Arts Council Workshops, Classes
and Special Events
Learn Zentangle Art in 2023
Welcome to the Zentangle Method! You are about to embark on a wonderful and beautiful creative journey with certified Zentangle instructor Meta Kruzel
Class is Thursday June 8th 2023 from 6pm to 8:30pm
Woman’s club building 310 East Jamet St.
Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. We call these patterns, tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art. These patterns are drawn on small pieces of paper called “tiles.” We call them tiles because you can assemble them into mosaics.
Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. If fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle — always keeping your hand in a relaxed position. You don’t need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise.
As you use the Zentangle Method to create beautiful images, you likely will enjoy increased focus, creativity, self-confidence and an increased sense well-being. We hope to see you there!
Member cost $15, non-member $20, Student $10
Meta will provide a kit for the project for only $10 per person, which includes paper, pens, pencils, eraser and tiles.
Meta will also provide background into the Zentangle experience and how to achieve the most from this powerful and extraordinary art form.
Call 231-412-2787 to sign up for the class
Cap of 15 students
Starling Theater Company Presents
“As You Like It” Shakespeare in the Park 2023
This year Starling will be back performing the Shakespearean RonCom “As You Like It”
Starling Shakespeare Company is a migratory theater company. That means they
are uninhibited by physical boundaries in a variety of settings. They present diverse
and varied performances in arts vibrant communities throughout the country.
Starling Shakespeare Company’s work amplifies the playfulness and honesty in
Shakespeare’s plays. Today, in this fast-paced world, how often do we take the time
to revel in joy, play, or creativity? Starling aims to inject some of the creative energy
of the Renaissance into today.
Theater is a communal experience. That means it’s a dialogue – an interactive
conversation – with the audience. The very soul of theater is cleverness, creativity
and finding imaginative solutions to problems. This is true of characters portrayed
and it’s true of the artists portraying them. This theater company constantly seeks
inventiveness and resourcefulness throughout their rehearsals. The exciting part is
that naturally translates to performances where actors and audiences both can revel
in the experience of making discoveries together.
Starling Shakespeare Company looks forward to an exchange of ideas,
experiences, and perspectives everywhere they land, and they seek it from their
audiences with humility and gratitude.
As this is an open air setting, bring your own blankets or seating and be prepared to
experience Shakespeare in a truly unique and entertaining event suitable for all
ages.
This production will be performed at the Roth Shell in Conkling Heritage Park on Thursday August 10th at 6:00pm with
a rain date of August 17th.
Megan Swoyer
Hibiscus at Yellow Cottage Watercolor
Beginner and beyond watercolorists will capture a brilliant hibiscus with yellow cottage background. We’ll dive into various leaf techniques, showcase layers of petals, and capture the subtle nuances of the flowers’ aura. We’ll be using wet-into-wet techniques as well as wet-into-dry.
Megan Swoyer is returning for her second year with us. She is an in demand watercolor instructor and her classes fill fast.
Fee $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Check with us for supplies available for first time painters.
Thursday July 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mackinaw Woman’s club on 310 E. Jamet St. in Mackinaw City (the Mainland)
To sign up for this class call 231-412-2787. Class is limited to 20
CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOPS 2023
Our workshops are free to all ages. Children under 6 should be accompanied with a parent or guardian. Times from 10am to 12pm at Mackinaw City Women’s Clubhouse 310 East Jamet, Mackinaw City. This is a new location for our art series and will help with wind, rain and cold exposure.
Limited to 20 children at a time.
For questions contact instructor Mallory at (906) 440-8980 or email at email hidden; JavaScript is required
July 10th, 2023 Tissue Paper Painting
July 24th 2023 Popsicle Stick Wall Hanging
August TBA 2023 Watercolor Silouette
August 28th 2023 Cardboard Animal Art
Farm Market Watercolor Bouquet with Megan Swoyer
Beginner and beyond watercolorists will enjoy painting this delicate array of summer flowers fresh from the farm. We’ll explore
several techniques on this too pretty not to paint bouquet. We’ll be using wet-into-wet techniques as well as wet-into-dry.
