Hessel School House

Budding Artists: Let's Paint a Birdhouse
2024-07-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Budding Artists: Let’s Paint a Birdhouse
July 8
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Join us for a creative and fun-filled Budding Artist class tailored for 4-6 year olds! In this session, young artists will have the opportunity to paint their very own wooden birdhouse using a variety of techniques and tools. From using their fingers to sponges and brushes, students will explore different ways to apply paints and let their imaginations soar. Don’t miss this chance for your child to unleash their artistic potential and create a masterpiece to cherish. Sign up now and let the creativity flow!
Class fee: $20.00
To register call 906-484-1333 or REGISTER ONLINE.

Lawn Frog Painting
2024-07-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
After visiting the Frog Fest in Cedarville, hop on over to the Hessel School House to paint a wooden cutout frog. Everything you need to decorate your frog is provided. Wood cutouts are available while supplies lasts. This event is free, but donations are always appreciated.

Sea Shanty Concert at Hessel Marina
2024-07-29 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-07-30 19:30 - 20:30 | MI
Join us for an unforgettable evening of sea shanties with the talented duo, True Fact, featuring Diego Bermudez and Sam Thibeault. The event takes place at the Hessel Marina on Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 PM for two enchanting nights filled with music and maritime tales.
This **FREE lawn concert** is the perfect opportunity to unwind—bring your blankets or chairs and get ready to sing along as Diego and Sam share their passion for all things nautical and historical. As skilled deckhands aboard the Schooner Huron Jewel, they’ve charmed audiences with their lively performances, and now it’s your turn to join in the merriment!
Immerse yourself in the songs of the Inland Seas and hear thrilling tales of daring seafarers. Whether you want to learn the shanties or simply clap along, it’s bound to be a fun-filled experience! And if you play an instrument, feel free to bring it along!
**Don’t miss out on this musical voyage—see you there!**
This event is co-hosted by Drummond Island Tall Ship Co. and Hessel School House

Budding Artists: Create a Fish Painting
2024-08-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Wednesday, August 7 • 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Join us for a Budding Artist class designed for 4-6 year olds! Let your young artist’s creativity flow as they create a beautiful fish painting. Under the guidance of Mrs. Gordon, the students will learn step-by-step how to paint a unique canvas of a fish swimming under the water. This engaging and interactive class is sure to inspire young imaginations and spark a love for art. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational experience for your little artist!
Class Fee: $20.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=11746

Michigan's Native Species LIVE Exhibit
2024-08-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Get up close and personal is Michigan’s native species!
Join us at the Hessel School House on Saturday, August 17 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM for a unique and interactive experience at the Michigan Native Species LIVE Exhibit. Come face-to-face with some of the fascinating wildlife that call Michigan home. Explore live Michigan-native turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders. Learn about their behavior, ecology, and conservation. Enjoy a feeding frenzy as you fee these creatures and watch how they eat. The first 100 attendees will receive a complementary workbook to take notes about the animals they view during their visit. Admission for this event is by donation thanks to a grant from the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District. Pre-registration is not required.

CARNIVAL of Comedy & Illusions
2025-02-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Carnival of Comedy and Illusions Show
February 8 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Get ready for a magical afternoon filled with laughter and wonder at the “Carnival of Comedy and Illusions”! Join us on Saturday, February 8, at 4:00 PM at the Hessel School House for a spectacular one-hour performance that promises to delight audiences of all ages. Prepare to be amazed as the enchanting Magic Lady, Jania Taylor, dazzles you with her mind-bending illusions and captivating tricks. Coupled with the comedic genius of juggler and entertainer Chet Mitchell, this dynamic duo will take you on a whimsical journey where laughter meets magic. Best of all, this event is completely FREE, and we’ll be serving delicious popcorn to keep your spirits high! Don’t miss this unforgettable show—bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun and entertainment that will leave you smiling long after the final bow! Limited seating is available, so reservations are required.
RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY by calling 906-484-1333 or REGISTER ONLINE .

This event is sponsored in part by Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce and Patrick’s Landing. Thanks to their support we are able to offer this show for free!

Aldo Leopold Festival
2025-05-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
The Hessel Schools House welcomes you to celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold — one of America’s most influential naturalists — during our 10th Annual Aldo Leopold Festival, May 28th – June 1st, 2025. 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.
Tickets go on sale April 1, 2025. (No foolin’).
For a complete list of events, trips, tours, and more, visit https://aldoleopoldfestival.org/

Halloween Carnival
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Les Cheneaux Area children in pre-school thru 5th Grade are welcome to join us for a spooktacular Halloween Carnival at the Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center! Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon filled with thrilling games and delicious treats. We will even have a special book on the Story Book Trail! Dress up in your most boo-tiful costumes and be prepared for a ghoulishly good time. There will be prizes (and surprises) for everyone. Don’t miss out on this fang-tastic family friendly event!

