Summer on the Chip (Week 2)
Jul
20

Summer on the Chip (Week 2)

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer and the enchanting world of watercolors in this summertime showcase of flowing water. You will be guided in creating a scene of the scenic Chippewa River from the air-conditioned comfort of our classroom. Working from photographs, instruction will focus on developing finer details in the landscape, enabling you to enhance the depth and realism of your paintings. Bring your creativity and leave with a beautiful piece of art that captures the essence of summertime in Michigan!

This two-week class will be held from 6-8 pm on Monday, July 13 and 20 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Summer Studio: Oil Pastels
Jul
21

Summer Studio: Oil Pastels

Create memories and learn new skills this summer with our Summer Studio program. Created for all ages, this program provides affordable, high-quality workshops in a variety of media to make for an artful summer. Each session will explore a different art form. This program is sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Each attendee will receive a $5 voucher for any future class.

Embrace your sweet tooth with instructor Annie Croft in this sweet take on oil pastels. Taking inspiration from artist Wayne Thiebaud’s iconic pop-art desserts, students will explore oil pastel recreations of tasty treats while learning drawing techniques unique to the medium. No experience necessary and all supplies provided.

This workshop will be held from 1-2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 21, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 8 and up

Note: Participants are limited to (1) Summer Studio workshop per year. We will allow additional workshops only if the workshop does not reach capacity. After each Summer Studio workshop reaches capacity, we will create a waitlist. To be considered for additional SS workshops, please join the waitlist. Please let staff know if you are unable to come, so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

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Club Create of Mid Michigan
Jul
22

Club Create of Mid Michigan

Club Create is a program created in partnership with Michigan Arts Access for adults with disabilities. Club Create offers adults with disabilities hands-on experiences in the arts, led by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting and also have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 10:30 am-12 pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Club Create of Mid Michigan members will meet from 10:30 am-12 pm, Wednesday, July 22, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

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Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 4)
Jul
22

Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 4)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 13-18 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesdays, July 1-August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-18

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Teen Open Studio
Jul
25

Teen Open Studio

Teen Open Studio is a relaxed, creative night just for teens—perfect for hanging out, making art, and enjoying some pizza. Whether you're into painting, drawing, or want to try something new, this is a great space to explore your creativity and meet other teen artists. Bring a project you’re working on or use our supplies to create something new. Open to all media!

If you’d like to participate in a peer-led project, each month will feature a different craft led by the Art Reach TAG. July’s project will be Mini Candlemaking. A $5 fee will cover materials to participate in this project. Payment can be made in cash at the open studio or pre-pay online.

Teen Open Studio runs from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, July 25, and takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month.

This program is a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) initiative designed to give teens space and support to explore their creativity. A suggested donation of $5 may be made in person for those attending. Assorted supplies are free for use, including acrylic & watercolor paints, markers, colored pencils, pastels, paper, and collage materials.

Recommended age: 13-19

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 1, Day 1)
Jul
27

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 1, Day 1)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Summer Studio: Watercolors
Jul
27

Summer Studio: Watercolors

Create memories and learn new skills this summer with our Summer Studio program. Created for all ages, this program provides affordable, high-quality workshops in a variety of media to make for an artful summer. Each session will explore a different art form. This program is sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Each attendee will receive a $5 voucher for any future class.

Discover the fluid effects and vibrant color possibilities of watercolor. Led by artist and instructor Cheryl Meyer, you’ll experiment with a variety of techniques to learn how to turn pigment and water into beautiful compositions. This is a beginner-friendly, all-ages workshop designed to introduce you to your next favorite art medium. No experience necessary and all supplies provided.

This workshop will be held from 5-7 pm on Monday, July 27, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 8 and up

Note: Participants are limited to (1) Summer Studio workshop per year. We will allow additional workshops only if the workshop does not reach capacity. After each Summer Studio workshop reaches capacity, we will create a waitlist. To be considered for additional SS workshops, please join the waitlist. Please let staff know if you are unable to come, so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

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Summer Still Life
Jul
29

Summer Still Life

Art Reach invites you to paint or draw at your leisure in the company of other artists. Students are welcome to bring supplies and media of their choosing or use Art Reach studio supplies, as we create an art piece from a summer-inspired still life, including floral arrangements designed by instructor Matthew Grimmer. Students may work at their own pace and request help from Matt at any stage of their artwork, who will provide one-on-one assistance. Students are welcome to paint or draw for the full three hours or partial-time if preferred.
Although there is some ventilation in this room, please be considerate when it comes to how we use paint thinner. Sprays with solvent will have to be used outside. We require a minimum of 4 students to run this open studio.

This open studio will be held from 10 am-1 pm, Wednesday, July 29, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 5)
Jul
29

Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 5)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 13-18 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesdays, July 1-August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-18

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Kaleidoscope Dresden Plate or Mum's the Word Table Runner
Jul
30

Kaleidoscope Dresden Plate or Mum's the Word Table Runner

Use a pre-cut kit to take the dread out of the Dresden Plate design and make a lovely table runner in an afternoon. Instructor Tanya Ehrsam will lead students in efficiently piecing their kits into a beautiful table runner to enjoy in any season. Your pattern will be yours to keep, so you can make future projects in your desired colorways. Pre-cut kids will be available for purchase directly from Tanya at the class, cash only. Cost is $10 for flowers or $18 for flowers and background. If you have a sewing machine, please bring it; machines will be available to borrow.

This workshop will be held from 10 am-2 pm on Thursday, July 30, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 1, Day 2)
Jul
30

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 1, Day 2)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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STEAM Camp (Day 1)
Aug
3

STEAM Camp (Day 1)

Flex your creative muscles with instructor Kim Bigard at STEAM Camp this summer!  We will create art projects designed to inspire creativity, invite critical thinking, and even throw some learning into the mix.  Your kids, ages 6-12, will spend 5 days working on arts and crafts projects that promote STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).  You may select each day you wish to attend or enroll in the full week for a discounted rate. A snack break will be provided midway through each daily session.  Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place from 9 am- noon, Monday-Friday, August 3-7, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 to 12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 2, Day 1)
Aug
3

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 2, Day 1)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Sunflowers in Alcohol Ink
Aug
3

Sunflowers in Alcohol Ink

Dive into the vibrant world of alcohol inks with instructor Judi Steffke in this beginner-friendly workshop themed around the sunny summer blooms of sunflowers. Alcohol inks are a bold, expressive medium known for their fluidity, unpredictability, and stunning, abstract effects. Whether you're an experienced artist or trying something new, this class offers a fun and relaxed environment to explore the magic of inks on non-porous surfaces, such as synthetic paper, ceramic tiles, or glass.

This workshop will be held from 4-6 pm on Monday, August 3 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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STEAM Camp (Day 2)
Aug
4

STEAM Camp (Day 2)

Flex your creative muscles with instructor Kim Bigard at STEAM Camp this summer!  We will create art projects designed to inspire creativity, invite critical thinking, and even throw some learning into the mix.  Your kids, ages 6-12, will spend 5 days working on arts and crafts projects that promote STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).  You may select each day you wish to attend or enroll in the full week for a discounted rate. A snack break will be provided midway through each daily session.  Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place from 9 am- noon, Monday-Friday, August 3-7, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 to 12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Summer Studio: Neurographic Art
Aug
4

Summer Studio: Neurographic Art

Create memories and learn new skills this summer with our Summer Studio program. Created for all ages, this program provides affordable, high-quality workshops in a variety of media to make for an artful summer. Each session will explore a different art form. This program is sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Each attendee will receive a $5 voucher for any future class.