Megan Swoyer is returning for her second year with us. She is an in demand watercolor instructor and her classes fill fast.
Fee $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Check with us for supplies available for first time painters.
Thursday August 31 at Mackinaw City Woman’s Club 310 East Jamet from 6:00 to 8:00pm
To sign up for this class call 231-412-2787. Class is limited to 20
Pam Wilburn Watercolor Landscapes 101
Weekend Workshop
Pam will be returning by popular demand after her well attended, praise worthy class last year.
Pamela Wilburn, signature member of the Michigan Watercolor Society, has been a commercial artist and an art teacher in both the private and public school setting. Pamela holds a bachelor’s degree in art education with a concentration in commercial art.
Join Pam the weekend of September 22, 23, 24 and take your paintings to the next level. Pam will demo several techniques and give one on one feedback. This class will focus on landscapes and may include some plein air instruction, weather and participant permitting. Learn how value and color can affect your paintings.
Friday night: Optional, for those wishing to attend a meet and greet along with basic sketch and ideas, will be held at 7pm for 1-2 hours.
Saturday: 9am to 4pm Demo and painting throughout the day with breaks for coffee and lunch.
Sunday: 9am to 12pm Continue/finish work from Saturday.
Participants will need to bring 3 pieces of paper (approx. 11×14) as well as their pallet already set up and a variety of brushes. A photo or more of a scene they would like to paint. Pam will have a few of her own images to paint from also.
Class limit is 15 students. All painters are welcome from beginners to advanced.Participants will need to bring 3 pieces of paper (approx. 11×14”) as well as their pallet already set up and a variety of brushes.
If this is your first introduction to watercolor and you do not have supplies, check with the arts council at the number below.
Class will be held at Mackinaw Woman’s Club, 310 E. Jamet Mackinaw City. Fee is $150 for members and $175 for non-members. Memberships can be purchased for 2022 at $25 for individuals or $35 for families. To sign up for the class call 231-412-2787
Weave a tiny tapestry
with Jasmine from “Howl at the Loom”
Students will learn to warp a frame loom, use weaving techniques and how to finish a piece. We will discuss color combos, types of yarn and fiber and how to use them in weaving. All tools and supplies will be provided and students take home their finished tapestries. This is a great workshop for beginner weavers or those interested in new techniques.
Recommended for ages 10 and over.
All supplies are provided but optional items that you might choose to bring include scissors, yarn, fiber, bead or accessories of your own to include into your weaving.
This workshop is Saturday October 21st from 11-3pm at Mackinaw City Woman’s club 310 E. Jamet Mackinaw City.
Supplies are $15 per participant. Class fee is $30 for members, $45 for non-members and $20 for students.
Class is limited to 12 so sign up early to secure your spot.
Open Art/Craft Sessions with Seniors
Mackinaw City Area Arts Council is partnering with Wawatam Senior Center to offer Open Art Sessions on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 4:30pm at the Lion’s club building at 205 Cedar St. Mackinaw City. The Lion’s club is home to the senior center and anyone is welcome to attend, you do not have to be a member.
The arts council will have a dedicated craft coach each week with supplies and a project to complete. Senior center members will have full access to paint and craft supplies provided by the center, free of charge. For non members the arts council will provide an art kit for a small fee if you wish to participate in the project or bring your art supplies or any craft item you are working on and join us. Bring a friend or make new ones. You might even want to stay for dinner.
The Senior Center salad bar and soup is available at 4:30 with dinner being served at 5:30. Membership is open to all over 60 and meals are $4 for members. Non members can dine for $6.00
Altered Book are no longer on display at the library. This is an archived project.
