Community Calendar

Date: M/T/F August 10, 11, and 14, 2026
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: Intermediate to Advanced

Learn to throw pots with lids and perfect your handle-making skills. In this class, we will learn to throw small lids off the hump and practice several handle techniques.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

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)

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 10 am–2:30 pm with lunch break
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: Beginner

This beginner-friendly class is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of gouache painting. Whether you’re completely new to painting or looking to add a new medium to your toolkit, Claudia will guide you through the techniques, tools, and creative possibilities of gouache. Gouache (pronounced “gwash”) is an opaque water-based paint that combines the versatility of watercolor with the vibrancy and opacity of acrylic. Fine artists and illustrators love gouache for its smooth matte finish, ability to be reworked, and bold colors.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Better Comprehension of Tools and Materials

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.

Join The Kingsley Folk School at Kingsley Branch Library for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle. Inspired by NPR’s The Moth, the Everyone Has a Story series invites you to simply show up and share—no scripts, no pressure. Just real moments from your life, told in the moment.

Together, we’ll listen, laugh, reflect, and connect with neighbors through the power of spontaneous storytelling.

Participants are welcome to speak for up to 5 minutes, or simply come to enjoy the stories and the sense of community.

This gathering happens on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Kingsley Branch Library.

Event is free and open to all, with no registration required.

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please call the Library at 231-263-5484 or follow us on Facebook.

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.

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.

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

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)