Snowy Owl Month at Hessel School House
2024-02-04 00:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come experience the magic of snowy owls during the month of February
Kick-off Weekend – February 2-4, 2024

Why are we celebrating Snowy Owls (and other winter birds)?
Every year, the National Audubon Society, an organization with the goal of protecting birds and their habitats, takes a survey and bird count of every major region in the state. Over the years, the count found that more snowy owls come to Rudyard and the surrounding area of the Eastern Upper Peninsula more than any other place in the state, and more than most other places throughout the country. Now that’s reason to celebrate!
What is the Snowy Owl Festival?
The Snowy Owl Festival is a month-long celebration that provides a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and the local community to come together and witness the awe-inspiring presence of these magnificent birds. The kick-off weekend, February 2 – 4, 2024 will be filled with various activities and events organized to educate and engage participants. From guided birdwatching tours led by experienced owl watchers, to educational workshops and LIVE owl presentations, attendees have the chance to learn more about the snowy owl’s habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts. Additionally, the celebration showcases the artistic side of snowy owls through art classes for all ages that will showcase the unique beauty and cultural significance of these creatures.
Complete information about each event and registration details can be found below. All events require pre-registration and payment online or by calling 906-484-1333.

Financial support for this event and its many educational opportunities is made possible by the follow organizations.
THANK YOU for your support!

CANCELLED - Beach Themed Paint & Sip for 2
2024-02-09 18:30 - 20:30
Due to lack of registrations, this event has been cancelled.
In honor of the Les Cheneaux Area Snows Fest, we’ve created a unique beach-themed painting experience! Get ready to connect with your significant other or a close friend as you create a beautiful paintings together under the instruction of artist Karen Mazzoline on Friday, February 8 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Unleash your creativity and strengthen your bond in a fun and relaxed atmosphere during our Couples Paint and Sip. A light snack will be provided. Feel free to bring your own beverage of choice and enjoy during this warm and cozy indoor Snows Fest activity.
Class size is limited. $65.00 per couple ($32.50 each)

CANCELLED - Create a Beaded Owl
2024-02-17 13:00 - 15:00
Bring a friend to create your very own beaded owl! Our instructor, Marissa Wissner, will guide you in the process of choosing colors and beading them into a beautiful owl that you can proudly display on your backpack, use as a key chain, or gift to a friend! All materials are provided and no experience is necessary! This class is for youth ages 7 & up. Pre-registration is required to attend. Class fee is $20 per student.

Four Seasons Watercolor Notecards or Bookmarks
2024-02-23 18:30 - 20:30
Bring a friend and come dabble in watercolors. Led by the talented artist Karen Mazzoline, this workshop will teach you how to create stunning bookmarks or note cards that capture the essence of each season. With all materials included, you’ll have everything you need to unleash your creativity and make something truly unique. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore the world of watercolor and create a useful work of art.
$35.00 per person.
Space is limited. Register early by calling 906-484-1333 or register online.

CANCELLED - Whoooo Knew? Family Nature Exploration
2024-02-24 10:00 - 12:00
Whooo knew owls were so fascinating? We did! Come learn about owls during this science based, hands-on interactive, educational experience. Examine an owl’s wings and feathers up close to understand how these large birds can soar almost silently through the air. Dig into an owl pellet for a “hands-on” study on what an owl eats. Experience owl vision with by making your own pair of owl eyes. The class concludes with an owl art project to take home. This family friendly event is $5.00 per person. Space is limited and typically sells out, so register early to avoid disappointment.
Due to a lack of participants, this class has been cancelled.

Watercolor Flowers
2024-03-08 18:30 - 20:30
Watercolor Flowers
March 8 – 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Why wait for spring flowers to bloom when you can create your own! Using watercolor and outlined paper, learn to work with this medium’s properties with guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline. All materials will be provided and no experience is necessary! Bring a friend and enjoy the artistic process as we “bring on the spring”!
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online today.

