The Happenings calendar, produced by the Michigan Humanities Council, includes
Council events, as well as listings from organizations throughout the state. If your
organization would like an event to be considered for listing, please send information to
mistories@mihumanities.org.
Council-Funded Events
Michigan Sings! Concert Event
Dec. 2 in Grand Rapids
Celebrate Michigan’s incredible vocal-music culture through this special Michigan Sings!
concert event, at the Wealthy Theater at 7 p.m. North American Choral Company choirs
from several Grand Rapids Public Schools will be performing. This is one of three
concerts related to this grant project. A second and third concert will be held Jan. 20, 7
p.m. at Creston High School, and Feb. 18, 2 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Library. All
concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, email
contact@thechoralcompany.com.
Book Launch and Reading
Dec. 2 in Mt. Pleasant
Join in an exciting book launch of “Voice on the Water: Great Lakes Native America
Now,” produced through a major grant to the Center of Native American Studies at
Northern Michigan University. This book features the works of more than 80 authors
and artists, through stories and poems, which echo the lives of contemporary American
Indians living in Michigan. This event will be held at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe
Culture and Lifeways in Mt. Pleasant, from 4-6 p.m. For more information, call (906)
227-1397.
We Don’t Want Them (A Great Michigan Read Exhibit)
Throughout December in Grand Rapids
Through reproductions of historic documents and photographs, viewers of this exhibit
at Davenport University will understand the causes and effects of residential
segregation. We Don’t Want Them places this year’s Great Michigan Read book, “Arc of
Justice,” into a broader context of policies and practices that limited where some could
live, thus impacting their past and present quality of life.
Odawa Warriors’ Journey
Now through summer 2012 in Pellston
In 1754, a band of Odawa Indians traveled from northern Michigan to Pennsylvania to
fight in the opening battle of the French and Indian War. Artifacts from this historical
journey have returned home and will be on display for the next year at the Pellston
Regional Airport. The exhibit includes interpretive boards, displays and more. The
exhibit is open free of charge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information,
visit www.emmetcounty.org or call (231) 348-1704.
Statewide Events
Upper Peninsula
Monthly Gallery Openings
First Friday of every month in Calumet
On the first Friday of every month, six galleries along Fifth Street host a special gallery
opening, featuring refreshments and entertainment. This event is free of charge and
open to the public. Participating galleries include The Omphale Gallery, Gallerie
Boheme, Hahn’s Hammered Copper, The Copper Country Associated Artists, and the Ed
Gray Gallery. Just off Fifth Street on Oak is the Vertin Gallery. This event is free and
open to the public.
Northeast
Metalwork Necklace Class
Dec. 3 in Grayling
The AuSable Artisan Village Art Center will present this workshop on how to make a
copper and silver tree necklace. Cost to participate is $40. For more information, call
(989) 275-9051 or visit www.artgalleryAAV.org.
Farm by Lantern Light
Dec. 9-10 in Grayling
This annual event is an interpretive, historical play presented by local actors depicting
life during the holidays on a farm in 1932. Take your guide from horses as you round
the snow-covered trails of Wellington Farm. Each building is lit with the glow of
lanterns, and as the story unfolds, you’ll visit the Blacksmith’s Shop, Carpenter’s Shop,
Grist Mill and Summer Kitchen. Reservations are required by calling (989) 348-5187.
Northwest
Festival of Trains
Dec. 14 through Jan. 2 in Traverse City
Come in from the cold and find delightful and imaginative working model train layouts
at the History/Heritage Center of Traverse City for the Festival of Trains. The center,
located at 322 6th St., is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and
noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call the center at (231) 995-0313.
Regional Native American Art Exhibition
Now through Dec. 30 in Frankfort
Throughout December, the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts, formally the
Crystal Lake Art Center, will host its first regional Native American art exhibition. The
exhibition, named “Bashkaakodin and Mnidoohs Giisoonhs,” or “Freezing and Little Spirit
Moons,” will be housed in the Beck Gallery. For more information, visit
www.crystallakeartcenter.org.
3rd Annual Charlevoix Circle of Arts Photography Exhibit
Now through Dec. 30 in Charlevoix
Come out and enjoy the beautiful photography of more than 20 photographers from
Northern Michigan. This exhibit is divided into categories of: first-time entrants, black
and white, realistic photography, and photographic art. There is also a youth category.
