Newsletter Archive
Find previous editions of Making Waves and see what we have been up to.
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April 15, 2026
Winter had us calling uncle, but we've (hopefully!!) made it to Spring. We had an incredible Opening for Made U.P.! Thank you to everyone who submitted a piece, or stopped in. It was a truly special evening. Voting for People's Choice Award is open until April 23rd--winner receives a $100 prize. The show is available to view Tuesday-Thursday, as well as Saturday, from 10am-2pm.
Jam Sessions are back on a NEW night! They will now be playing 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 6-9pm, and are starting Wednesday, April 15th.
Jam Sessions
Jam Sessions are back on a NEW night!
Join us 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-9pm for great folks and music jamming out.
All are welcome to play or attend. Part of what makes our community so special are events like this. New to the area? Stop down and make some new friends. Been here forever? What are you waiting for? Grab a drink from the Social District and pop in.
For questions, please call Tim Derwin at 906-236-2597.
Earth Day Celebration
Please join us Saturday, April 18th from 12-2pm for our annual Earth Day Celebration!
Schoolcraft Conservation District brings FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY activities for all ages so we can all show our love for our planet.
Learn about Schoolcraft Conservation District
Vibrant Rebellion
Lake Effect Community Arts Center is proud to present Vibrant Rebellion by Jamie John Hider!
Please join us for the Opening Reception Friday, May 1st from 5-7pm as we examine how creativity connects the audio and the visual aspects of our soul. This one is perfect for Music Lovers.
Vibrant Rebellion will be available to view Tuesday-Thursday from 10-2, as well as Saturdays from 10-3.
Spring Wednesdays
Join us Wednesdays from 11-1pm for a drop-in craft session. Bring your own projects, get out of the house, and enjoy good company. No materials or instruction are provided.
As we head into May, we will be making a few changes to this particular program. We are so thankful for everyone who showed up and crafted with us this winter. It truly made the time fly by and kept us connected.
Open Mic Night
Open Mic Night is still rocking 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:30-8pm! Stop down to view our very talented group of performers. Get there early or pop in as you can--we'd love to see you.
How to Help:
Looking for ways to get involved?
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We are seeking volunteers to help sew aprons.
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Into The Gallery Shop
The Art Gallery Shop is getting ready for their season, a sure sign of Spring!! The official open date is May 21st, and we are so pleased for them to be up and running again! Still needing to schedule your workdays? Please contact Mindy at 906-450-5777.
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March 25, 2026
Whether we believe it or not, we've made it to Spring. Thank goodness! Exhibition season has begun at Lake Effect. Kids Create is viewable through the end of this week. We had so many talented youth represented from St. Francis, Manistique Middle and High School, Emerald's 5th grade students, and enterprising Homeschoolers.
Made U.P. has returned for its 2nd year. Submissions may be dropped off Saturday, March 28th or Tuesday, March 31st from 10am-2pm. The entry fee is $20, and proceeds directly benefit building repairs and programming. If you are a member of Lake Effect, a free submission is one of your perks.
Make sure to stop down and vote! There will be a $100 People's Choice Award. The show is available to view Tuesday-Thursday, as well as Saturdays, from April 4th-23rd.
Submit Your Work
All artists within 100 miles of Manistique are invited to submit one piece of art in our 2nd annual showcase Made U.P.
Cost for submission is $20, though members of Lake Effect receive free submission.
There will be a $100 People's Choice Award, so remember to come back and vote!
All funds raised will go towards building repairs and fundraising.
Open Mic Night
Please join us 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:30-8 for Open Mic Night!
Perform or view, everyone is welcome!
Sign up in person or by emailing Katie@LakeEffectArts.org
Made U.P.
Lake Effect Community Arts Center is proud to present Made U.P.!
Please join us Friday, April 10th from 5-7pm for the Opening Reception and to meet the artists.
The show will be available to view Tuesday-Thursdays, as well as Saturdays, from April 4th-April 23rd.
There is a $100 People's Choie Award. Stop down and vote for your favorite!
Winter Wednesdays
Join us Wednesdays from 11-1pm for a drop-in craft session. Bring your own projects, get out of the house, and enjoy good company. No materials or instruction are provided.
Winter Walking
Sick of sitting but can't walk outside? Stop into the building Tuesday-Thursdays from 10am-2pm to take laps.