Staycation Paint & Sip - Field of Flowers
2024-03-22 18:30 - 20:30
“Staycation” Paint n’ Sip: Field of Flowers
March 22 – 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Bring the sunshine back into your home by painting flowers! They not only brighten a room, flowers can also lighten your mood! Painting acrylic on a 10-inch circle panel, participants will learn how to develop depth, color, and texture by painting a field of flowers. When completed with the project, you will have the option to hang it on your wall or display it as table decor. All materials will be provided and no painting experience is necessary. Come on out and paint with us!
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online today!

Pen & Ink Drawing Class
2024-04-20 13:00 - 15:00
Ink pen drawing can be a wonderful experience as you learn the various ways to create from this medium. Come spend a Saturday with Artist Karen Mazzoline as she guides you in the practice of pen and ink drawing! You will have the opportunity to work with different types of ink to create simple drawings and a more detailed image. All materials will be provided!
Class fee: $35.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

Paint & Sip: Petoskey Stone Painting
2024-04-26 18:30 - 20:30
Hunting for Petoskey Stones is such a great thing to do while in Michigan, but it’s even better to create your very own on canvas! Using stenciled 8 x 8 canvas board and acrylic, you will be painting a close up of our state rock! This artwork can be framed or stand alone to add beauty to your home! All materials will be provided! Bring a friend and your enthusiasm to paint!
Class fee: $40
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

Birch Bark & Beads Class
2024-04-27 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a unique crafting experience with Native American jewelry artist Mae Nagamokwe! Learn to create stunning birch bark, quill, and glass bead earrings under Mae’s expert guidance. For those who don’t wear earrings, the option to make a pendant or pin will also be available. All materials and instruction are included. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn a traditional craft and take home a beautiful piece of handmade jewelry! Class space is limited. Register today!
Class fee: $35.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

CANCELLED: Basics of Art Journaling
2024-05-04 10:00 - 12:00
Basics of Art Journaling
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to start an art journal, but didn’t know where to begin? Do you have a journal started, but need some inspiration to keep moving forward? Hessel School House has a class for you! Spend the morning with artist Karen Mazzoline, as you learn what it takes to plan, start, and keep an art journal. All materials and guides will be provided for you to get started. You will leave the class with the knowledge and confidence to add to your art journal and stay inspired.
CLASS CANCELLED

CANCELLED: Mother & Daughter Couples Painting
2024-05-04 13:00 - 15:00
Mother & Daughter Couples Painting
Saturday, May 4, 2024
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Treat your mom to a fun activity that you can do together! Using acrylic paints on canvas, create a sweet, adorable composition that will bring cherished memories for you both. Can’t bring your mom? Bring a friend! All materials are provided with guided instruction from artist Karen Mazzoline. Come and enjoy this artistic experience as you spend some quality time together!
This class has been cancelled.

PAINT & SIP: Ocean Waves
2024-05-17 18:30 - 20:30
PAINT & SIP: Ocean Waves
Friday, May 17, 2024
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Bask in the warmth of the sun and the crash of the waves as you create your own ocean waves at our paint n’ sip! Learn to work in the three types of ground (back, middle, and foreground) as you develop texture and color on canvas. All art materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary. Just bring a friend and your enthusiasm for painting!
Class fee: $40.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

Aldo Leopold Festival 2024
2024-05-29 - 2024-06-02
SAVE THE DATES – May 29 – June 2, 2024
Details about this event can be found on the Aldo Leopold Festival website at https://www.aldoleopoldfestival.org/

Nature Inspired Arts & Crafts for Kids
2024-06-01 13:00 - 15:00
Young naturalist of all ages are welcome to join us on the front lawn of the Hessel School House for a variety of nature inspired arts and crafts. This event takes place between 1 – 3 pm on Saturday, June 1st during the Aldo Leopold Festival. From vibrant stick painting to dazzling sun catchers, and fish windsocks there is something for everyone to enjoy creating. This free event is open to the public and a Aldo Leopold Festival pass is not required to attend the arts and crafts time. Donations are appreciated.

