Community Calendar

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Anishinaabe artist and instructor Chyann Haas will explore the art of beadwork in a kid-friendly format. After a brief history lesson covering the beadwork tradition of the Anishinaabe people, students will be able to select their chosen pattern. Utilizing pony beads, students will learn the process to sew beads onto a foundation fabric, creating artful beadwork designs. Basic sewing technique will be taught, but students should be comfortable with needles. All supplies are provided.

This two-week course will be held from 1-2:30 pm on Friday, July 16 & 23 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 8-12

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

Figure Drawing Club allows students the opportunity to work at their own discretion in the presence of a live model. This gives students the ability to experiment with their work or simply practice at their own pace. Artist and club monitor, Matthew Grimmer, will also be available to answer any questions from students as well as provide individual instruction as requested.
Sessions will work with a clothed model who will strike a variety of poses throughout the club and end with a long pose for a final, more detailed drawing.
Students are expected to bring their own drawing supplies and are welcome to work either large or small (most students work from a sketchbook). Additional supplies can also be provided from the classroom upon request.

This open studio will be held from 5:30-8 pm, Friday, July 17, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 13 and up

The Northport Arts Association (NAA) is pleased to present its annual Plein Air event, continuing a cherished tradition begun in 2013 by the late Gene Rantz. Originally known as the “Paint Out & Wet Paint Sale,” the event has grown from a small gathering into a signature regional celebration, now welcoming up to 50 artists who spend the week painting on location throughout the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. With the generous permission of Gene’s family, the event proudly bears his name in honor of his lasting vision and impact.

The public is invited to attend the culminating Wet Paint Sale and reception on July 18 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at the Northport Arts Association, 301 N. Mill Street, Northport. Guests will enjoy a robust selection of appetizers and a cash bar while viewing and purchasing freshly created works.

Each year, the NAA welcomes a dynamic mix of returning and first-time artists whose work reflects a wide range of perspectives, styles, and media. Painting en plein air across Northport and the surrounding peninsula, artists capture the village, beaches, marina, orchards, vineyards, and iconic landscapes that define the area. The resulting collection offers exceptional variety in subject matter, scale, and technique—featuring entirely original works, some still wet from the easel.

This beloved event offers art lovers a rare opportunity to experience the creative process up close and to take home a piece inspired by the distinctive beauty and spirit of our peninsula.

Unwind with an evening of watercolor painting led by Cheryl Meyer! Bring your favorite wine, a friend, and your creativity for this relaxing Saturday workshop. Participants will learn watercolor techniques while painting a guided landscape composition. All instruction and art supplies are provided, making it the perfect opportunity to embrace your creativity.

Wine & Watercolors will be held 6-8:30 pm, Saturday, July 18, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: Adults 21+

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

Stay creative this summer break with artistic explorations at Art Reach! Kids aged 6-12 are invited to join instructor Kassidy Thompson for our second art camp of the summer season. We’ll engage in creative activities and projects, exploring a diverse set of media to keep our brains engaged and make some new friends along the way. This week-long camp offers new daily projects and can be attended for the full week or daily as families need. A daily snack will be provided. Students with dietary restrictions should plan to bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place 9 am-12 pm Monday-Friday, July 20-24, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6-12

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

Play with the toys on Monday! This is a great opportunity to connect with each other, play with some different toys, and look at and check out library books. Drop-in between 10:00am and 11:30am or stay the whole time.
This program is best for ages 0-5. Siblings and children of all ages are welcome.

Recurring every Monday from 6/1-8/31 10-11:30am.

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer and the enchanting world of watercolors in this summertime showcase of flowing water. You will be guided in creating a scene of the scenic Chippewa River from the air-conditioned comfort of our classroom. Working from photographs, instruction will focus on developing finer details in the landscape, enabling you to enhance the depth and realism of your paintings. Bring your creativity and leave with a beautiful piece of art that captures the essence of summertime in Michigan!

