Snowy Owl Month at Hessel School House
2024-02-03 00:00 - 23:30, 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!

Build a Barred Owl Nesting Box
2024-02-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Looking to get closer to nature? Want to help our feathered friends find a cozy home? Then this workshop is perfect for you! Come and learn how to build your very own nesting box for the beautiful Barred Owl.
During this hands-on workshop, Cheryl Gordon will guide you through the process of constructing a sturdy and safe nesting box for these magnificent creatures. You’ll gain valuable knowledge about the nesting habits and requirements of Barred Owls, ensuring your box is the perfect fit. You will be using the Audubon approved Rob Bierregaard design, a one family home with plenty of room for the youngsters and easy access for adults.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or simply enjoy DIY projects, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. We will be using precut cedar boards, screws, and drills to create the nesting boxes and hanging instructions will be provided. If you have a screw gun you may want to bring it along as supply will be limited.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on the local owl population while having a great time! Pre-registration is required and we only have a limited number of spots available. Register today!

Mahjong
2024-02-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-06 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-20 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-27 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. 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.

BINGO!
2024-02-08 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-15 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-22 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-29 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-07 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-14 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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 delicious 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.

CANCELLED - Beach Themed Paint & Sip for 2
2024-02-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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 - Snowy Owl Painting (Elementary Art)
2024-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come join us for a fun-filled morning of painting a snowy owl. Whether your child is an aspiring artist or just loves art and learning, this event is perfect for them. During this event, children ages 6 – 11 years old will have the opportunity to explore their artistic talents and learn the basics of acrylic painting. Cheryl Gordon will guide them through various techniques and help them create their own masterpiece to take home.
$20 per student includes instruction and all materials. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.
Due to illness, this class has been cancelled.

CANCELLED - Women On Ice: Intro to Ice Fishing
2024-02-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Women on Ice – An Introduction to Ice Fishing
Women on Ice is an introduction to ice fishing for women of all ages. Grab your girlfriends and make it an afternoon outing. Maureen Stine, will guide you through the basics of ice fishing from learning how to set a tip up and what to do when the flag goes up, using an auger, understanding a lake map, choosing tackle for perch and panfish vs. tackle for walleye and pike, ice safety and more. Class will start at the Hessel School House for a bit of training before heading out on the ice. Everything you need is included. Since this event is held on a Michigan Free fishing weekend, a fishing license for participants is not required making it the perfect time to try your hand at ice fishing and possibly fall in love with a new winter activity. There is no guarantee that we will catch fish. Hot chocolate and snacks provided. Space is limited to 12 people.

CANCELLED - Create a Beaded Owl
2024-02-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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.

Snowy Owl Painting - Adult Art Class
2024-02-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Grab your friends and join us for a fun afternoon of painting in the quilt pattern style. Using acrylics we will paint this beautiful snowy owl scene on a wood base. All the necessary materials and guidance is provided. Our friendly instructor, Cheryl Gordon, will be there to assist you throughout the process, ensuring you have a great time while creating a beautiful piece of art for your home. $40 per person. Space is limited for this class.
To register call 906-484-1333 or register online with the link below.

Polymer Clay Bird & Nest Sculpture - Elementary Art
2024-03-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Young sculptors will have the opportunity to create a unique bird and its nest. Students will learn the basic sculpting techniques with polymer clay to create their works of art. They will also be able to do some light painting accents to their bird. Class is $20 per student. Limited to 10 students.
To register call 906-484-1333 or REGISTER ONLINE

Landscape Tapestry Weaving (2 session class)
2024-03-02 13:00 - 15:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Using simple weaving techniques, Cheryl Gordon will teach students how to create a beautiful landscape tapestry weaving approx. 18″ x 24″ in size. This weaving will use various weights of yarn to give a subtle textured appearance to the finished tapestry. Students will learn plain weaving, overlapping, joints, diagonal slits, hatching, dovetail interlock and interlocking weft during the tapestry construction. A shadow box frame loom will be provided to create this work of art.
$85 per person. Class size is limited.
This class takes place over two sessions. Saturday, March 2 and Saturday, March 9 from 1:00 – 3:30 PM on both days.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online below.

Watercolor Flowers
2024-03-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
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 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
“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!

Discover the Science of Snowflakes
2024-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Family Nature Exploration: Discover the Science of Snowflakes
Saturday, March 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us as we delve into the intricate formations and unique properties of these delicate frozen wonders. Through captivating visuals and interactive activities, participants will explore the science behind snowflake formation, understand the factors that contribute to their incredible diversity, and witness the fascinating beauty of these icy crystals. Prepare to be amazed as we unlock the secrets of nature’s dazzling masterpiece. $5 per person.

Funding for this program provided by Les Cheneaux Community Foundation.
