Les Cheneaux Farmers & Artisan Market
2026-06-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-28 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
The Les Cheneaux Farmers & Artisans Market takes place every Sunday at the Hessel School House. For more information or to contact the organizer of this event to be a vendor, please email them directly or visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LesCheneauxFarmersMarket/

Closed on Mondays
2026-06-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-29 08:00 - 17:00

Jam Session
2026-06-09 14:00 - 16:00
Jam Sessions at Hessel School House!
Jam Sessions offer an easygoing afternoon of live music-making in a welcoming, historic setting.

Bring your favorite instrument
Sing along
Play your heart out
Or simply sit back and enjoy the music

Musicians of all levels are welcome — whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years. Not a musician? No problem! Come soak in the sounds and spend a relaxing afternoon with friends and neighbors.
All sessions are held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
For additional information, call Tricia Little —(906) 203-7844

Mahjong
2026-06-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-24 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for a friendly game of Mahjong. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 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.

Hessel School House Historic Tour
2026-06-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-24 13:00 - 15:00
Did you know that the Hessel School House originally served as a school? Founded in 1938, the building housed students from kindergarten through fifth grade. We invite you to join us as we share stories about our alumni, teachers, and community, as well as the various roles the building has served over the years. We will also be serving the legendary Hilda Johnson peanut butter cookies.
While there is no charge to attend, donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to help with planning of the tours.
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at
This tour is offered weekly during the summer.

Swig and Dig
2026-06-11 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-18 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-25 09:00 - 10:30
Swig & Dig at the Hessel School House
Join the Swig & Dig group for a fun and casual morning of caring for the Hessel School House grounds! Organized by Robin Pendery, this weekly gathering focuses on weed pulling, general grounds maintenance, and occasional guest speakers sharing gardening tips and inspiration throughout the summer. Bring your coffee to swig along the way.
When: Thursdays, 9:00 AM–10:30 AMWhere: Hessel School House
Come as often as you like—whether you can help every week or just stop by when your schedule allows. Bring your gardening gloves, enjoy some good company, and help keep the School House grounds looking their best! 🌱☕

3rd Annual Writer Symposium
2026-06-13 09:00 - 15:00
3rd Annual Upper Peninsula Writer’s Symposium
Join fellow writers for the 3rd Annual Upper Peninsula Writer’s Symposium on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EDT in Hessel, Michigan. This inspiring day of creativity, craft, and community features a keynote address by renowned author Karen Dionne, along with your choice of three breakout sessions designed to help writers strengthen their voice, expand their storytelling skills, and gain practical tools for the writing life.
Participants will enjoy interactive workshops on topics such as narrative possibility, poetry, writing style, image and tone, book cover design, and place-based storytelling. The ticket includes the keynote address, three breakout sessions, a catered lunch, and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to select one session from each breakout block in advance to reserve their preferred workshops.
Whether you write fiction, memoir, poetry, or nonfiction, this symposium offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and leave with renewed creative energy.
$75 per person. Includes keynote address, 3 of 6 breakout sessions, lunch, and snacks throughout the day to ensure you can focus and stay energized during this highly informative day for writers of all skill levels.
TO REGISTER: Call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=30530

Keynote Session presented by Karen Dionne
Karen Dionne is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of the acclaimed psychological suspense novel The Marsh King’s Daughter, a gripping thriller that became a major motion picture starring Daisy Ridley and Ben Mendelsohn. Her novels have been translated into more than 25 languages and have earned numerous honors, including the Barry Award for Best Novel and recognition as one of the best books of the year by Library Journal and other national publications.
A longtime advocate for writers, Dionne is also the cofounder of the influential online writing community Backspace and has served on the board of directors for International Thriller Writers. Drawing from her own publishing journey—from aspiring writer to internationally recognized novelist—she inspires writers to persevere, trust the creative process, and continue pursuing their stories with dedication and resilience.
Dionne lives in Michigan, where the wilderness landscapes surrounding her home continue to shape the atmosphere and emotional depth of her fiction.
Choose Three Breakout Sessions
SESSION 1: 10:10 – 11:00 AM (Choose one of these two session)
The Infinite Possibilities of Narrative
Presenter: Joseph D. Haske
This session will include a writing exercise and a philosophical discussion that addresses potential writing strategies. From the inception of a project to the revisionary stages, an author must remain open to every opportunity for improvement. This workshop/discussion will enable writers to consider multiple approaches to plot, subplot, character development, and many other aspects of narrative conception.