UPCYCLE: Outdoor Tiny House
2024-06-05 13:00 - 16:00
UPCYCLE: Outdoor Tiny House
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Looking to add beauty to your porch or garden? Create this unique, upcycled miniature house! Using recycled materials and natural elements, learn to plan, construct and paint! Artist Marissa Wissner will be available to guide you through the process. All materials will be provided, but if you have items that you would like to use, please bring them! This class is three hours long, so that you will have the time needed to complete your house.
To register call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

Barn Quilt Painting
2024-06-08 09:30 - 12:30
Barn Quilt Painting
June 8, 2024
9:30am-12:30pm
Bring a touch of rustic charm to your porch, home, cabin, or interior space. This class will assist you in creating a stunning 2’ x 2’ quilt pattern on wood using acrylic painting. You will create your individual color combination with the quilt pattern—Lillian’s cupboard. There are so many beautiful options in creating a truly unique barn quilt.

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

Watercolor Bootcamp (3 sessions)
2024-06-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-24 10:00 - 12:00
Watercolor Bootcamp
June 10, 17, and 24 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Brush up on your watercolor skills by attending our watercolor bootcamp! Through quick exercises, fun activities, and creative projects, build your skill set and feel more confident in working with this medium. This is a three-week bootcamp, so you will have opportunities to practice what you have learned. Artist Karen Mazzoline will offer different painting styles, techniques, and types of watercolor paints during the course. All materials will be provided, but if you would rather use your own watercolor paints, feel free to bring them along!
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

CANCELLED - Intro to Hand Sewing
2024-06-10 13:00 - 15:00
INTRODUCTION TO SEWING CLASS
Mondays June 10 and 17 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The art of sewing is a timeless and valuable skill that displays craftsmanship, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Learn the basics of sewing by creating simple projects that you can take home and create on your own. Artist Marissa Wissner will guide you through stitching, patterns, and techniques of hand sewing. This is a two-week course, so you will have time to practice your newly learned skills! Use various tools and materials as you bring your sewing creations to life! All materials and tools will be provided, and no previous skill is required!
Due to a lack of registrations, this class has been cancelled. It will be offered again in the fall.

Create a Bird Nesting Shelf
2024-06-12 13:00 - 16:00
Create a Bird Nesting Shelf
June 12 from 1-4pm
Some species of birds, such as robin, prefer to make a nest in a crevice. The best nest box design is one with an open front. This design is inspired by a mailbox that hung on a porch. You will be able to put your own touch on this nesting box to make it your own unique design. The class will assemble the pre-cut nesting box pieces. Once the box is together, you will be able to accessorize the nesting box to fit your unique design.
To register call 906-484-1333 or register online

CANCELLED - Summer Solstice Mosaic
2024-06-19 13:00 - 16:00
CANCELLED – SUMMER SOLSTICE MOSAIC CLASS
Wednesday, June 19 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Come celebrate the longest day of the year with us by making your own summer solstice mosaic! Using recycled items, natural elements, and colorful materials, get ready to plan your summer inspiration! With guidance from artists Karen Mazzoline and Marissa Wissner, learn to manipulate, attach, and glue on cardboard circles. Have fun working with interesting techniques and creating summer characters, symbols, and patterns!
Fun for all ages, this event is for teens and adults!

PAINT & SIP: Patriotic Heart
2024-06-19 18:30 - 20:30
PAINT & SIP: Patriotic Heart
Wednesday, June 19
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hessel School House is “changing it up” with an abstract painting class! Using the impasto method in acrylic, participants will paint a whimsical patriotic heart on 8 X 8 canvas board! This painting can be placed anywhere in the home and will add beauty to your décor! All materials will be provided, and artist Karen Mazzoline will guide you through the creative process. Come and enjoy an evening of painting!
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium
2024-06-22 09:30 - 15:00
The Upper Peninsula Writer’s Symposium is designed to provide a platform for writers of all skill levels to learn, grow, and connect with fellow wordsmiths. Whether you’re a budding novelist, a seasoned poet, or simply someone who loves the written word, this event is catered to your creative needs.

