BINGO!
2023-12-21 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-04 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-11 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-18 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-25 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-01 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-08 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-15 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) and 1 more date | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Get ready to have a blast while supporting a great cause! The Hessel School House weekly Bingo Fundraiser promises an entertaining night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and cash prizes. Bring your friends, family, and colleagues along to enjoy the thrill of shouting “Bingo”. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this fun-filled evening. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot and grab some delicious snacks, pop, and free popcorn. Doors open at 5:00 PM, games start at 6:00 PM.
This is an adults only event. Please no children or babies.

Mahjong
2024-01-03 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-31 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-21 13:00 - 16:00 | MI
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Whether you are an experienced player or just a beginner, all skill levels are welcome to play. For further details or to schedule a lesson, please call Hessel School House: 906.484.1333
No registration is required. No fee to play. However, if you wish to purchase a game card, the cost is $15.

Northern Lights Paint & Sip
2024-01-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST THIS EVENT IS RESCHEDULED TO JANUARY 19th.
Join us for Northern Lights – Paint and Sip!
Capture the wondrous beauty of the Northern Lights on your own canvas at Hessel School House! Using acrylic paint and guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline, you will learn how to create the form and colors of the Aurora Borealis while enjoying the artistic process with others! All materials will be provided and no experience is necessary! Just bring your love of creating and bring a friend! Water, coffee and hot tea are provided. Feel free to bring your own beverage of choice. Reserve your spot now and get ready for a night of art, laughter, and good company.
Class Fee: $40/person
Call 906-484-1333 to register or REGISTER ONLINE.

Painting with Your Bestie (Teen Art Class)
2024-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Bring your friend and come create mini paintings that “connect” with your friends! You get to choose your “scene” and with guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline, create a complementary palette that displays your friendship bond! Want to come solo? Make new friends while you create! All materials will be provided and no experience is necessary!
Couple Participant Rate: $25 per person. Purchase both tickets at the same time and save!
Single Participant Rate: $30 per person
Call 906-484-1333 to register or REGISTER ONLINE

Felted Pocket Hearts
2024-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Felted Pocket Hearts
Join us for a delightful hands-on workshop where you can create your very own felted pocket hearts on Saturday, January 20th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm! Discover the joy of crafting these adorable felt hearts using simple stitches to create a heart with a pocket to tuck away a love note or secret message for your Valentine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels. Not only will you leave with a beautiful handmade creation, but you’ll also take home the knowledge and skills to continue exploring the world of creating felt objects on your own.
Grab your friends or come solo and meet fellow craft enthusiasts. Secure your spot today!
Class Fee: $35/person
Register ONLINE or call 906-484-1333.

Rag Rug Weaving
2024-01-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Rag rug making is a centuries old craft with unlimited opportunities for experimentation and self-expression. The tactile quality of simple loom weaving is particularly aesthetic and creative. In this class, Cheryl Gordon will provide each student with a loom, teach them how to prepare a variety of “rag” scrap fabrics for a custom weaving experience, and teach them how to weave a beautiful and functional rug approximately 30″ x 45″ in size. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary skills and materials to confidently leave the classroom and create future rugs using this technique.
This class is two sessions : SUNDAYS, January 21 & 28 from 1:00 – 3:30 PM.
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 10
Class Fee: $85 (includes loom, materials, and 2 days of instruction)
Register ONLINE or call 906-484-1333.

Create an Upcycled Tiny House
2024-01-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come create a tiny building using repurposed odds and ends that will showcase your own style and personality. With instruction and guidance from artist Marissa Wissner, learn to design and create your own miniature building. All materials will be provided and no experience is necessary! Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of tiny house creations!
REGISTER ONLINE or call 906-484-1333.

Basket Making Workshop
2024-01-27 09:30 - 12:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Basket Making
This charming little basket is easy to complete within the class time. By using two weaving techniques – randing and slewing, it’s possible to have your own decorative band on the sides of the basket. Dyed reed will be available for an individual touch. All supplies included. Sizes will very and all pieces will be one-of-a-kind. This class is intended for adults and older teens.
C lass Fee: $45.00
C lass Size: Min. 4 / Max. 10
Pre-registration is required to attend.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or REGISTER ONLINE

Winter Forest Bathing Experience
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
RESCHEDULED DATE
Whether you’re looking for a way to beat the winter blues, keep your new year’s resolution to improve your health, or simply looking for opportunities to meet new people you will enjoy winter forest bathing.
Come experience the transformative energy and beauty of winter with the practice of forest bathing. Different then other nature connection experiences such as hiking and birdwatching, forest bathing follows the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which invites you to slow down and mindfully connect with nature through all of your senses.
Benefits of Forest Bathing:

Lowers stress.
Decreases blood pressure and cortisol levels.
Promotes relaxation.
Enhances mindfulness and psychological well-being.
Improves attention, mood, and creativity.

