Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce

Welcome Tulip Season
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
Guest speaker Linda Young will discuss the history of Tulipia, cultivated and treasured for its long-necked beauty and jewel-like colors. She’ll trace the tulip’s humble beginnings as a wild flower in the mountains of Central Asia during the Ottoman Empire to becoming a wildly sought commodity during Tulip Mania in the 17th century. Her presentation will also explore the influence and fascination with tulips in the fine arts and decorative design. The hour-long talk will include an “arm chair” tour of tulip festivals across the globe.

Artist in Residence Talk: Seattle artist Chandra Wu
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 2334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
Seattle artist Chandra Wu will talk about her car journey east to Glen Arbor, and how that Spring trip became the heart of her artist-in-residence project. Wu, the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s first artist-resident of 2025, will share stories and vignettes of her two-week residency on May 15, 10 am during a conversational presentation at the GAAC. The presentation is open to the public at no charge.
“I’m intending to make a quilt top based on my experience travelling to Traverse City,” Wu said. “I am excited to visit Michigan for the first time.” Wu plans to use sketches she’ll make while on the road. During the residency, she wants to learn more about the ancient, local glacial history, “the indigenous natural world, and the colonial history of homesteading and farming in the area.”
The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
2025-05-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
WALK AND TALK
May 17
Gallery Walk and Talk: Two New Exhibits
May 17 | 1 pm
Take a stroll through the GAAC’s current exhibits, Walking, and Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile. Join in a conversational discussion of the exhibitions with Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC Gallery Manager. FREE. Enjoy both exhibits in person and online here: https://glenarborart.org/exhibits/

Thoreson Plein Air Event
2025-05-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Port Oneida Rural Historic District, 3164 W Harbor Hwy, Maple City, MI, 49664, United States
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear invites artists to the Thoreson Farm in Port Oneida, for a Plein Air Event. The event is to encourage artists to paint and submit artwork of the farm to be considered for the 2025 Port Oneida Fair poster.
DETAILS:
A beautiful and picturesque historic farmstead with a farmhouse and several outbuildings, Thoreson Farm was chosen as the ideal subject for this year’s fair poster to honor the recently passed descendent Leonard Thoreson. Leonard was a legend himself, who grew up on this farm in Port Oneida, now part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The facts and folklore he provided will forever be told as part of the history of this area through books and archives.
Artists may arrive at any time to create their pieces. An informal meet and greet with light refreshments will take place at 9:30 a.m. for those interested. Artists should bring their own art supplies, easels, and chairs. Pre-registration is not required and there is no fee for the event or to submit.

Artist in Residence Talk: Photographer Robert Beras
2025-05-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 2334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
Photographer Robert Beras is an urban dream catcher. On May 29 he’ll discuss the rural and woodland dreams he captured with his camera during his May artist’s residency with the Glen Arbor Arts Center. The program begins at 10. Beras will share work and stories. The program is open to the public at no charge.
“My goal for this artist residency is to gather images for my Dream Series, expanding beyond Detroit’s urban and industrial landscapes,” said the Lathrup Village, Michigan, resident. “I aim to explore new environments that push the series in fresh directions. The residency will also provide dedicated time to develop my minimalist work, focusing on in-camera techniques — strong composition, exposure, and a heightened awareness of light and shadow — without reliance on digital manipulation.”
The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Members Create At The Glen Arbor Arts Center
2025-06-06 09:00 - 2025-08-07 15:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 334 6112
Director@glenarborart.org
Members Create At The Glen Arbor Arts Center
June 6 – August 7, 2025
An annual tradition returns! The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Members Create exhibition opens June 6, 5 pm with a public reception featuring the work of 55 current GAAC members.
A showcase of members’ talent, Members Create runs through August 7. The exhibit includes work in a wide range of media: paint to fiber, clay to metal. It may be viewed in person in the GAAC’s Main Gallery, or online: GlenArborArt.org/EXHIBITS.
Also on view in the GAAC Lobby Gallery is Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile, a series of compositions by Leelanau County artist Mark Mehaffey.
The Members Create exhibition enjoys the support of Precision Collision & Auto Glass of Frankfort. Located at 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, the GAAC is open seven days. For more information go to GlenArborArt.org.

