Community Calendar

Date: Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 9 am–1 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: All

This classic set of just four colors—vermilion, yellow ochre, black, and white—unlocks a surprisingly rich and expressive range. Named after Swedish painter Anders Zorn, the palette is renowned for its ability to evoke mood and atmosphere.

This workshop begins with hands-on exercises in color mixing, value, and theory, designed to deepen your understanding of this elegant palette. Then, you’ll apply what you’ve learned through guided painting projects using landscape and still life imagery provided by the instructor. Along the way, we’ll discuss mark-making, composition, and when and how to thoughtfully expand the palette. All work will take place in the studio.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

This classic set of just four colors—vermilion, yellow ochre, black, and white—unlocks a surprisingly rich and expressive range. Named after Swedish painter Anders Zorn, the palette is renowned for its ability to evoke mood and atmosphere.

This workshop begins with hands-on exercises in color mixing, value, and theory, designed to deepen your understanding of this elegant palette. Then, you’ll apply what you’ve learned through guided painting projects using landscape and still life imagery provided by the instructor. Along the way, we’ll discuss mark-making, composition, and when and how to thoughtfully expand the palette. All work will take place in the studio.

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 in the fun at Traverse City Trails Festival with your smallest rider on their balance bike!

Registration is FREE!

All participants receive a medal, a bike number plate, and more!

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center
Skill: All Skill Levels

Color isn’t just for painters—poets use it to create vivid, memorable imagery and powerful metaphors. In this workshop, we’ll read poems that showcase the art of description through color, inspiring you to see the world with fresh eyes. You’ll write to focused prompts, share your work, and receive supportive feedback. By the end, you’ll leave with one or more original poems and strategies to infuse your writing with imagination, insight, and deeper emotional resonance. This class is perfect for poets of all levels seeking to enrich their craft and spark creativity.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome: Creation of Artwork, Inspiration and Creativity

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: drop-in
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: All
Cost: Free

Join us for a free, hands-on clay experience during Creative Wellness Month. In this drop-in activity, you’ll shape and decorate small, smooth clay stones—sometimes known as “worry stones”—that fit in the palm of your hand.

Traditionally used as tools for comfort and focus, these stones can also serve as personal touchstones: gentle reminders of calm, intention, or strength. You’ll have the chance to personalize yours with text imprints that hold meaning for you.

No experience needed. All ages welcome. Stay for a few minutes or longer—this is a relaxed, come-as-you-are opportunity to explore the grounding power of clay.

All materials provided. Final products will be available for later pickup after firing.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork

Date: Monday – Wednesday, September 28-30, 2026
Time: 10 am–1 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

This introductory course will teach participants how to write a vignette. Each session will be interactive, as part of a roundtable format. Participants will take part in verbal warmups to create dialogue and shape the writing group, explore brainstorming techniques, craft rough drafts, and learn how to refine and write vignettes in final form.

Vignettes are snapshots of a moment in time, flashes of memories, glimpses of an episode in your life. A series of vignettes, sequenced together, can become a memoir about an important period in your life. Vignettes are not short stories – they have no plot. They are not meant to be essays.

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Development of Personal Style, Inspiration and Creativity

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)

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)