seeking to learn and improve their drawing skills. We will include
engaging demonstrations, individual coaching, and a fun learning environment.

​

SUPPLY LIST

2B Pencil
Vine charcoal
HB Pencil
9X12 Pad of Drawing Paper

DRAWING SKILLS:
Shape, Shadow, Contour & Gesture
JUNE 3, 4 & 5, 2025
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
9am - 12pm each day

REGISTER BY: May 30

CLASS FEE: $250, or $225 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

In this engaging and accessible class, you will explore four fundamental drawing techniques to
enhance your sketching abilities. The focus will be on graphite drawing, emphasizing the
importance of observing shapes and shadows. Using reference materials, we will analyze the
shapes present in a still life and practice pencil positioning and fluid movements. Learning the art
of shadow and light will give dimensions to shapes. The second day will be dedicated to honing
your skills in observing details through blind contour drawing and perfecting loose sketching
movements with gestural lines. These techniques are essential for working with figures. This class
is designed for novice artists seeking to learn and improve their drawing skills. We will include
engaging demonstrations, individual coaching, and a fun learning environment.

​

SUPPLY LIST

2B Pencil
Vine charcoal
HB Pencil
9X12 Pad of Drawing Paper

DRAWING SKILLS:
Shape, Shadow, Contour & Gesture
JUNE 3, 4 & 5, 2025
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
9am - 12pm each day

REGISTER BY: May 30

CLASS FEE: $250, or $225 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

In this engaging and accessible class, you will explore four fundamental drawing techniques to
enhance your sketching abilities. The focus will be on graphite drawing, emphasizing the
importance of observing shapes and shadows. Using reference materials, we will analyze the
shapes present in a still life and practice pencil positioning and fluid movements. Learning the art
of shadow and light will give dimensions to shapes. The second day will be dedicated to honing
your skills in observing details through blind contour drawing and perfecting loose sketching
movements with gestural lines. These techniques are essential for working with figures. This class
is designed for novice artists seeking to learn and improve their drawing skills. We will include
engaging demonstrations, individual coaching, and a fun learning environment.

​

SUPPLY LIST

2B Pencil
Vine charcoal
HB Pencil
9X12 Pad of Drawing Paper

In the ekphrastic tradition, writers not only describe visual art but also think about where visual art takes them emotionally and artistically. In conjunction with the gallery exhibition “Members Create”, we’ll allow ourselves to write about art and translate art practices to writing practices. A colorful painting can prompt equally vivid writing, even when the written work departs from a simple description of the original. Likewise, an abstract sculpture might prompt more disjunctive writing; a handmade quilt might serve as a reminder of the handmade-ness of writing or of our own memories of traditional arts. There are so many ways the arts speak to and inspire one another. We’ll explore as many ways as possible with sample texts and time to explore the gallery, write, and share.
Skill Level

All
Objective

Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome

Creation of Artwork, Inspiration and Creativity

PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING:
Lily Pond

JUNE 21, 2025
SATURDAY
10am - 3pm

REGISTER BY: June 17

CLASS FEE: $125, or $112.50 for members​

FORMAT: in-person

Expressing nature through palette knife painting can be an exhilarating experience. In this
workshop, you will gain knowledge of the palette knife techniques using heavy-bodied acrylics. We
will start by creating a deep, smooth, and moody underpainting on an 18" x 24" canvas using a
large brush and feathering method. This will serve as an ideal contrast to the bold lily pads and
surface waters that we will paint using the palette knife. Finally, we will add the finishing touches of
thick impasto flowers. As your painting will still be wet, bringing a box for safe transportation is
recommended.

​

SUPPLY LIST

A variety of Acrylic Paints - I use Golden acrylics: White, Payne’s Grey, Cad Yellow, Med, Cerulean Blue, Magenta, Ultramarine Blue, Black, Quinacridone Gold, light purple.
Various Acrylic Brushes; be sure to have a 1” flat.
18”x 24” Canvas
Palette paper
Spray bottle

EXHIBIT RUNS: June 27 - August 30, 2025
M-F 11-4, Sa 11-3

RECEPTION DATE: TBD

Our 6th annual salon-style exhibit showcasing regionally inspired work by local & area artists. Join us this summer as our exhibit gallery turns sales gallery! We are delighted to offer a collection of our very own local northern Michigan artists.

Support Local Art!

Come enjoy our 31st Annual Arts and Crafts Shows, located in the heart of the Village of Elk Rapids on River Street. Our shows feature 60+ artisans and crafters.  The show features art and homemade items in many areas including coastal art, home decor, jewelry, ceramics, woodcrafts, photography, skincare products, candles, soups, apparel, specialty food and much more.