Give your body and mind a chance to rest and restore while taking in the subtleties and wonder of nature. Certified instructor, Maureen Stine, will guide you through a sensory awakening meditation followed by a series of explorational invitations and conclude with time for sharing around a campfire and tea.
The walk will take place outside in nature so please dress appropriately for the conditions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own portable chair or stool to sit on during the meditation. Space is limited so register early.
Class Size: Min. 6 / Max. 15
Class Fee: $20.00
Thanks to a grant from The Americana Foundation we are able to offer this class at a discount. Class is usually $35 per person.

Snowy Owl Month at Hessel School House
2024-02-02 09:00 - 23:30, 2024-02-03 00:00 - 23:30, 2024-02-04 00:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come experience the magic of snowy owls during the month of February
Kick-off Weekend – February 2-4, 2024

Why are we celebrating Snowy Owls (and other winter birds)?
Every year, the National Audubon Society, an organization with the goal of protecting birds and their habitats, takes a survey and bird count of every major region in the state. Over the years, the count found that more snowy owls come to Rudyard and the surrounding area of the Eastern Upper Peninsula more than any other place in the state, and more than most other places throughout the country. Now that’s reason to celebrate!
What is the Snowy Owl Festival?
The Snowy Owl Festival is a month-long celebration that provides a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and the local community to come together and witness the awe-inspiring presence of these magnificent birds. The kick-off weekend, February 2 – 4, 2024 will be filled with various activities and events organized to educate and engage participants. From guided birdwatching tours led by experienced owl watchers, to educational workshops and LIVE owl presentations, attendees have the chance to learn more about the snowy owl’s habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts. Additionally, the celebration showcases the artistic side of snowy owls through art classes for all ages that will showcase the unique beauty and cultural significance of these creatures.
Complete information about each event and registration details can be found below. All events require pre-registration and payment online or by calling 906-484-1333.

Financial support for this event and its many educational opportunities is made possible by the follow organizations.
THANK YOU for your support!

Build a Barred Owl Nesting Box
2024-02-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Looking to get closer to nature? Want to help our feathered friends find a cozy home? Then this workshop is perfect for you! Come and learn how to build your very own nesting box for the beautiful Barred Owl.
During this hands-on workshop, Cheryl Gordon will guide you through the process of constructing a sturdy and safe nesting box for these magnificent creatures. You’ll gain valuable knowledge about the nesting habits and requirements of Barred Owls, ensuring your box is the perfect fit. You will be using the Audubon approved Rob Bierregaard design, a one family home with plenty of room for the youngsters and easy access for adults.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or simply enjoy DIY projects, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. We will be using precut cedar boards, screws, and drills to create the nesting boxes and hanging instructions will be provided. If you have a screw gun you may want to bring it along as supply will be limited.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on the local owl population while having a great time! Pre-registration is required and we only have a limited number of spots available. Register today!

CANCELLED - Beach Themed Paint & Sip for 2
2024-02-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Due to lack of registrations, this event has been cancelled.
In honor of the Les Cheneaux Area Snows Fest, we’ve created a unique beach-themed painting experience! Get ready to connect with your significant other or a close friend as you create a beautiful paintings together under the instruction of artist Karen Mazzoline on Friday, February 8 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Unleash your creativity and strengthen your bond in a fun and relaxed atmosphere during our Couples Paint and Sip. A light snack will be provided. Feel free to bring your own beverage of choice and enjoy during this warm and cozy indoor Snows Fest activity.
Class size is limited. $65.00 per couple ($32.50 each)

CANCELLED - Women On Ice: Intro to Ice Fishing
2024-02-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Women on Ice – An Introduction to Ice Fishing
Women on Ice is an introduction to ice fishing for women of all ages. Grab your girlfriends and make it an afternoon outing. Maureen Stine, will guide you through the basics of ice fishing from learning how to set a tip up and what to do when the flag goes up, using an auger, understanding a lake map, choosing tackle for perch and panfish vs. tackle for walleye and pike, ice safety and more. Class will start at the Hessel School House for a bit of training before heading out on the ice. Everything you need is included. Since this event is held on a Michigan Free fishing weekend, a fishing license for participants is not required making it the perfect time to try your hand at ice fishing and possibly fall in love with a new winter activity. There is no guarantee that we will catch fish. Hot chocolate and snacks provided. Space is limited to 12 people.