ALTERED BOOKS
2020 Pandemic Memories Quilt Project
March 3, 2021 The Pandemic Quilt project is finished and on display at Mackinaw Area Public Library. Soon it will be on the move to Royal Oak Mi. Library for exhibition. We wanted to thank those that participated and acknowledge their talents.
2020 Contributors to Pandemic Quilt
The idea for the Pandemic Quilt came from members of the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council. The white quilt squares were cut 9” X 9” from a cotton sheet from the Vagabond Hotel, a historic hotel in Mackinaw City. 68 blank quilt squares were placed in the Mackinaw Area Public Library for people to take. Of the 65 squares taken, only 18 were returned. MaryAnn Moore studied the returned quilt squares, laid them out and used what fabric she had on hand for the sashing (strips of fabric between each square) and the backing. Remember, there is a pandemic. Shopping is limited and the motto became, “use what you have!” The only “new fabric” purchased for the construction of the Pandemic Quilt was the green cotton used for the outside edge binding.
#1 Pandemic Nurse 1 by SuAnn Handschy, Indianapolis, IN and Carp Lake, MI
SuAnn is member of the Bliss Bunch Quilters, a group of women who enjoy quilting. They meet at the Carp Lake Town Hall every other Monday in non-pandemic days!
Medium: Cotton fabric
#2 “On Tideland” by Deb Zagurney, Carp Lake, MI
A modified copy of Josef Albers, “On Tideland”, which was selected for display in her chambers by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in 2020. Medium: Acrylic paint on cotton fabric.
#3 Home Alone by Martha Smyth, Mackinaw City, MI
2020 felt a little like the movie, “Home Alone,” especially at the beginning of the quarantine. How life goes on outside your home really doesn’t affect you, because you feel alone in the world, scared of the unknown and under seize. The big black screen represents the only activity, from either the TV or the phone or computer screen.
Medium: Cotton fabric, felt, embroidery floss, beads.
#4 Labyrinth by Martha Smyth, Mackinaw City, MI
A worldwide pandemic and quarantine! New medical protocols, emotions, and even a new worldview! How were they expressed and broadcast? New words and new meanings for old words. The swirling labyrinth leads you into a new vocabulary – whether your age is 3 or 83!
Medium: Cotton fabric, permanent markers.
#5 Pandemic Nurse 2 was made by Donna Watkins, Carp Lake, Mi
Donna is a member of the Bliss Bunch Quilters.
Medium: Cotton fabric
#6 “Do Unto Others” by Sheryl Potts, Bliss, MI
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is the mantra that echoes through my childhood memories – a gentle reminder to be kind, be good, be honest, be true. Since the pandemic started, I’ve been heartbroken to see so many who refuse to wear a mask to protect their families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, along with everyone else they meet but have yet to know. I wonder about their childhoods, about who forgot to teach them The Golden Rule. Unless you’re a superhero in disguise, no one likes wearing a mask – they are uncomfortable, fiddly, hot, and we are forced to smell our own breath. BUT, they could protect someone we love with all our hearts from sickness or even death. For me, it’s not even a question. I will wear my mask to protect others in hopes that others will do the same to protect me. My quilt square was created from my own homemade inks, Posca pens, a medical mask cut into tiny squares, and golden embroidery floss.
#7 “Rona Medley” by Lorie Archambeau, Carp Lake, MI, and Earp, California
When the virus hit the US, my husband Jerry and I (both of us in the senior category) were in our winter home in the Sonoran Desert. We live on a native reservation and were told we could not leave only for essentials. It was frightening in the beginning not knowing the details of how the virus acted. Going to the grocery store could put us in danger of losing our lives or infecting another. It was early May when we decided to come home to Michigan. I made masks from an old pillow case and packed a Rona Kit with sanitizer and wipes. Filling up with gas we never touched the nozzle or the doors when entering any location. Some of the rest areas along the way were closed, others had attendants cleaning and sanitizing the area. We made lunches for two days and made hotel reservations in non-hot spot cities along our route. Then we drove 10 hours a day for 3 days, spending only 2 nights in hotels to minimize our risk. We made it home safely and quarantined for 14 days as required. November we’ll be returning to the desert with our Rona kit and staying safe.