Members of the Board worked together to create art for our Donors. We had a blast!
Into The Gallery
The Art Gallery is closed for the season, but will be back in the spring!
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February 12, 2026
February is here! After some well-deserved rest in January, we are ready to get back in action. Our board has been working behind the scenes to plan exhibits, contacting teachers, writing grants, and prepping for this summer's Music in Manistique and Maker's Market.
With our building being open Tuesday-Thursday, we were able to expand our winter programming. Scroll down for our first Member's Only class, Open Mic, and more!
Felted Bowl Making
Members of Lake Effect are invited to attend our first Member's Only class!
Join us Thursday, February 19th from 6:30-8:30pm to create a bowl using a wet felting technique.
This class is FREE for members.
Already a member? Sign up for Felted Bowl Making below!
Sign up for Felted Bowl Making
Open Mic Night
Please join us 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:30-8 for Open Mic Night!
Perform or view, everyone is welcome!
Sign up in person or by emailing Katie@LakeEffectArts.org
Please Touch
Lake Effect Community Arts Center is proud to present Please Touch: An Early Childhood Arts Exploration.
Join us 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 10:30-11:30am to let child explore the arts while you meet other caretakers. Leave the mess here and have fun!
Winter Wednesdays
Join us Wednesdays from 11-1pm for a drop-in craft session. Bring your own projects, get out of the house, and enjoy good company. No materials or instruction are provided.
Sick of sitting but can't walk outside? Stop into the building Tuesday-Thursdays from 10am-2pm to take laps.
Into The Gallery
The Art Gallery is closed for the season, but will be back in the spring!
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Decmber 12, 2025
Ahh, December. Christmas music floats downtown as snowflakes fall from the sky.
We are getting cozier and quieter down at the Art Center. While the Gallery is closed for the season, you can still pop in Tuesday-Thursday from 10-2 through the winter. We have shirts, aprons, mugs, and prints with original art ready to go home.
Our Membership Drive starts soon! Keep an eye out for our next email with all the details to get involved. This year, Membership includes one free Member's Only class, a Member's Only celebration, and free entry into Made U.P., an exhibit featuring artists within 100 miles.
We Give Thanks to our wonderful sponsors and supporters who contribute to our arts community. Our hearts are full and our mission is possible thanks to their help. Scroll down to see everyone involved!
Santa's Workshop
We were so proud to be able to host Santa following our annual Christmas parade. City Council provided free cocoa, Brandi Lynn's Photography provided free photos with Santa, and 94 children created a craft and explored their creativity. The kids always surprise us with how creative they can be with free range and no instruction.
Find your photos on her Facebook!
Membership Drive
Keep an eye out for our next email to become a member of Lake Effect Arts and support arts and culture in our community.
Members recieve:
a Member's Only Class
a Member's Only Celebration
Entrance fee for Made Up waived
Gift certificates are available, stop in today!
Open Mic Night
Lake Effect Community Arts Center is proud to present Open Mic Night!
Please join us Thursday, January 15th from 6:30-8pm to perform or to view.
To sign up, please contact Katie at 906-286-4117, email Katie@LakeEffectArts.org, or by contacting us on the website.
We Give Thanks
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our mission. We couldn't do what we do without you, and for that we are so, so, grateful. We can't wait for next year!
Special thanks to Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts for choosing us for a grant to host Steve Wirtz, a papier-mâché U.P. artist next summer.
Board Members worked together, (with a little help!), to create our beautiful trees decorating the space.
Local Marines led by Steven Bosen with Toys For Schoolcraft County generously donate their time to make the Holiday season magical for so many people. In November, they gave away decorations and cheer. In December, they will complete their annual mission of giving toys to children and helping local families.
Into The Gallery
The Art Gallery is closed for the season, but will be back in the spring!
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November 5, 2025
November sees us getting cozy, and looking towards the holidays. Join us for Fused Glass Ornaments or Candle Pouring classes--both of which would make great gifts. Collage Quilting happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Bring your guests!
Ladies Night is happening Thursday, November 13th from 4-8pm. Stop down to see an incredible selection of arts, crafts, and gifts.
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we are so proud to host Tim and Robin Derwin for the Story of the Dreamcatcher. We are so thankful for the time they take to share the teaching with us.
