Intro To Embroidery - Bookmark
2023-05-06 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Embroidery is a beautiful meditative craft that allows you to express yourself by making something truly unique. During this class, instructor Carolyn Wilson will teach you the basics of embroidery while you create a unique and useful bookmark to use for your winter reading. All materials are included.
Class fee is $30 per person. Teens and adults welcome.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/548050151757

Les Cheneaux Farmers & Artisan Market
2023-05-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-28 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-06-04 10:00 - 14:00
An ever-changing array of vendors bring fresh and preserved local produce, locally raised meats, eggs, gourmet baked goods, jams and jellies, soaps, gifts, fabric art and utility products such as bags, aprons and linens, artisan crafted jewelry, birch bark frames and woodworking, and MORE.

HOURS: EVERY Sunday from May thru December from 10am – 2pm

New vendors are always welcome – please email lescheneauxfarmersmarket@gmail.com for details.

Please note that the farmers market is not coordinated by Hessel School House. They rent the space to hold their event at our location. Hours and dates are subject to change without notice. Any questions or concerns about the market should be address the “organizer” listed below. Their facebook page does a good job of alerting people to unforeseen schedule changes in the winter months.

CANCELLED - Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)
2023-05-10 09:30 - 11:00
Come experience the transformative energy and beauty of spring in new and deeply familiar ways with the practice of forest bathing. Different then other nature connection experiences such as hiking and birdwatching, forest bathing follows the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which invites you to slow down and mindfully connect with nature through all of your senses. Give your body and mind a chance to rest and restore while taking in the subtleties and wonder of nature. Your experience will include a guided sensory awakening meditation followed by a series of explorational invitations and conclude with time for sharing around a campfire and tea.
The walk will take place outside in nature so please dress appropriately for the conditions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own portable chair or stool to sit on during the meditation. Space is limited so register early.
Class Fee: $35.00
REGISTER ONLINE

Mahjong Group
2023-05-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-24 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for 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, 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
2023-05-11 18:00 - 20:30
Our licensed bingo games use paper cards with a variety of games being played including a progressive cover-all game. Doors open at 5:00 PM and games start at 6:00 PM. Limited concessions are available. Smoking is prohibited inside the Hessel School House.
The bingo program is a fundraiser for Hessel School House and helps support our operations and individual programs. For more information about the bingo program, please call Hessel School House.
Michigan Lottery License #A22504
Organization ID: 138966

Little Learners
2023-05-12 10:00 - 11:30
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects, enjoy a story and have fun socializing with other children of the same age. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 8
Pre-registration is strongly recommended to ensure we have enough materials for each student.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/566839280547

Mosaic Welcome Signs (Adult Art Class)
2023-05-13 09:30 - 12:00
During this class participants will create a lovely sign from barn wood with letters made from multi-colored tiny tiles or broken glass and caulk. Another option would be to do your family name in tiles. What a lovely sign to have greet your guests this summer or to give as a gift. All materials are included.
Class Fee: $45.00
Class Size: Min. 4 / Max. 10
Pre-registration is required to attend.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/567240881747

Little Learners
2023-05-19 10:00 - 12:00
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects, enjoy a story and have fun socializing with other children of the same age. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 8
Pre-registration is strongly recommended to ensure we have enough materials for each student.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/567139438327

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.

Closed for Private Function
2023-05-20 14:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-27 12:00 - 18:00

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.

NO Write On Sunday (due to holiday weekend)
2023-05-28 15:00 - 16:30
Due to the holiday weekend we will not be hosting a Write on Sunday event. See you on Sunday, June 25th at 3:00 PM.

Aldo Leopold Festival
2023-05-31 - 2023-06-04
Les Cheneaux welcomes you to celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold — one of America’s most influential naturalists — during our festival, May 31st – June 4, 2023 hosted at the Hessel School House. 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.

For complete details, visit https://www.aldoleopoldfestival.org/

3-Dimensional Card Making (Morning Class)
2023-06-01 09:00 - 11:30
NEW CLASS! On Thursday, June 1st from 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Norma Storer will teach participants how to use the technique of iris folding, a Dutch paper craft, to make a beautiful greeting card with a frog, flower or fish, all designed to impress your friends. No prior experience is required. Space is limited to 8 people. Class fee is $35.00 per person and includes all materials.
You must CALL Hessel School House TO REGISTER 906-484-1333.

