Small Expressions
A fiber show with small works.
Small in scale, rich in detail. Small Expressions invites fiber artists to explore the impact of compact work—where texture, technique, and concept converge in pieces measuring a maximum of 1,728 square inches (artwork dimensions determined by the artist).
Autumn Botanical Wreath Workshop
October 15, 2026 – Thursday – 5pm - $65
Suzette Jones – Charm Valley Farms
Gather the beauty of the season and create a one-of-a-kind autumn botanical wreath using flowers, foliage, herbs, and natural elements. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be guided step-by-step as you design your own wreath while discovering the stories and benefits behind some of the botanicals you’re working with—including how certain flowers and herbs have traditionally been used for wellness, beauty, and everyday life. No experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxed, inspiring afternoon surrounded by the beauty of fall. Create something beautiful. Discover the gifts of nature. Take a little piece of the season home with you.
Minimum: 2 students -- Maximum: 15 students
Location: Jordan River Arts Council Building
Pine Needle Basket Class
Create a traditional native pine needle basket. All supplies included. No experience necessary. Bring your own lunch. Lemonade and snack will be provided.
Monday Night Improv
Mondays - October 19, October 26 and November 2, 2026 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
Entry by donation -- Collin Morris, facilitator
Location: Jordan River Arts Council Building
Enjoy long form improv sessions, facilitated by Collin with many prompts, encouragement and laughter. Come and participate or just come and enjoy. No experience necessary.
JRAC Plein Air Painters Group
The Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC) is hosting meetups for Plein Air painting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month starting May 19 and running through October. All media and experience levels are welcome.
Cold and Flu Preparations
Preparation for cold and flu season – herbal allies for strengthening the immune system and addressing common symptoms. Make and take 1 to 2 preparations for adults.
Flower Ball Ornament Workshop
Create beautiful flower ball ornaments using the colors, textures, and magic of the season. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to arrange dried flowers and botanicals into a charming ornament that can be hung on your tree, displayed in your home, or given as a thoughtful handmade gift.
You’ll be guided step-by-step through the creative process while learning about the flowers and botanicals you’re working with and their unique stories and uses.
No experience necessary—just bring your creativity and enjoy an afternoon of flowers, making, and seasonal fun. A little piece of the garden to hang, enjoy, and treasure.
Bleach Batik
Experience several different bleach and wax techniques in this hands on batik class. Bring any dark cotton shirts, tablecloths, dresses, etc. that you would like to apply the process to. Scrap material available if desired.
Herbal Honey
A sweet cycle of support, sustainability and nourishment. We explore how herbs support bees and learn how to make herb infused honeys. Herbal honeys are great as a sweet treat or as serious medicine.
Flower Face Experience Workshop
Oct 8, 2026 - Thursday – 5pm -- $75
Suzette Jones – Charm Valley Farms
Discover the beauty of farm-to-face skincare in this hands-on, flower-filled workshop inspired by Charmed Valley Farm.
You’ll learn about the natural benefits of flowers for your skin, then experience a simple two-step facial using our signature Flower Face skincare. We’ll guide you through gentle application and massage techniques designed to leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, refreshed, and glowing. It’s part education, part beauty, and a whole lot of fun… plus you get to take home your own spa kit! (Velveteen headband, Goa Sha stone massagers and intro-sized Flower Face Skincare products)
Come for the flowers. Stay for the glow.
Minimum: 2 students -- Maximum: 15 students
Location: Jordan River Arts Council Building
JRAC Plein Air Painters Group
The Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC) is hosting meetups for Plein Air painting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month starting May 19 and running through October. All media and experience levels are welcome.
Feel Good Smudge Stick and Incense Workshop
Oct 1, 2026 – Thursday – 5pm - $65
Suzette Jones – Charm Valley Farms
Create your own beautiful botanical smudge stick and natural incense bundle while discovering the traditional uses and feel good benefits of aromatic herbs and botanicals. In this hands on workshop, you’ll learn about the plants you’re working with, how their natural scents have been used to create a sense of calm, freshness, focus, and connection, and simple ways to incorporate them into your home. You’ll leave with a beautiful gift set (ceramic dish and matchsticks) to go with your custom made smudge stick bundles. Gather. Create. Breathe. Feel Good
Minimum: 2 students -- Maximum: 15 students
Needle Felting
Needle Felting with Judy Wagner-Worgess. Fees are by donation to cover supplies and/or instructors. Reservations are required; send email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385.