No charge to attend thanks to financial support from community support from individuals and businesses.

Book Reading & Signing with Julie Buchholtz
2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Book Reading & Signing with Julie Buchholtz
Saturday, February 28, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us for a special afternoon with author Julie Buchholtz as she reads from her second book and shares the story behind its creation. Through gentle, lyrical storytelling, Mama sings to her child of mino-bimaadiziwin—living in harmony with nature—and of following the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. As mother and child journey through life together, they walk in the footsteps of the mothers and grandmothers who came before them, honoring tradition, love, and connection across generations.
Following the reading, Julie will be available for a book signing, and copies of the book will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required for planning purposes.
Come enjoy a meaningful, family-friendly hour of storytelling, reflection, and community with this heartfelt celebration of heritage and wisdom.
To save your seat(s), call 906-484-1333 or register online at

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aanii. Boozhoo.
Hello.
Ishpiming Migizi Kwe Nidizhinikaaz
I am Julie Buchholtz or High Flying Eagle Woman.
Gnoozhekaaning Nindonjibaa
I come from the Place of the Pike.
Migizi Nidoodehm
I am Eagle clan.
I am fortunate to live along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I feel the most grounded when I am immersed in nature, especially when I stand on the earth where my ancestors walked before me. I am a proud member of the Bay Mills Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
My inaugural book, Who Am I, was published by Sleeping Bear Press/Cherry Lake Publishing and selected as a 2021 Own Voices/Own Stories Winner. Who Am I took me on a journey of self discovery, a coming home of sorts to my native roots. It is about connection to one another and to Mother Earth. Little brown-skinned girl asks her mama a question that we often ask ourselves, “Who am I?” Mama pulls her girl close and explains how she is connected to Mother Earth including the plants, the organisms, and the animals that inhabit Mother Earth. In the end, the little brown-skinned girl understands her significance and that she isn’t so little after all.
My second book, Mama’s Song serves as a prequel to Who Am I and led me further down the path of embracing my native heritage. It tells the story of the birth of the little brown-skinned baby. Mama has never felt such love before and thanks the Creator for such a gift. Mama’s Song is all about mama’s wish for her daughter to live the “good life” or mino bimaadiziwin. Readers are introduced to the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.

Mommy & Me: Ocean Theme Art Party
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
MOMMY AND ME OCEAN THEME ART PARTY (adult/child/teen)
Saturday, May 9th
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Come to Hessel School House with the special person in your life to create together! With the ocean as our theme, choose colors and materials to make keychains, bracelets, and painted seashells! Join artists Karen Mazzoline and Marissa Wissner as they teach you the art of designing jewelry and art! All materials, light snacks, and fun will be provided! Enjoy a morning making memories! NOTE: Ticket price is for Mom and one child (any age).
$40 per couple (Mother and child of any age).
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=29738

Fairy Frolic
2026-07-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Saturday, July 11 • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a magical walk through the woods 🌿 where live fairies await along the trail!
📖 A special storybook will be featured for the day — perfect for curious readers and fairy believers of all ages.
Free and open to the public.

A.R.K. Wildlife LIVE!
2026-07-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Saturday, July 11 • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Step into a hands-on wildlife adventure at the Hessel School House. This engaging and family-friendly event invites curious minds of all ages to connect with nature through an up-close experience featuring LIVE ambassador animals. Presented by A.R.K. (Association of Rescue Kritters), this program showcases non-releasable wildlife ambassadors—animals that can no longer survive in the wild but now serve an important role in education. Through guided interaction and storytelling, guests will learn about each animal’s species, habitat, and the conservation challenges they face. Participants will also have the rare opportunity to explore a collection of authentic, touchable artifacts, including wings, pelts, talons, and more. These hands-on elements deepen understanding and spark curiosity, making science come alive in a memorable way.
Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
Presentation Fee: $10 per person
To register: Call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Back to School For Teens
2026-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Back to School For Teens
Tuesday, August 18 • 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (Ages 13 + )
Add some awesome bling to your school year with back-to-school accessories! Artist Marissa Wissner will offer instruction on how to add artistic flair to magnetic frames and pencil cases! Learn how to make school themed key chains for your lunch bags and backpacks! All materials will be provided!
Class Fee: $30
TO REGISTER: Call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=30178
