Mahjong
2025-07-02 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-16 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-23 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-30 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-06 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-13 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) and 4 more dates | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 9:30am – 12:00 pm (June – September). 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.
This group plays by the Official Standard Hands and Rules National Mah Jongg League Inc.

Watercolor Refresher (2 day class)
2025-07-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00
Wednesdays, July 9 and July 23
10:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Watercolor Refresher Workshop
Brush up on your watercolor skills by attending our watercolor refresher class! Through quick exercises, fun activities, and creative projects, build your skill set and feel more confident in working with this medium. This is a two-week session, so you will have the opportunity to practice what you have learned. Artist Karen Mazzoline will offer different painting styles, techniques, and types of watercolor paints during the course. Have a specific technique you would like to learn? Karen will contact you before class starts to receive any questions or topics you would like to cover and will include them in the sessions! All materials will be provided, but if you would rather use your own watercolor paints, feel free to bring them along!
Class Size is limited. $55 per student. Register today by calling 906-484-1333 or register online.

Beach Landscape Tapestry Weaving
2025-07-11 09:30 - 13:30, 2025-07-18 09:30 - 13:30
Beach Landscape Tapestry Weaving
Fridays, July 11 & 18 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Capture the beauty of the natural world in woven form during this two-session workshop with fiber artist Cheryl Gordon. Designed for beginners and experienced weavers alike, this class introduces a variety of tapestry weaving techniques to help you create your own landscape inspired textile art.
Working on pre-warped looms to jump-start the process, students will explore texture, color blending, and composition while learning to translate natural coastal scenery into expressive woven pieces.
The class is limited to eight students ensuring you receive individualized instruction in a casual atmosphere. All materials—including yarn, tools, and a loom to use during class—are provided, and students will leave with a completed small tapestry and the skills to continue weaving on their own.
Open to adults and teens 16+. Space is limited to 8 —register early to reserve your loom!
Class Fee: $110.00
To reserve your spot call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Capturing Nature Through the Lens: A Full-Day Photography Workshop with Wayne Pope
2025-07-12 10:00 - 16:00
Capturing Nature Through the Lens: A Photography Workshop with Wayne Pope
Saturday, July 12, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center
Sharpen your photography skills and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world with Wayne Pope, a professional nature photographer and adjunct faculty member at Lansing Community College, where he teaches photography. This full-day workshop is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers looking to refine their skills. This hands-on session will guide participants through the art of capturing the beauty of the natural world—whether using a digital camera or smartphone.
What to Expect:
Classroom Learning: Explore the fundamentals of photography, including camera types, composition techniques, depth of field, and lighting to elevate your nature shots.
Field Experience: Put your knowledge into action with a guided photo session at a local nature preserve, where Wayne will offer expert tips on framing, perspective, and capturing wildlife and landscapes in real time.
Lunch Provided: Enjoy a break and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts over a provided meal.
With years of experience as an educator and photographer, Wayne brings expert insights and personalized guidance to help you see nature through a new lens—whether you’re using a digital camera or smartphone.
What to Bring:
A digital camera or smartphone with camera capabilities, comfortable walking shoes, and a passion for nature photography!
Limited spots available—register today to secure your place!
Class Fee: $50 per person, includes full day of instruction, lunch and refreshments.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.
This class is offered at a discount thanks to a grant from the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District.
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ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Wayne Pope – As a college photography instructor, I help students reach their career goals. My teaching slogan is, “Keeping Your Interests At Heart.” As a business owner of Pope Photo Tours, I provide quality photo safaris that are safe, afforable and fun. As a photo workshop presenter, I provide easy-to-understand, visually-oriented lectures and one-to-one instruction to students in the field.
I have self-published two books: “Birds of Michigan” and “My Favorite Facebook Photos”. I was trained as a Chinese-Mandarin interpreter in the U.S. Army and have a minor degree in Chinese Language from MSU. As a photojournalist, I write and photograph articles for The Lansing State Journal, Michigan-Out-Of-Doors, Michigan Living and Michigan Audubon Society magazines. I am a poet and have been published in Washington Square Review.

