Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce

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 (America/Detroit) | 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 Fire Department Open House
2025-07-26 10:00 - 14:00 | GLFD Station 1, 6401 State Street, Glen Arbor, 6401 State Street, Glen Arbor, 49664, United States
Glen Lake Fire Department Open House
Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
GLFD Station 1, 6401 State Street, Glen Arbor
Join us for a family-friendly open house at the Glen Lake Fire Department! Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, ice cream, and drinks, provided by the Glen Lake Fire and Rescue Association. Kids can explore fire trucks, the ambulance, and rescue boat while learning about local emergency services. It’s a fun and educational day for all ages!

Port Oneida Fair
2025-08-08 10:00 - 2025-08-09 16:00 | Port Oneida Rural Historic District, 3164 W Harbor Hwy, Maple City, MI, 49664, United States
“Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Imagine the life of the pioneers as you help bale hay or watch a broom-maker at work. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Listen as park rangers and local history experts share the area’s history. Watch as teams of oxen and horses cut, load, and haul hay and artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills.
Arrive anytime between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Most people spend 3-4 hours at the fair.
All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, Michigan, and cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, $45 for an annual Sleeping Bear Dunes pass, or $80 (or less) for the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass series.”

The Gentle Power of Qigong
2025-10-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Unnamed Venue, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636, United States
THE GENTLE POWER OF QIGONG
Saturday, October 11 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
At New Moon Yoga Studio: 10781 E. Cherry Bend Rd, Traverse City
$195/person
Call or text 231-386-7616 to reserve your spot. Space is limited
Learn the movements of the 1000-year-old qigong form, ‘Ba Duan Jin,’ and begin to experience improved energy and vitality. Replenish and restore with deep engagement and presence. Gain insight to the specific energetic, physical, mental, and emotional benefits of each posture and movement of the “Ba Duan Jin” flow. At the heart of this practice is the cultivation of vital life force through movement, breath, and meditation.
This is a cooperative offering from Tamara Graf (Balance for Self Healing) and Michelle Racich (Heart of Zen) who together have over 60 years of intensive qi cultivation training.

The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2025 Small Works Holiday Exhibition
2025-11-05 09:00 - 2025-12-17 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
The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s 2025 Small Works Holiday Exhibition is an annual showcase of 2D + 3D work that offers small, original art at affordable prices, $150 or less. The exhibition is November 5 – December 17, 2025, and features more than 100 works of art, 12” x 12” or smaller, by 19 artists working in glass, mixed media, collage, needlework, paper, paint, clay, and photography.
PREVIEW WEEK: Preview Week is November 5 – 13. Leisurely peruse the artwork online or in the Main Gallery. Small Works objects will be available for purchase at the Grateful Gathering on November 14, 6 – 8 pm. Artwork purchases continue through December 17.
GRATEFUL GATHERING: Enjoy holiday refreshments, and morsels while perusing the exhibit. In addition, the GAAC’s Art Wish List returns. Visitors can donate a wish to help with the GAAC’s year-round programming.
The 2025 Small Works exhibitors are: Michele Aucello, Sarah Bearup-Neal, Mark Bowyer, Mercedes Bowyer, Frank Clements, Lauren Everett Finn, John Huston, Claudia Keglovitz, Jessica Kovan, Cynthia Marks, Alice Moss, Nori Obata, Steb Prieto, Shana Robinson, Pam Spicer, Amy Stevens, Nina Tarr, and Judy Wieske.
View the Small Works exhibit online beginning November 5. For more information go to GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.
