Community Calendar

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)

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.

Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Time: 1 pm–5 pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm (outside only)
Skill: All Skill Levels

Step into nature and rediscover your creative flow. Guided by artist and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Debby Singleton, participants will experience a four-hour sensory immersion around the beautiful environs of Thoreson Farm. Inspired by the research-based practice of forest bathing, this workshop invites you to slow down, walk mindfully, observe closely, and connect deeply with your surroundings. Through sketching, journaling, and creating with found natural materials and provided art supplies, you’ll explore how nature nurtures creativity and calm. The experience concludes with a peaceful tea ceremony, a moment to reflect and share. Join us to relax, connect, and let nature inspire your artistic spirit.

Objective: Creativity Enhancement, Personal Wellness

Outcome: Creation of Artwork, Inspiration and Creativity

Date: M/T/F September 7, 8, and 11, 2026
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: ALL

Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese pottery technique carved from a single clay block. The word means “carving out.” A solid block of clay is minimally shaped and then carved to create the interior and exterior spaces. Spontaneous and showing the marks of the making process, Kurinuki pots tend to be more alive and sculptural than other hand-building methods. An excellent clay experience for beginners, Kurinuki can also be satisfying for experienced clay artists. Some forms made using Kurinuki include yunomi (teacups), boxes, vases, and sippers. In addition, Kurinuki vessels often capture the essence of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, the beauty within imperfection. In this class, students will be guided in creating a vase and a small, lidded box.

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)

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.

Date: 4 Thursdays—September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 2026
Time: 2 pm–5 pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: Beginner to Intermediate

Learn and practice wedging, centering, throwing, and trimming basic forms. Enjoy one-on-one interaction as you learn the skills needed to become comfortable working on the potter’s wheel. In addition, the class will include the basics of decorating, glazing, and firing finished work. The Open Studio option includes eight days of access plus one 25-lb bag of clay. More Information about Pottery Open can be found here: https://glenarborart.org/product/pottery-open-studio

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

Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement

Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork