Geology ROCKS!
2023-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
With rock samples from all around the globe, students will quickly begin to see the difference between igneous and sedimentary rock forms and learn about the fascinating world of geology. This hands-on experience concludes with a special family art project. Great for all ages. Space is limited for this family friendly event.
Class fee: $5.00/person
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE

Discover Michigan's Magnificent Mammals
2023-03-25 10:00 - 12:00
About 60 species of terrestrial mammals live in Michigan, including bear, elk, and fox. We will have an extensive collection of pelts and skulls for students to touch and compare as we explore the adaptations of some of Michigan’s magnificent mammals. Our science and nature lesson will be followed by a nature inspired art project. Fun for the whole family. Limited space is available for this hands-on, family friendly experience. Register early.
$5.00 per person
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/547944927027

The Art of Paper Airplanes (Elementary Art Class)
2023-03-28 10:00 - 12:00
Almost everybody has made a simple paper airplane. This class will show a variety of techniques to create supersonic planes, darts, a one-wing biplane, and high gliding planes. Come have some fun during your spring break and in the process learn about the way real airplanes work too. Space is limited. All materials and instruction included.
$15.00 Per Student
Class Size: min. 4 / max.12
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/547890945567

Create A Treasure Box (Elementary Art Class)
2023-03-28 13:00 - 15:00
CANCELLED
Children always need a special place to put their treasures! During this class, elementary aged students will paint a box and then bedazzle it with gems, glitter, and objects to make it a true keepsake. All materials are included. A fun way to spend an afternoon while on spring break. Pre-registration is require to attend.
Class Size: min. 4 / max. 8
Class Fee: $15.00

CANCELLED - Drawing and Painting Spring Flowers
2023-04-01 10:00 - 12:00
Students will learn to use simple shapes to draw spring flowers. Then they will use simple painting techniques to create a beautiful painting. The class is for budding artist ages 6-11 years old. All materials are provided. Pre-registration is required.
Class Size: Min. 4/Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/567089027547

Hush-a-Bye Night - Story & Craft Time with the author and illustrator
2023-04-08 10:00 - 12:00
A special Story and Craft Time with the author and illustrator of “Hush-a-Bye Night – Goodnight Lake Superior”.
Join us for a very special book release party for Hush-a-Bye Night, Goodnight Lake Superior. Children of all ages will enjoy learning about what inspired this book and hear a live reading from the author, Thelma Lynn Godin. Story time will be followed by a special craft project with the book’s illustrator/artist, Katie Eberts. This is a great opportunity for children to meet the people that created this lovely story. Books will be available for purchase at the event. A book signing and photo opportunity with the author and artist will take place immediately following craft time.
Space is limited for this truly unique opportunity. Sign up early to avoid disappointment.
To reserve your seat, register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/593306043347

CANCELLED - Family Nature Exploration - Earth Day Celebration!
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for an Earth Day Celebration!
Inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Seuss’ Lorax! “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
During this family friendly exploration of nature, we will learn different ways to help protect earth by implementing the Three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle, and by being good stewards of our natural resources. A fun art project using recycled materials will reinforce the concept of reusing objects we usually throw in the trash to create art.
Space is limited. Register early to avoid disappointment.
Funding for this program provided by The Americana Foundation.

Sea Glass Bird Family (Elementary Art)
2023-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will create a bird family using sea glass and markers. They will be gluing and drawing to create this unique piece of art. All materials are include. Instruction provided by Cheryl Gordon. Pre-registration is required.
Class Size: Min. 4/Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/567097212027

Lego Mural Workshop for Kids
2023-05-20 09:00 - 12:00
SOLD OUT!
Award winning LEGO artist Sharon Vance will teach children ages 8 – 14 to create a work of art using simple 1×1 LEGO building blocks. All materials are supplied and the students will get to take home their one-of-a-kind piece of art. Space is limited for this workshop, so register online early.
Class Fee: $20 per student – This event is SOLD OUT.
To add your name to the waiting list, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/608705694117

This class is offered at a discount thanks to a grant from the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation. Additional support for this program provided in part by Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Sharon Vance is a Lego artist specializing in freehand original mosaics. Sharon, a former Chemistry Professor now disabled with an extremely rare disease, creates original art pieces that speak of her love of nature and fantasy and hopes that her work inspires others to explore their own creative potential no matter what medium they choose.

Family Nature Exploration: All About Birds
2023-05-21 15:00 - 17:00
You can learn a lot about birds just by looking at their many unique features. During this fun family friendly time of exploration, we will take a closer look at birds, their adaptations, and even make a bird friendly art project. All materials are included. Space is limited and usually fills quickly. Register today! $5.00 per person.
To register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/626434962837

This class is offered at a discount thanks to funding from the Americana Foundation. Additional support provided by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the Endowment for the Arts.

Drop-In Art Projects for Kids!
2023-06-03 10:00 - 15:00
In celebration of Aldo Leopold, children of all ages are welcome to join us for some fun nature related crafts on Saturday, June 3.
Enjoy stick painting with Sue Bakkila from 10:00 – Noon. Brighten up any room, garden, or hike with your own custom painted stick. Sticks and all materials are included. Available while sticks and supplies lasts.
Between 1:00-3:00 PM come learn how to do block printing, fish and leaf prints, or create a nature journal to keep all of your nature observations in. These classes will take place in the outdoor classroom on the storybook trail (weather permitting).
A festival pass is not required for these FREE family fun events. Donations are appreciated to help offset the costs of the materials.

Sun Printing (Cyanotype) for Kids
2023-06-03 14:00 - 17:00
On Saturday, June 3 from 2-5 PM, artist Kathy Thomas will teach children ages 8 and up how to create fun sun prints using plants and objects found in nature. Students will arrange their designs however they’d like, expose them to the sun and wash in a bath to reveal the final print. Once dry, prints will be modge-podged to a wood base and ready to hang! Class is limited to 8 students. $20 per child. To register for this class you must call the Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

CANCELLED - Family Nature Exploration: What's a Watershed
2023-06-11 15:00 - 17:00
Did you know you live in a watershed? What is a watershed? Come learn about your local watershed and explore how your daily activities within it can impact the health of our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. Join Ms. Kristy as we conduct a science experiment or two to help us understand what a watershed is and how we can keep it heathy. Afterwards we will do a topic related art project with Mrs. Gordon. All materials are included. Space is limited so register early.
Class Fee: $5.00 per person.
This class is offered at a discount thanks to a grant from The Americana Foundation. Additional support provided by Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This class was cancelled.

Fish Windsock (Elementary Art Class)
2023-06-14 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will create a unique fabric fish windsock while learning basic printing and painting techniques. All materials are included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
Pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568208305337 or call 906-484-1333

Froggy Sculpture
2023-06-28 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will create frogs using polymer clay and fabric. First they will learn the pinch, coil and slab techniques to create frog sculptures. While these clay sculptures are baking, we will be creating a simple fabric frog. All materials are included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
Pre-registration is required to attend.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568269337887

Create a Beaded Frog (1:00 PM Class)
2023-07-07 13:00 - 14:00
THIS CLASS IS FULL. – Please consider signing up for the 2:30 – 3:30 session.
Stop in the Hessel School House on Friday, July 7 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM to create a colorful beaded frog pet to hang on your backpack or wear as a necklace. Choose from a variety of frog patterns to make your festival-ready frog. This is a great activity to kick off the area wide Frog Fest. This class is geared for children ages 6-11 years old.
Class fee: $20 per child. All materials and instruction by artist Marissa Wissner are included.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/594095554797

Create a Beaded Frog (2:30 PM Class)
2023-07-07 14:30 - 15:30
Stop in the Hessel School House on Friday, July 7 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM to create a colorful beaded frog pet to hang on your backpack or wear as a necklace. Choose from a variety of frog patterns to make your festival-ready frog. This is a great activity to kick off the area wide Frog Fest. This class is geared for children ages 6-11 years old.
Class fee: $20 per child. All materials and instruction by artist Marissa Wissner are included.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/672399443837

Paint a Lawn Frog
2023-07-08 10:00 - 13:00
Join us at the Hessel School House from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM to paint an outdoor lawn frog!
We will have large blank wood cutouts of fun frogs that you can paint and take home. Cutouts will be available while supplies last. There is not fee or registration for this event. Donations are appreciated.
This event is being held in conjunction with the Les Cheneaux Watershed Council’s FROG FEST.