Nature Journaling: The Seasonal Round
2025-07-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-17 13:00 - 16:00
GUEST ARTIST: Jen Wozniak – Artist, Educator, and Nature Journaling Enthusiast
Nature Journaling: The Seasonal Round
Two Day Workshop – July 16 & 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Step into the rhythm of the seasons with artist and educator Jen Wozniak in this inspiring two-day workshop focused on The Seasonal Round—a nature journaling practice rooted in the study of phenology, or the seasonal changes in plants and animals throughout the year.
In this immersive, hands-on class, Jen will guide participants in starting or deepening their own “Perpetual Nature Journal,” a place-specific, multi-year journal that tracks natural patterns over time. Through observation, drawing, writing, and discussion, participants will learn how to document the subtle and surprising shifts in the environment—while cultivating a greater sense of connection, belonging, and stewardship for the land they inhabit.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, Jen’s approach blends scientific inquiry with creative expression to help you observe the world with fresh eyes. With her encouraging, joy-driven style, she helps participants set aside perfectionism and reconnect with the natural world through play, curiosity, and mindfulness. Join us for this engaging and reflective workshop, and leave with tools and inspiration to continue your journaling practice throughout the seasons—and for years to come.
All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own colored pencils, markers, watercolors, and notebook if you choose. Open to adults and teens 13+. Space is limited—register early!
Thanks to a grant from the Chippewa Luce Mackinaw Conservation District this class is now offered at a discounted rate. Regular price $120 per student. NOW only $80 per student. Take advantage of this generous support from our local partner and join us for this amazing workshop.
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Jen Wozniak – Artist, Educator, and Nature Journaling Enthusiast Jen Wozniak is an artist, educator, and avid observer of the natural world whose work bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and creative expression. She teaches Art and Field Studies at Springwater Environmental Sciences School in Oregon, where she encourages students to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, Jen’s artistic foundation is rooted in detailed observation and storytelling through imagery. However, she considers her greatest expertise to be her lifelong practice of approaching the natural world with beginner’s awe—a perspective that keeps her learning and discovering every day.
Jen’s passion for nature journaling has led her to develop a method of artistic engagement that helps both children and adults overcome self-judgment. Through her workshops, she invites participants to reconnect with the natural world through play, curiosity, and an open heart, bypassing the pressures of perfection to embrace the joy of observing and documenting the world around them. Her approach fosters a sense of wonder, mindfulness, and personal expression, transforming nature journaling into a tool for both scientific discovery and creative exploration.
Whether marveling at the delicate structure of a feather, the intricate gills of a fungus, or the shifting colors of a sunset, Jen believes that every observation is an opportunity for learning and connection. Through her teaching, she continues to inspire others to see nature—and themselves—through fresh eyes, encouraging deeper appreciation and engagement with the landscapes we inhabit.
Examples of Jen’s Nature Journaling

PAINT & SIP: Sailboat
2025-07-23 15:00 - 17:00
Sailboat Paint & Sip (Adults Only)
Wednesday, July 23 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Unwind with a brush in one hand and your favorite beverage in the other during this relaxing afternoon paint & sip session. Guided by artist Karen Mazzoline, you’ll learn how to blend warm sunset hues and soft lake reflections to create a peaceful sailboat scene that captures the magic of a summer evening.
No experience necessary—just come ready to have fun, get creative, and leave with your own frame-worthy masterpiece. All materials and instruction provided.
Bring a drink of your choice and a friend for the perfect midweek escape!
Class Fee: $40
Space is limited. To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Hard & Soft Pastels with artist Steve Seebohm
2025-07-25 09:30 - 16:00
HARD & SOFT PASTEL WORKSHOP
with Guest Artist Steve Seebohm
Friday, July 25, 2025 I 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Steve is excited to offer this one-day workshop in the use of hard & soft pastels for drawing and painting. You will learn about the unique nature of working with pastels, surfaces available for best results, the ability to blend, manipulate and erase the medium, limitations of use and the variety of fixatives available for making your work more permanent & the unique nature of each.
You will get hands-on experience working with hard & soft pastels, learn which papers are appropriate for use, the variety of sanded surfaces available, and prep materials to make your own sanded paper & boards. You will learn the potential and challenges of layering and blending to produce unique effects, minimizing the use of white and black for richer paintings, and which fixatives are best for securing your artwork for years to come.
Materials provided will include blank drawing paper for practice working with pastels & sanded paper for developing a finished piece. Photo reference of local & regional images will be available to work from in creating your own personal memory. Hard & soft pastels will also be provided along with blending sticks, sanding pads, erasers, gloves and fixative.
Whether you’re interested in producing a popular landscape, a fantasy piece or something more abstract, experimentation with this medium is encouraged for those who might desire a fun, creative outlet and wonderful means for producing colorful art! Those in need will be provided with drawing, perspective and composition direction to help with their progress. Individuals of all levels are welcome.
Class Fee: $130
Class space is limited for this special art class. To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=18873&action=ticket&action_ticket=33245

This is a full-day workshop Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. A fridge and microwave are available if needed. Coffee, tea and bottled water available.