Needle Punching
Needle Punching with Dawn Swaim. Fees are by donation to cover supplies and/or instructors. Reservations are required; send email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385.
Local Authors’ day
Saturday, July 25, 12:30-4:30 pm
The Jordan River Arts Council is pleased to invite local authors from East Jordan and the surrounding communities to participate in a special Local Authors Day this summer.
Roots
In recognition of our nation’s 250th year, the Jordan River Arts Council presents Roots, an exhibition exploring history, heritage, and the experiences that define us. The works in this exhibition reflect personal, cultural, family, and environmental connections—examining how traditions, places, and pivotal moments influence identity and creativity.
Nature Journaling Class
Discover a deeper connection to nature through mindful observation. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to change your outdoor walks into meaningful, illustrated notes, and pages in a nature journal. Slow down and enjoy nature.
Slow Stitched Lino prints
Slow Stitched Lino prints with Kathy Amerman. Fees are by donation to cover supplies and/or instructors. Reservations are required; send email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385.
Garden Walk
Tuesday, June 30 from 10:30 to 4:00
This event highlights the community sculpture walk, six local gardens and creative outdoor spaces, offering a relaxed way to enjoy art, nature, and community.
Alchohol Ink
Alcohol Ink with Nancy Carey. . Fees are by donation to cover supplies and/or instructors. Reservations are required; send email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385.
Artists in Residence Talks
The Jordan River Arts Council is excited to launch its new Artist in Residence program this June. Our first two resident artists, Leslie Dietsch and Brooklyn Allen, will share the work they’ve created during their residence.
Creativity Inside Out Program
Join us at JRAC for an inspiring evening with two lifelong creatives, Wendy Froud and Guy Veryzer, as they share stories from their artistic journeys and lead a hands‑on exercise to spark your own imagination.
Member Show 2026
The Member Show highlights the depth and diversity of work created by members of the Jordan River Arts Council, offering a wide-ranging look at the talent, imagination, and perspectives within our artist community.
Craft Afternoons
A Sweet New Series from JRAC
JRAC invites you to indulge your curiosity and creativity with a new, monthly hands-on art experience — each one paired with a little chocolate to sweeten the afternoon. Hours are 2:30–4:30 pm. Explore a new craft or revisit a favorite technique while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow creatives. Fees are by donation to cover supplies and/or instructors. Reservations are required; send email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385.
May 20- Polymer clay with Babs Young and Ginny Hawkins
June 17- Alcohol Ink with Nancy Carey
July 15 - Slow Stitched Lino prints with Kathy Amerman
August 19 - Needle Punching with Dawn Swaim
September 16 - Needle Felting with Judy Wagner-Worgess
Polymer Clay
Polymer clay with Babs Young and Ginny Hawkins. Fees are by donation to cover supplies and/or instructors. Reservations are required; send email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385.
Scholarship Show
The Jordan River Arts Council is pleased to announce the Scholarship Competition for 2026. Five scholarships plus three honorable mention awards will be given to high school Juniors and Seniors of Antrim and Charlevoix counties.
The Exhibit will take place at the Jordan River Arts Council May 10-22, 2026. An Awards Reception will be held Sunday May 17 from 12:30-4:30 pm. Awards will be announced at 2:00 pm. Students must be present to receive any award. coming soon.
H2O
H2O is a multimedia exhibition celebrating water as both a vital force and a powerful source of inspiration. Essential, ever-changing, and deeply connective, water shapes our landscapes, our lives, and our imaginations.
The exhibition explores water in its many forms—rivers, lakes, oceans, rain, ice, and steam—as well as its symbolic qualities, from mystery and stillness to renewal and transformation. Featuring work across a wide range of mediums, H2O invites viewers into an immersive experience that reflects water’s beauty, significance, and enduring presence in our world.