Medium: Cotton Fabric and permanent markers
#8 Rosemary Kukec, Dafter, MI
Always a procrastinator, I waited until the last minute to decide to make a block. This led to several crisis moments! One unintended cut and the decision to write a message even knowing the shaky hands would not cooperate, I carried on. That is something that I learned is good during this time!
Medium: Cotton Fabric applique.
#9 Time Spent During Covid by Angie Morthland, Mackinaw City, MI
With the Covid-19 restrictions, I was blessed to be able to put my efforts into the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, American Rosie the Riveter Association, and the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, while still being safe and caring for family and friends from afar. Volunteering kept me feeling a part of something and being purposeful.
Medium: Cotton fabric and embroidered patches
#10 “Her Collar” by Deb Zagurney, Carp Lake, MI
A lace collar applied over an acrylic pattern was inspired by the iconic style worn in court by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who passed in 2020.
Medium: Acrylic paint on cotton fabric with lace collar applique
#11 Toilet Paper by Deb Zagurney, Carp Lake, MI
Toilet paper was on the minds of most people in 2020 when panic buying emptied store shelves. The idea is based after Andy Warhol and Josef Albers
Medium: Acrylic paint on cotton fabric
#12 Got TP? by Martha Smyth, Mackinaw City, MI
Fear? Loss of control? Security? Normalcy in cleanliness? Privacy issues? Who knows why we overstocked TP at home and then lived with empty store shelves for so long? It was a worldwide phenomenon. Humans around the world are more alike than we realized.
Medium: Cotton fabric and a toilet paper roll!
#13 Covid-19 Virus by Sandy Planisek, Mackinaw City, MI
This design represents the “brand” when someone mentions the corona virus. This spiked sphere says it all.
Medium: Cotton fabric, yarn, ribbon.
#14 Liquid Gold by Martha Smyth, Mackinaw City, MI
I felt like there was a halo around hand sanitizer – especially at the start of the quarantine – when physical contact with people, pets, and inanimate objects – even your groceries – were suspect for carrying the “plague”. Still loving the Walmart door attendants who – before your very eyes – wipe down every cart before it gets reused by a customer. Bless you ladies and gents!
Medium: Cotton fabric, cotton embroidery floss, sequins.
#15 Six Feet by MaryAnn Moore, Mackinaw City, MI
This Covid-19 virus brought so many new vocabulary words that became everyday language. Now when talking to someone, you think, “Am I standing 6 feet or more away from the person I am conversing with.” And don’t stand too close or I will tell you to back away!
Medium: Cotton fabric, crayons.
#16 Pandemic Nurse 3 by Dorothy Kreuger, Mackinaw City, MI
Dorothy is a member of the Bliss Bunch Quilters.
Medium: Cotton fabric, cotton embroidery floss.
#17 MASKED by Martha Smyth, Mackinaw City, MI
Who is that masked man, woman, child? When we go out for groceries (or to church when it’s allowed) everyone is a stranger in a strange new land!
Medium: Cotton fabric, needlepoint canvas, cotton embroidery floss.
#18 This quilt was the idea of the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council as a way to continue art during a quarantine where personal contact was limited. March 2020 – December 2020
Medium: Cotton Fabric and fabric crayons.
#19 Don’t Touch this Baby! Paula Barber, Cheboygan, MI
My friend has a new baby in the family – her grandchild. Due to COVID-19 recommendations she was unable to have physical contact right away.
Medium: Cotton fabric.
#20 Pandemic Nurse 4 by Dallas, Indianapolis, IN,
Dallas is a friend of SuAnn Handschy, who is a member of the Bliss Bunch Quilters. Essential workers, especially the medical community, were the cornerstones during the pandemic.