Join instructor Annie Croft for an exploration of Neurographic Art. This creative method is a drawing approach that allows you to create from the inside out. It allows you to transform stress, thoughts, or worries into free-form lines that create a beautiful piece of art. The work time turns into a time to de-stress and reduce anxiety. Students can choose from a variety of media to make their individual creations. Plan to explore with alcohol marker, fineliners, watercolors, and colored pencils.  No experience necessary and all supplies provided.

This workshop will be held from 1-3 pm on Tuesday, August 4, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 8 and up

Note: Participants are limited to (1) Summer Studio workshop per year. We will allow additional workshops only if the workshop does not reach capacity. After each Summer Studio workshop reaches capacity, we will create a waitlist. To be considered for additional SS workshops, please join the waitlist. Please let staff know if you are unable to come, so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

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STEAM Camp (Day 3)
Aug
5

STEAM Camp (Day 3)

Flex your creative muscles with instructor Kim Bigard at STEAM Camp this summer!  We will create art projects designed to inspire creativity, invite critical thinking, and even throw some learning into the mix.  Your kids, ages 6-12, will spend 5 days working on arts and crafts projects that promote STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).  You may select each day you wish to attend or enroll in the full week for a discounted rate. A snack break will be provided midway through each daily session.  Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place from 9 am- noon, Monday-Friday, August 3-7, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 to 12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Wee Wednesdays
Aug
5

Wee Wednesdays

Wee Wednesday invites babies, toddlers, and young children to explore art in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, this bi-monthly class encourages curiosity and creativity through simple projects that introduce color, texture, and playful materials. Kids can paint, build, stamp, squish, swirl, sing, and experiment at their own pace while caregivers join in on the fun.

The program starts at 10 am, Wednesday, August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Designed with ages 0–5 in mind but welcoming to older siblings, Wee Wednesday is a flexible, sensory-rich art experience where every child can create, discover, and make a little joyful mess.

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Flower Market Painting
Aug
5

Flower Market Painting

Recreate a stylized flower market poster in acrylics with instructor Annie Croft. Pulling from imagery of market posters from around the world, you’ll recreate your own poster on canvas to add a fresh floral touch to your home decor. Students can select their city of choice and add additional flowers to suit their preferences. Works will be created on 16×20 canvas. Beginners are welcome!

This workshop takes place from 1-3 pm on Wednesday, August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt Pleasant.

Recommended age: 12 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 6)
Aug
5

Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 6)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 13-18 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesdays, July 1-August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-18

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Gesture Drawing (Week 1)
Aug
5

Gesture Drawing (Week 1)

Gestural Drawing is the practice of using loose, quick, and intuitive linework to create expressive, energetic works of art. We'll work with a live, clothed model each session who will strike a variety of expressive poses to aid us in developing our understanding of these methods. Led by artist and instructor Matthew Grimmer, we'll learn to adopt a looser style through several simple exercises paired with group and individual instruction. This class is welcoming to students of all levels. Beginners will benefit from instruction which includes the basics of working with charcoal and drawing the figure, while more advanced students may enjoy the opportunity to work with a live model alongside chats and critiques with the Instructor and other students.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
Students are expected to bring their own pad of Newsprint Paper (18x24"). We will be making a large number of studies in this class, which will require us to quickly flip from page to page, so it's important we're not wasting time shuffling around in a sea of paper (the personal pad will also keep all your drawings safe!).
Everything else is provided, but if students are compelled to bring their own supplies, they should expect to bring Vine or Stick Charcoal (medium and soft or extra soft), and a kneadable eraser. NO compressed charcoal, please.

This 3-week course will be held 6:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday, August 5-19, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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STEAM Camp (Day 4)
Aug
6

STEAM Camp (Day 4)

Flex your creative muscles with instructor Kim Bigard at STEAM Camp this summer!  We will create art projects designed to inspire creativity, invite critical thinking, and even throw some learning into the mix.  Your kids, ages 6-12, will spend 5 days working on arts and crafts projects that promote STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).  You may select each day you wish to attend or enroll in the full week for a discounted rate. A snack break will be provided midway through each daily session.  Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place from 9 am- noon, Monday-Friday, August 3-7, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 to 12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 2, Day 2)
Aug
6

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 2, Day 2)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Brews & Brushes
Aug
6

Brews & Brushes

Brews & Brushes is the perfect way to unwind, get creative, and enjoy a fun evening out. This monthly acrylic painting class is led by Brenda O’Brien, who provides step-by-step instructions to help you create a beautiful 16x20 masterpiece, no matter your skill level. Bring your favorite beverage, invite a friend, and let your imagination flow! We provide all the supplies you need—just come ready to paint and leave with a finished work of art. Brews & Brushes is a great way to explore your artistic side in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

This class will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Thursday, August 6, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended for adults 21+

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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STEAM Camp (Day 5)
Aug
7

STEAM Camp (Day 5)

Flex your creative muscles with instructor Kim Bigard at STEAM Camp this summer!  We will create art projects designed to inspire creativity, invite critical thinking, and even throw some learning into the mix.  Your kids, ages 6-12, will spend 5 days working on arts and crafts projects that promote STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).  You may select each day you wish to attend or enroll in the full week for a discounted rate. A snack break will be provided midway through each daily session.  Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

This camp will take place from 9 am- noon, Monday-Friday, August 3-7, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 to 12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Intro to Oil Painting (Week 1)
Aug
7

Intro to Oil Painting (Week 1)

From a simple line drawing on canvas to a completed oil painting, learn the beginning elements of oil painting alongside artist Matthew Grimmer. We begin by learning to prime a canvas using natural mediums that are safe and simple to understand. Working from a detailed still-life crafted by the artist, students will lay the foundations of their painting using line-work and measurement methods based on the use of a "sighting stick." Following this, we'll learn to apply the various lights and darks onto our painting using limited, natural colors, which will gradually become more complex as we learn further about color theory and finishing details. Each session will have a combination of demonstration, work-time, and individual instruction. This class is most welcoming to beginner and intermediate students.

All supplies are provided for this class. We will be using Gamblin 1980 Oil Paints, which are excellent for learning because they dry quickly and apply more easily to the canvas and atop other oil paints.

If you would like to use a higher quality of paints and bring your own, the following pigments are required, and it's preferable that they are mixed with linseed oil instead of walnut oil: 
Titanium White, Ivory Black, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Light (or Hansa Yellow), Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Light (or Naptha Red), Alizarin Crimson, Raw Umber, and Burnt Sienna.
You'll also want a variety of different-sized brushes, a palette (or palette paper), a palette knife, a rag, refined or washed linseed oil. Art Reach will provide paint thinner, as ONLY ART TREEHOUSE THINNER MAY BE USED.

This 4-week course will be held 1-3:30 pm, Friday, August 7-28, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Lunchtime Fun With Poetry (Week 1)
Aug
10

Lunchtime Fun With Poetry (Week 1)

Spend your lunch hour with instructor Cheryl Meyer exploring the art of poetry.  Bring a lunch if you like and learn different methods for creating free-verse poetry to capture these moments in time. Through fun writing prompts, group discussions, and constructive feedback, you'll have the opportunity to create and share your work in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Perfect for those looking to spark their creativity, challenge themselves, or try something new. This is truly beginner-friendly; no writing experience needed!

