Community Calendar

Something To Smile About: Mixed Media Paintings By Carol C Spaulding

Leelanau County artist Carol C Spaulding brings Something To Smile About, a small group of new mixed media paintings, to the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Lobby Gallery. The exhibition runs September 2 - December 17.

Working intuitively, Spaulding combines cut-paper collage with exuberant painting. She creates lively compositions in a bright, uplifting palette, full of expressive lines, inserting an array of delightful marks and icons. “I like to begin with an open mind and a playful attitude,” Spaulding said.

Something To Smile About may be viewed in the Lobby Gallery or online, GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.

The GAAC is open:
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
Saturday and Sunday, noon - 4 pm

Parkinson's Network North Support Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 1-3 pm, @ TC Presbyterian Church. We provide hopeful education, discussion, a bit of exercise and experience for both caregivers and people with Parkinson's. Please join us September 9th! We are stronger together!

The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2025 Small Works Holiday Exhibition is an annual showcase of 2D + 3D work that offers small, original art at affordable prices, $150 or less. The exhibition is November 5 – December 17, 2025, and features more than 100 works of art, 12” x 12” or smaller, by 19 artists working in glass, mixed media, collage, needlework, paper, paint, clay, and photography.

PREVIEW WEEK: Preview Week is November 5 - 13. Leisurely peruse the artwork online or in the Main Gallery. Small Works objects will be available for purchase at the Grateful Gathering on November 14, 6 - 8 pm. Artwork purchases continue through December 17.

GRATEFUL GATHERING: Enjoy holiday refreshments, and morsels while perusing the exhibit. In addition, the GAAC’s Art Wish List returns. Visitors can donate a wish to help with the GAAC’s year-round programming.

The 2025 Small Works exhibitors are: Michele Aucello, Sarah Bearup-Neal, Mark Bowyer, Mercedes Bowyer, Frank Clements, Lauren Everett Finn, John Huston, Claudia Keglovitz, Jessica Kovan, Cynthia Marks, Alice Moss, Nori Obata, Steb Prieto, Shana Robinson, Pam Spicer, Amy Stevens, Nina Tarr, and Judy Wieske.
View the Small Works exhibit online beginning November 5. For more information go to GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.

Stories and crafts for pre-schoolers on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month

“Christmas in Sweden: A Musical Lecture”
Presented by: Ingemar & Lisa Johansson
December 11, 2025, 4 pm*
The Mills Community House & ZOOM

Join the Benzie Area Historical Society for an afternoon lecture presented by Ingemar & Lisa Johansson on the Christmas season in Sweden, featuring music and stories of past and current celebrations.

Presenters: Ingemar & Lisa Johansson

Ingemar and Lisa Johansson live the good life in the rolling hills of Northern Michigan. They dwell in a rich wellspring of influence, soul, and sound craft with their music. They have toured widely as a duo and as Song of the Lakes members.

Ingemar writes his songs with the muse of the natural world in his pocket. His voice and strings, guitar, and Swedish nyckelharpa hold solid earth rhythms and melodies with an introspective and poetic verse. The interplay with Lisa's artistry on her flutes in the vein of baroque, blues, and rock with a twist of scandal-Celtic flair is savory and refined like a good Swedish aquavit.

This presentation is part of the Benzie Area Historical Society’s Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, held on the second Thursday of each month. Admission is by donation, with a recommended donation of $5.

To learn more about the December 11th lecture, visit the Benzie Area Historical Society’s website, benziemuseum.org, Instagram, or Facebook page; call the Museum at (231) 882-5539; or email info@benziemuseum.org.

A space for people to share and listen to stories from our lives based on a theme of the evening. Join Kingsley Branch Library & The Kingsley Folk School for a storytelling community circle. Inspired by NPR's The Moth storytelling hour, the Everyone Has a Story series welcomes you to share your personal stories with others to create connections in our community.

Presenters will be given 5 minutes to share stories from their lived experiences with an open-minded circle of fellow storytellers.

Every second Thursday of the month.

This event is FREE and open to the public of all ages.

Experience the Story of Christmas—from Creation to Bethlehem and beyond—during a 45-minute outdoor walking tour through the woods at New Hope Community Church.

Guided groups will encounter live actors, animals, and immersive scenes that bring the first Christmas to life.

Guests will witness Mary and Joseph’s journey, the shepherds’ awe as angels fill the night sky, the wise men on their pilgrimage, and a live nativity.

Please Note: This event is entirely outdoors. Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear.

Skip the big box stores and shop local this season! Discover one-of-a-kind art and gifts from Michigan artists at Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Holiday Art Market—where creativity meets holiday spirit.

From November 8 thru December 13, enjoy our indoor art market, holiday workshops, and two weekends of pop-up artist booths!

HOURS
Tuesday - Friday | 11am - 5pm
Saturday | 10am - 4pm

Brunch, music, games, cookie decorating, ornament craft and mini photo sessions with Santa!

Shady Lane Cellars is once again transforming its Suttons Bay estate into a festive winter escape. Now loading: Wine Wonderland returns from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to 9580 Shady Lane in Suttons Bay, Mich.

Guests of all ages are welcome to experience the wintry magic at the vineyard. Wine Wonderland brings out the best of the season. It’s a chance to sip mulled wine or craft a perfect mug of Hot Chocolate by a cozy fire. Warm up in an igloo. Take in live music or try your hand at candle making.

Setting the scene, Jazz Guitarist Randy Reszka will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guitarist Chris Smith will follow from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy Shady Lane Cellars’ award-winning estate wines in the tasting room or sample seasonal treats at the Hot Chocolate Bar and outdoor S’mores Station.

Those looking to get creative can join a Candle-Making Workshop with Local Candle Co. from noon to 2 p.m. inside the historic farmhouse. The hands-on workshop costs $60 and includes a glass of wine. This portion of the event is ticketed and includes all materials needed to make and take your own custom candle — the perfect holiday gift!

Those looking to hit the trails on the property are welcome to do so. Should enough snow fall prior to the event, Suttons Bay Bikes will provide convenient snowshoe rentals beginning at 2 p.m.

As always, the rest of Wine Wonderland is a free event. As it falls in the middle of the Giving Season, guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots of Northwest Michigan, serving Leelanau County. Each donation supports a local child in need.