Community Calendar

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 9:30 am–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm (outside only)

Do you want your plein air paintings to look more lively and intriguing? In this workshop, learn how to infuse your plein air paintings with brushstrokes, texture, and light. We will begin by examining brushstrokes made by impressionist painters, the likes of Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Norwegian-American Jonas Lie. Students will explore brushstrokes in terms of size, direction, thickness, and speed. Learn how to manipulate the elements of the brushstroke to get unique effects in painting. In this workshop, students will understand how brushstrokes are used to convey color, contour of objects, and texture. In addition, students will also be introduced to the idea of broken color and color transference that happen with elements in the landscape.

Step back in time at the 1842 Dougherty Mission House built by Chief Agosa, the Odawa and Ojibwe people and Rev. Peter Dougherty. Explore life from 1842 to 1917 through the house, outbuildings and demonstration garden.

See unusual pure American chestnut trees. Docent led tours Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11am to 4pm. Discover the Mission House that gave Old Mission Peninsula its name.

Tours:
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $5 adults
(12 and under free)

It doesn’t get better than that, so purchase a ticket and show up on Saturday, August 15 for the 17th Annual Suds on the Shore Craft Beer + Wine Festival.

It’s a good time. We promise.

Suds on the Shore features 60 brewers from across Michigan.(goes to new website) All proceeds benefit United Way of Mason County.

Come hang out with us for live music. We'll be serving wine, seasonal cocktails, cider, coffee, and tapas-style small plates to share. Bring your crew or show up solo — Dune Bird is that kind of place.

This is a free event — no reservation required. Seating is first come, first served.

Please check our social media for the most up-to-date event information.

In memory of Joe and Jane Muer, this giant community collage with over 200 canvases, created by local artists, is on display beginning June 6th. Each piece is priced at $40.00 with all proceeds benefiting programming at the Oliver Art Center.

Summer Hours:
June 1 – September 30:
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm

HOWL’s Forest Adventures Camp takes place at the amazing Camp Greilick, where young explorers get to venture into the woods and discover the exciting world of nature! Campers will learn to track wildlife, following the clues and footprints left behind by forest animals. And of course, there’s plenty of hiking through Camp Greilick’s amazing trails to keep adventurers on the move. Forest Adventures Camp is the perfect place for curious kids who are ready to explore, discover, and have a wild time in the great outdoors!

HOWL’s Wild About Nature Summer Camp is the ultimate outdoor adventure for young nature lovers! At HOWL, children enjoy the wonders of the natural world through hands-on exploration and discovery. From hiking forest trails and tracking wildlife to learning the ways of water and connecting with the earth, every day is a new adventure. Kids will unleash their creativity through nature journaling and nature art, play exciting group games, and build lifelong skills and friendships along the way. Whether your child is a budding naturalist or just loves being outside, HOWL’s Wild About Nature Summer Camp is the perfect place to explore, create, and grow — all while falling in love with the great outdoors!

Camp dates are August 17th-20th.

Register Online- Call or Email for questions.
Discounts for Siblings and Early Bird Pay by July 1!

Date: M/T/F August 17, 18, and 21, 2026
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: All Skill Levels (students ages 16 and up are welcome)

Learn to use the clay extruder to produce forms that can be altered, joined, or carved to create one-of-a-kind pieces, such as vases, boxes, and other functional or sculptural work. Demos and examples of other potters’ work will be used to inform and inspire your studio work.

NOTE: Finished pieces are normally ready for pick up within 2-4 weeks.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

Come have fun with us at French Valley! Enjoy live music, locally crafted drinks, kid-friendly options, and tasty snacks for the whole family.

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)

Come to the museum and join an informal tour of our current exhibitions with one of our docents.

Tours are free with museum admission and will begin at 12:00 PM. Please meet by the front desk a few minutes before the tour begins.