This 2-week course will be held from 11 am-1 pm on Mondays, August 10-17, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 3, Day 1)
Aug
10

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 3, Day 1)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Sunflowers in Summer (Day 1)
Aug
11

Sunflowers in Summer (Day 1)

Explore the beauty and radiance of summer’s golden flowers in watercolor with instructor and artist Cheryl Meyer. We’ll recreate the intricate forms of sunflowers by focusing on the details. Working from a still life, instruction will be centered on developing the finer details within your works, enabling you to enhance the depth and realism of your paintings. While prior watercolor painting experience is recommended, it is not required to participate in this workshop.

This 2-day workshop will be held from 10 am-12 pm on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Salsa & Latin Line Dance Workshop
Aug
11

Salsa & Latin Line Dance Workshop

Turn up the music and join instructor Amy Perschbacher for an evening of Latin dance fun! Learn the basics of Salsa, including easy-to-follow steps, fun turns, and partner connection, then switch it up with a lively Latin line dance everyone can enjoy—no partner required!

Whether you come with a friend, a partner, or on your own, you'll enjoy a welcoming atmosphere filled with great music, movement, and plenty of fun. No dance experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to dance! Invite a dance buddy and reserve your spot today!

This workshop will be held from 6-7:30 pm on Tuesday, August 11, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Sunflowers in Summer (Day 2)
Aug
12

Sunflowers in Summer (Day 2)

Explore the beauty and radiance of summer’s golden flowers in watercolor with instructor and artist Cheryl Meyer. We’ll recreate the intricate forms of sunflowers by focusing on the details. Working from a still life, instruction will be centered on developing the finer details within your works, enabling you to enhance the depth and realism of your paintings. While prior watercolor painting experience is recommended, it is not required to participate in this workshop.

This 2-day workshop will be held from 10 am-12 pm on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 1)
Aug
12

Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 1)

Capture a truly handmade feel in your journaling or sketching by creating from scratch. Utilizing recycled materials, instructor Chyann Haas will guide you in creating handmade papers to be formed into a book. Your papers will have texture, character, and a soft handmade feel, perfect for creating your hand-bound book. We’ll create your book with hard covers to make them durable and useful for journaling, sketching, artwork, and more.

This 4-week course will be held from 3-4:30 pm on Wednesdays, August 12-Sept 2, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Gesture Drawing (Week 2)
Aug
12

Gesture Drawing (Week 2)

Gestural Drawing is the practice of using loose, quick, and intuitive linework to create expressive, energetic works of art. We'll work with a live, clothed model each session who will strike a variety of expressive poses to aid us in developing our understanding of these methods. Led by artist and instructor Matthew Grimmer, we'll learn to adopt a looser style through several simple exercises paired with group and individual instruction. This class is welcoming to students of all levels. Beginners will benefit from instruction which includes the basics of working with charcoal and drawing the figure, while more advanced students may enjoy the opportunity to work with a live model alongside chats and critiques with the Instructor and other students.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
Students are expected to bring their own pad of Newsprint Paper (18x24"). We will be making a large number of studies in this class, which will require us to quickly flip from page to page, so it's important we're not wasting time shuffling around in a sea of paper (the personal pad will also keep all your drawings safe!).
Everything else is provided, but if students are compelled to bring their own supplies, they should expect to bring Vine or Stick Charcoal (medium and soft or extra soft), and a kneadable eraser. NO compressed charcoal, please.

This 3-week course will be held 6:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday, August 5-19, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 3, Day 2)
Aug
13

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 3, Day 2)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Club Create of Mid Michigan
Aug
13

Club Create of Mid Michigan

Club Create is a program created in partnership with Michigan Arts Access for adults with disabilities. Club Create offers adults with disabilities hands-on experiences in the arts, led by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting and also have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 5:30-7 pm on the second Thursday of each month. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Club Create of Mid Michigan members will meet from 5:30 pm-7 pm, Thursday, August 13, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

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Intro to Oil Painting (Week 2)
Aug
14

Intro to Oil Painting (Week 2)

From a simple line drawing on canvas to a completed oil painting, learn the beginning elements of oil painting alongside artist Matthew Grimmer. We begin by learning to prime a canvas using natural mediums that are safe and simple to understand. Working from a detailed still-life crafted by the artist, students will lay the foundations of their painting using line-work and measurement methods based on the use of a "sighting stick." Following this, we'll learn to apply the various lights and darks onto our painting using limited, natural colors, which will gradually become more complex as we learn further about color theory and finishing details. Each session will have a combination of demonstration, work-time, and individual instruction. This class is most welcoming to beginner and intermediate students.

All supplies are provided for this class. We will be using Gamblin 1980 Oil Paints, which are excellent for learning because they dry quickly and apply more easily to the canvas and atop other oil paints.

If you would like to use a higher quality of paints and bring your own, the following pigments are required, and it's preferable that they are mixed with linseed oil instead of walnut oil: 
Titanium White, Ivory Black, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Light (or Hansa Yellow), Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Light (or Naptha Red), Alizarin Crimson, Raw Umber, and Burnt Sienna.
You'll also want a variety of different-sized brushes, a palette (or palette paper), a palette knife, a rag, refined or washed linseed oil. Art Reach will provide paint thinner, as ONLY ART TREEHOUSE THINNER MAY BE USED.

This 4-week course will be held 1-3:30 pm, Friday, August 7-28, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Puppet Building Workshop
Aug
15

Puppet Building Workshop

Are you a fan of the Muppets? Have you ever been curious to learn how puppets are built, or wanted to explore your creative side through puppetry? Join us for a workshop that will guide you through the process of designing and building your very own puppet pal to take home and perform with. Nobody is too old to get started in puppetry, as proven by Jim Henson, who famously built and performed with puppets for years.

This 6-hour workshop for youth and adults will lead you in building a functional and unique hand-and-rod puppet, designed to match your vision using a variety of materials and a sewing machine. Assistance will be provided in using a sewing machine if students are not familiar.

During the last hour, Jon Morgan will cover the basic performance techniques you'll want to know when you're bringing your character to life.

This workshop will be held from 10 am-4 pm, Saturday, August 15, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant. A lunchtime break will be included for students to bring a lunch or purchase from a nearby eatery.

Recommended age: 12 and up (youth 12-16 may have an adult accompany them to assist)

Tonya Huber has been building puppets for 20 years. She has built puppets for storytellers and ventriloquists as well as worked on puppets for a kids’ math show. Some of her favorite puppet builds include her replica of Sweetums from The Muppet Show, Necco from “Positively Necco,” and her Calvin and Hobbes puppets. She is extremely excited to bring and share her love of puppets with all of the participants.

Jon Morgan has been performing puppetry for the last five years, and is a member of both the West Michigan Puppetry Guild and the Detroit Puppeteers Guild. He is also a co-founder of Mid Michigan Puppetry Club, and in December produced and performed as a member of the Pleasant Puppets troupe in a holiday puppetry show titled "A Christmas Mystery," which was hosted at the Shepherd Community Library. His puppetry videos can be found on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Wine & Watercolors
Aug
15

Wine & Watercolors

Unwind with an evening of watercolor painting led by Cheryl Meyer! Bring your favorite wine, a friend, and your creativity for this relaxing Saturday workshop. Participants will learn watercolor techniques while painting a guided landscape composition. All instruction and art supplies are provided, making it the perfect opportunity to embrace your creativity.