3-Dimensional Card Making (Afternoon Class)
2023-06-01 12:30 - 14:30
NEW CLASS! On Thursday, June 1st from 12:30 – 2:30 PM, Norma Storer will teach participants how to use the technique of iris folding, a Dutch paper craft, to make a beautiful greeting card with a frog, flower or fish, all designed to impress your friends. No prior experience is required. Space is limited to 8 people. Class fee is $35.00 per person and includes all materials.
You must CALL Hessel School House TO REGISTER 906-484-1333.

Wildlife Painting
2023-06-02 09:00 - 11:00
NEW CLASS! Join us for a special wildlife painting class on Friday, June 2 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Participants will combine a page from a 1905 antique children’s book with a picture that would mirror the subject on the page. Many photos will be wildlife subjects or sketch your own design. Artist Carol Hubbard will guide you through techniques to combine the two elements and embellish with watercolor, acrylics, or pen and ink to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art worthy of framing. Class size is limited. $35 per person, all materials are included.

TO REGISTER you must call Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

Cisco of Les Cheneaux and Their Role in Lake Huron Cisco Restoration
2023-06-02 14:30 - 16:30
On Friday, June 2 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM fisheries biologist Dr. Kevin McDonnell from the US Fish and Wildlife Service will discuss the biology, history, and future of Cisco in Lake Huron. Cisco (also known as lake herring) were once the most abundant pelagic fish throughout the Great lakes. Unfortunately Cisco have largely been extirpated from the main basin of Lake Huron due to overexploitation, habitat degradation, and invasive species. Despite their regional declines, the Les Cheneaux Islands remain home to several populations of Cisco to this day. In this interactive lecture, we’ll discuss the Les Cheneaux population of Cisco and the important role these fish play in a larger restoration story in Lake Huron. This presentation will follow a lecture format with ample opportunities to ask questions and discuss fish and fisheries. Admission is $10 at the door. To reserve your seat, please call Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

Wildlife Painting
2023-06-03 09:00 - 11:00
NEW CLASS! Join us for a special wildlife painting class on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Participants will combine a page from a 1905 antique children’s book with a picture that would mirror the subject on the page. Many photos will be wildlife subjects or sketch your own design. Artist Carol Hubbard will guide you through techniques to combine the two elements and embellish with watercolor, acrylics, or pen and ink to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art worthy of framing. Class size is limited. $35 per person, all materials are included.

TO REGISTER you must call Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

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.

Birdwatching 101 with Jamie Platt
2023-06-06 19:00 - 21:00
Birdwatching 101
In this class you will learn the basics of birding such as optics, field guides, birding technology, predicting migratory flights using weather and radar, attracting birds to your yard, and the where, when and how to find and identify birds. Avid ornithologist, Jamie Pratt will provide everything you need to know to get started on this fun and exciting pastime!
Class Size: Min. 6 / Max. 20
Class Fee: $20
Pre-registration is required for this special presentation.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568650437767

Jamie Platt is an alumni of Northern Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in Zoology. He has taught or lectured at Washtenaw Community College, Monroe County Community College, Schoolcraft College and the Ann Arbor Adult Education program. He is also the founder of Hell’s Birders, a birding organization based in Ann Arbor.

Birds In The Arts
2023-06-07 10:00 - 11:30
This class will examine the role birds have played in film, literature and painting. We will talk about the history of birds in art, such as John James Audubon’s Birds of America, but will also explore how birds have been used to convey ideas, themes and even hidden messages in everything from modern films, such as Twilight, to the art works of Hieronymus Bosch and Diego Rivera.
No fee to attend. Donations at the door are appreciated.
If you plan to attend, please pre-register online so we may plan accordingly.
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Jamie Platt is an alumni of Northern Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in Zoology. He has taught or lectured at Washtenaw Community College, Monroe County Community College, Schoolcraft College and the Ann Arbor Adult Education program. He is also the founder of Hell’s Birders, a birding organization based in Ann Arbor.

Adult Painting Class - Sandhill Crane
2023-06-07 14:00 - 16:30
Create an acrylic painting that looks like you used watercolor. Starting with some simple techniques, we will work though painting a sandhill crane on heavy watercolor. Cheryl Gordon will provide instruction through the process.
Class Fee: $45.00
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568177583447