Finding Your Voice Through Poetry
Presenter: Ellen Lord
In this interactive workshop, poet Ellen Lord will guide participants through the creative process of writing poetry inspired by themes from Vigil. Attendees will explore imagery, emotion, rhythm, and personal storytelling while learning practical techniques for crafting meaningful poems. In a time when many seek connection, reflection, and healing, poetry offers a powerful way to process experiences and express authentic thoughts and feelings. Whether you are new to poetry or already writing, this session will encourage you to discover and strengthen your unique voice.
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SESSION 2: 11:10 – 12:00 PM (Choose one of these two session)
Break Through the Familiar: New Approaches to Image, Tone, and Subject Matter
Presenter: Daniel Mendoza
Learn how to move beyond clichés and your own predictable writing patterns. Through generative exercises and guided shifts in perspective, workshop participants will explore how to disrupt their common writing habits and approach their poetry with greater flexibility and surprise. Ideal for poets looking for tools to keep their writing dynamic and engaging.

Success Signals for Writers: Know Your Writing-Style Color and Make It Help You Write Better
Presenter: Jule Covert
An interactive presentation to identify your writing and communication style so you can make your time at the keyboard more productive.

Do you get frustrated when can’t write as easily as you’d like?
Does something hold you back, that you can’t put your finger on?
Come learn what your Writing-Style Color is.

When you can identify your style then you can learn how to make it work to your advantage, minimize its weaknesses, and incorporate wearing a different color hat to get you out of the jam jar, resuscitate your muse, and get your writing back on track.
Take the quiz in advance at hjwords.com/resources then come learn about your writing-style color. The Success Signals for Writers quiz will also be available at the symposium.
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SESSION 3: 12:50 PM – 2:00 PM (Choose one of these two session)
Designing Book Covers That Work: Understanding Your Genre and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Presenter: Daniel Mendoza
Create book cover ideas that communicate with readers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. This workshop will explore common, but fixable design issues. It will also consider the visual language of different genres, helping authors make insightful decisions when designing their book covers. Discover how to balance originality with clarity to ensure your cover connects to your target audience.

Place-Based Writing: Using Landscape and Memory to Shape Story
Presenter: Helen Raica-Klotz
This breakout session explores how landscape, memory, and lived experience can deepen and shape compelling storytelling. Participants will learn techniques for using setting as more than background—transforming place into a living part of narrative and character development. Through guided prompts and discussion, writers will discover how personal memories, sensory details, and emotional connections to place can inspire authentic and powerful writing. Whether crafting fiction, memoir, or poetry, this session will help writers create stories grounded in atmosphere, meaning, and a strong sense of place.

CANCELLED - UPCYCLE: Turn Old T-Shirts Into Summer Decor
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00
Tuesday, June 16 • 10 am-12pm
Don’t know what to do with all those extra t-shirts in your closet? Bring your shirts and join artist Marissa Wissner as she teaches braiding and tying techniques to give new life! Create wreathes, baskets, and wall décor from your tired tees! Marissa will provide all the materials and bling to help you create a unique design!
Class Fee: $40.00
This class was cancelled due to a lack of registrations.

CANCELLED - Oops! Now what do I do? Acrylic Painting
2026-06-16 13:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, June 16 • 1 pm-3pm
Have you ever started painting only to end up with mistakes that you’re not sure how to fix? Artist Karen Mazzoline will offer tips and tricks that will help you fix those issues, so that you can finish your masterpiece! Using acrylic and canvas paper, practice these techniques, so that you can apply it to your own work. Bring in your OOPSIES, so that we can tackle them together! You will have the opportunity to email your issues to Karen directly before June 16, so she can address your specific issues during the class. All materials and instruction are included, so just bring your Happy Little Accidents with you to class.
Class Fee: $40.00
This class was cancelled due to lack of registrations.

