Community Calendar

Please join Bridge Michigan at the inaugural Issues Summit. The half-day, statewide convening will bring together residents, civic leaders, policymakers and subject-matter experts for in-depth, journalist-led conversations about the issues shaping Michigan’s future.

Panels will draw from Bridge Michigan’s yearlong reporting initiative, Bridge Listens, and will be moderated by Bridge Michigan reporters, diving deep into top reporting areas. Topics will include health, education, the environment and the economy/affordability.

Veteran Detroit broadcast journalist Devin Scillian will be the event’s emcee. Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Henderson will moderate discussions on the Michigan gubernatorial and Senate races. Panelists will include top minds from throughout the state.

The Summit takes place Oct. 21 at Marygrove Conservancy in Detroit, with free in-person and virtual attendance options. Check-in opens at noon, followed by the program from 1-5:30 p.m. and a happy hour and networking reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

In-person seats are gone, but there’s still plenty of room to watch virtually. Register for the free livestream here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridge-michigan-issues-summit-tickets-1992789643468?aff=oddtdtcreator

“Universal Health Care – What is It? What does it mean for me?” is the topic of the next public forum planned by the League of Women Voters of Northern Lower Michigan (LWVNLM). It will be held Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Charlevoix Public Library conference room. Participants can attend either in person at the library or by Zoom.
Speakers are: Laura Ford, PhD, RN, CNP, Professional Senior Instructor at Western Michigan University; and William Wadland, MD, MS, Professor Emeritus Past Chair Department of Family Medicine Michigan State University Associate Dean.
Register for the forum at https://www.lwvnlm.org/october-2026-forum.

This is the second course of four in the Fundamentals of Drawing series with award-winning artist and instructor Julie Tyslicky. This course will build upon the skills learned in course 1 to further advance your technical art skills. Participants will learn how to utilize tools to sharpen their skills in drawing. You will learn more about observation with site measuring. Students will also learn technical skills in using grids, their many uses as a tool, and how it assists in portrait drawing, as well as one & two-point perspective drawing.

Fundamentals of Drawing 1 is required before taking Fundamentals of Drawing 2.

This 12-week course will be held 6-9 pm, Wednesday, September 16-December 2, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: Adults only

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

The SVSU Choirs, conducted by Dr. Leticia Grutzmann, will be joined by Major Chords for Minors Music School to perform a pop/rock classics from ABBA, Queen, Rolling Stores, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Mammas and the Papas, Extreme, Toto, Bee Gees, The Beach Boys, Kansas, and Bon Jovi.

Reinterpret Van Gogh’s oil painting Flying Fox this spooky season with instructor Cheryl Meyer. This painting, originally painted from a taxidermy specimen, will be recreated in watercolor. Capture his impressionist style of painting with thoughtful layering and mark-making, allowing the backlighting on the specimen to glow and the moody background to ground this reinterpretation of his work. All levels of experience are welcome.

This workshop will be held 3-5:30 pm, Thursday, October 22, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

Thursdays / 4:15 - 5:30 pm / $17.50 per class, or $150 for 10 class pass
Sept 10 - Dec 17 (no class 11/26)

Each week provides a unique creative experience for all children ages 7 - 13. We make our own unique art as we learn about artists and their techniques. Experiences include visual arts, culinary arts, movement and music, theater, and writing with a caring group of expert instructors who love to teach. Seats are limited, please pre-register or call ahead if you are a pass holder, to ensure a seat!

9/10 - 3D Pop-Out Explosion Books
9/17 - Flapping Cardboard Friends
9/24 - Moving Picture Frames
10/1 - Whimsical Animal Collages (inspired by artist Louis Wain)
10/8 - Silly Stuffed Glove Monsters
10/15 - Spooky 3D Monster Eyes
10/22 - Haunted Houses, Secret Doors
10/29 - Masquerade Horror Masks
11/05 - Clay Fish Bones (Part 1 of 2 week project - Must attend both weeks to finish project)
11/12 - Golden Self Portraits (inspired by artist Gustav Klimt)
11/19 - Clay Fish Bones (Part 2 of 2 week project - Must attend both weeks to finish project)
11/26 - NO CLASS (Thanksgiving)
12/3 - Foldable Playscapes (Part 1 of 2 week project - Should attend both weeks to finish project)
12/10 - Foldable Playscapes (Part 2 of 2 week project - Should attend both weeks to finish project)
12/17 - Wild Tools Unconventional Painting (inspired by Vincent Van Gogh)

What's included
Materials and fun included.

Join the Home Builders Association of the Great Lakes Bay Region for the 5th Annual Flannel & Camo Fest Sportsman's Banquet, presented by AIS Construction Equipment.

This sportsman's banquet raises funds for skilled trades education in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The evening includes dinner, drinks, entertainment, raffles, auctions, and prizes. Prizes include hunting, fishing, and outdoor items, tools, sporting events, and more. Dress in your best flannel and camo.

Tickets include dinner and drinks:
• Individual ticket: $85
• Couples ticket: $160
• VIP table of 8: $1,000

Hosted by the HBAGLBR Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting building trades education through mentorship, hands-on experiences, curriculum, and more.

Event details: https://hbaglbr.org/flannel-camo-fest/

Tickets and sponsorships: https://homebuildersassociationofgreatlakesbayregion.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/kgFJN8qczCVC1

Contact Amanda Page at amandap@hbaglbr.com or 269-569-4164.

