July 2026 Events at Hessel School House

Thursday, July 2 • 1:30-3:30 PM Get creative with watercolor and paint a bright, beautiful spangled geranium with instructor Les Cheneaux Arts Council artist Sarah May! This class is perfect for youth ages 12 and up, with younger artists welcome alongside a parent or guardian. All materials are included, so just bring your imagination and get ready to have fun while creating a painting you’ll be proud to show off!

Thursday, July 9 • 1 – 3 pm (Adult/Teens) Create your very own hair clips, scrunchie, or head band with the help from artist Marissa Wissner! Using a variety of materials, make a curated hair piece that you’ll enjoy for yourself or give as a gift! Choose from scrap fabric, ribbon, buttons, bottle caps, beads, and more as you design your one upcycled accessory! Learn different techniques for each hair piece. You’ll practice each technique before implementing them into your own piece to take home. All materials will be provided!

Thursday, July 9 • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Interested in learning how to “capture” nature quickly in a sketchbook? With guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline, learn how to observe, sketch, and add detail to your work while enjoying the beauty of the nature trails at Hessel School House! Bring your favorite folding chair as we sit in nature and sketch away! Paper and drawing media will be included, but if you have a sketchbook, you are welcome to bring that along! In case of rain, we will draw inside the schoolhouse.

Friday, July 10 • 9:00 AM-12:00PM NOTE: Purchase COMBO Ticket if you would like to attend all three sessions. Create Your Writing Mini-Trail Guide (Session 1) A 3-hour workshop to help you map a trail plan for your book journey. Would you think to go into an unknown mountain range without camping gear? Without food and water? Without a map? Would you consider starting a business and applying for a business loan without creating a business plan? No? I don’t blame you; it’d be scary, silly, dangerous, or a financial mess. Therefore, give your book the trail plan it deserves. Your book will be more successful if you create a trail plan for your writing journey. In this workshop, we’ll help you hone your message so you write exactly to where you want to go without getting lost in the forest of words. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to help you make sure your pen is going to lead you in the write direction (pun intended) on your writing journey. So, let’s help you create a mini-trail guide for your book. (This workshop includes a handout, which uses Jennie Nash’s Blueprint method. It is available in advance to registered attendees, and available printed at the workshop. Contact Julie at words@hjwords.com or at 906-430-5854.)

Friday, July 10 • 12:00 -1:30PM NOTE: Purchase COMBO Ticket if you would like to attend all three sessions. Lunch & Learn: Q&A with a Book Coach What’s a book coach do? Great question! A book coach can help you form and test your book ideas, create a solid structure, help you get through tough spots, and guide you to getting published. Do you have a book in the works, but are stuck and have questions about how to proceed? Have a great idea, but can’t seem to make the structure work? Not sure where to begin or how to end? Whose help do I need - an editor, beta reader, or book coach? During this Q & A session, Julie Covert, book coach and editor at H J Words, will answer your questions about how you can benefit from working with a book coach. We’ll discuss these topics and more to get you excited and motivated to achieve your dream of turning your ideas from your notebooks into a publishable manuscript. Questions can also be submitted in advance. Contact Julie at words@hjwords.com or at 906-430-5854.

Friday, July 10 • 2:00 - 5:00 PM NOTE: Purchase COMBO Ticket if you would like to attend all three sessions. Session3: Pathways to Publishing You’ve finished your manuscript. Congratulations! Now what? The obvious answer is “get it published.” Which brings the next question—how? Should you find an agent to sell your manuscript to a publisher? Submit it to smaller presses? Work with a hybrid publisher, or publish it yourself, as an independent? When determining the best route, there are multiple factors to consider: goals, timeline, cost, prestige, reason(s), project management, and life circumstances. What do you need to submit, to whom, when, and how? In this workshop, we’ll examine the three paths to publishing: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, in particular answering questions about royalties, timelines, and costs to help you determine “what’s next.” Don’t drown in the Sea of Overwhelm or be swallowed by the Whirlpool of Scams. Bring your questions and get honest answers to help you navigate your path to publishing your book.

Friday, July 10 • 9:00 - 5:00 PM This ticket includes all three sessions of the Writers Workshop Series with book coach, Julie Covert. - Create Your Writing Mini-Trail Guide - Lunch & Learn: Q & A with a Book Coach - Pathways to Publishing SESSION 1: Create Your Writing Mini-Trail Guide 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM A 3-hour workshop to help you map a trail plan for your book journey. Would you think to go into an unknown mountain range without camping gear? Without food and water? Without a map? Would you consider starting a business and applying for a business loan without creating a business plan? No? I don’t blame you; it’d be scary, silly, dangerous, or a financial mess. Therefor, give your book the trail plan it deserves. Your book will be more successful if you create a trail plan for your writing journey. In this workshop, we’ll help you hone your message so you write exactly to where you want to go without getting lost in the forest of words. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to help you make sure your pen is going to lead you in the write direction (pun intended) on your writing journey. So, let’s help you create a mini-trail guide for your book. SESSION 2: Lunch & Learn: Q & A with a Book Coach 12:00 - 1:30 PM (Includes a catered lunch) What’s a book coach do? Great question! A book coach can help you form and test your book ideas, create a solid structure, help you get through tough spots, and guide you to getting published. Do you have a book in the works, but are stuck and have questions about how to proceed? Have a great idea, but can’t seem to make the structure work? Not sure where to begin or how to end? Whose help do I need - an editor, beta reader, or book coach? During this Q & A session, Julie Covert, book coach and editor at H J Words, will answer your questions about how you can benefit from working with a book coach. We’ll discuss these topics and more to get you excited and motivated to achieve your dream of turning your ideas from your notebooks into a publishable manuscript. Questions can also be submitted in advance. Contact Julie at words@hjwords.com or at 906-430-5854. SESSION 3: Pathways to Publishing 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM You’ve finished your manuscript. Congratulations! Now what? The obvious answer is “get it published.” Which brings the next question—how? Should you find an agent to sell your manuscript to a publisher? Submit it to smaller presses? Work with a hybrid publisher, or publish it yourself, as an independent? When determining the best route, there are multiple factors to consider: goals, timeline, cost, prestige, reason(s), project management, and life circumstances. What do you need to submit, to whom, when, and how? In this workshop, we’ll examine the three paths to publishing: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, in particular answering questions about royalties, timelines, and costs to help you determine “what’s next.” Don’t drown in the Sea of Overwhelm or be swallowed by the Whirlpool of Scams. Bring your questions and get honest answers to help you navigate your path to publishing your book.