Wine & Watercolors will be held 6-8:30 pm, Saturday, August 15, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: Adults 21+

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Summer Studio: Make a Pillowcase
Aug
17

Summer Studio: Make a Pillowcase

Create memories and learn new skills this summer with our Summer Studio program. Created for all ages, this program provides affordable, high-quality workshops in a variety of media to make for an artful summer. Each session will explore a different art form. This program is sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Each attendee will receive a $5 voucher for any future class.

Join Art Reach staff Kim Bigard and Cara Denison for an introduction to sewing in this all-ages pillowcase workshop. Students may select from a simple envelope throw pillow cover or a standard bed pillowcase. You’ll be guided step-by-step through measuring and cutting your fabric, mastering the use of a sewing machine, and assembling your pillowcase. No prior experience is necessary! By the end of the session, you’ll have a completed project along with the confidence to tackle future sewing projects. Sewing machines will be provided and shared among students.

Students are recommended to bring their own fabric in their desired color/pattern. You will need 1 yard of main fabric and ¼ yard of contrast/accent fabric for the bed pillowcase -or- 1 yard of fabric to make (2) standard 18inch throw pillow covers.

This workshop will be held from 10 am-12 pm on Monday, August 17, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 10 and up

Note: Participants are limited to (1) Summer Studio workshop per year. We will allow additional workshops only if the workshop does not reach capacity. After each Summer Studio workshop reaches capacity, we will create a waitlist. To be considered for additional SS workshops, please join the waitlist. Please let staff know if you are unable to come, so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

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Lunchtime Fun With Poetry (Week 2)
Aug
17

Lunchtime Fun With Poetry (Week 2)

Spend your lunch hour with instructor Cheryl Meyer exploring the art of poetry.  Bring a lunch if you like and learn different methods for creating free-verse poetry to capture these moments in time. Through fun writing prompts, group discussions, and constructive feedback, you'll have the opportunity to create and share your work in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Perfect for those looking to spark their creativity, challenge themselves, or try something new. This is truly beginner-friendly; no writing experience needed!

This 2-week course will be held from 11 am-1 pm on Mondays, August 10-17, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 4, Day 1)
Aug
17

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 4, Day 1)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 1)
Aug
17

Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 1)

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Discover the Anishinaabe art form of traditional quillwork with artist and instructor Chyann Haas. Students will experience the full process, from respectfully harvesting quills from a porcupine, dyeing the quills, and assembling your design. You’ll create your artwork utilizing traditional motifs on leather or birchbark and apply finishing touches by finishing the back. All supplies are provided.

This four-week course will be held weekly from 3-4:30 pm on Monday, August 17- September 14 (skipping Labor Day), in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

 Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Van Gogh Inspirations: Watercolor Sunflowers
Aug
18

Van Gogh Inspirations: Watercolor Sunflowers

Channel the airiness of Van Gogh’s earliest sunflower work, Shed With Sunflowers, in watercolor. Led by instructor Cheryl Meyer, you’ll recreate this early painting that led to Van Gogh’s iconic sunflower paintings, which later made him famous. You’ll work with ink and watercolors to capture the wispy effect and loose line work of this lesser-known piece. Open to all skill levels.

This workshop will be held 4-6:30 pm, Tuesday, August 18, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Wee Wednesdays
Aug
19

Wee Wednesdays

Wee Wednesday invites babies, toddlers, and young children to explore art in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, this bi-monthly class encourages curiosity and creativity through simple projects that introduce color, texture, and playful materials. Kids can paint, build, stamp, squish, swirl, sing, and experiment at their own pace while caregivers join in on the fun.

The program starts at 10 am, Wednesday, August 19, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Designed with ages 0–5 in mind but welcoming to older siblings, Wee Wednesday is a flexible, sensory-rich art experience where every child can create, discover, and make a little joyful mess.

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Butterflies in Watercolor
Aug
19

Butterflies in Watercolor

Capture the fluttering, fleeting beauty of butterflies in watercolor with instructor Judi Steffke. You’ll be guided in using the fluid, vibrant medium to capture these alluring insects while working from photos. This workshop is beginner-friendly and all supplies are provided.

This workshop will be held from 1-3 pm, Wednesday, August 19, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 2)
Aug
19

Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 2)

Capture a truly handmade feel in your journaling or sketching by creating from scratch. Utilizing recycled materials, instructor Chyann Haas will guide you in creating handmade papers to be formed into a book. Your papers will have texture, character, and a soft handmade feel, perfect for creating your hand-bound book. We’ll create your book with hard covers to make them durable and useful for journaling, sketching, artwork, and more.

This 4-week course will be held from 3-4:30 pm on Wednesdays, August 12-Sept 2, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Gesture Drawing (Week 3)
Aug
19

Gesture Drawing (Week 3)

Gestural Drawing is the practice of using loose, quick, and intuitive linework to create expressive, energetic works of art. We'll work with a live, clothed model each session who will strike a variety of expressive poses to aid us in developing our understanding of these methods. Led by artist and instructor Matthew Grimmer, we'll learn to adopt a looser style through several simple exercises paired with group and individual instruction. This class is welcoming to students of all levels. Beginners will benefit from instruction which includes the basics of working with charcoal and drawing the figure, while more advanced students may enjoy the opportunity to work with a live model alongside chats and critiques with the Instructor and other students.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
Students are expected to bring their own pad of Newsprint Paper (18x24"). We will be making a large number of studies in this class, which will require us to quickly flip from page to page, so it's important we're not wasting time shuffling around in a sea of paper (the personal pad will also keep all your drawings safe!).
Everything else is provided, but if students are compelled to bring their own supplies, they should expect to bring Vine or Stick Charcoal (medium and soft or extra soft), and a kneadable eraser. NO compressed charcoal, please.

This 3-week course will be held 6:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday, August 5-19, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 4, Final Day)
Aug
20

Abstractions in Acrylic (Week 4, Final Day)

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Mini Masters
Aug
20

Mini Masters

Mini Masters is a delightful monthly acrylic painting class designed to inspire creativity in young artists. With step-by-step guidance, participants will create an 8x10 canvas masterpiece to take home. Perfect for beginners, this class offers a welcoming environment with no experience required and all supplies included. Whether you’re discovering art for the first time or nurturing a growing passion, Mini Masters is a wonderful way to enjoy a fun and fulfilling creative experience.

Mini Masters will be held from 5:30-7 pm, Thursday, August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Intro to Oil Painting (Week 3)
Aug
21

Intro to Oil Painting (Week 3)

From a simple line drawing on canvas to a completed oil painting, learn the beginning elements of oil painting alongside artist Matthew Grimmer. We begin by learning to prime a canvas using natural mediums that are safe and simple to understand. Working from a detailed still-life crafted by the artist, students will lay the foundations of their painting using line-work and measurement methods based on the use of a "sighting stick." Following this, we'll learn to apply the various lights and darks onto our painting using limited, natural colors, which will gradually become more complex as we learn further about color theory and finishing details. Each session will have a combination of demonstration, work-time, and individual instruction. This class is most welcoming to beginner and intermediate students.

All supplies are provided for this class. We will be using Gamblin 1980 Oil Paints, which are excellent for learning because they dry quickly and apply more easily to the canvas and atop other oil paints.