Medium: Cotton fabric.
KINDNESS ROCK GARDEN
Mackinaw City Area Arts Council “The Kindness Rock project ” is now live at Maritime Park down on the waterfront at Huron avenue and Depeyster st. We hope you bring your painted rocks and share your creativity with our community. Please take a picture of your rock(s) and share with us when placing in the garden. You can view ideas for painting and materials to use at the link below for… The Kindness Rocks Project. This activity provides great social distancing with hours of creativity and is a great pursuit for both children and adults.
https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com/
MCAAC ART WALK
The art walk has been removed for the winter season. Please check in the spring for new locations and imagery.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”…..Aristotle
We all see things differently to some extent. Public art is a way to share others’ views of the world we live in, appreciate their talents, and enrich our community aesthetic. Based upon public interest and reaction to this year’s installations, MCAAC is hoping to keep this as an annual event in future years.
The Mackinaw City Area Art Council (MCAAC) is excited to announce the completion of their 2020 MCAAC Art Walk. MCAAC has installed and will maintain a year-round public display of fine art reproduction prints in four popular lake-side Village of Mackinaw City parks. This project, in partnership with the Village of Mackinaw City, is intended to encourage art awareness and appreciation, local tourism engagement, cultural awareness and enhancement.
Aristotle said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.“
“We all see things differently to some extent. Public art is a way to share others’ views of the world we live in, appreciate their talents, and enrich our community aesthetic. Based upon public interest and reaction to this year’s installations, MCAAC is hoping to keep this as an annual event in future years.“, stated Trustee Dan House.
Four submissions from a wide variety of entries from Michigan-based artists were selected for this year’s public MCAAC 2020 Art Walk. The entries were evaluated for their interest and artistry in the context of the theme of “The Nature of Northern Michigan”. Art Walk participants can look forward to seeing works of art from Kim Diment (Grayling), Dan Feldhauser (Grayling), Robert Parrish (Livonia) and Barb Weisenburg (Milford). Art installations will be at Alexander Henry Park, Gary Williams Memorial Park, Chief Wawatam Park and the Veteran’s Memorial Park (marina).
The mission of the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council is to promote participation in and appreciation of the arts in the Straits of Mackinac area through year round exhibits, education, activities, and performances. Grants and membership dues support MCAAC’s general operating fund to promote the cultural vitality of the Straits area of Northern Michigan.
In partnership with Mackinaw City Historical Society and Heritage Village we present Art in the Woods Trail. If you are interested in sharing your creativity with the community please contact MaryAnn Moore. Information listed below.
New for 2020
DROP-IN ART is cancelled until further notice!
Do you want to dabble with your favorite art technique or learn something new? If so, then come to our new (free) Drop-In Art Class at Church of the Straits (307 N. Huron Street, Mackinaw City), on Fridays at 2 PM, starting February 14th.
Bring the work you want to finish and your artistic enthusiasm, and we will decide where the spirit moves us. We may have five different activities going on or may decide to concentrate on one thing for a day.
* The classroom is located in the basement of the church. Enter the door near the flag pole facing N. Huron Street. Contact MaryAnn Moore at 734-934-0170 for more information.
WINTERFEST ART EXHIBIT
Cancelled for 2021, we hope to be back on schedule in 2022.
The Mackinaw City Area Art Council will be sponsoring the 9th Annual Winterfest Art Exhibit during the Mackinaw Winterfest Weekend, organized by the Mackinaw Area Visitor’s Bureau. The exhibit will be held Friday, January 17 through Saturday, January 18, 2020 with an artist reception on Friday afternoon from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Saturday hours are from 10:00am to 4:30pm.The exhibit will be held at Mackinaw Clothing and Sportswear, located downtown at 319 East Central Avenue, Mackinaw City.
Art lovers will expect to see artwork never before displayed at Winterfest. Come, explore the exhibit and decide which artist should receive the People’s Choice Award.