Saturday, July 11 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Step into a hands-on wildlife adventure at the Hessel School House. This engaging and family-friendly event invites curious minds of all ages to connect with nature through an up-close experience featuring LIVE ambassador animals. Presented by A.R.K. (Association of Rescue Kritters), this program showcases non-releasable wildlife ambassadors—animals that can no longer survive in the wild but now serve an important role in education. Through guided interaction and storytelling, guests will learn about each animal’s species, habitat, and the conservation challenges they face. Participants will also have the rare opportunity to explore a collection of authentic, touchable artifacts, including wings, pelts, talons, and more. These hands-on elements deepen understanding and spark curiosity, making science come alive in a memorable way. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Tuesday, July 14 • 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Learn to draw dragonflies in this fun, beginner-friendly class taught by Les Cheneaux Arts Council artist Sarah May! Students will create several practice drawings, then design and complete a unique dragonfly journal cover to take home. Perfect for ages 12 and up, with younger artists welcome when accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. Join us for a creative experience and leave with new skills and a handmade project.

Thursday, July 16 • 10AM – 12PM Ages 6-12 Come explore the art possibilities at Hessel School House! Using the chosen storybook trail as our theme, artist Karen Mazzoline will offer art techniques to create a unique work of art that reflects the story! Class begins with a walk through the nature trail, learning about the story and taking in the beauty of the trail. Artmaking will take place in the schoolhouse using different media and materials! Come and enjoy a fun morning of creating together!

Thursday, July 16 • 1 – 3 pm (Adults/Teens) Come and learn the unique properties of tempera paint with artist Karen Mazzoline! Karen will give you an inside look at the possibilities of this paint medium! Learn how to work with tempera as you paint a few simple scenes. No painting experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided!

Thursday, July 16 •  5 – 7 pm (Adults only) Bring your choice of beverage and a friend as we paint together! Using acrylic painting techniques, artist Karen Mazzoline will guide you through the process of creating your very own lazy riverbed! Learn how to layer and blend colors of lush blues and greens while enjoying a night out with friends! No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.

Friday, July 17 • 5-8 pm Curious about fly fishing? Join Michelle Jarvie for this beginner-friendly introduction to fly tying. Learn the basics of tools, materials, and techniques as you create your own flies step by step. All materials are provided, so just bring your interest and creativity. Whether you’re new to fishing or simply want to try something hands-on, this relaxed and welcoming class is the perfect place to start.

Tuesday, July 21 • 10AM – 12 PM (Adults/Teens) Hessel School House is offering a unique learning opportunity! Using various art media and techniques, learn how to capture one of Michigan’s Marvels on paper or canvas. Artist Karen Mazzoline will provide materials and instruction on how to observe, draw, or paint iconic Michigan scenery! Each session will focus on a certain area of Michigan with some history behind each marvel. No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. This session will focus on LAKE SUPERIOR and its majestic beauty! Credit to 906 Images for the use of their photography!

Tuesday, July 21 • 1 – 3 pm Come learn the basics of still life and how to capture it on paper! Using various items, artist Karen Mazzoline will guide you in the process of observing, drawing, and detailing your still life. You are welcome to bring your own items to draw and your favorite pencils, but materials and still life objects will be provided. Enjoy an afternoon of drawing together!

3-Day Youth Theatre Camp July 23, 24, & 25 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day This July, join professional actor, director, and playwright Sarah Cardinal for an exciting three-day Youth Theatre Intensive designed to inspire and elevate the next generation of performers! Open to ages 10–15, this camp welcomes all skill levels—no prior theatre experience required. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or looking to sharpen your craft, this intensive offers a supportive and energizing environment to grow. Participants will explore real-world acting techniques drawn from influential practitioners such as Meisner, Stanislavski, Larry Moss, and more. Through engaging exercises and hands-on coaching, actors will build confidence, develop authentic performances, and deepen their understanding of the craft. In addition, Sarah will guide students through the essentials of auditioning and callback etiquette, helping them feel prepared and professional in any casting setting. By the end of the three days, actors will walk away with stronger skills, practical tools, and a renewed passion for performance. Spots are limited—don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a working industry professional!

July 24 & 25 • 10 AM - 3 PM both days Join us for a two-day stained glass workshop to create a beautiful stained glass beach scene with artist Connie Thompson. This hands-on experience is designed students that already have experience crafting stained glass. All materials are included, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! With a limited class size of just 6 participants, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout the day. NOTE: This is NOT a beginners class. You MUST have taken one of Connie’s stained glass classes before or be experienced in stained glass to register for this class

Tuesday, July 28 • 10 AM to 12 PM (Adults only) Using glass in your choice of colors, create a picture frame that will be added to a purchased frame giving a unique look to the frame. Or you may decide to make a one-of-a kind night light using your own design. Items will be left at the end of class to be tack fused and can be picked up by the weekend. The cost includes everything you need to take home a finished project. Class location: Susan Hallums home studio in Cedarville. Directions will be provided to paid participants prior to the class.