July Events

July 1 from 10am-12pm Join us for an exciting elementary art class designed specifically for 6-11 year olds focused on landscape painting. Unleash your creativity and learn step-by-step painting techniques to create your very own unique landscape masterpiece. This class is the perfect opportunity for young artists to explore their artistic abilities and create something truly special. Don't let your child miss out on this fun and educational painting experience.

July 1 from 1-4pm Paint a landscape painting using a quilt pattern. Instructor, Cheryl Gordon, will assist you with step-by-step instruction to create this unique painting. You will be using masking tape, stencils, and acrylic paints to create this painting. All materials will be provided. No prior experience necessary.

July 3 from 9:30am-12:30pm Join artist Bob Causley for a unique art class where you'll learn how to create your own 8 x 10" frame using birch bark and red willow. In this hands-on, make and take style class, Bob will guide you through the process of crafting a stunning frame that's perfect for your lodge decor or cottage. All materials are included, and the cost is $55 per student. Don't miss this opportunity to create and take home a beautiful piece of art. Sign up now to secure your spot!

July 8 from 10-11:30am Join us for a creative and fun-filled Budding Artist class tailored for 4-6 year olds! In this session, young artists will have the opportunity to paint their very own wooden birdhouse using a variety of techniques and tools. From using their fingers to sponges and brushes, students will explore different ways to apply paints and let their imaginations soar. Don't miss this chance for your child to unleash their artistic potential and create a masterpiece to cherish. Sign up now and let the creativity flow!

July 10 from 1-4pm Using a Michigan beach rock as your “canvas”, learn to paint a nature scene with acrylic paint! Artist Karen Mazzoline will demonstrate some tips and tricks for painting on this particular surface. Once painted and sealed, you can use your painted rock as a paperweight or a part of your home décor!

Bill McMillan, a long time summer resident of Les Cheneaux, will be offering a weekly class in Qigong and relaxation that is open to anyone interested.  This will be his second summer teaching this class at the Hessel School House.  Originating in China centuries ago, Qigong is a system of movements and philosophies created to help us to be more in tune with our bodies and with our lives.  Everyone is welcome, including those suffering with injuries or chronic illness.  Bill has taught classes to cancer patients, families, veterans, high school students and the general public for the past 12 years, including last summer at the Schoolhouse.  Please feel free to contact Bill with any questions or concerns.  billmcmillan74@gmail.com Classes will be held on Thursdays from July 11 - August 22 from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Each class is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins welcome if space allows.

July 12 from 9:30am-12:30pm Join us for a one-of-a-kind art class where you'll have the opportunity to transform an old wooden chair into a decorative masterpiece for your porch. In this class, you'll handpick a chair from a selection of vintage pieces, choose a theme and color scheme, and unleash your creativity with paints and odds and ends items. Get ready to let your imagination run wild as you craft your own unique porch chair that will be the envy of all your neighbors. The class fee includes all materials and the chair, so all you need to bring is your artistic flair and a sense of adventure.

July 12 from 2-5pm Join us for a unique art class with Cheryl Gordon, where you'll learn the art of tapestry weaving to create a stunning circular landscape. Using different weights of yarn, Cheryl will guide you in adding texture and depth to your masterpiece. You will delve into tabby and interlocking weaving techniques, mastering the craft with expert guidance. With two round metal rings as your weaving loom, you'll bring your creative vision to life in a beautiful, intricate tapestry. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the world of textile art and create your own masterpiece under Cheryl's expert instruction. Reserve your spot today!

Mondays from 10 am – 12 noon on July 15, 22, and 29 Working in pastels requires a little patience and practice but can be a very rewarding experience! Hessel School House is offering a three-week course in learning to work in this type of medium. Learn how to blend, layer, and detail using a different variety of pastels (soft and oil). With guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline, discover how to build depth and add to your art arsenal pastel tricks and tips for a stronger painting. All materials will be provided, and you need not have experience in pastel to participate. You will have opportunity to practice what you have learned in our training exercises, activities, and small projects.

July 17 from 2-4pm 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! 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!

July 17 from 6:30-8:30pm Nothing says summer quite like a gorgeous sunset on the lake! Come and enjoy a great evening of painting! Using acrylic on canvas, create a serene sunset oasis with guidance from artist Karen Mazzoline. No experience is required and all materials will be provided.

Bill McMillan, a long time summer resident of Les Cheneaux, will be offering a weekly class in Qigong and relaxation that is open to anyone interested.  This will be his second summer teaching this class at the Hessel School House.  Originating in China centuries ago, Qigong is a system of movements and philosophies created to help us to be more in tune with our bodies and with our lives.  Everyone is welcome, including those suffering with injuries or chronic illness.  Bill has taught classes to cancer patients, families, veterans, high school students and the general public for the past 12 years, including last summer at the Schoolhouse.  Please feel free to contact Bill with any questions or concerns.  billmcmillan74@gmail.com Classes will be held on Thursdays from July 11 - August 22 from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Each class is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins welcome if space allows.

Ahoy, Matey! If you love to use your imagination, we have a camp for you! Hessel School House is offering a drama camp for actors ages 6 – 11! Using great stories, legends, and songs of the high seas, we will use our acting skills to bring these stories to life. Actors will be building their skills through games, activities, and short skits with director Karen Mazzoline. On July 24th at 10 am, work with artist Cheryl Gordon to create unique masks and props to go with our camp sessions! Bring a sack lunch on Wednesday as we have morning and afternoon sessions those days. On the last day of camp, we will be putting our acting skills to practice by performing for our family and friends! A reception will follow our performance. A more detailed schedule will be emailed to those who register for this fun camp! WORKSHOP SCHEDULE Monday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wednesday, July 24 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Friday, July 26 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Let your child’s inner star shine during this fun and engaging drama camp! During this event, your child will: • Delve into the world of dramatic play and explore their inner actor • Get crafty and create their own props and masks to use in performances • Learn acting techniques from an experienced instructor • Showcase their new skills in a thrilling performance for family and friends • Celebrate with a special afterglow reception, complete with treats and praise for their accomplishments! Class Fee: $80.00 Class size is limited to 12. Register now and give your child the gift of creative expression!

Bill McMillan, a long time summer resident of Les Cheneaux, will be offering a weekly class in Qigong and relaxation that is open to anyone interested.  This will be his second summer teaching this class at the Hessel School House.  Originating in China centuries ago, Qigong is a system of movements and philosophies created to help us to be more in tune with our bodies and with our lives.  Everyone is welcome, including those suffering with injuries or chronic illness.  Bill has taught classes to cancer patients, families, veterans, high school students and the general public for the past 12 years, including last summer at the Schoolhouse.  Please feel free to contact Bill with any questions or concerns.  billmcmillan74@gmail.com Classes will be held on Thursdays from July 11 - August 22 from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Each class is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins welcome if space allows.

Ukraine egg decorating is an art form that dates back centuries. Known as pysanky, these beautiful and intricately patterned eggs are decorated using the wax-resist method creating stunning motifs. Come learn this traditional art form with artist Bette Smith. All materials and step-by-step instruction provided. - $35

July 29 from 1-3pm There are so many benefits when making art! In the creative process we can explore our self-expression, gain personal insight, relieve everyday stress, and develop self-awareness. With “Art Me Happy” classes, artist Karen Mazzoline will use art starters, basic art techniques, and a unique activity to help boost our moods and self-confidence! Each week from July 29 - August 26 will have a different theme, focus, and activity, so you can attend every session! We will be exploring different media, styles, and techniques each week. Come and unwind as you use art to help melt the stress away!