This exhibit will be at the Charlevoix Circle of Arts & The Gift of Art Gallery Shop, 109
Clinton St. There is no admission fee. For more information, call (231) 547-3554.
East Central
Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec. 17 in Midland
For centuries, people have gathered with family and friends to recognize the longest
night of the year to the celebrate the return of longer days to come. Take part in Earthfriendly traditions as you roll a beeswax candle, make an evergreen wreath and small
Yule log to take home. Also learn about evergreen trees, why the seasons change, and
listen to solstice stories and music from across the world. All activities will be held in the
Visitor Center of the Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Free
admission. For more information, call (989) 631-0830.
Tour the Temple Theatre
Now through Dec. 27 in Saginaw
Take a tour of the Temple Theatre for only $2, every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Guests are
taken back in time, where they’ll see original colors and textures of the theatre, built in
1927. The gold leafing and hand-painted details throughout the entire building add
majesty and intrigue to the renowned Showplace of Northeastern Michigan. The tour
will take visitors on the stage where Vaudeville acts and Photoplay (silent movies) were
once accompanied by a 10-piece live orchestra. With questions, call (989) 754-7469.
Saginaw’s Backyard Oil Boom Exhibit
Now through Dec. 31 in Saginaw
While many know that Michigan has highly productive oil fields, few realize that
Saginaw was the site of the state’s first commercial oil boom. This story is told in a new
exhibit, on display at Castle Museum of Saginaw County History. The exhibit is built
around a unique 1920s sample board, collected by a young man from the oil well being
drilled in his backyard. Newspaper articles and photographs complete the exhibit. The
museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1-4
p.m. Tickets are $1 for adults, and $.50 for children. With questions, call (989) 7522861.
West Central
Sculpture Today: New Forces, New Forms
Now through Dec. 31 in Grand Rapids
World-renowned for its collections and exhibition program of modern and contemporary
sculpture, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is hosting a premier exhibition of
work by emerging sculptors. Selected from across the United States and around the
world, artists working three-dimensionally and through installations will be included in
this first-annual event. For more information, call the gardens and sculpture park at
(888) 957-1580.
Holiday Tours
Select dates in December in Muskegon
Step back in time and tour the three historic sites of the Lakeshore Museum Center in
downtown Muskegon. The homes of Muskegon’s most-famous lumber barons, Hackley
& Hume, have been decorated to reflect the late 1800s and early 1900s with handmade
decorations, period-appropriate pieces, and items from the museum’s collection. At the
Fire Barn Museum, visitors will find decorations, gifts and food items neighbors would
have brought to the firemen. At the Scolnik House, decorations on the main floor will
reflect the Depression Era. The second floor will be decorated to celebrate Hanukkah.
Tours will take place Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 28 and 29 from noon to 4 p.m. Hackley
& Hume cost is $3 for adults, and there is no admission required for the Fire Barn and
Scolnik House. With questions, call (231) 722-0278.
The First 100 Years: Pictures of the Best Kind
Dec. 11 through Jan. 29 in Muskegon
The Muskegon Museum of Art is kicking off a year-long centennial celebration by
exhibiting highlights from its collection reinstalled in new ways to promote fresh
perspectives. “Pictures of the Best Kind” will feature paintings, sculpture, glass,
drawings and prints acquired by the museum since 1912. For more information, call
(231) 720-2570.
Thank God for Michigan! Stories from the Civil War
Now through May 2012 in Grand Rapids
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is hosting this interactive exhibit that showcases more
than 100 artifacts from the Civil War. Uniforms, weapons, photographs, letters and
more will tell the personal stories of Michigan’s involvement in this historic conflict. The
exhibit examines the causes and impacts of the War from national, regional and
personal perspectives. The exhibit is free with general museum admission. For more
information, call the museum at (616) 456-3977.
Pieces of Inspiration
Now through Jan. 6 in Big Rapids
This exhibit, through Artworks: Big Rapids Area Arts & Humanities, will feature 18
statewide artists in a full range of techniques and styles. Since 2003 the Mosaic Artists
of Michigan organization has attracted mosaicists from across the state who share their
passion and knowledge of mosaic art. Many of its members have a fine arts
background; others obtained their training by studying with world-renowned mosaicists.