This two-week class will be held from 6-8 pm on Monday, July 13 and 20 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

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

Stay creative this summer break with artistic explorations at Art Reach! Kids aged 6-12 are invited to join instructor Kassidy Thompson for our second art camp of the summer season. We’ll engage in creative activities and projects, exploring a diverse set of media to keep our brains engaged and make some new friends along the way. This week-long camp offers new daily projects and can be attended for the full week or daily as families need. A daily snack will be provided. Students with dietary restrictions should plan to bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place 9 am-12 pm Monday-Friday, July 20-24, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6-12

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

UNA Cadillac Plein Air Challenge - Spring and Summer 2026 

Calling all artists!

This summer we’re gathering every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:30 to paint and sketch around beautiful Cadillac.

Each week we’ll explore a different scenic location — lakes, parks, downtown landmarks, and more. When you join you’ll receive a text or email with each week’s location.

This is a free event for all members of Up-North Arts. Not a member? Join today! Only $35 for an annual membership with many benefits. www.upnorthartsinc.org.

Bring your supplies and join us for:

🎨 Creativity
🌞 Fresh air
👩‍🎨 New artist friends
📍 Amazing local views

The challenge runs May through July, ending with an August community art exhibit.

All skill levels welcome.

Create memories and learn new skills this summer with our Summer Studio program. Created for all ages, this program provides affordable, high-quality workshops in a variety of media to make for an artful summer. Each session will explore a different art form. This program is sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Each attendee will receive a $5 voucher for any future class.

Embrace your sweet tooth with instructor Annie Croft in this sweet take on oil pastels. Taking inspiration from artist Wayne Thiebaud’s iconic pop-art desserts, students will explore oil pastel recreations of tasty treats while learning drawing techniques unique to the medium. No experience necessary and all supplies provided.

This workshop will be held from 1-2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 21, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 8 and up

Note: Participants are limited to (1) Summer Studio workshop per year. We will allow additional workshops only if the workshop does not reach capacity. After each Summer Studio workshop reaches capacity, we will create a waitlist. To be considered for additional SS workshops, please join the waitlist. Please let staff know if you are unable to come, so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 7-12 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Tuesdays, July 7-August 11, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 7-12

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

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

Play in your pajamas! The children's program room will be open for ages 0-5 and their caregiver(s) for an evening of play. This is a great opportunity to connect with each other, play with some different toys, and look at and check out library books.

Recurring every Tuesday and Thursday 6/2-8/27 5:30-6:45pm

Alternating Tuesdays / 6:30 – 8 pm / $5 drop-in
Jan 13, 27
Feb 3, 17
March 10, 24
April 7, 21

Who doesn’t love to dance? This low-key class taught by local choreographer Kelli Jolly is designed for adults ages 18 and up! A flexible schedule allows you to drop in whenever you want.

Appropriate for ALL levels, from experienced dancer to complete beginner – the class is about having fun and enjoying the rhythm without any pressure.

Classes are 90 minutes and consist of a warmup, skills across the dance floor, and a combination.

Wear any comfortable shoes and clothing.

Stay creative this summer break with artistic explorations at Art Reach! Kids aged 6-12 are invited to join instructor Kassidy Thompson for our second art camp of the summer season. We’ll engage in creative activities and projects, exploring a diverse set of media to keep our brains engaged and make some new friends along the way. This week-long camp offers new daily projects and can be attended for the full week or daily as families need. A daily snack will be provided. Students with dietary restrictions should plan to bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place 9 am-12 pm Monday-Friday, July 20-24, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6-12

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

Club Create is a program created in partnership with Michigan Arts Access for adults with disabilities. Club Create offers adults with disabilities hands-on experiences in the arts, led by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting and also have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 10:30 am-12 pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Club Create of Mid Michigan members will meet from 10:30 am-12 pm, Wednesday, July 22, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.