This Winterfest Arts Council Exhibit is free and open to the general public. The “Meet and Greet” Reception is an opportunity to come and view the artwork while enjoying refreshments and speaking with the artists.
The members of the MCAAC are looking forward to this year’s exhibit and they are hoping to see many new members displaying their work. If you would like to exhibit your artwork and you are not a member, membership information can be found at: http://www.mackinawcityareaartscouncil.org/membership/
MaryAnn Moore, Chairperson
734-934-0170
Mountain Dulcimer Classes
Classes are being offered at the library. Spectators, new participants or the curious are welcome to attend. Email email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information.
Below are 2019 Archived Events
Fabric Dyeing in a Jar
Driftwood Art Part Two
Due to our highly popular class on June 18 we are bringing back the class for another night on Thursday August 8 from 6-9:30pm. Please see the particulars below from our first class description.
From Clay to BRONZE
A talk by sculptor Andy Sacksteder
Andy Sacksteder, a sculptor, is one of the recipients of the first Mackinac State Historic Parks Artist-in-Residence Program.
Andy has won several awards including first place in 2015 International Art Prize competition. He will be coming from Gladstone, MI for three weeks on Mackinac Island during which time he will sculpt a life-size bust of a person historically relevant and significant to Mackinac Island.
Two of his Art Prize award winning sculptures entitled “Reach and Splash” are now overlooking the Straits from Mission Point on Mackinac Island. Among many other works he was commissioned to sculpt a young 6’3″ Ernest Hemingway which stands in Pennsylvania Park in Petoskey, MI as well as renowned Ohio State University football Coach Woody Hayes which stands in Columbus, OH.
Monday July 1, 2019 7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
528 W. Central Ave.
Free and open to everyone.
Children’s Summer Workshops
Again this summer MCAAC is hosting Children’s summer workshops. Three workshops will be offered June 27, July 18 and August 8. All workshops are from 10am to 12pm at Mackinaw Pavilion behind Mackinaw City Public Schools 609 West Central Ave. Mackinaw City. Workshops are free to all ages, no registration required. Age 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Twenty person limit. Wear clothes to get creative in.
Smart Phonography with Dan Weilhan
The best camera to use is the camera with you and that camera is almost always your smart phone. This presentation will help you get the most out of your smart phone with tips that move you beyond taking “snapshots”. It will give you the know-how to make images you are proud to post, print and display.
Tuesday July 9 from 7-8PM Mackinaw Public Library 528 W. Central Ave. Mackinaw City.
Free class (donations always appreciated)
Drawing with Meagan and Christine Nola
Basic introductory tips to drawing, including a variety of landscape and perspective methods will be taught. A few simple drawing techniques will be covered to help improve basic drawing skills and ability to capture a moment or idea. Drawing doodles and sketches can be useful tools throughout everyday life. Examples of adding color will be shown. No experience needed-any skill level welcome.
Tuesday August 6 from 6:30-8:30pm Pellston Airport 2nd floor conference room, 1395 US-31 , Pellston, Mi.
$20/$15 MCAAC Members. Registration check to MCAAC P.O. Box 113, Mackinaw City, Mi. 49701 by August 1, 2019
Christmas Time in Chicago
Thursday through Saturday Dec 5-7, 2019. One of a Kind Show. Chicago Art Museum, Macy’s/Marshall Fields building tour, German Christkindlmarket, Driehaus Museum, Museum of Science and Industry.Trader Joe’s
Price includes: Bus, two nights in downtown hotel and tickets to all shows/tours/museums $450 per person based on double hotel occupancy. $570 per person for single occupancy. $430 and $550 respectively for MCAAC members One pick up/drop off downstate available.
