Hessel School House

Aldo Leopold Festival Tickets Go On Sale
2026-03-28 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States

Book Reading & Signing: A Good Animal with Sara Maurer
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00
Book Reading & Signing: A Good Animal with Sara Maurer
Join us for an intimate afternoon with debut novelist Sara Maurer as she reads from and signs copies of her acclaimed first novel, A Good Animal. Set against the emotional landscape of the rural Midwest, the novel explores the complicated bonds between people, place, and the choices that define us—tender, unflinching, and deeply human.
Sara Maurer lives with her family in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Albion College and her master’s from Eastern Michigan University, and she honed her craft through Stanford’s Continuing Studies Novel Writing Certificate program. Her short fiction has appeared in Dunes Review, Hominum Journal, and The Twin Bill. A Good Animal marks her powerful debut as a novelist.
The afternoon will include a reading, a brief conversation about the writing process and the journey to publication, audience Q&A, and a book signing. Whether you’re a longtime reader of literary fiction or discovering Sara’s work for the first time, this event offers a thoughtful and engaging look at a remarkable new voice.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Pre-registration is appreciated for planning purposes. To save your seat, call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Mahjong
2026-04-01 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-08 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-22 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-06 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-20 13:00 - 16:00 and 1 more date
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (October – May). 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.

BINGO at Hessel School House
2026-04-02 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:30
Thursdays – October thru Mid May.
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 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.
Michigan License #A22504
Concerned about the weather? Want to see if we will be hosting bingo or not? CALL THE BINGO HOTLINE! This free and simple service is updated every Thursday by 10:00 am to let you know if we will be playing bingo that night. Just listen to the recording. It’s that easy!

STAINED GLASS: Spring Flowers
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:00
April 11, 2026 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us on April 11th to create a beautiful stained glass flower with artist Connie Thompson. This hands-on experience is designed for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, you’ll leave with a beautiful piece to cherish or gift. All materials are included, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! The workshop will take place at the Hessel School House from 10 AM to 3 PM. With a limited class size of just 6 participants, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout the day.
Class Fee: $75.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or CLICK HERE to register online.

Jam Session
2026-04-14 14:00 - 16:00
🎶 Jam Sessions at Hessel School House! 🎶
Jam Sessions offer an easygoing afternoon of live music-making in a welcoming, historic setting.
🎸 Bring your favorite instrument
🎤 Sing along
🎼 Play your heart out
👂 Or simply sit back and enjoy the music
Musicians of all levels are welcome — whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years. Not a musician? No problem! Come soak in the sounds and spend a relaxing afternoon with friends and neighbors.
📅 Upcoming Dates:
• April 14, 2026
• May 19, 2026
All sessions are held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us for music, community, and good vibes. We can’t wait to see you there!
For additional information, call Tricia Little —(906) 203-7844

CANCELLED: Spring Watercolor Resist Painting
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00
Spring Resist Watercolor Painting
April 18, 2026
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Spend an afternoon with artist Karen Mazzoline as we explore the resist technique in watercolor! Choose from a variety of spring themes and color schemes to create a beautiful work of watercolor art! All materials will be provided! No experience is necessary and exploration is encouraged!
Adult & Teen Class
Class Fee: $40.00

CANCELLED: PAINT & SIP: Spring Abstract
2026-04-18 17:00 - 19:00
PAINT & SIP: Spring Abstract
April 18, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Discover the art of abstract painting at Hessel School House! With guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline learn the basics of abstract painting with a spring theme! Choose from various images and paint an abstract that is as unique as you! All materials will be provided and experience is not necessary!
Class Fee: $40

UPCYCLE: Summer Gnomes
2026-05-09 13:00 - 15:00
UPCYCLED SUMMER GNOME CLASS (adults)
Saturday, May 9th
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Add some “sparkle” to your home décor with upcycled summer gnomes! Using recycled and natural materials, artist Marissa Wissner will help guide you in the creative process! Choose your own upcycled items such as bottles or cans, fabrics, buttons, beads, and string as you make a one-of-a-kind summer gnome! All materials and instruction are included! Come and enjoy an afternoon of creative fun!
$40 per person.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=29738

PAINT & SIP: Summer Night Sky
2026-05-09 17:00 - 19:00
SUMMER NIGHT SKY PAINT N SIP (adults only)
Saturday, May 9th • 5 – 7 pm
Enjoy a late afternoon of painting fun with the Summer Night Sky Paint n Sip! Bring your own beverage of choice as you learn how to build up an acrylic night sky on a canvas circle. Artist Karen Mazzoline will guide you in the process of layering and blending paint to create the beautiful night sky. All materials and instruction will be provided! Come bring a friend and paint together!
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=29738

STAINED GLASS: May Flowers
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00
STAINED GLASS: May Flowers
Join us on May 16 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM to create a beautiful stained glass flower with artist Connie Thompson. This hands-on experience is designed for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, you’ll leave with a beautiful piece to cherish or gift. All materials are included, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! With a limited class size of just 6 participants, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout the day.
Class Fee: $75.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=29738

Jam Session
2026-05-19 14:00 - 16:00
🎶 Jam Sessions at Hessel School House! 🎶
Enjoy an easygoing afternoon of live music-making in a welcoming, historic setting.
🎸 Bring your favorite instrument
🎤 Sing along
🎼 Play your heart out
👂 Or simply sit back and enjoy the music
Musicians of all levels are welcome — whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years. Not a musician? No problem! Come soak in the sounds and spend a relaxing afternoon with friends and neighbors.
May 19, 2026
2:00 – 4:00 PM
at Hessel School House
Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us for music, community, and good vibes. We can’t wait to see you there!
For additional information, call Tricia Little —(906) 203-7844

Aldo Leopold Festival
2026-05-27 - 2026-05-31
Aldo Leopold Festival
May 27-31, 2026
Les Cheneaux welcomes you to celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold — one of America’s most influential naturalists — during our festival, May 27-31, 2026. Activities include paddling excursions, orchid and wildflower tours, birding trips, presentations, and many other nature-based activities. Experience the woods and water that formed Leopold’s early impressions of the natural world as we honor the mark he made on conservation and the environment.
OVER 60 tours, workshops, and lectures to enjoy during the 5-day festival! For a complete list of events, tickets, and more information, visit the festival website at https://aldoleopoldfestival.org/

Mahjong
2026-06-03 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 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.

Swig and Dig
2026-06-04 09:00 - 10:30
Swig & Dig at the Hessel School House
Join the Swig & Dig group for a fun and casual morning of caring for the Hessel School House grounds! Organized by Robin Pendery, this weekly gathering focuses on weed pulling, general grounds maintenance, and occasional guest speakers sharing gardening tips and inspiration throughout the summer. Bring your coffee to swig along the way.
When: Thursdays, 9:00 AM–10:30 AMWhere: Hessel School House
Come as often as you like—whether you can help every week or just stop by when your schedule allows. Bring your gardening gloves, enjoy some good company, and help keep the School House grounds looking their best! 🌱☕

CANCELLED - Stained Glass: Succulent Plant
2026-06-05 10:00 - 15:00
Due to a lack of registrations, this class was cancelled.

Friday, June 5 • 10 am – 3 pm

Come and create a beautiful stained glass succulent plant with artist Connie Thompson. This hands-on experience is designed for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, you’ll leave with a beautiful piece to cherish or gift. All materials are included. (Adults only)

Class Fee: $75.00
