Hessel School House

Hard & Soft Pastels with artist Steve Seebohm
2025-07-25 09:30 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
HARD & SOFT PASTEL WORKSHOP
with Guest Artist Steve Seebohm
Friday, July 25, 2025 I 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Steve is excited to offer this one-day workshop in the use of hard & soft pastels for drawing and painting. You will learn about the unique nature of working with pastels, surfaces available for best results, the ability to blend, manipulate and erase the medium, limitations of use and the variety of fixatives available for making your work more permanent & the unique nature of each.
You will get hands-on experience working with hard & soft pastels, learn which papers are appropriate for use, the variety of sanded surfaces available, and prep materials to make your own sanded paper & boards. You will learn the potential and challenges of layering and blending to produce unique effects, minimizing the use of white and black for richer paintings, and which fixatives are best for securing your artwork for years to come.
Materials provided will include blank drawing paper for practice working with pastels & sanded paper for developing a finished piece. Photo reference of local & regional images will be available to work from in creating your own personal memory. Hard & soft pastels will also be provided along with blending sticks, sanding pads, erasers, gloves and fixative.
Whether you’re interested in producing a popular landscape, a fantasy piece or something more abstract, experimentation with this medium is encouraged for those who might desire a fun, creative outlet and wonderful means for producing colorful art! Those in need will be provided with drawing, perspective and composition direction to help with their progress. Individuals of all levels are welcome.
Class Fee: $130
Class space is limited for this special art class. To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=18873&action=ticket&action_ticket=33245

This is a full-day workshop Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. A fridge and microwave are available if needed. Coffee, tea and bottled water available.

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
STEVE SEEBOHM
Steve is a local artist who loves the outdoors & nature and has been passionate about the arts since he started drawing the small fish, snakes and frogs he caught growing up. Summers during and after high school he began painting houses in northern New Jersey to put himself through Parson’s School of Design. As an illustration student in the pre-digital/pre-cell phone age, he spent 20 hours a week at figure drawing, along
with learning classical skills in painting, printing making, photography, composition, perspective and layout.
After graduating from college he applied his newly acquired skills to the preservation of historic finishes and decorative painting, including design of a new decorative finishes campaign for the Michigan Governors’ ceremonial office in The State Capitol. During his years in preservation Steve continued to take advantage of figure drawing sessions wherever he traveled for work and continued to play with a variety of art media that fit his lifestyle.
Examples of Steve’s Work:

PAINT & SIP: Sailboat
2025-07-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Sailboat Paint & Sip (Adults Only)
Wednesday, July 23 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Unwind with a brush in one hand and your favorite beverage in the other during this relaxing afternoon paint & sip session. Guided by artist Karen Mazzoline, you’ll learn how to blend warm sunset hues and soft lake reflections to create a peaceful sailboat scene that captures the magic of a summer evening.
No experience necessary—just come ready to have fun, get creative, and leave with your own frame-worthy masterpiece. All materials and instruction provided.
Bring a drink of your choice and a friend for the perfect midweek escape!
Class Fee: $40
Space is limited. To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.

CANCELLED: Recycled & Repurposed Jewelry
2025-07-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Recycled & Repurposed Jewelry
For Ages 10–16
Wednesday, July 23 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Turn trash into treasure and let your creativity shine! In this hands-on class with artist Marissa Wissner, young makers will learn how to transform recycled and repurposed materials into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that reflect their personal style. From funky earrings to statement necklaces, students will explore jewelry-making techniques and gain confidence using real tools in a fun, supportive environment.
All materials and tools are provided—just bring your imagination!
✨ Eco-friendly fun
✨ Learn new skills
✨ Take home your wearable art
Perfect for creative minds who love fashion, design, or simply making something cool out of the unexpected!
Class fee: $20 per student.