Elementary Art - Sock Animal
2023-07-12 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will learn how to create an adorable sock animal using simple sewing techniques. With a sock, some thread, needles, and stuffing, students will create a unique animal brimming with character. All materials are included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568278645727

Watercolor Painting (Elementary Art)
2023-07-19 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will be using watercolor paints to create colorful works of art. They will learn watercolor techniques, color mixing, and crayon resist methods of painting. A wonderful class to inspire young artists. All materials are included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
Pre-registration is required to attend.
TO REGISTER, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568287131107

Family Nature Exploration: Macroinvertebrates (aka Water Bugs)
2023-07-23 15:00 - 17:00
Come explore the underwater world of aquatic bugs, also known as macroinvertebrates. These tiny vertebrates what are visible to the naked eye are crucial food sources for larger animals and an excellent indicator of stream health. Young naturalists will view many examples while we learn about their unique qualities. Afterwards we will do a special nature-based craft project with Mrs. Gordon. All materials are included. $5.00 per person.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641590062147

This class is offered at a discount thanks to funding from The Americana Foundation, Michigan Arts & Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Story & Craft Time with the Author
2023-07-24 13:00 - 15:00
Help us celebrate the release of the book “Who Am I?” by local author Julie Buchholtz. Children of all ages will enjoy a reading by the author followed by a Q&A session where children are free to ask Julie questions about being a writer. A craft time inspired by the book follows.
Introducing children to an author can be a formative moment. It may be the spark that lights a passion for writing in a young person that could last a lifetime! This event is fun and educational for all ages. Please register online to save your seats. Space is limited for this FREE event.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
REGISTER ALL CHILD SEATS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/626538482467

Clay Sculptures (Elementary Art)
2023-07-26 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will have fun creating beautiful animals and bowl sculptures out of polymer clay. They will learn the pinch, coil, and slab techniques to create their one-of-a-kind creations. All materials are included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568294162137

Build a Paddle Boat (Elementary Art)
2023-08-09 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will be building their own wooden paddle wheel boat. Once the glue and paint is dry the boat can be set in motion by winding up the paddle wheel. A fun project for your future boat builder. All materials are included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568303279407

CANCELLED - Elementary Art - Landscape Painting
2023-08-16 10:00 - 12:00
Due to lack of registrants, this class has been cancelled.
Come paint your own masterpiece! Students ages 6-11 years old will discover acrylic paints while creating a beautiful landscape scene. This class will teach young artists how to mix paints, handle brushes, and translate what they see onto the canvas. All materials and instruction included. Class is $20 per student.

Family Nature Exploration: Time For Turtles
2023-08-20 15:00 - 17:00
Ubiquitous and slow-moving, turtles are among Michigan’s most easy-to-study animals. This family exploration time introduces young naturalists to the biology of turtles in a fun and exciting way – through a combination of hands-on science and art. $5.00 per person. Pre-register online.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641601727037
This class is offered at a discount thanks to funding from The Americana Foundation, Michigan Arts & Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pastel Sunset (Elementary Art)
2023-08-23 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will use pastels to create a colorful sunset. Using an easy stencil technique to create a mountain background with beautiful rays of color as the sun goes down. All materials and instruction included.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568387802217

Printing Magic (Elementary Art Class)
2023-08-30 10:00 - 12:00
Students ages 6-11 years old will learn a variety of printing techniques. They will create a simple relief fish and leaves print. They will also be printing with celery, apples, and potatoes to create one-of-a-kind works of art as they discover the magic of printing.
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 12
Class Fee: $20/student
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568392546407

CANCELLED - Elementary Art Class - String Painting and Pastels
2023-09-09 10:00 - 12:00
Elementary students ages 6-11 are invited to join us for a captivating artistic experience as we explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights through string painting and pastels.
Discover the unique technique of string painting, where vibrant colors are blended and intertwined to create stunning visual effects. Learn how to use pastels to capture the ethereal glow and magical hues of the Northern Lights.
Class fee is $20 per child and includes all materials and instruction.

CANCELLED - Family Nature Exploration - We're Nuts About Seed
2023-09-23 10:00 - 12:00
Dive into the magical world of seeds during this interactive family event and learn why seeds are so important through hands on activities. We will take a close look at seeds, do a seed scavenger hunt and create works of art with seeds. It will be a fun time for all ages. $5.00 per person.

This event is offered at a discount thanks to support from The Americana Foundation.