______________________
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
STEVE SEEBOHM
Steve is a local artist who loves the outdoors & nature and has been passionate about the arts since he started drawing the small fish, snakes and frogs he caught growing up. Summers during and after high school he began painting houses in northern New Jersey to put himself through Parson’s School of Design. As an illustration student in the pre-digital/pre-cell phone age, he spent 20 hours a week at figure drawing, along
with learning classical skills in painting, printing making, photography, composition, perspective and layout.
After graduating from college he applied his newly acquired skills to the preservation of historic finishes and decorative painting, including design of a new decorative finishes campaign for the Michigan Governors’ ceremonial office in The State Capitol. During his years in preservation Steve continued to take advantage of figure drawing sessions wherever he traveled for work and continued to play with a variety of art media that fit his lifestyle.
Examples of Steve’s Work:

Blastomycosis: A Soil-Borne Disease of Dogs in Northern Michigan
2025-07-26 14:00 - 16:00
Blastomycosis: A Soil-Borne Disease of Dogs in Northern Michigan
Join leading medical professionals for an in-depth look at Blastomycosis (also known as Blasto), the soil-borne fungal disease impacting both humans and animals across Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula. This presentation will bring together veterinarians and public health experts for a science-based exploration of current research, case studies, and regional trends.
Whether you’re treating patients, conducting fieldwork, or just seeking to deepen your understanding of this complex disease, this event will provide valuable insights and the opportunity to engage with experts on the front lines of Blastomycosis investigation.
Presentations by:
Dr. Carol Kauffman, MD, U of M Medical School
Dr. Daniel Langlois, DVM, MSU Veterinary College
Dr. Taylor Miller, DVM, Pickford Veterinary Service
Special Guest:
Dr. Clinton Groover, DVM, retired Pickford Veterinary Services
This seminar is open to the public and offered free of charge thanks to a grant from the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation. Space is limited.
To reserve your seat, CLICK HERE or call 906-484-1333.
________________________________
If you would like to attend the presentation online, complete this form below. You will be emailed a link prior to the event.

Fabric Art with Jeans
2025-08-06 10:00 - 12:00
Fabric Art with Jeans (Adults)Wednesday, August 6 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Give your old denim new life in this fun and funky art class with artist Marissa Wissner! Using simple stitching, layering, and design techniques, you’ll transform repurposed blue jeans into a one-of-a-kind piece of textile art.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this relaxed, hands-on session is a great way to get creative, upcycle, and leave with something uniquely you.
All materials and tools are provided, but feel free to bring a favorite pair of jeans to personalize your project even more.
Stitch. Create. Repurpose.Art never looked so good in denim!
Class Fee: $40
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at

https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=18873&action=ticket&action_ticket=33232

Paint & Sip: Michigan Love
2025-08-13 13:00 - 15:00
Paint & Sip: Michigan LoveWednesday, August 13 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM$40 per person
Celebrate your love for the Great Lakes State with an afternoon of creativity and connection at the Hessel School House! Guided by artist Karen Mazzoline, you’ll paint a Michigan-inspired scene on a rustic wood panel—choose between a serene forest, a breezy beach, or paint both for a full tribute to the beauty of our region.
No painting experience? No problem! Karen will walk you through each step in a relaxed, welcoming setting. All supplies are included—just bring your favorite beverage, a friend, and your creative spirit.
🎨 Space is limited!Register by calling 906-484-1333 or sign up online.
Let’s raise a brush to Pure Michigan!

CANCELLED - Hard & Soft Pastel Workshop with Guest Artist Steve Seebohm
2025-08-16 09:30 - 16:00
CANCELLED – HARD & SOFT PASTEL WORKSHOP with Guest Artist Steve Seebohm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 I 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Steve is excited to offer this one-day workshop in the use of hard & soft pastels for drawing and painting. You will learn about the unique nature of working with pastels, surfaces available for best results, the ability to blend, manipulate and erase the medium, limitations of use and the variety of fixatives available for making your work more permanent & the unique nature of each.
You will get hands-on experience working with hard & soft pastels, learn which papers are appropriate for use, the variety of sanded surfaces available, and prep materials to make your own sanded paper & boards. You will learn the potential and challenges of layering and blending to produce unique effects, minimizing the use of white and black for richer paintings, and which fixatives are best for securing your artwork for years to come.
Materials provided will include blank drawing paper for practice working with pastels & sanded paper for developing a finished piece. Photo reference of local & regional images will be available to work from in creating your own personal memory. Hard & soft pastels will also be provided along with blending sticks, sanding pads, erasers, gloves and fixative.
Whether you’re interested in producing a popular landscape, a fantasy piece or something more abstract, experimentation with this medium is encouraged for those who might desire a fun, creative outlet and wonderful means for producing colorful art! Those in need will be provided with drawing, perspective and composition direction to help with their progress. Individuals of all levels are welcome.
Class Fee: $130
Class space is limited for this special art class.