Artist in Residence Talk: Jodie Chilcote
2025-06-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Spring Arbor, Michigan printmaker Jodie Chilcote will carve out time in June to create a series of woodblock prints – illustrations for a children’s book that are the focus of Chilcote’s two-week artist’s residency with the Glen Arbor Arts Center. She’ll share work and stories from the residency at a presentation on June 12, 10 am. The program is open to the public at no charge.
“This is a project I have been wanting to complete for a few years now, but I haven’t given myself the time,” Chilcote said. “The residency will be the perfect opportunity for me to sit down and prioritize this illustration project.”
The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music
2025-06-13 17:00 - 2025-06-27 20:00, 2025-06-20 17:00 - 2025-07-04 20:00, 2025-06-27 17:00 - 2025-07-11 20:00, 2025-07-04 17:00 - 2025-07-18 20:00, 2025-07-11 17:00 - 2025-07-25 20:00, 2025-07-18 17:00 - 2025-08-01 20:00, 2025-07-25 17:00 - 2025-08-08 20:00, 2025-08-01 17:00 - 2025-08-15 20:00 and 1 more date | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231/334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is keeping the lights on a little longer on Friday nights. Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music bring the B-Side Growlers back to the GAAC Front Porch on June 27, 5-7 pm. This “tradition-inspired, toe-tapping fired” acoustic trio from Grand Rapids plays a plein air concert of blues, jazz and country. Bring a chair and refreshments.
As part of Late Night Fridays, both GAAC galleries are open June 13, 20, and 27. In the GAAC Main Gallery is the 2025 Members Create, an exhibition of work by 49 GAAC members. In the Lobby Gallery: Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile by Leelanau County painter Mark Mehaffey. Read more about the exhibit here: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.
All Late Friday Nights events are free. The GAAC is located at 6031 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor.

Artist’s Interview: Inside The Outside
2025-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
Artist’s Interview: Inside The Outside
Inside The Outside is a new exhibition of work by Traverse City painter Justin Shull. This group of five digital paintings are on the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Outdoor Gallery. Shull and Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager, will discuss the work, the theme that connects each of the paintings in the installation, and Shull’s process for making them. The program is July 20, 11 am at the GAAC.
The paintings in this exhibition are digitally generated, and were created for the 6th edition of the GAAC’s Outdoor Gallery project, a year-long, invitational exhibition that turns the GAAC’s exterior walls into an outdoor exhibition space. Shull is no stranger to digital technology, and has integrated it into his painting practice. Shull will discuss how he balances high-tech methods of making with the conventions of working by hand.
Read more about Inside The Outside on the GAAC website: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS

Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
2025-07-01 09:00 - 2025-07-31 15:00, 2025-07-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-31 18:00 - 19:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Scott Bouma Executive Director / Glen Arbor Arts Center (231) 334-6112 director@glenarborart.org
Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
GLEN ARBOR, Mich. — Throughout July, the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s new Youth Plein Air Month will invite children ages 6–12 to step outside, paint in the open air, and capture the signature landscapes and buildings of Leelanau County.
“Youth Plein Air Month is intended to nurture confidence and creativity by taking art making outside the classroom,” said Scott Bouma, Executive Director of GAAC. “We want young artists to feel the very spark of inspiration that has brought seasoned plein air painters to this area for generations.”
Paint with Free Plein Air Art Kits
From July 1 through July 31, families may borrow fully stocked art kits at no cost. Each kit contains supplies and instructions, including standing easels, canvases, paints, brushes, and painters palettes. Young artists can paint on GAAC grounds or borrow the kits for up to four days to take on outdoor adventures.
“We’re excited to introduce children to the world of plein air painting with free art kits designed just for them,” said Kristie McCaw, Program Manager at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. “It’s a chance to spark their creativity, connect with nature, and experience the joy of making art in the open air, all while exploring the beauty of our region.”
Meet a Plein Air Artist Day | Saturday, July 12
Professional plein air painters will be on site at GAAC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for demonstrations, technique tips, and hands-on guidance. A rain date is set for Sunday, July 13.
“After decades in the classroom, I’ve seen how quickly young minds spark when they watch creativity unfold in real time,” said Mark Mehaffey, former teacher and featured plein air painter. “The artists will guide kids, inviting them to pick up a brush and experience the joy of capturing the world around them.”
Youth Plein Air Exhibit | July 28 to July 31
Each participant will have the opportunity to display one completed painting in GAAC’s classroom gallery. The exhibit will be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gathering and Awards Ceremony | Thursday, July 31
A community celebration on the GAAC back deck from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will spotlight the young artists and recognize their work.
“Seeing their artwork on display and hearing applause from family and friends can be transformative for young creators,” Bouma added.

Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair
2025-07-16 10:00 - 16:00
The 53 rd annual Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair will be held on July 16 th , at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. The Art Fair features artists carefully selected to represent a wide variety of one-of-a-kind art pieces for sale including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry. Each year, thousands of people shop for that unique piece of art, either for themselves or for a special gift. Some go to their favorite artists’ booths to add to a collection, while others like to peruse vendors new to the Art Fair for a special purchase.
The Art Fair is a family-friendly event with a large selection of treasures available across a wide range of price points. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful homemade purse or jacket; an original painting of a favorite, local scene; a stunning piece of new jewelry; or a unique pottery garlic keeper; you are sure to find it at one of the well-displayed booths, both inside and outside the Township Hall.
Co-chairs Ruthy Bolton and Meg DeJager begin coordinating the Art Fair Committees in January to make sure all runs smoothly for vendors and shoppers on Art Fair Day. You can find them scurrying throughout the Fair, along with other Glen Lake Woman’s Club members in their bright yellow t-shirts throughout the day. They will also be hosting an information table right inside the Township Hall doors and can direct you to a specific booth. Bolton states, “Even with all our hard work these 7 months, we couldn’t pull off a successful Art Fair without the support of local businesses who donate advertisements and food or the media for getting the word out, and the Empire Lion’s Club for assisting with vendor loading and unloading.” DeJager adds, “The vendors really set the tone for the quality of the art at the Fair.
Check the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair Facebook page for information about how to become a vendor.” “BATA is pleased to partner with the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair to provide vendor transportation to and from the event location. Helping support Leelanau County groups, organizations and events with transportation is a just one way BATA can provide added value to the communities we serve,” stated Eric Lingaur, Communications and Development Director for the Bay Area Transportation Authority.
All proceeds from the Art Fair support scholarships for Glen Lake Community School students. Since 1980, The Glen Lake Woman’s Club has awarded $350,000 to over 250 students attending Northwest Michigan College. Scholarships are also awarded for Blue Lake Music Camp and other critical student-needs through the school’s student assistance fund and the LIFT Middle School afterschool program. The scholarship recipients and Glen Lake High School Football players have a history of volunteering at the Art Fair with enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to assist where needed most. You will find them distributing coffee and donuts to vendors early in the morning, serving in the kitchen, setting up and taking down tables, and assisting customers at the popular jewelry or bake sale tables.
The Glen Lake Woman’s Club, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1937 with the goal of fostering social, civic, and educational projects. The charter members adopted as their slogan, “If you wish to live in a better place, better the place in which you live.” For more information about the Glen Lake Woman’s Club, the Art Fair, or our scholarship program, visit the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair Facebook page or our web site at
https://www.glenlakewomansclub.org. Information is also available on the Glen Arbor Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.visitglenarbor.com.

Traverse City Dance Project: Summer Performance Tour
2025-07-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-31 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-02 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-08-03 19:30 - 21:00
The Traverse City Dance Project’s 2025 summer season features a four-stop tour of FREE performances across Northern Michigan! The program boasts an impressive lineup of professional dancers from around the country and showcases new dance works by Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott and recent Juilliard graduate Julia Ciesielska, in collaboration with live cellist Kyle Stachnik. The second half of the program will spotlight choreography by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, set to the iconic music of Queen. Pre-show tunes by DJ Eric P! The summer season concludes with Gala in the Gardens, a magical evening supporting the future growth of the Traverse City Dance Project.
Note: All of the shows, except for Frankfort, are outdoors. Bring your own chair/blanket for the Charlevoix and Traverse City performances, as seating will not be provided. We strive to make these events as accessible as possible; please feel free to reach out if you have any specific needs.