From Spindles to Garden Art
2026-06-18 10:30 - 14:30
Thursday, June 18 • 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Join artist Susan Hallums for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll create two decorative art poles from spindles to showcase in your yard or garden! All poles, paints, and decorating materials are provided—just bring your creativity. Leave with unique outdoor art pieces you designed yourself. Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike. Space is limited, so register early to save your spot!
Class Fee: $30.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=30156
Instructor is a Arts Council of Les Cheneaux member.

Creative Arts Camp for Kids! - A 3-Part Workshop
2026-06-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-25 10:00 - 12:00
Tuesday, June 23, Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Ages 6 – 11
Do you love art, music, and drama? We have an opportunity for you at Hessel School House! This three-day camp explores visual arts, music, and theatre through activities, games, and fun projects! Learn the basics of drama, how to move and play music, and create some awesome art with teachers Karen Mazzoline and Marissa Wissner! Each day will explore a different theme that focuses on fun, creativity, and adventure!
Class Fee: $60.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=30156

CANCELLED - Oops! Now what do I do? Watercolor Painting
2026-06-23 13:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, June 23 • 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Have you ever started painting only to end up with mistakes that you’re not sure how to fix? Artist Karen Mazzoline will offer tips and tricks that will help you fix those issues, so that you can finish your masterpiece! Using watercolor and watercolor paper, practice these techniques, so that you can apply it to your own work. Bring in your OOPSIES, so that we can tackle them together! You will have the opportunity to email your issues to Karen directly before class, so that she can give you the info you need for the class. All materials and instruction are included, so just bring your Happy Little Accidents with you to class.
Class Fee: $40.00

CANCELLED - Sea Glass and Seashells Wall Art
2026-06-25 13:00 - 15:00
Thursday, June 25 • 1-3 pm
Bring the beauty of summer to your home with sea glass/seashell wall art! Learn how to utilize the natural elements of the lake to create an animal scene on a base. Artist Marissa Wissner will instruct you on how to design, arrange, and attach items such as sea glass, seashells, pebbles, and driftwood. All materials will be included, but if you have items you would like to use, feel free to bring them along.
Class Fee: $40.00

PAINT & SIP: Dock on the Lake Watercolor
2026-06-25 17:00 - 19:00
Thursday, June 25 • 5-7pm
(Adults only)
Celebrate the beauty of summer with watercolor! Bring your choice of beverage as artist Karen Mazzoline offers watercolor tips on how to create the dock on the lake scene. Choose from palettes, tube paints, and watercolor pencils to bring vibrant colors to life on watercolor paper! No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided!
Class Fee: $40.00
To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=30156

Children's Book Reading, Signing & Craft with Author Suzanne Lipshaw
2026-06-30 10:00 - 12:00
NEW EVENT!
Join us for a special morning with children’s author Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw at the Hessel School House on Tuesday, June 30, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Suzanne will share a reading from her award-winning middle-grade novel Decoding the Moon, followed by a book signing and a hands-on craft activity inspired by the story. This free event is open to children, families, and community members of all ages.
Winner of the Fictionary Book of the Year Award, Decoding the Moon tells the heartwarming story of two brothers navigating the loss of their mother after moving to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Through rock climbing adventures, secret spy codes, and learning to understand one another, the brothers discover that love, hope, and family bonds can help them heal.
Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a children’s author and recently retired educator who is passionate about inspiring young readers. In addition to Decoding the Moon, she is the author of several true-story picture books, including Rugged RAX: The Little Satellite that Could, The Super Volcano: The Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park, Mighty Mahi, and I Campaigned for Ice Cream: A Boy’s Quest for Ice Cream Trucks. She enjoys speaking about writing, leadership, and how young people can make a difference in the world.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
Event Details

Date: Tuesday, June 30
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Cost: Free and open to the public

Bring the family and enjoy a memorable morning of storytelling, creativity, and fun with author Suzanne Lipshaw.
