Community Calendar

CERAMICS - SLAB PLATTERS
2-Part Class with Bethany Newman
APRIL 14 & 21, 2026
Tuesday & Thursday
6 - 8pm each day
REGISTER BY: April 11th
CLASS FEE: $75, or $67.50 for members​
FORMAT: in-person

Join instructor Bethany Newman for this platter-making adventure! Students will have the opportunity to learn how to use a slab roller and various forms to create a hand-built slab platter. Day 1 will be the making of the platters, and then they will be bisque-fired by the instructor, then ready for glazing on Day 2.

If you have a platter or form you enjoy, feel free to bring it to use in class!

All supplies are provided.

Come visit Alden District Library and see Barb VanPelt’s collection of bunny rabbit figures & figurines.

The display can be viewed during normal library hours. Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:30a-5p, Tue 9:30a-6p, Sat 9:30a-2p.

The library is located at 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318. Free Event.

WATERCOLOR & INK
Workshop
APRIL 15 , 2026
Wednesday
10am - 1pm

REGISTER BY: April 10th
CLASS FEE: $40, or $36 for members​
FORMAT: in-person

​Join us for a captivating Watercolor & Ink Abstract Painting class where creativity knows no bounds! In this hands-on workshop, you'll enter the vibrant world of abstract art, experimenting with watercolors & ink pens to create stunning pieces. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, our experienced instructor will guide you through techniques and inspire your imagination Embrace the joy of self-expression and discover your unique artistic style in a fun and supportive environment!

With local artist & instructor Patty Clark.
For beginners & dabblers to experienced.

Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies such as brushes and fine line Sharpie pens.

Instructor will provide paints, paper, extra brushes, tools and pens.

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.

It's our last show of this mainstage season! Join us on Weds, Apr 15, as we close out our "all Bowie songs" season with an evening where storytellers tell true, first-person stories about a time in their lives that they confronted the wild, wacky, inexplicable, and absurd.

Doors open at 6:30pm // Stories begin at 7:00pm. $15 at door. There is free parking available in the Government Center parking lot.

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help artists prepare both themselves and their artwork for gallery opportunities. This session focuses on the practical foundations that support successful exhibitions and ongoing relationships with galleries.

Topics of discussion will be plans for upcoming programs, book sales and volunteer opportunities. Anyone interested in supporting the library is always welcome.

9:30am social time & 10am meeting held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. 231-331-4318.

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.

Old Heart 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Traverse City screenings are free to students and veterans with current i.d. Both shows include a conversation with Co-Director Kirk Wahamaki, Producer/Screenwriter Roger Rapoport and costar Martha Kallenbach.

Adapted from the beloved Peter Ferry novel, this feature drama tells the story of Private Tom Johnson, a World War 2 vet who ditches his family’s plan to move him into assisted living. Instead he flies back to the Netherlands 60 years after the war with his family in hot pursuit. Now 85, he is determined to reconnect with the love of his life, Sarah van Praag, a Dutch Jewish translator he worked with on a humanitarian relief program during the Hunger Winter of 1944-45.

Filmed in West Michigan and the Netherlands this feature also tells the little known story of the Red Ball Express, the only integrated American military team serving during World War 2.

The novel Old Heart is available at Horizon Books. This event is sponsored by the Carlton and Rondi Fry trust

Details at oldheartmovie.com
Contact rogerdrapoport@me.com or (231) 720-0930.