If you would like to use a higher quality of paints and bring your own, the following pigments are required, and it's preferable that they are mixed with linseed oil instead of walnut oil: 
Titanium White, Ivory Black, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Light (or Hansa Yellow), Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Light (or Naptha Red), Alizarin Crimson, Raw Umber, and Burnt Sienna.
You'll also want a variety of different-sized brushes, a palette (or palette paper), a palette knife, a rag, refined or washed linseed oil. Art Reach will provide paint thinner, as ONLY ART TREEHOUSE THINNER MAY BE USED.

This 4-week course will be held 1-3:30 pm, Friday, August 7-28, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Figure Drawing Club
Aug
21

Figure Drawing Club

Figure Drawing Club allows students the opportunity to work at their own discretion in the presence of a live model. This gives students the ability to experiment with their work or simply practice at their own pace. Artist and club monitor Matthew Grimmer will also be available to answer any questions from students as well as provide individual instruction as requested.
Sessions will work with a clothed model who will strike a variety of poses throughout the club and end with a long pose for a final, more detailed drawing.
Students are expected to bring their own drawing supplies and are welcome to work either large or small (most students work from a sketchbook). Additional supplies can also be provided from the classroom upon request. The classroom will be set with easels, chairs, and tables so that students have the option to sit or stand.

This open studio will be held from 5:30-8 pm, Friday, August 21, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Teen Open Studio
Aug
22

Teen Open Studio

Teen Open Studio is a relaxed, creative night just for teens—perfect for hanging out, making art, and enjoying some pizza. Whether you're into painting, drawing, or want to try something new, this is a great space to explore your creativity and meet other teen artists. Bring a project you’re working on or use our supplies to create something new. Open to all media!

If you’d like to participate in a peer-led project, each month will feature a different craft led by the Art Reach TAG. August’s project will be sticker making. A $5 fee will cover materials to participate in this project. Payment can be made in cash at the open studio or pre-pay online.

Teen Open Studio runs from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, August 22, and takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month.

This program is a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) initiative designed to give teens space and support to explore their creativity. A suggested donation of $5 may be made in person for those attending. Assorted supplies are free for use, including acrylic & watercolor paints, markers, colored pencils, pastels, paper, and collage materials.

Recommended age: 13-19

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Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 2)
Aug
24

Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 2)

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Discover the Anishinaabe art form of traditional quillwork with artist and instructor Chyann Haas. Students will experience the full process, from respectfully harvesting quills from a porcupine, dyeing the quills, and assembling your design. You’ll create your artwork utilizing traditional motifs on leather or birchbark and apply finishing touches by finishing the back. All supplies are provided.

This four-week course will be held weekly from 3-4:30 pm on Monday, August 17- September 14 (skipping Labor Day), in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

 Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Club Create of Mid Michigan
Aug
26

Club Create of Mid Michigan

Club Create is a program created in partnership with Michigan Arts Access for adults with disabilities. Club Create offers adults with disabilities hands-on experiences in the arts, led by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting and also have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 10:30 am-12 pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Club Create of Mid Michigan members will meet from 10:30 am-12 pm, Wednesday, August 26, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

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Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 3)
Aug
26

Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 3)

Capture a truly handmade feel in your journaling or sketching by creating from scratch. Utilizing recycled materials, instructor Chyann Haas will guide you in creating handmade papers to be formed into a book. Your papers will have texture, character, and a soft handmade feel, perfect for creating your hand-bound book. We’ll create your book with hard covers to make them durable and useful for journaling, sketching, artwork, and more.

This 4-week course will be held from 3-4:30 pm on Wednesdays, August 12-Sept 2, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Dragonflies in Alcohol Ink
Aug
27

Dragonflies in Alcohol Ink

Dive into the vibrant world of alcohol inks with instructor Judi Steffke in this beginner-friendly workshop themed around the iridescent shimmer of glittering dragonflies. Alcohol inks are a bold, expressive medium known for their fluidity, unpredictability, and stunning, abstract effects. Whether you're an experienced artist or trying something new, this class offers a fun and relaxed environment to explore the magic of inks on non-porous surfaces, such as synthetic paper, ceramic tiles, or glass.

This workshop will be held from 3-5 pm on Thursday, August 27 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Intro to Oil Painting (Week 4)
Aug
28

Intro to Oil Painting (Week 4)

From a simple line drawing on canvas to a completed oil painting, learn the beginning elements of oil painting alongside artist Matthew Grimmer. We begin by learning to prime a canvas using natural mediums that are safe and simple to understand. Working from a detailed still-life crafted by the artist, students will lay the foundations of their painting using line-work and measurement methods based on the use of a "sighting stick." Following this, we'll learn to apply the various lights and darks onto our painting using limited, natural colors, which will gradually become more complex as we learn further about color theory and finishing details. Each session will have a combination of demonstration, work-time, and individual instruction. This class is most welcoming to beginner and intermediate students.

All supplies are provided for this class. We will be using Gamblin 1980 Oil Paints, which are excellent for learning because they dry quickly and apply more easily to the canvas and atop other oil paints.

If you would like to use a higher quality of paints and bring your own, the following pigments are required, and it's preferable that they are mixed with linseed oil instead of walnut oil: 
Titanium White, Ivory Black, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Light (or Hansa Yellow), Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Light (or Naptha Red), Alizarin Crimson, Raw Umber, and Burnt Sienna.
You'll also want a variety of different-sized brushes, a palette (or palette paper), a palette knife, a rag, refined or washed linseed oil. Art Reach will provide paint thinner, as ONLY ART TREEHOUSE THINNER MAY BE USED.

This 4-week course will be held 1-3:30 pm, Friday, August 7-28, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Hammered Copper Jewelry
Aug
28

Hammered Copper Jewelry

Join jewelry artist Pat Thurston for a creative jewelry-making opportunity utilizing copper sheets. You’ll learn to cut, shape and hammer your copper into textured shapes, ready to assemble with beads of your choice. Choose to make a pair of earrings or a pendant with boho appeal and a handmade feel. This is a beginner-friendly opportunity to try your hand at working with hammered copper. No jewelry making experience is necessary.

This workshop will be held from 2-4:30 pm on Friday, August 28, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended ages: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 3)
Aug
31

Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 3)

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Discover the Anishinaabe art form of traditional quillwork with artist and instructor Chyann Haas. Students will experience the full process, from respectfully harvesting quills from a porcupine, dyeing the quills, and assembling your design. You’ll create your artwork utilizing traditional motifs on leather or birchbark and apply finishing touches by finishing the back. All supplies are provided.

This four-week course will be held weekly from 3-4:30 pm on Monday, August 17- September 14 (skipping Labor Day), in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

 Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 4)
Sep
2

Papermaking & Bookbinding (Week 4)

Capture a truly handmade feel in your journaling or sketching by creating from scratch. Utilizing recycled materials, instructor Chyann Haas will guide you in creating handmade papers to be formed into a book. Your papers will have texture, character, and a soft handmade feel, perfect for creating your hand-bound book. We’ll create your book with hard covers to make them durable and useful for journaling, sketching, artwork, and more.

This 4-week course will be held from 3-4:30 pm on Wednesdays, August 12-Sept 2, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 4)
Sep
14

Indigenous Arts: Quillwork (Week 4)

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Discover the Anishinaabe art form of traditional quillwork with artist and instructor Chyann Haas. Students will experience the full process, from respectfully harvesting quills from a porcupine, dyeing the quills, and assembling your design. You’ll create your artwork utilizing traditional motifs on leather or birchbark and apply finishing touches by finishing the back. All supplies are provided.

