Jul
14

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

The Group meets from 2-4 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, generally at JRAC; however, the group occasionally meets at other locations. If you’re attending for the first time, you may want to contact Cynthia Tschudy at ctschudy@torchlake.com or call JRAC at (231) 536-3385‬ in advance.‬‬

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Jul
19
to Aug 29

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.

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Jul
25

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.

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Jul
28

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

The Group meets from 2-4 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, generally at JRAC; however, the group occasionally meets at other locations. If you’re attending for the first time, you may want to contact Cynthia Tschudy at ctschudy@torchlake.com or call JRAC at (231) 536-3385‬ in advance.‬‬

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Aug
11

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

The Group meets from 2-4 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, generally at JRAC; however, the group occasionally meets at other locations. If you’re attending for the first time, you may want to contact Cynthia Tschudy at ctschudy@torchlake.com or call JRAC at (231) 536-3385‬ in advance.‬‬

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Aug
25

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

The Group meets from 2-4 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, generally at JRAC; however, the group occasionally meets at other locations. If you’re attending for the first time, you may want to contact Cynthia Tschudy at ctschudy@torchlake.com or call JRAC at (231) 536-3385‬ in advance.‬‬

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Sep
13
to Oct 24

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).

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Jun
30

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.

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Jun
24

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

The Group meets from 2-4 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, generally at JRAC; however, the group occasionally meets at other locations. If you’re attending for the first time, you may want to contact Cynthia Tschudy at ctschudy@torchlake.com or call JRAC at (231) 536-3385‬ in advance.‬‬

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Jun
14

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.

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Jun
11

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.

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Jun
10

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

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Jun
2

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.

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May
31
to Jul 11

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.

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Sketchbook Group
May
27

Sketchbook Group

Sketchbook Group is a casual meet-up for artists with an interest in sketching, exploring various media, trying new techniques and sharing tips and tricks. This is a drop-in format with no registration required. Artists bring their own materials. 

The Group meets from 2-4 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, generally at JRAC; however, the group occasionally meets at other locations. If you’re attending for the first time, you may want to contact Cynthia Tschudy at ctschudy@torchlake.com or call JRAC at (231) 536-3385‬ in advance.‬‬

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Craft Afternoons
May
20

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

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JRAC Plein Air Painters Group
May
19

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. No instruction will be given—just camaraderie and encouragement! Please bring your own painting supplies. Plein Air venues will rotate between Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. If you’d like to be added to the Plein Air group list, reply to Linda Miller at jordanriverarts@gmail.com. Feel free to forward this to anyone with potential interest.

Our first meetup will be Tuesday May 19 from 1-3pm at Sportsmen’s Park at 85 Bridge Street in East Jordan. This venue offers views of the Jordan River, sculptures along the Jordan River Art Walk, and a historic train. Amenities include picnic tables, a boardwalk with benches, a public restroom and a gazebo that offers cover for slightly inclement weather.

To be notified of future meetups, send an email to jordanriverarts@gmail.com or call 231-536-3385 with the request to “put me on the Plein Air group email list.”

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Scholarship Show
May
10
to May 22

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.

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Deadline: Artist in Residence
Mar
31

Deadline: Artist in Residence

Artist in Residence

     East Jordan, located in beautiful Northern Michigan, is the perfect location for visual artists to experiment, explore and create. This community abounds with many local artists and a thriving arts council, Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC).  The residence program offered by JRAC is a unique two week opportunity with housing provided free of charge and a large offsite studio space.

Deadline to register: midnight March 31, 2026

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H2O
Mar
22
to May 2

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.

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The Art of Keeping a Personal Journal
Jan
17

The Art of Keeping a Personal Journal

This two-and-a-half-hour class explores different techniques for writing and keeping a personal journal. Through a series of demonstrations, guided discussions, and various writing prompts, participants will develop a journal that will help deepen their creativity and self-awareness. This class is designed for visual artists, writers, and other creatives.

The only supplies needed are a journal or notebook and yourself!

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