Plein Air Weekend
2025-08-01 - 2025-08-02 | Glen Arbor Township Hall
ADVANCED NOTICE – August Event
Note to Editors: We’re providing this press release in advance to assist with your summer coverage planning. You’re
welcome to publish anytime, though we kindly suggest running it in July to align with public interest and the event date.
Contact: Georgia Gietzen
616-633-3919
georgia@northwoodshardware.com
Plein Air Weekend Returns August 1–2 with New Sunsetter Event
Glen Arbor, MI – The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Plein Air Weekend returns August 1–2, 2025, bringing together dozens
of artists and hundreds of art lovers to celebrate the region’s natural beauty through the time-honored tradition of
outdoor painting.
This year’s event introduces two exciting additions: The Sunsetter, a new Friday evening painting event during the
dramatic light of sundown, and a special showcase of Youth Plein Air Exhibit winners, featured as part of Friday and
Saturday’s exhibitions.
Over two days, more than 100 artists will set up their easels in and around the area to capture the landscapes, water,
and village life of Leelanau County. The public is invited to watch the work unfold in real time, then view and purchase
freshly painted pieces from three unique painting events:
● Quick Draw – Friday, August 1
Artists paint within a short window in and around Glen Arbor, with finished works available for purchase during
the exhibition from 4:00–6:00 PM at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
● Sunsetter – Friday, August 1
A new sunset event celebrating the dramatic beauty of evening light. Artwork will be available for viewing and
purchase at the Saturday Exhibition from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
● Paint Out – Saturday, August 2
75 regional artists spend the day capturing the area. Their fresh works are then displayed and available for
purchase at the Glen Arbor Town Hall in the evening from 5:30–7:00 PM.
Whether you’re an art collector, nature lover, or just curious about the creative process, Plein Air Weekend offers a
vibrant and immersive experience for all.
For full event details visit: glenarborart.org
About the Glen Arbor Arts Center:
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to enriching community life through exhibitions,
education, and public programs. Located in the heart of Leelanau County, the GAAC champions creativity and
connection through the visual, performing, and literary arts.

Traverse City Dance Project: Gala in the Gardens
2025-08-05 19:00 - 22:00
Join us on August 5th, 2025, for Gala in the Gardens, a magical evening supporting the future growth of the Traverse City Dance Project at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. Experience captivating performances by TCDP dancers, live music by cellist Kyle Stachnik, and beats to dance the night away with DJ Eric P. Indulge in delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while mingling with friends and fellow supporters. Choose from individual tickets or reserve a sponsorship table for eight guests (a portion of the cost is tax-deductible).
The gala will commence under the pavilions with registration, drinks, live music, and dance, before transitioning into the cathedral barns, where there will be food, more live dance, and an exciting paddle raise to support the future of the TCDP. The evening will culminate back outside under the pavilions, where we will dance the night away.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and support for the Traverse City Dance Project. Secure your tickets or tables today for Gala in the Gardens below.

Art in the Barn
2025-08-09 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-10 10:00 - 17:00
Artist Douglas Racich will be opening his studio for visitors in his historic Leelanau County barn. Featured works will include egg tempera & watercolor/drybrush paintings.

HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story?
2025-08-15 09:00 - 2025-10-23 15:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 334 6112
director@glenarborart.org
HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story? [August 15 – October 23, 2025]
The Glen Arbor Arts Center takes on the question of history and voice in its next exhibition. HIStory/HERstory: Whose Story? is an exhibition that explores the idea that the victors have written history. This version of history has often been told from one perspective — while other histories have been ignored, deleted, denied, left out of the official record. The exhibition opens August 15, 5 pm with a reception in the GAAC Main Gallery.
Whether it’s visual art, literature, film, sports, science, politics, education, animal, mineral, real or imagined history, this exhibition asks:
• Who’s telling what stories?
• Who’s included in the official record?
• Who’s excluded? Omitted? Erased?
Twenty-four exhibitors take on these questions, and answer them with work about what’s included in the art historical canon; a fractured telling of Native American history; the voices inside a mom’s head; and other topics. Read more about the exhibit, and exhibition companion programs. View it online at GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS. HIStory / HERstory runs through October 23.