This four-week course will be held weekly from 3-4:30 pm on Monday, August 17- September 14 (skipping Labor Day), in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

 Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Figure Drawing Club
Jul
17

Figure Drawing Club

Figure Drawing Club allows students the opportunity to work at their own discretion in the presence of a live model. This gives students the ability to experiment with their work or simply practice at their own pace. Artist and club monitor, Matthew Grimmer, will also be available to answer any questions from students as well as provide individual instruction as requested.
Sessions will work with a clothed model who will strike a variety of poses throughout the club and end with a long pose for a final, more detailed drawing.
Students are expected to bring their own drawing supplies and are welcome to work either large or small (most students work from a sketchbook). Additional supplies can also be provided from the classroom upon request.

This open studio will be held from 5:30-8 pm, Friday, July 17, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 13 and up

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Mini Masters
Jul
16

Mini Masters

Mini Masters is a delightful monthly acrylic painting class designed to inspire creativity in young artists. With step-by-step guidance, participants will create an 8x10 canvas masterpiece to take home. Perfect for beginners, this class offers a welcoming environment with no experience required and all supplies included. Whether you’re discovering art for the first time or nurturing a growing passion, Mini Masters is a wonderful way to enjoy a fun and fulfilling creative experience.

Mini Masters will be held from 5:30-7 pm, Thursday, July 16, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Comic Creators: Space Edition (Week 1)
Jul
16

Comic Creators: Space Edition (Week 1)

Dive into the second course of our youth summer comic series with artist and instructor Matthew Grimmer. Whether you’ve taken the first course or are just joining in, we’ll cover the same basics from session one with a twist; our characters are going to space! We'll learn to draw using simple shapes and colors as we create futuristic characters and out-of-this-world spaces. Students will create a small comic to take home each week, which can be an independent story or part of a series that follows a character of theirs. Matt will demonstrate how to draw a variety of space-themed images, including UFO's, shooting stars, monsters, and aliens, and all the wacky environments they live in! At the end of class, students will have an expanded visual vocabulary and a strengthened ability to create and narrate their own visual tales.

This 4-week course will be held from 3-5 pm on Thursdays, July 16-August 6, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 8 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Indigenous Arts: Beadwork for Youth (Week 1)
Jul
16

Indigenous Arts: Beadwork for Youth (Week 1)

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Anishinaabe artist and instructor Chyann Haas will explore the art of beadwork in a kid-friendly format. After a brief history lesson covering the beadwork tradition of the Anishinaabe people, students will be able to select their chosen pattern. Utilizing pony beads, students will learn the process to sew beads onto a foundation fabric, creating artful beadwork designs. Basic sewing technique will be taught, but students should be comfortable with needles. All supplies are provided.

This two-week course will be held from 1-2:30 pm on Friday, July 16 & 23 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

 Recommended age: 8-12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 3)
Jul
15

Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 3)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 13-18 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesdays, July 1-August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-18

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Create Your Own Character: Youth Drawing (Week 2)
Jul
15

Create Your Own Character: Youth Drawing (Week 2)

Young artists are invited to hone their drawing skills this summer with instructor Jason Correia in this 4-week skill-building course focused on creating their own character. Over the four weeks, students will design an original character and gradually develop a story and world around them. Each week, they’ll build their character through drawing, exploring expressions, poses, environments, storytelling, and world-building, while learning drawing fundamentals along the way. This course is perfect for setting a solid foundation in drawing techniques that can enhance art skills in other media.

This course will be held weekly from 1-2:30 pm on Wednesdays, July 8-29, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 8-12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Coldwater Lake Family Art Camp (Closing Day)
Jul
15

Coldwater Lake Family Art Camp (Closing Day)

Join us for summer fun at our fifth annual Family Art Camp at Coldwater Lake on Monday, July 13-Wednesday, July 15!

Activities include arts and crafts for all ages, tie-dying t-shirts, separate adult/teen projects, family games, campfires, and more!  A responsible adult must accompany their children to the camp. Participants are not required to camp overnight and are welcome to participate in daytime activities! Downtime is allotted for relaxation or enjoying the beach and facilities.

This Art Camp will be held at Coldwater Lake Family Campground in Weidman, MI. Activities are held at the Lakeview Pavilion and will get started at 6 pm on Monday, July 13, and finish at 12 pm on Wednesday, July 15.

Campsites and cabins may be reserved HERE.

Reserve your site and your Art Camp spot as soon as possible, as campsites and cabins are not guaranteed to be available!

*Art Camp activities are $70 for an individual or $200 for a family of up to 4. Family price includes up to 4 members of the same household or family only.  Additional members may be added for a fee.

*Registrations made after July 1 will not be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt to tie-dye.

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Wee Wednesdays
Jul
15

Wee Wednesdays

Wee Wednesday invites babies, toddlers, and young children to explore art in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, this bi-monthly class encourages curiosity and creativity through simple projects that introduce color, texture, and playful materials. Kids can paint, build, stamp, squish, swirl, sing, and experiment at their own pace while caregivers join in on the fun.

The program starts at 10 am, Wednesday, July 15, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Designed with ages 0–5 in mind but welcoming to older siblings, Wee Wednesday is a flexible, sensory-rich art experience where every child can create, discover, and make a little joyful mess.

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Gladiolus in Alcohol Ink
Jul
14

Gladiolus in Alcohol Ink

Dive into the vibrant world of alcohol inks with instructor Judi Steffke in this beginner-friendly workshop themed around the statuesque summer blooms of gladiolus. Alcohol inks are a bold, expressive medium known for their fluidity, unpredictability, and stunning, abstract effects. Whether you're an experienced artist or trying something new, this class offers a fun and relaxed environment to explore the magic of inks on non-porous surfaces, such as synthetic paper, ceramic tiles, or glass.

This workshop will be held from 4-6 pm on Friday, August 14 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Coldwater Lake Family Art Camp (Day 2)
Jul
14

Coldwater Lake Family Art Camp (Day 2)

Join us for summer fun at our fifth annual Family Art Camp at Coldwater Lake on Monday, July 13-Wednesday, July 15!

Activities include arts and crafts for all ages, tie-dying t-shirts, separate adult/teen projects, family games, campfires, and more!  A responsible adult must accompany their children to the camp. Participants are not required to camp overnight and are welcome to participate in daytime activities! Downtime is allotted for relaxation or enjoying the beach and facilities.

This Art Camp will be held at Coldwater Lake Family Campground in Weidman, MI. Activities are held at the Lakeview Pavilion and will get started at 6 pm on Monday, July 13, and finish at 12 pm on Wednesday, July 15.

Campsites and cabins may be reserved HERE.

Reserve your site and your Art Camp spot as soon as possible, as campsites and cabins are not guaranteed to be available!

*Art Camp activities are $70 for an individual or $200 for a family of up to 4. Family price includes up to 4 members of the same household or family only.  Additional members may be added for a fee.

*Registrations made after July 1 will not be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt to tie-dye.

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Floral Still Life: Oil Painting Workshop (Day 2)
Jul
14

Floral Still Life: Oil Painting Workshop (Day 2)

Join Artist Matthew Grimmer as we learn to oil paint from a beautiful floral-inspired still life! We'll work with a wide range of colors as we experiment with mixing paints, brushwork, and placing objects within the composition.
During the first session, students will learn to apply paint using a "lean" layer, mapping out our main shapes, colors, and values while laying the groundwork for day two. Next, we'll be applying additional details using a "fatty" layer. We'll dive deeper into how best to use our colors to create form with light and shadow, while also creating harmony within the work as a whole.
This class is beginner-friendly and meant for beginners or artists looking to try something new while leaving with a one-of-a-kind work.

