Hessel School House

CANCELLED: PAINT & SIP: Spring Abstract
2026-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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

Mahjong
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, 2026-05-27 13:00 - 16:00
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
2026-04-23 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!

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, 2026-06-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-17 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, 2026-06-11 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-18 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

CANCELLED - Stained Glass: Feathers
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00
Due to a lack of registrations, this class was cancelled.
Saturday, June 6 • 10 am – 3 pm
Come and create a beautiful stained glass feather 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

Jam Session
2026-06-09 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.
All sessions are held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
For additional information, call Tricia Little —(906) 203-7844

Hessel School House Historic Tour
2026-06-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-17 13:00 - 15:00
Did you know that the Hessel School House originally served as a school? Founded in 1938, the building housed students from kindergarten through fifth grade. We invite you to join us as we share stories about our alumni, teachers, and community, as well as the various roles the building has served over the years. We will also be serving the legendary Hilda Johnson peanut butter cookies.
While there is no charge to attend, donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to help with planning of the tours.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at
This tour is offered weekly during the summer.

3rd Annual Writer Symposium
2026-06-13 09:00 - 15:00
3rd Annual Upper Peninsula Writer’s Symposium
Join fellow writers for the 3rd Annual Upper Peninsula Writer’s Symposium on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EDT in Hessel, Michigan. This inspiring day of creativity, craft, and community features a keynote address by renowned author Karen Dionne, along with your choice of three breakout sessions designed to help writers strengthen their voice, expand their storytelling skills, and gain practical tools for the writing life.
Participants will enjoy interactive workshops on topics such as narrative possibility, poetry, writing style, image and tone, book cover design, and place-based storytelling. The ticket includes the keynote address, three breakout sessions, a catered lunch, and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to select one session from each breakout block in advance to reserve their preferred workshops.
Whether you write fiction, memoir, poetry, or nonfiction, this symposium offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and leave with renewed creative energy.
$75 per person. Includes keynote address, 3 of 6 breakout sessions, lunch, and snacks throughout the day to ensure you can focus and stay energized during this highly informative day for writers of all skill levels.
TO REGISTER: Call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=30530

Keynote Session presented by Karen Dionne
Karen Dionne is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of the acclaimed psychological suspense novel The Marsh King’s Daughter, a gripping thriller that became a major motion picture starring Daisy Ridley and Ben Mendelsohn. Her novels have been translated into more than 25 languages and have earned numerous honors, including the Barry Award for Best Novel and recognition as one of the best books of the year by Library Journal and other national publications.
A longtime advocate for writers, Dionne is also the cofounder of the influential online writing community Backspace and has served on the board of directors for International Thriller Writers. Drawing from her own publishing journey—from aspiring writer to internationally recognized novelist—she inspires writers to persevere, trust the creative process, and continue pursuing their stories with dedication and resilience.
Dionne lives in Michigan, where the wilderness landscapes surrounding her home continue to shape the atmosphere and emotional depth of her fiction.
Choose Three Breakout Sessions
SESSION 1: 10:10 – 11:00 AM (Choose one of these two session)
The Infinite Possibilities of Narrative
Presenter: Joseph D. Haske
This session will include a writing exercise and a philosophical discussion that addresses potential writing strategies. From the inception of a project to the revisionary stages, an author must remain open to every opportunity for improvement. This workshop/discussion will enable writers to consider multiple approaches to plot, subplot, character development, and many other aspects of narrative conception.

Finding Your Voice Through Poetry
Presenter: Ellen Lord
In this interactive workshop, poet Ellen Lord will guide participants through the creative process of writing poetry inspired by themes from Vigil. Attendees will explore imagery, emotion, rhythm, and personal storytelling while learning practical techniques for crafting meaningful poems. In a time when many seek connection, reflection, and healing, poetry offers a powerful way to process experiences and express authentic thoughts and feelings. Whether you are new to poetry or already writing, this session will encourage you to discover and strengthen your unique voice.
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SESSION 2: 11:10 – 12:00 PM (Choose one of these two session)
Break Through the Familiar: New Approaches to Image, Tone, and Subject Matter
Presenter: Daniel Mendoza
Learn how to move beyond clichés and your own predictable writing patterns. Through generative exercises and guided shifts in perspective, workshop participants will explore how to disrupt their common writing habits and approach their poetry with greater flexibility and surprise. Ideal for poets looking for tools to keep their writing dynamic and engaging.

Success Signals for Writers: Know Your Writing-Style Color and Make It Help You Write Better
Presenter: Jule Covert
An interactive presentation to identify your writing and communication style so you can make your time at the keyboard more productive.

Do you get frustrated when can’t write as easily as you’d like?
Does something hold you back, that you can’t put your finger on?
Come learn what your Writing-Style Color is.

When you can identify your style then you can learn how to make it work to your advantage, minimize its weaknesses, and incorporate wearing a different color hat to get you out of the jam jar, resuscitate your muse, and get your writing back on track.
Take the quiz in advance at hjwords.com/resources then come learn about your writing-style color. The Success Signals for Writers quiz will also be available at the symposium.
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SESSION 3: 12:50 PM – 2:00 PM (Choose one of these two session)
Designing Book Covers That Work: Understanding Your Genre and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Presenter: Daniel Mendoza
Create book cover ideas that communicate with readers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. This workshop will explore common, but fixable design issues. It will also consider the visual language of different genres, helping authors make insightful decisions when designing their book covers. Discover how to balance originality with clarity to ensure your cover connects to your target audience.

Place-Based Writing: Using Landscape and Memory to Shape Story
Presenter: Helen Raica-Klotz
This breakout session explores how landscape, memory, and lived experience can deepen and shape compelling storytelling. Participants will learn techniques for using setting as more than background—transforming place into a living part of narrative and character development. Through guided prompts and discussion, writers will discover how personal memories, sensory details, and emotional connections to place can inspire authentic and powerful writing. Whether crafting fiction, memoir, or poetry, this session will help writers create stories grounded in atmosphere, meaning, and a strong sense of place.

CANCELLED - UPCYCLE: Turn Old T-Shirts Into Summer Decor
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00
Tuesday, June 16 • 10 am-12pm
Don’t know what to do with all those extra t-shirts in your closet? Bring your shirts and join artist Marissa Wissner as she teaches braiding and tying techniques to give new life! Create wreathes, baskets, and wall décor from your tired tees! Marissa will provide all the materials and bling to help you create a unique design!
Class Fee: $40.00
This class was cancelled due to a lack of registrations.

CANCELLED - Oops! Now what do I do? Acrylic Painting
2026-06-16 13:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, June 16 • 1 pm-3pm
Have you ever started painting only to end up with mistakes that you’re not sure how to fix? Artist Karen Mazzoline will offer tips and tricks that will help you fix those issues, so that you can finish your masterpiece! Using acrylic and canvas paper, practice these techniques, so that you can apply it to your own work. Bring in your OOPSIES, so that we can tackle them together! You will have the opportunity to email your issues to Karen directly before June 16, so she can address your specific issues during the class. All materials and instruction are included, so just bring your Happy Little Accidents with you to class.
Class Fee: $40.00
This class was cancelled due to lack of registrations.