Watercolor Refresher (2 day class)
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Wednesdays, July 9 and July 23
10:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Watercolor Refresher Workshop
Brush up on your watercolor skills by attending our watercolor refresher class! Through quick exercises, fun activities, and creative projects, build your skill set and feel more confident in working with this medium. This is a two-week session, so you will have the opportunity to practice what you have learned. Artist Karen Mazzoline will offer different painting styles, techniques, and types of watercolor paints during the course. Have a specific technique you would like to learn? Karen will contact you before class starts to receive any questions or topics you would like to cover and will include them in the sessions! All materials will be provided, but if you would rather use your own watercolor paints, feel free to bring them along!
Class Size is limited. $55 per student. Register today by calling 906-484-1333 or register online.

Mahjong
2025-07-23 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-16 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-02 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-25 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 9:30am – 12:00 pm (June – September). 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.
This group plays by the Official Standard Hands and Rules National Mah Jongg League Inc.

Closed on Mondays
2025-07-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-14 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States

Closed for Private Party
2025-07-19 00:00 - 23:59 | MI
We will be closed for private party.

Beach Landscape Tapestry Weaving
2025-07-18 09:30 - 13:30, 2025-07-11 09:30 - 13:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Beach Landscape Tapestry Weaving
Fridays, July 11 & 18 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Instructor: Cheryl Gordon
Capture the beauty of the natural world in woven form during this two-session workshop with fiber artist Cheryl Gordon. Designed for beginners and experienced weavers alike, this class introduces a variety of tapestry weaving techniques to help you create your own landscape inspired textile art.
Working on pre-warped looms to jump-start the process, students will explore texture, color blending, and composition while learning to translate natural coastal scenery into expressive woven pieces.
The class is limited to eight students ensuring you receive individualized instruction in a casual atmosphere. All materials—including yarn, tools, and a loom to use during class—are provided, and students will leave with a completed small tapestry and the skills to continue weaving on their own.
Open to adults and teens 16+. Space is limited to 8 —register early to reserve your loom!
Class Fee: $110.00
To reserve your spot call 906-484-1333 or register online.

Nature Journaling: The Seasonal Round
2025-07-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
GUEST ARTIST: Jen Wozniak – Artist, Educator, and Nature Journaling Enthusiast
Nature Journaling: The Seasonal Round
Two Day Workshop – July 16 & 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Step into the rhythm of the seasons with artist and educator Jen Wozniak in this inspiring two-day workshop focused on The Seasonal Round—a nature journaling practice rooted in the study of phenology, or the seasonal changes in plants and animals throughout the year.
In this immersive, hands-on class, Jen will guide participants in starting or deepening their own “Perpetual Nature Journal,” a place-specific, multi-year journal that tracks natural patterns over time. Through observation, drawing, writing, and discussion, participants will learn how to document the subtle and surprising shifts in the environment—while cultivating a greater sense of connection, belonging, and stewardship for the land they inhabit.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, Jen’s approach blends scientific inquiry with creative expression to help you observe the world with fresh eyes. With her encouraging, joy-driven style, she helps participants set aside perfectionism and reconnect with the natural world through play, curiosity, and mindfulness. Join us for this engaging and reflective workshop, and leave with tools and inspiration to continue your journaling practice throughout the seasons—and for years to come.
All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own colored pencils, markers, watercolors, and notebook if you choose. Open to adults and teens 13+. Space is limited—register early!
Thanks to a grant from the Chippewa Luce Mackinaw Conservation District this class is now offered at a discounted rate. Regular price $120 per student. NOW only $80 per student. Take advantage of this generous support from our local partner and join us for this amazing workshop.
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Jen Wozniak – Artist, Educator, and Nature Journaling Enthusiast Jen Wozniak is an artist, educator, and avid observer of the natural world whose work bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and creative expression. She teaches Art and Field Studies at Springwater Environmental Sciences School in Oregon, where she encourages students to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, Jen’s artistic foundation is rooted in detailed observation and storytelling through imagery. However, she considers her greatest expertise to be her lifelong practice of approaching the natural world with beginner’s awe—a perspective that keeps her learning and discovering every day.
Jen’s passion for nature journaling has led her to develop a method of artistic engagement that helps both children and adults overcome self-judgment. Through her workshops, she invites participants to reconnect with the natural world through play, curiosity, and an open heart, bypassing the pressures of perfection to embrace the joy of observing and documenting the world around them. Her approach fosters a sense of wonder, mindfulness, and personal expression, transforming nature journaling into a tool for both scientific discovery and creative exploration.
Whether marveling at the delicate structure of a feather, the intricate gills of a fungus, or the shifting colors of a sunset, Jen believes that every observation is an opportunity for learning and connection. Through her teaching, she continues to inspire others to see nature—and themselves—through fresh eyes, encouraging deeper appreciation and engagement with the landscapes we inhabit.
Examples of Jen’s Nature Journaling