This two-day workshop will be held from 10 am-12:30 pm on Monday, July 13 & Tuesday, July 14, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

All supplies will be provided. If students wish to bring in their own supplies, they will need:

  • A palette knife

  • Palette paper or board

  • Oil Paints (Student grade or higher, no craft paints please!) Titanium White, Ivory Black, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Napthol Red or Cadmium Red-Light, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna

  • Refined or washed Linseed Oil

  • Non-Toxic Art-Tree House thinner (No Turpentine or Odorless thinner will be allowed, it must be non-toxic soybean based to meet our ventilation requirements, but you are welcome to use the classroom supply)

  • A variety of oil paint brushes

  • A rag (preferable over paper towels)

  • Gloves (if desired)

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Coldwater Lake Family Art Camp (Opening Day)
Jul
13

Coldwater Lake Family Art Camp (Opening Day)

Join us for summer fun at our fifth annual Family Art Camp at Coldwater Lake on Monday, July 13-Wednesday, July 15!

Activities include arts and crafts for all ages, tie-dying t-shirts, separate adult/teen projects, family games, campfires, and more!  A responsible adult must accompany their children to the camp. Participants are not required to camp overnight and are welcome to participate in daytime activities! Downtime is allotted for relaxation or enjoying the beach and facilities.

This Art Camp will be held at Coldwater Lake Family Campground in Weidman, MI. Activities are held at the Lakeview Pavilion and will get started at 6 pm on Monday, July 13, and finish at 12 pm on Wednesday, July 15.

Campsites and cabins may be reserved HERE.

Reserve your site and your Art Camp spot as soon as possible, as campsites and cabins are not guaranteed to be available!

*Art Camp activities are $70 for an individual or $200 for a family of up to 4. Family price includes up to 4 members of the same household or family only.  Additional members may be added for a fee.

*Registrations made after July 1 will not be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt to tie-dye.

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Summer on the Chip (Week 1)
Jul
13

Summer on the Chip (Week 1)

Join instructor Cheryl Meyer and the enchanting world of watercolors in this summertime showcase of flowing water. You will be guided in creating a scene of the scenic Chippewa River from the air-conditioned comfort of our classroom. Working from photographs, instruction will focus on developing finer details in the landscape, enabling you to enhance the depth and realism of your paintings. Bring your creativity and leave with a beautiful piece of art that captures the essence of summertime in Michigan!

This two-week class will be held from 6-8 pm on Monday, July 13 and 20 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Landscapes in Oil (Week 4)
Jul
13

Landscapes in Oil (Week 4)

Deepen your understanding of landscape painting with artist Matthew Grimmer. During this four-week course, students will learn the building blocks of creating dynamic, well-composed landscapes. Starting with sketches, students will practice draftsmanship and compositional studies to prepare their canvas for paint. We will cover how to use a variety of artistic tools, including but not limited to pens, pencils, watercolors, and cameras, to gather the information required to complete our oil paintings later in the course. Students will employ the “new” oil method, which involves a base layer of marble dust, oil, and pigment, followed by a detailed underpainting focused on values, layout, and linework. During the following weeks, we will shift our attention to more in-depth painting skills: color theory, brush handling, and working fat-over-lean, to name a few. This course is designed for beginner or intermediate-level painters.

This 4-week course will be held weekly from 2-4 pm on Mondays, June 22-July 13, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Floral Still Life: Oil Painting Workshop (Day 1)
Jul
13

Floral Still Life: Oil Painting Workshop (Day 1)

Join Artist Matthew Grimmer as we learn to oil paint from a beautiful floral-inspired still life! We'll work with a wide range of colors as we experiment with mixing paints, brushwork, and placing objects within the composition.
During the first session, students will learn to apply paint using a "lean" layer, mapping out our main shapes, colors, and values while laying the groundwork for day two. Next, we'll be applying additional details using a "fatty" layer. We'll dive deeper into how best to use our colors to create form with light and shadow, while also creating harmony within the work as a whole.
This class is beginner-friendly and meant for beginners or artists looking to try something new while leaving with a one-of-a-kind work.

This two-day workshop will be held from 10 am-12:30 pm on Monday, July 13 & Tuesday, July 14, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

All supplies will be provided. If students wish to bring in their own supplies, they will need:

  • A palette knife

  • Palette paper or board

  • Oil Paints (Student grade or higher, no craft paints please!) Titanium White, Ivory Black, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Napthol Red or Cadmium Red-Light, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna

  • Refined or washed Linseed Oil

  • Non-Toxic Art-Tree House thinner (No Turpentine or Odorless thinner will be allowed, it must be non-toxic soybean based to meet our ventilation requirements, but you are welcome to use the classroom supply)

  • A variety of oil paint brushes

  • A rag (preferable over paper towels)

  • Gloves (if desired)

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Intro to Papermaking
Jul
11

Intro to Papermaking

Join instructor Kim Bigard to learn the sustainable art and practice of creating handmade paper with equipment you probably have at home! Utilizing kitchen blenders, a handmade mould & deckle, and recycled paper, you can create beautiful papers for your artistic practices, including collage, journaling, sculpture, and more. Students will learn the Western dip method of papermaking and explore different fibers that can be incorporated into their pulp. Time will be provided to experiment with a variety of added colorants, inclusions, and textures to create uniquely artful papers. This workshop is open to all ages, and all supplies are provided.

This workshop will be held 12-2:30 pm on Saturday, July 11, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 10 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Indigenous Arts: Basketmaking (Week 1)
Jul
10

Indigenous Arts: Basketmaking (Week 1)

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Anishinaabe artist and instructor Chyann Haas will cover the local history of basketmaking and guide you through the Anishinabek art form of coiled grass baskets. Utilizing long pine needles or dried grasses, students will be guided in creating a coiled basket from natural materials, formed around a base vessel of their choosing. Students will spend the 4 sessions of this course building up their form, and finish with decorative embellishments to make each project unique. Students will leave with a fully completed project and the skills to delve into more advanced baskets. All supplies are provided.

This four-week course will be held weekly from 1-3 pm on Friday, July 10-31, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

 Recommended age: 10 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Fun With Watercolors (Day 3)
Jul
10

Fun With Watercolors (Day 3)

Join artist and instructor Cheryl Meyer in this three-day course for teens and adults, and delve into the artistry of watercolor painting. This course will guide you in various brushstrokes and techniques to control your water and pigment, allowing students to play with mixing colors and color theory. You will explore hard versus soft edges, wet on wet, wet on dry, pouring, glazing, spritzing, & masking techniques. This course is suited for beginners or those with prior experience; the goal is experimentation and enjoying the process! The small class size is perfectly suited for one-on-one help and achieving your watercolor goals.

This three-day course will be held daily from 10:30 am-12:30 pm on Wednesday, July 8, to Friday, July 10, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Club Create of Mid Michigan
Jul
9

Club Create of Mid Michigan

Club Create is a program created in partnership with Michigan Arts Access for adults with disabilities. Club Create offers adults with disabilities hands-on experiences in the arts, led by professional artists. Club members participate in an art experience at each meeting and also have time to socialize with other club members. Club Create of Mid Michigan meets 5:30-7 pm on the second Thursday of each month. Caregivers are welcome to participate as well.