Registration check and contact info to MCAAC, P.O. Box 113, Mackinaw City, Mi. 49701 by September 1, 2019
For more information contact Linda at 231-838-4484 or Mary Ann at 734-934-0170
2018 Archived Workshops
Mary Lou Peters Intro to Watercolor
On Tuesday, November 13, Mary Lou Peters presented a workshop designed for those who have always wanted to try watercolor painting without investing in supplies. The class was held from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Mackinaw Woman’s Club building, 310 East Jamet Street, Mackinaw City. Students left with a completed 5” x 7” painting suitable for framing. Cost to student was $35.00, with a $10.00 discount offered to members of MCAAC, which includes all materials provided for this class.
Mary Lou teaches watercolor classes on Mackinac Island and on Sanibel Island, Florida, as well as in her home studio near Mackinaw City. Her joyful spirit is contagious, and her gentle encouragement brings out the artist in her students. For more information, contact the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council, c/o Joann P Leal at email hidden; JavaScript is required or 231-436-5626.
The mission of the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council is to promote and encourage participation in and appreciation of the Fine Arts in the Greater Mackinaw City Area through exhibits, education, activities and performances. Providing art related experiences for our youth is a high priority. Partnerships are key to the success of MCAAC programs. Most projects involve the Mackinaw City Public Schools, Mackinaw Area Public Library, Mackinaw Area Historical Society, Mackinaw Woman’s Club, and local businesses either directly or indirectly. All programs of MCAAC are supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
ART SHOW AT WAWATAM SENIOR CENTER
Art show was October 2018 at Wawatam Senior Center hosted by MCAAC board member Stephen Smith.
WAWATAM SENIOR ARTS SHOW
OCTOBER 2018
Photography and Drawing Arts, Painting Arts in
( Acrylic, Oil, Pastel, Pencil, Watercolor )
Fiber Arts, Glass Arts, Metal Arts,
Paper Arts and Wood Arts
OCTOBER 21 SUNDAY 12 NOON TILL 2:30 PM
OCTOBER 22 MONDAY 4 PM TILL 6:30 PM
OCTOBER 23 TUESDAY 4 PM TILL 6:30 PM
OCTOBER 25 THURSDAY 4 PM TILL 6:30 PM
OCTOBER 26 FRIDAY 4 PM TILL 6:30 PM
COME JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
WAWATAM SENIOR CENTER
205 CEDAR ST MACKINAW CITY
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 231-436-5323
Bridge, Barracks and BBQ
A lively Evening of Community Fun took place on August 26, 2018, including Bridge Views, Local BBQ and Brews Tasting Stations, Barracks Tours and Interpreters, Live Music and Entertainers, Games and Demonstrations. Event took place at Fort Michilimackinac, 102 West Straits Avenue, Mackinaw City. Visitor’s Center entrance located under the bridge was used.
Three entertainment locations within the park along with four food and beverage locations. Cost is $25 per person. This event was for adults only! August 26, 2018 from 7:00 to 10:00pm For more information contact us at 231-412-2787 No preregistration is required.
Evening with Photography Trainer Bob Grzesiak
Mackinaw City Area Arts Council presented an evening with photography trainer Bob Grzesiak, July 12, 2018 from 7-9pm at Mackinaw Woman’s Club at 310 Jamet St. Mackinaw City, Mi.
Bob Grzesiak (Gree-shack) began his career in photography as a way out of his high school journalism class. It worked.
Covering the 1972 election photographing Ed Muskie, George McGovern and Thomas Eagleton as they campaigned through Saginaw peaked his interest photography as a communication medium.
From Regional Manager of Fotomat-Quarry Camera stores to General Manager of Linn’s Camera and Saginaw Photo Supply for over 20 years he became the Midwest Technical Representative for Fuji Film Professional Products for digital cameras, film, color paper and lab equipment for 20 years
Most recently he conducted Eco-Photo Tours through his company, Great Lakes Photo Tours, encouraging environmental support and appreciation through photography.
His approach is simple; know your camera’s abilities and short-comings and the settings and tools that allow you to “create images in your brain and camera” rather than “fixing images in your computer.” He reminds us we don’t “photograph things”, rather, we “record how light falls on selected subjects.” That awareness can make or break your images.