Capturing Nature Through the Lens: A Full-Day Photography Workshop with Wayne Pope
2025-07-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Capturing Nature Through the Lens: A Photography Workshop with Wayne Pope
Saturday, July 12, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center
Sharpen your photography skills and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world with Wayne Pope, a professional nature photographer and adjunct faculty member at Lansing Community College, where he teaches photography. This full-day workshop is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers looking to refine their skills. This hands-on session will guide participants through the art of capturing the beauty of the natural world—whether using a digital camera or smartphone.
What to Expect:
Classroom Learning: Explore the fundamentals of photography, including camera types, composition techniques, depth of field, and lighting to elevate your nature shots.
Field Experience: Put your knowledge into action with a guided photo session at a local nature preserve, where Wayne will offer expert tips on framing, perspective, and capturing wildlife and landscapes in real time.
Lunch Provided: Enjoy a break and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts over a provided meal.
With years of experience as an educator and photographer, Wayne brings expert insights and personalized guidance to help you see nature through a new lens—whether you’re using a digital camera or smartphone.
What to Bring:
A digital camera or smartphone with camera capabilities, comfortable walking shoes, and a passion for nature photography!
Limited spots available—register today to secure your place!
Class Fee: $50 per person, includes full day of instruction, lunch and refreshments.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online.
This class is offered at a discount thanks to a grant from the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District.
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ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Wayne Pope – As a college photography instructor, I help students reach their career goals. My teaching slogan is, “Keeping Your Interests At Heart.” As a business owner of Pope Photo Tours, I provide quality photo safaris that are safe, afforable and fun. As a photo workshop presenter, I provide easy-to-understand, visually-oriented lectures and one-to-one instruction to students in the field.
I have self-published two books: “Birds of Michigan” and “My Favorite Facebook Photos”. I was trained as a Chinese-Mandarin interpreter in the U.S. Army and have a minor degree in Chinese Language from MSU. As a photojournalist, I write and photograph articles for The Lansing State Journal, Michigan-Out-Of-Doors, Michigan Living and Michigan Audubon Society magazines. I am a poet and have been published in Washington Square Review.

Painting with Nature
2025-07-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Wednesday, July 9 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Painting with Nature
Spend the afternoon painting with nature! With guidance from artist Marissa Wissner, young people ages 6-11 years old will learn how to utilize needles, tree bark, and other elements of nature to paint a stunning work of art! All materials will be provided but be dressed to take a walk outside for gathering your nature finds!
Space is limited. To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at

https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=19963&action=ticket&action_ticket=33226

This class is offered with support from the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District.

Closed for Holiday
2025-07-04 - 2025-07-05 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
We will be closed on July 4 & 5 to observe the holiday weekend.

Mixed Media Mini Books
2025-06-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Unleash your creativity with author and artist Jan Kellis while you craft a one-of-a-kind mini book in this hands-on workshop! Using just one sheet of paper, you’ll learn how to fold and transform it into a six-page book, ready to be filled with your personal touch. Decorate your book with collage, acrylic paints, markers, and pens, and make it truly unique.

