Community Calendar

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Discover the luminous and versatile world of encaustic painting in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn the fundamentals of working with heated beeswax, pigment, and mixed media to create captivating works of art.

No prior experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! Returning students are also welcome in this session and can expect open-studio style freedom, use of equipment, supplies and instructor support. All materials are provided.

Night 1: The Foundations of Encaustic Collage
Night 2: Unveiling Photo Transfers & Mixed Media
Night 3: Mastering Hot Tools & Creative Freedom

With Kristianne Tefft, an award-winning artist whose work has been featured in exhibits locally and nationally, showcasing her unique approach to encaustics.

Mondays, Sept 28, Oct 5, 12 / 6:00 - 8:30 pm / $90, plus $45 materials / Ages 16+

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Sep 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20 / $100

You don’t need to be funny . . . you just need to be there!

Improv is a lively, active, team sport that encourages us to live in the moment! Connect with teammates and explore the spaces outside of your comfort zones with coach Ariel Rak who will get you up and playing right from the start. Through games and exercises we develop creativity, flexibility, friendships, and thinking skills in a safe and nurturing environment. For those with no improv experience or those who just miss it.

Engage in dynamic games and exercises fostering teamwork, trust, and spontaneity in a supportive environment. Embrace failure as you develop your ability to stay present and seize the unexpected.

Coach Ariel Rak studied and performed short and long form improv with Magnet Theater (NYC) and the N.J. School of Dramatic Arts and was a member of ComedySportz before moving to Midland. Ages 18+

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Choose one medium to focus on or try both!

For drawing, learn the fundamentals of observational drawing with an introduction to materials and their functions, perspective, proportion, composition, shading and more. For painting, you may be an absolute beginner or be well versed in the acrylic medium. Cyd will provide an understanding of the principles and elements of art, color mixing, composition, and adding mediums to explore the versatility of acrylics. There will be project flexibility depending on your artistic needs with in-depth tailored instruction.

With Cynthia Keefe, MFA, Creative 360 Co-Founder. No experience necessary. Age 16 and up. Materials list upon registration. Please preregister.

Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
August Mini Session – Drawing & Painting / August 5, 12, 19, 26 / $80

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Discover the luminous and versatile world of encaustic painting in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn the fundamentals of working with heated beeswax, pigment, and mixed media to create captivating works of art.

No prior experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! Returning students are also welcome in this session and can expect open-studio style freedom, use of equipment, supplies and instructor support. All materials are provided.

Night 1: The Foundations of Encaustic Collage
Night 2: Unveiling Photo Transfers & Mixed Media
Night 3: Mastering Hot Tools & Creative Freedom

With Kristianne Tefft, an award-winning artist whose work has been featured in exhibits locally and nationally, showcasing her unique approach to encaustics.

Mondays, Sept 28, Oct 5, 12 / 6:00 - 8:30 pm / $90, plus $45 materials / Ages 16+

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Sep 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20 / $100

You don’t need to be funny . . . you just need to be there!

Improv is a lively, active, team sport that encourages us to live in the moment! Connect with teammates and explore the spaces outside of your comfort zones with coach Ariel Rak who will get you up and playing right from the start. Through games and exercises we develop creativity, flexibility, friendships, and thinking skills in a safe and nurturing environment. For those with no improv experience or those who just miss it.

Engage in dynamic games and exercises fostering teamwork, trust, and spontaneity in a supportive environment. Embrace failure as you develop your ability to stay present and seize the unexpected.

Coach Ariel Rak studied and performed short and long form improv with Magnet Theater (NYC) and the N.J. School of Dramatic Arts and was a member of ComedySportz before moving to Midland. Ages 18+