The evening discussion included: A Camera’s View on Photographing Nature
Bob discusses how to recognize your camera’s strengths and weaknesses for nature photography and tools to assist you as you photograph, from gear and exposure to light control and composition in the field.
After the lecture we opened up for question and answers. The attendees toke advantage of Bob’s passion for the technical. This was a rewarding evening for anyone who’s interest lies in improving their photo work. Class was $10 at the door, no prior registration required.
Artwork of St. Anthony’s of Padua
We met the local artists and explored the artwork of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on a tour guided by Sister Chris Herald on Sunday June 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm. A reception in the conference room followed the tour. This was a free event.
Intro to Water Color with Mary Lou Peters
A new class added to Mary Lou Peters’ fall teaching schedule: Introduction to Watercolor Painting in Mackinaw City on Tuesday, September 25 from 7-9 p.m. at the Mackinaw City Women’s Club building at 301 E. Jamet Street. Cost is $10 and we painted a zinnia. All skill levels were welcome and all supplies were furnished. Call 231-412-2787 or email email hidden; JavaScript is required to register.
Gemini Twins
GEMINI, twin brother musicians, performed “A Musical Celebration for Children and the Whole Family on Friday September 28, 2018 at Church of the Straits, 307 N. Huron Street, Mackinaw City from 7pm to 8pm. The concert featured Gemini’s uncannily matched voices, their up-beat flair for sparking audience participation, a stage full of instruments and award-winning songs which captured the warmth and humor of family life. Bring the whole family for this one. For information call 231-412-2787
There was an afternoon school assembly the same day from 2:00pm to 2:45pm.
Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1949, the twin brothers emigrated with their parents after the 1956 Revolution and lived in Israel for three years before moving to the United States. Living in several countries as they were growing up gave San and Laz a chance to see and appreciate many different ways of life, as well as exposing them to the music and instruments of various cultures. They grew up hearing a rick variety of music at home. Their father, a fine singer and a Cantor in the synagogue, taught them everything from religious music and Italian opera, to Hungarian and Yiddish fold songs. Their mother, though not a musician, nevertheless had a powerful impact on their choice of careers. “The music comes from our father,” the brothers say, “but whatever it takes to get up in front of an audience and put a song across, that comes from our mother’s spirit.”
Johnathan Rand “Michigan Chiller” Author
This workshop has been completed.
Under the pen names of Johnathan Rand and Christopher Knight, Wright has written over 60 books, with over 4 million in print! As Johnathon Rand , he has authored over 90 books and hundreds of magazine articles and short stories. He is best known for the Michigan CHILLER series.
On Monday September 10, 2018, popular author Christopher Wright visited the Mackinaw City Public Schools. He did a lively presentation in the multi-purpose room for all students in grades 1-6 at 1:30 to 2:30pm. At 3:00, he conducted a creative writing workshop for students in grades 4-12. After the workshop we asked workshop participants to submit their original compositions/stories to a panel of arts council members who judged the work and will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. The first prize winner had their piece published in the Mackinaw (on line) Newsletter by Sandy Planisek.
Children’s Arts and Craft Summer Workshops
These workshops have been completed for Summer of 2018
The DIA Inside/Out Program comes to Mackinaw City
The DIA Inside/Out program has come to town. The Village of Mackinaw City (through MCAAC) has been awarded three reproductions that were installed on May 16th 2018 and will remain in place until October 2018.
The three locations selected for the reproductions are WaWatam Park, Conkling Heritage Park (on the west side of the Performance Shell), and Veterans Memorial Park(Marina Lawn) as the installation sites.
The pieces include:
Bank of the Oise The Sinfonia Asafo Flag
Vincent Van Gough Michiel VonMusscher Unknown Artist Yorba
Veterans Memorial Park Conkling Heritage Park Wawatam Park