At just 3” x 4.5” when finished, your mini book is the perfect pocket-sized space for poetry, favorite quotes, song lyrics, or personal musings. Whether you want to create a tiny art journal, a gift for a friend, or a keepsake filled with inspiration, this workshop will guide you through the process.
All supplies included! Feel free to bring your own collage elements if you have something special you’d like to incorporate.
Join us for a fun and relaxed creative session—no experience needed!

Class fee: $35.00

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

https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=18869&action=ticket&action_ticket=31511

Drama Camp for Kids
2025-06-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Young Actors Drama Camp

Three-Day Camp: Tuesday – Thursday, June 24, 25 & 26 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Hessel School House

Do you have a young storyteller, performer, or imaginative thinker at home? Nurture their creativity this summer with our three-day drama camp designed especially for kids ages 6–11!

Led by experienced directors Karen Mazzoline and Marissa Wissner, this engaging camp introduces children to the fundamentals of theater through fun games, group activities, and short skits inspired by timeless stories, local legends, and daring adventures. Campers will explore voice, movement, character building, and teamwork in a positive and supportive environment.

The final day of camp features a special performance for family and friends, where students will showcase their new skills and celebrate all they’ve learned!

A detailed schedule and what-to-bring list will be emailed to participants prior to the start of camp.

Give your child the opportunity to grow in confidence, build friendships, and discover the magic of the stage!

Workshop Fee: $80/student.
Limited space available.

To register your youngster, call 906-484-1333 or register online at

https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=18869&action=ticket&action_ticket=33221

Patriotic Paint & Sip
2025-06-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Hessel School House is “changing it up” with an abstract painting class! Using the impasto method in acrylic, participants will paint a whimsical patriotic flag on 9 x 12 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 with a friend!
$40 per student
NOTE NEW TIME FOR JUNE: – 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
To register, call 906-484-1333 or click here register online

2nd Annual Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium
2025-06-21 09:30 - 15:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Get Ready for the 2nd Annual Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium!
We are thrilled to announce the return of the Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium, set to take place at the historic Hessel School House on Saturday, June 21, 2025! This year’s event promises to be even more enriching, featuring an array of engaging breakout sessions designed to ignite inspiration in aspiring authors and seasoned veterans alike. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft, navigate the challenges of writing, or simply connect with fellow literary enthusiasts, this symposium is the perfect opportunity to elevate your writing journey.
This year’s keynote address is by bestselling author Sue Harrison. A Michigan native, Sue is the acclaimed author of seven bestselling novels, including “Mother Earth Father Sky”, “My Sister the Moon, and Brother Wind”, which comprise the celebrated Ivory Carver Trilogy. Her latest work, “The Midwife’s Touch”, released in February 2023, has been an Amazon bestseller in two categories. Sue’s meticulous research and immersive storytelling have captivated readers worldwide, transporting them to richly detailed historical settings. Join us as she shares insights from her writing journey.
Attendees will choose three of the following breakout sessions:

Self-Publishing 101: From Manuscript to Marketplace with Debbie Frontiera
The Power of Less: Crafting Concise, Authentic Poetry with Ellen Lord
Getting Started with Audibooks with Brandy Thomas
The Power of Setting: Building Worlds Readers Want to Live In with Joseph D. Haske
How to Shoot, Write & Self-Publish Your Photo Book with Wayne Pope
AI for Authors: Writing Smarter, Not Harder with Alpha Vagnetti

Featured Lunch Topic: AI & the Future of Writing: Friend, Foe, or Co-Author?” – a Panel Discussion
Tickets are $65.00 per person
Ticket includes: Keynote address by Sue Harrison, three highly informative breakout sessions, lunch and refreshments throughout the day, and panel discussion.
Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with fellow writers and leave inspired to keep writing! Registration is limited, so register early to avoid disappointment.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=18266