This is a full-day workshop. Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. A fridge and microwave are available if needed. Coffee, tea and bottled water available.
______________________

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR STEVE SEEBOHM Steve is a local artist who loves the outdoors & nature and has been passionate about the arts since he started drawing the small fish, snakes and frogs he caught growing up. Summers during and after high school he began painting houses in northern New Jersey to put himself through Parson’s School of Design. As an illustration student in the pre-digital/pre-cell phone age, he spent 20 hours a week at figure drawing, along with learning classical skills in painting, printing making, photography, composition, perspective and layout.
After graduating from college he applied his newly acquired skills to the preservation of historic finishes and decorative painting, including design of a new decorative finishes campaign for the Michigan Governors’ ceremonial office in The State Capitol. During his years in preservation Steve continued to take advantage of figure drawing sessions wherever he traveled for work and continued to play with a variety of art media that fit his lifestyle.
Examples of Steve’s Work:

Drawing Refresher (2 Session Class)
2025-08-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-27 13:00 - 15:00
DRAWING REFRESHER CLASS
TWO DAY CLASS – Wednesdays, August 20 and 27 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Build your drawing “muscle” by attending Hessel School House’s Drawing Refresher Class! In this two-week session, learn about the tools used to draw values, shapes, textures, and perspective. Artist Karen Mazzoline will use starter exercises, activities, and projects to help you develop your drawing skillset! Our focus will be on the elements of art and the principles of design as we draw people, land and seascapes, animals, objects, and places. We will also be working with different drawing media (marker, ink, colored pencil). If you have a specific question or topic you would like discussed during the session, you will be given the opportunity to share that through email before the session begins.

Materials and tools will be provided by the instructor, but if you have your own sketch books and pencils, feel free to bring them to class! This class is for adults and teens 16+.

Class fee: $55

To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.

PAINT & SIP: Fall Watercolor Pumpkins
2025-08-27 16:00 - 18:00
PAINT & SIP: Fall Watercolor Pumpkins
Wednesday, August 27 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bring in the anticipation of the fall season with watercolor pumpkins! Using specific techniques, artist Karen Mazzoline will teach you how to paint pumpkins on 4 X 6 watercolor paper. Choose from a variety of shapes and colors! When finished, you will be taking home two of your very own creations in a glass frame! All materials will be provided and no experience is necessary!
Class Fee: $40
Space is limited. Register early!
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Stained Glass: Festive Fall
2025-09-06 10:00 - 15:30
Fall-Themed Stained Glass Workshop with Connie Thompson
🍂 Create Something Beautiful This Autumn 🍁
Join local stained glass artist Connie Thompson for an intimate, hands-on workshop celebrating the colors and charm of fall! In this cozy, seasonal session, you’ll design and craft your own autumn-inspired stained glass piece—perfect for capturing the warmth of the season.
🧡 All materials and step-by-step instruction provided
🎨 No experience needed—just bring your creativity!
👩‍🎨 Led by Connie Thompson, a professional stained glass artist
🎟️ Only 6 seats available – reserve yours early!
💵 $75 per person
Get inspired by the rich hues of autumn leaves and leave with a handmade piece you’ll cherish for years.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at

https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=19971&action=ticket&action_ticket=40583

Flora & Fungi Discovery Walk
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00
Ever wanted to learn how to identify and safely forage wild mushrooms, but didn’t know where to start? Interested in learning about forest plants and wildflowers? Then this event is for you! Logan Ferguson will lead you on a guided walk and mushroom foray at a nearby location. We will meet at the Hessel School House to carpool to the area.
No Charge to attend.
RSVP is required and registration is limited to the first 24 people. To reserve your ticket, got to

https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=19971&action=ticket&action_ticket=40582
or call 906-484-1333.

* Hiking shoes or boots recommended.
* Walk will be light to moderate terrain.
This event is provided in partnership with the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District.