Club Create of Mid Michigan members will meet from 5:30 pm-7 pm, Thursday, July 9, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

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Summer Studio: Mosaic Coasters
Jul
9

Summer Studio: Mosaic Coasters

Create memories and learn new skills this summer with our Summer Studio program. Created for all ages, this program provides affordable, high-quality workshops in a variety of media to make for an artful summer. Each session will explore a different art form. This program is sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Each attendee will receive a $5 voucher for any future class.

Explore the art of mosaic with a bite-sized project, creating mosaic coasters. Led by instructor Kim Bigard, students will use scrap stained-glass pieces, tumbled tile shapes, and glass gems to artfully arrange their tesserae. Adults will learn how to cut and shape their glass pieces, while youth can use pre-shaped tesserae and attach them to their coaster base. All students will be sent a grout kit and directions to grout their project at home. The workshop is open to all ages and skill levels.

This workshop will be held from 2-4 pm on Thursday, July 9, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St. in Mt. Pleasant.

Recommended age: 6 and up

Note: Participants are limited to (1) Summer Studio workshop per year. We will allow additional workshops only if the workshop does not reach capacity. After each Summer Studio workshop reaches capacity, we will create a waitlist. To be considered for additional SS workshops, please join the waitlist. Please let staff know if you are unable to come, so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

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Fun With Watercolors (Day 2)
Jul
9

Fun With Watercolors (Day 2)

Join artist and instructor Cheryl Meyer in this three-day course for teens and adults, and delve into the artistry of watercolor painting. This course will guide you in various brushstrokes and techniques to control your water and pigment, allowing students to play with mixing colors and color theory. You will explore hard versus soft edges, wet on wet, wet on dry, pouring, glazing, spritzing, & masking techniques. This course is suited for beginners or those with prior experience; the goal is experimentation and enjoying the process! The small class size is perfectly suited for one-on-one help and achieving your watercolor goals.

This three-day course will be held daily from 10:30 am-12:30 pm on Wednesday, July 8, to Friday, July 10, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 2)
Jul
8

Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 2)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 13-18 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesdays, July 1-August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-18

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Create Your Own Character: Youth Drawing (Week 1)
Jul
8

Create Your Own Character: Youth Drawing (Week 1)

Young artists are invited to hone their drawing skills this summer with instructor Jason Correia in this 4-week skill-building course focused on creating their own character. Over the four weeks, students will design an original character and gradually develop a story and world around them. Each week, they’ll build their character through drawing, exploring expressions, poses, environments, storytelling, and world-building, while learning drawing fundamentals along the way. This course is perfect for setting a solid foundation in drawing techniques that can enhance art skills in other media.

This course will be held weekly from 1-2:30 pm on Wednesdays, July 8-29, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 8-12

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Fun With Watercolors (Day 1)
Jul
8

Fun With Watercolors (Day 1)

Join artist and instructor Cheryl Meyer in this three-day course for teens and adults, and delve into the artistry of watercolor painting. This course will guide you in various brushstrokes and techniques to control your water and pigment, allowing students to play with mixing colors and color theory. You will explore hard versus soft edges, wet on wet, wet on dry, pouring, glazing, spritzing, & masking techniques. This course is suited for beginners or those with prior experience; the goal is experimentation and enjoying the process! The small class size is perfectly suited for one-on-one help and achieving your watercolor goals.

This three-day course will be held daily from 10:30 am-12:30 pm on Wednesday, July 8, to Friday, July 10, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Performative Play: Youth Theater (Week 1)
Jul
7

Performative Play: Youth Theater (Week 1)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 7-12 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Tuesdays, July 7-August 11, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 7-12

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Landscapes in Oil (Week 3)
Jul
6

Landscapes in Oil (Week 3)

Deepen your understanding of landscape painting with artist Matthew Grimmer. During this four-week course, students will learn the building blocks of creating dynamic, well-composed landscapes. Starting with sketches, students will practice draftsmanship and compositional studies to prepare their canvas for paint. We will cover how to use a variety of artistic tools, including but not limited to pens, pencils, watercolors, and cameras, to gather the information required to complete our oil paintings later in the course. Students will employ the “new” oil method, which involves a base layer of marble dust, oil, and pigment, followed by a detailed underpainting focused on values, layout, and linework. During the following weeks, we will shift our attention to more in-depth painting skills: color theory, brush handling, and working fat-over-lean, to name a few. This course is designed for beginner or intermediate-level painters.

This 4-week course will be held weekly from 2-4 pm on Mondays, June 22-July 13, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 1)
Jul
1

Bound for Broadway: Teen Theater (Week 1)

Explore the world of theater, improv, and more with Mount Pleasant’s own Tena Gilbreath, a professional Hollywood theatre and Second City improv actress. Students age 13-18 can gain insight into the theater world and learn the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, scene work, voice acting, character development, and performance techniques. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and exercise creativity while having fun in a supportive environment. Expect to improve your acting technique and build performance experience through creative exercises and theater games, culminating in a showcase of your skills at the final session.

This 6-week course will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesdays, July 1-August 5, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13-18

A snack will be provided midway through each session. Students with food sensitivities should bring a snack from home.

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

View Event →
Comic Creators (Week 4)
Jul
1

Comic Creators (Week 4)

In this four-week course, young artists will become creators of their own comic universe! We'll learn to draw using simple shapes and colors as we create characters and worlds while brainstorming with the class. Students will create a small comic to take home each week, which can be an independent story or part of a series that follows their character. Throughout each session, students will be able to follow along with local artist Matthew Grimmer as he demonstrates how to doodle from imagination and bring our ideas to life. At the end of class, students will have an expanded visual vocabulary and a strengthened ability to create and narrate visual stories.

This 4-week course will be held from 1-3 pm on Wednesdays, June 10-July 1, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant

Recommended age: 8 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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Wee Wednesdays
Jul
1

Wee Wednesdays

Wee Wednesday invites babies, toddlers, and young children to explore art in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, this bi-monthly class encourages curiosity and creativity through simple projects that introduce color, texture, and playful materials. Kids can paint, build, stamp, squish, swirl, sing, and experiment at their own pace while caregivers join in on the fun.

The program starts at 10 am, Wednesday, July 1, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Designed with ages 0–5 in mind but welcoming to older siblings, Wee Wednesday is a flexible, sensory-rich art experience where every child can create, discover, and make a little joyful mess.

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Landscapes in Oil (Week 2)
Jun
29

Landscapes in Oil (Week 2)

Deepen your understanding of landscape painting with artist Matthew Grimmer. During this four-week course, students will learn the building blocks of creating dynamic, well-composed landscapes. Starting with sketches, students will practice draftsmanship and compositional studies to prepare their canvas for paint. We will cover how to use a variety of artistic tools, including but not limited to pens, pencils, watercolors, and cameras, to gather the information required to complete our oil paintings later in the course. Students will employ the “new” oil method, which involves a base layer of marble dust, oil, and pigment, followed by a detailed underpainting focused on values, layout, and linework. During the following weeks, we will shift our attention to more in-depth painting skills: color theory, brush handling, and working fat-over-lean, to name a few. This course is designed for beginner or intermediate-level painters.

This 4-week course will be held weekly from 2-4 pm on Mondays, June 22-July 13, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 16 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

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