Join us for our Halloween-inspired still life! Paint or draw at your leisure in the company of other artists. Students are welcome to bring in any supplies that they choose as we create an art piece from a Halloween-inspired still life, including pumpkins, skeletons, and other spooky decor designed by instructor Matthew Grimmer. Here, students may work at their own pace while also choosing to ask for help at any stage of their artwork if requested. Students are welcome to paint or draw for the full three hours or part-time if preferred.
Students are expected to bring their own supplies in their chosen media. Additional supplies can also be provided from the classroom upon request. The classroom will be set with easels, chairs, and tables so that students have the option to sit or stand.

Although there is some ventilation in this room, please be considerate when it comes to how we use paint thinner. Sprays with solvent will have to be used outside.

A minimum of 4 pre-registered students is required for this open studio to run.

This open studio will be held from 5:30-8:30 pm on Friday, October 22, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended ages: 14 and up

Mini Masters is a delightful monthly acrylic painting class designed to inspire creativity in young artists. With step-by-step guidance, participants will create an 8x10 canvas masterpiece to take home. Perfect for beginners, this class offers a welcoming environment with no experience required and all supplies included. Whether you’re discovering art for the first time or nurturing a growing passion, Mini Masters is a wonderful way to enjoy a fun and fulfilling creative experience.

Mini Masters will be held from 5:30-7 pm, Thursday, October 22, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

Creative 360 & Parker Lane studios present:
The 6th Annual EMERGING ARTIST’S EXHIBITION

This annual juried exhibition celebrates Michigan visual artists at every stage of their creative journey. Featured are artists ages 16 and older who are developing their practice, building their artistic careers, and pursuing their creative vision. On exhibit through 11/20.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Friday, October 23 starting at 6:30pm

The opening will take place on Friday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature a presentation, interactive Q&A session and awards announcements with the exhibition’s jurist and guest presenter, Nawal Motawi, founder and artistic director of Motawi Tileworks and Rovin Ceramics.

Nawal Motawi founded Motawi Tileworks in 1992 after graduating from the University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design and honing her craft at Detroit’s historic Pewabic Pottery. What began as a small operation in her Ann Arbor garage has grown into an internationally recognized studio celebrated for its Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Midcentury Modern aesthetics.

Today, Motawi Tileworks art tiles are sold in more than 300 locations across North America. In 2011, Motawi acquired Rovin Ceramics in Ann Arbor, expanding her support for regional potters, schools, and ceramic artists. Motawi will share insights from her career in the arts and discuss her creative and entrepreneurial journey.

BEST IN SHOW 2025 · Miguel A. Valdivia - Ramos, Hope

Admission to all of our exhibits is free and we are grateful for your donations that allow us to continue this policy.

Call for weekend and evening hours.

Saginaw Spirit Pride Night, held at the Dow Event Center, brings together community members and families for a night of live entertainment, community networking, and fun activities. Join us for this annual celebration of diversity and inclusion in sports in the Great Lakes Bay Region!

$20 tickets include fundraiser donation to Great Lakes Bay Pride to continue supporting LGBTQ2S+ communities in our region.
Group ID: "Pride26"
Password: "SPIRIT"

The Saginaw Spirit, in partnership with Dow, GLAD+ (Dow’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally employee resource group), and Great Lakes Bay Pride, proudly present an annual event celebrating diversity and inclusion in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

5:30 PM: Jolt Celebration Club Doors Open
6:00 PM: Arena Doors Open
7:05 PM: Game Starts

Make a difference in a few hours that can last decades! ReLeaf Michigan, a non-profit tree organization, is partnering with the Village of Kalkaska and the Consumers Energy Foundation to plant 45 trees in downtown Kalkaska, Mill Pond Park, and Chalker Park. The trees are being planted to add additional trees to the parks and support a broader plan to reforest Kalkaska.
ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts will be there to show volunteers how to plant a tree and oversee the event. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a shovel, hard rake, and gloves if you have them. Event occurs rain or shine (we’re a hardy group!). No planting experience necessary. Families are welcome! We hope to see you there!

Teen Open Studio is a relaxed, creative night just for teens—perfect for hanging out, making art, and enjoying some pizza. Whether you're into painting, drawing, or want to try something new, this is a great space to explore your creativity and meet other teen artists. Bring a project you’re working on or use our supplies to create something new. Open to all media!

If you’d like to participate in a peer-led project, each month will feature a different craft led by the Art Reach TAG. October’s project will be Pumpkin Painting. A $5 fee will cover materials to participate in this project. Payment can be made in cash at the open studio or pre-pay online.

Teen Open Studio runs from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, October 24, and takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month.

This program is a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) initiative designed to give teens space and support to explore their creativity. A suggested donation of $5 may be made in person for those attending. Assorted supplies are free for use, including acrylic & watercolor paints, markers, colored pencils, pastels, paper, and collage materials.

Recommended age: 13-19

Saturday, Oct. 24 / 7:00 – 8:00 pm / Let us know you are coming! No charge! / BYOB

Anyone can do Improv - and here's your chance to give it a try! Join Improv 360 coach Ariel Rak and other Improvers as we play games, make new friends, and just generally have a blast. No experience needed - just come ready to have fun.

Join the Midland Concert Band on Sunday, October 25th at 3pm at the Midland Center for the Arts for our first concert of the year and be a Legend with us. Tickets at the door or via the Midland Center for the Arts Box office.