Kalamazoo artist Heidi Weiss’s paintings spring from images taken from paused film stills—a number of which will be the basis for a series of new oil paintings that “preserve and disrupt story logic.” Weiss will focus on these “transitional frames” during her Glen Arbor Arts Center residency. Weiss talks about her residency during a public presentation on Thursday, June 11, at 10 am at the GAAC.
Sebastian Smith, the 37-year-old general manager of The Riverside Inn in Leland, suffered a life-changing accident in February while teaching his younger cousin how to snowboard at Boyne Mountain. A lifelong athlete, he has taught others in his chosen sport, kiteboarding, in locations throughout the world. In a moment that changed everything, Smith fell and fractured his neck. Though the shock and uncertainty following the accident has overwhelmed him and his family, through hard work, determination and inner strength Smith has shown his tenacity and strong spirit. A local benefit for Sebastian will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 5-8 p.m. at the Hop Lot Brewing Company in Suttons Bay. Tickets are $40 and include dinner. The evening will feature a silent auction and performance by The Broom Closet Boys.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will conduct its annual barn restoration workshop from June 8-12, commencing daily at 9 a.m. The workshop will be held at the Lyle and Sarah Schmidt farm, located three miles south of Empire, off M-22 on Norconk Road, with signage provided along M-22 for guidance. The primary focus of the workshop will be the repair of the horse barn at the Schmidt farm. This event offers opportunities for both families and individuals ranging from novice to experienced carpenters, with activities designed to engage all skill levels. There is no participation fee.
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is thrilled to host the Cerus Quartet as Musicians‑in‑Residence from June 8–20, as part of their Manitou Music Series, in partnership with Interlochen Public Radio’s Sound Garden Project. Emerging as one of the most compelling chamber ensembles of their generation, the Cerus Quartet brings the dynamic sound of the saxophone quartet to the Glen Arbor area. Their repertoire spans contemporary works and transcriptions of classical masterworks, combining innovation, versatility, and engaging visual elements to create a distinctive performance experience. During their two‑week residency, the Cerus Quartet will offer immersive musical experiences around the Glen Arbor and Empire area, from public performances to school and library visits, open rehearsals, and “Sound Samples” (spontaneous musical interactions in community spaces).
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum and Friends of Leelanau State Park are excited to announce the return of the Rock the Light Races: 5K Run/Walk Pirate Dash and the Capt. Woolsey 10-Miler, taking place in beautiful Leelanau State Park on Saturday, June 6. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy a unique race experience surrounded by the natural beauty and historic charm of northern Michigan.
“Come on in,” says Paul Skinner as he opens the door at the Miser’s Hoard. “Don’t mind them. Hush,” he says to Brandi and Gizmo, the Shih Tzu security team. The tall, ungainly building on Front Street in Empire is home to the two tiny guard dogs, Paul and Shelly Skinner, and the Miser’s Hoard, their catch-all store which sells an eclectic mix of gifts, jewelry, furnishings, accessories and antiques—which celebrates 25 years of operation in Empire this year. And more than that, if you want to know the truth. It’s also the headquarters for the Empire Asparagus Festival and the Empire Hill Climb, both of which Paul oversees. That’s quite a bit for one place in the diminutive village in the southwestern corner of Leelanau County. But the Skinners make it work.
American Tree is an exhibit that explores the role trees played in the formation of the United States 250 years ago—and the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. This exhibition opens Friday, June 5, in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Main Gallery. It features the work of 28 artists and continues through Aug. 13. An opening reception is June 5, from 5-7 pm.
Empire’s quirky, fun, day-long Asparagus Festival returns to Leelanau County on Saturday, June 6. The day of peace, music and food offers something for everyone in the family. Events include the Kick-Yer Ass-paragus 5K Fun Run/Walk at Empire’s public beach at 10 am; a pop-up book sale at the Glen Lake Community Library from 11 am-3 pm; a recipe contest in the Township Hall at noon (click on the story for a link to enter); open hours at the Empire Area Museum from 1-4 pm; the Ode to Asparagus Poetry Contest at the Library at 2 pm (click on the story for a link to enter); an appearance by the Asparagus Queen on Stilts from 2-4 pm, and the Magic Lady Family Magic Show from 3-4 pm.
On Thursday June 4, from 4-8 pm Dune Bird Winery, set along Michigan’s scenic M-22 in the heart of Leelanau County, celebrates the launch of a new varietal red wine, Woolsey Red, a partnership with the Save Woolsey Airport Terminal project, a group of dedicated community volunteers and partners working with Leelanau Township to Save Woolsey Airport Terminal, an 1870s-era, hand-laid stone building that once served as a farm creamery.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will host a Company K Memorial Highway Dedication on Wednesday, May 27, at 1 pm at the Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom in Peshawbestown. The event will bring together community members, Tribal leaders, veterans, elected officials, and regional partners to honor the Anishinaabe soldiers of Company K of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters for their service and sacrifice during the Civil War.