We take a moment to look Into the Gallery. Scroll down to find out their new hours, and how to get entered into their drawing.
Read on to see how we are making waves.
Fused Glass Ornaments
Beth Cox shares her glass fusing knowledge to create ornaments! Create one-of-a-kind ornaments you can gift or keep. Use shapes and colors to share your vision.
Join us Sunday, November 16th from 1-3pm. Cost is $60 per artist. There are 12 spots available.
This class is for beginners. All materials are included. After class, Beth will fire your creation(s) and let you know what day they are ready to pick up.
Candle Pouring
Kitt Latsch from Of Curious Nature Candles teaches the art of candle pouring. Measure, mix, and pour your way to a great smelling season. You will make TWO candles for $35.
Join us Saturday, November 22nd from 1-3pm. Limited to 12 seats. All materials are provided. This class is for beginners.
Seasonal scents are available!
The Story of the Dreamcatcher
Tim and Robin Derwin share the teaching of the Dreamcatcher on Monday, November 17th at 7pm. Learn how they came to be, and how to make one using traditional materials. Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All material are provided. Cost is $5 per person.
Collage Quilting
Lyne Lejeune teaches us creative layering to "paint" an image using fabric. Join us Saturday, November 29th from 1-3pm to create an ornament. Cost is $50 per person. Have guests over during the holidays? Spend time together, or get them out of the house, with this fun class!
Into The Gallery
The Art Gallery will be remaining open on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays through November 15th. Stop down from 10-5 for your last chance of the season to shop unique, hand-made gifts.
Additionally, with every purchase, you will be entered into a drawing for a collection of delightful pieces made by the folks in the Gallery. Start your holiday shopping now and take back your December!
Donation Request:
We are searching for pill bottles in a variety of colors. They can be dropped off Thursday-Saturday 10-5 in November. Thank you!!
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October 17, 2025
Have you seen the skeletons downtown? Read to the end to see our take on it!
Sip & Paint Fall Into Leaves with Andrea Marks is a great afternoon treat for you are your friends. Capture the memory of your favorite season while you learn about layering shapes and colors. Grab a drink from the Social District and join in!
Renowned weaver Carol Irving shares her skills with us in Nature Weave. Learn the basics of weaving, and add your own flair. Don't forget your treasures!! Bring shells, bark, buttons, twigs, feathers, etc. to add to your piece.
Ready to dance and shake your tail? Join us by donation for Monster Mash with Christi Ryan. Meeting the 21st in October from 6-8pm, Christi teaches moves beginners can follow. Adults only please--this ones for the grown-ups. Grab a drink from the Social District and join in!
Sip & Paint
Join us Saturday, October 25th from 1-4pm as Andrea teaches us about layering shapes and colors. Cost is $35 per artist.
This class is for beginners. All materials are included.
Nature Weave
Renowned weaver Carol Irving teaches us a beginner weaving class, for adults and teens. We will be painting on a stretched canvas and then learning about the basics of weaving by creating a warp on the canvas and weaving on it, and incorporating found objects in to the weaving. Please bring in items from your collection: shells, bark, buttons, beads, twigs, old jewelry, and feathers.
Van Boh-ne
Skeletons have arrived in downtown Manistique! With Skeletour happening Friday, October 24th from 6-8pm downtown, local businesses have stepped up their game and added their flair. We love how creative everyone has been.
Vincent Van Boh-ne arrived after painting Manistique's Starry Night. Stop down and check him out!
Donation Request:
We are searching for pill bottles in a variety of colors. They can be dropped off Monday-Saturday 10-5 in October. Thank you!!
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October 4, 2025
Fall is here!! We love the weather, the colors, and the chance to settle into our comforts. While our Show season has ended, we are still rocking down here on the corner.
We have several classes this month. From new fall scented candle pouring with Kitt Latsch, learning to knit pumpkins with Jan Wright, painting leaves with Andrea Marks, or weaving using natural materials with Carol Irving. Acoustic Jam Sessions are still happening 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 6-9pm. Stop down and join in. Scroll down to see a full list of events, and to sign up for classes!