One of the highlights of the symposium will be the keynote address by #1 New York Bestselling author, Angeline Boulley. Angeline is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, known for her captivating storytelling and profound cultural insights. Firekeepers Daughter was her debut novel. Her second book, Warrior Girl Unearthed, was released in summer 2023. Boulley will share her journey as a writer and offer valuable advice to inspire and motivate attendees on their own writing paths.
– Breakout sessions include: Self-Publishing 101: Why you should self-publish and how to do it with Victor Volkman
– Tickle Your Reader’s Funny Bone: Using Humor in Your Writing with Terri Martin
– Character Development: Addressing mental health, ADHD, and neurodivergence in characters at a middle-grade level with Nikki Mitchell
– Getting Started with Audibooks with Brandy Thomas
– Advanced Writing Tools — Beyond Microsoft Word with J.L. Hagen
– Marketing Your Poetry with Kathleen Carlton Johnson
See detailed schedule below!
In addition to the enriching workshops and an engaging keynote address, participants will also be provided with a delicious catered lunch, fostering networking opportunities and the chance to connect with fellow writers. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that aims to elevate the Upper Peninsula’s literary scene.

This event is a co-hosted by Hessel School House and Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Assocation.

Basket Making: Bird Feeder
2024-06-26 13:00 - 16:00
Basket Making: Bird Feeder
June 26 from 1-4pm
Come join us for an afternoon of basketweaving. Using basic basketweaving technique you will create a simple roof and trough bird feeder. No prior basketweaving experience is required. Cheryl Gordon will guide you through the steps of creating this beautiful and functional bird feeder to attract feathered friends to your yard.
To register 906-484-1333 or register online below.

CANCELLED: Quilt Inspired Fierweed Trail Painting
2024-07-01 13:00 - 16:00
CANCELLED: Quilt Inspired Fireweed Trail Painting
July 1 from 1:00-4:00 pm

Paint a landscape painting using a quilt pattern. Instructor, Cheryl Gordon, will assist you with step-by-step instruction to create this unique painting. You will be using masking tape, stencils, and acrylic paints to create this painting. All materials will be provided. No prior experience necessary.

Birch Bark & Willow Picture Frame
2024-07-03 09:30 - 12:30
Birch Bark & Willow Picture Frame
July 3, 2024
9:30am-12:30pm
Join artist Bob Causley for a unique art class where you’ll learn how to create your own 8 x 10″ frame using birch bark and red willow. In this hands-on, make and take style class, Bob will guide you through the process of crafting a stunning frame that’s perfect for your lodge decor or cottage. All materials are included. Don’t miss this opportunity to create and take home a beautiful piece of art. Sign up now to secure your spot!
Class Fee: $55

CANCELLED - Intro to Knitting
2024-07-08 13:00 - 15:00
Intro to Knitting – CANCELLED
TWO SESSION CLASS: July 8 and 15 • 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Knitting has been around for centuries and is an art form that stands the test of time. Whether you are seeking a creative outlet, relieve stress, or want a way to stay warm during the colder months, knitting is a perfect craft to master! Artist Marissa Wissner will teach the basics of knitting and how to use the various tools involved. This is a two-week course, so you will have the time to practice the basics of knitting and creating simple, but fun projects!

Rock Painting
2024-07-10 13:00 - 16:00
Rock Painting
July 10, 2024 • 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Using a Michigan beach rock as your “canvas”, learn to paint a nature scene with acrylic paint! Artist Karen Mazzoline will demonstrate some tips and tricks for painting on this particular surface. Once painted and sealed, you can use your painted rock as a paperweight or a part of your home décor!
Class Fee: $40.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=11700