Ready to dance and shake your tail? Join us by donation for Monster Mash with Christi Ryan. Meeting the 7th, 14th, and 21st in October from 6-8pm, Christi teaches moves beginners can follow. Adults only please--this ones for the grown-ups. Grab a drink from the Social District and join in!
Learn to Knit
We are so proud to announce a new class at Lake Effect--Learn to Knit Pumpkins with Jan Wright! This class is held in two sessions on Saturday and Sunday, October 11th and 12th from 1-2pm. Cost is $30 per person for both sessions.
On Saturday Jan will teach knitting for beginners. After practicing at home, you'll come back Sunday to create a pumpkin, (or two!)
Candle Pouring
Kitt from Of Curious Nature Candles returns to share her candle pouring secrets! Armed with fall scents, she is here to make your life smell the best it can be.
She has two classes available. Saturday, October 11th from 10-12pm, and Sunday, October 19th from 12-2pm.
Nature Weave
Renowned weaver Carol Irving teaches us a beginner weaving class, for adults and teens. We will be painting on a stretched canvas and then learning about the basics of weaving by creating a warp on the canvas and weaving on it, and incorporating found objects in to the weaving. Please bring in items from your collection: shells, bark, buttons, beads, twigs, old jewelry, and feathers.
Please join us Saturday, October 25th from 1-4pm for a Sip & Paint Fall Into Leaves with Andrea Marks. Andrea teaches us about layering shapes and colors.
Check out our full list of October events!
Donation Request:
We are searching for pill bottles in a variety of colors. They can be dropped off Monday-Saturday 10-5 in October. Thank you!!
August 19, 2025
Summer's almost over but that doesn't mean we are done! We still have Sip & Paint a Seascape with Andrea Marks happening Saturday, August 23rd. Sign up through the link below! Acoustic Jam Sessions are back Thursday, August 21st from 6-9pm. Come in the front door and follow the music to the back. Ink and Clay opens Friday, August 29th from 5-7pm. You can also view it during Maker's Market on Saturday, August 30th from 10-3pm during the Car Show. Stop down and join the fun at Lake Effect Community Arts Center!
Ink and Clay
Please join us for the Artist's Reception of Ink and Clay on Friday, August 29th from 5-7pm!
Printmaker David Berg and Ceramic Artists Vicki Obee, Katherine Sirvio, Mona Posinoff, Jodie York, Ellie Gilbert, Linda Swan, Barb Stout, and Teri Kunzelman delight us with their creations.
Stop in to enjoy refreshments, view the art, and meet the artists before heading down to the Street Party, Car Show Parade, or the Fireworks!
Sip & Paint a Seascape
Andrea teaches us the importance of underpainting as we create this seascape together using acrylics. All materials are provided. This class is for beginners.
Grab a drink from the Social District and make a memory for when the snow hits!
Welcoming Katie Birdsley as Operations Manager
This summer, we were fortunate to partner with Michigan Works On-the-Job Training, which sponsored a part-time employee for Lake Effect. Thanks to this program—along with grant funding and generous community donations—we are excited to officially welcome Katie Birdsley as our Operations Manager.
Katie, who also serves on our Board of Directors, has completed her training for this role and is now helping us transition many of the day-to-day operational duties that were previously managed by volunteer board members. With her background as a paralegal, chef, and poet, Katie brings a unique blend of creativity, discipline, and organizational expertise that has already proven to be an incredible asset to our team.
While Katie is not working full time, she is available to connect with community members. You can reach her by leaving a message at our new Lake Effect Community Arts Center phone number: 906-286-4117.
July 30, 2025
Get ready for a fun month! August 1st and 29th we have Opening Receptions for our next shows. Join us from 5-7pm for snacks, good company, and great art! Music in Manistique finishes the season with Angels and Outlaws and 2nd Edition Band---August 6th and 13th at 6:30pm. Maker's Market wraps up the season on August 30th during the Car Show. Check out our Events at LakeEffectArts.Org for more information and to see everything that is happening!
Collage Quilting
Join us as Lyne Lejeune teaches us about choosing shades of color to "paint" with fabric! Create a pumpkin that can be turned into a pillow, wall hanging, etc.
An Introduction to Zentangle
Join us as Emy Goosen teaches us how to zentangle! If you can draw a stick figure, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you can create.
August Events
Join us in August for classes, jam sessions, Music in Manistique, and more!