MAM members seek to inspire in the pursuit of excellence in their art. Artworks is proud
to bring this extraordinary exhibit to the community.
Southeast
A Piano Extravaganza: A Tour de Force on Four Pianos
Dec. 2-3 in Milford
From the Nutcracker Suite and other holiday delights, to classical favorites, join
Conductor Walt Matzke and his master pianists as they present an amazing evening of
holiday musical magic on four grand pianos. This event will also feature two talented
youth choral groups, an adult choir, and additional guest pianists and percussionists
from surrounding communities. Evening presentations begin at 7:30 p.m., and a
Saturday matinee at 3:30 p.m. at the Milford High School Center for Performing Arts,
2380 S. Milford, in Highland. Tickets are $10 for children, $12 for seniors, and $15 for
adults. Conductor’s Circle seating is available for $20. For more information, call (248)
889-8660.
Storytelling: Hanukkah the Festival of Lights
Dec. 4 in Detroit
Join award-winning storyteller, author and teaching artist Judy Sima for “Storytelling:
Hanukkah the Festival of Lights,” as she lights up the holiday season with Hanukkah
stories of miracles, menorahs and magic dreidels. This event will be held at the Detroit
Institute of Arts at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.dia.org.
Holiday Brass Concert
Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 in Detroit
The Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings will be joined by area high school choirs for their
annual concert, Holiday Brass, on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18. On Dec. 4, students from Stoney
Creek High School, in Rochester, will sings at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit,
at 7:30 p.m. Students from Andover High School, in Bloomfield Hills, will join musicians
on Dec. 18 at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts begin
with a 6:45 p.m. sing-along led by the choirs. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors
(60+), and $10 for students. For more information or ticket orders, call (248) 559-2095
or visit www.detroitchamberwinds.org.
December Dances
Dec. 9 in Beverly Hills
The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Detroit’s premier contemporary dance company, will
present two Michigan premiers at their annual performance, December Dances, on Dec.
9 at 8 p.m. at the Seligman Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills. The event will
feature, for the first time ever in Michigan, “Nature by Human” by choreographer
Elizabeth Shea, and “Dance Sport” by choreographer Harrison McEldowney. Tickets are
$18 for regular admission, $14 for seniors and $10 for students. With questions or
ticket orders, call (248) 559-2095.
Holiday Stories from The Befana
Dec. 10 in Mt. Clemens
Italian storyteller, Loretta Vitek, will offer “Holiday Stories from The Befana,” to
celebrate the holiday season. This event will be held at the Mt. Clemens Public Library,
150 Cass Ave., at 11 a.m. For more information, call (586) 469-6200.
Faraway Places: History, Spirit and Spaces
Now through Dec. 18
Stop by the River Gallery Fine Art in Chelsea for an art exhibit by artists Jill Stefani
Wagner and Peter Gooch. The paintings on display pay homage to the countries of the
artists’ passions and travels. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. With questions,
call the gallery at (734) 433-0826.
A Red Ryder Christmas Story
Opens Nov. 9 in Plymouth
Celebrate the holidays at the Plymouth Historical Museum with the new exhibit, “A Red
Ryder Christmas Story.” This fun-filled exhibit is based on the beloved Christmas movie,
A Christmas Story, as well as the original story by Jean Shepherd from which the movie
is based. The museum will be filled with vignettes of scenes from the movie, which are
nostalgic of the late depression era and early years of WWII. Since Red Ryder BB guns
were originally sold by Daisy Manufacturing Company of Plymouth, the story of
Ralphie’s quest for this particular BB gun is significant to Plymouth’s history. This exhibit
runs through Dec. 31. With questions, call the museum at (734) 455-8940.
Southwest
Patricia Banker Exhibit: Anachrons
Dec. 4 through Jan. 29 in Niles
Anachrons is an on-going series of artwork by Patrician Banker, which incorporate a
montage of images gleaned from hundreds of different sources. As with traditional
icons, these images are filled with symbolism. Produced in her Berrien County studio,
the pieces are sold throughout the world. Plaques, prints, sculptures, greeting cards
and jewelry will be on exhibit and available for purchase. Meet the artist at a special
reception Dec. 10, from 4-6:30 p.m. This event will be held at Fernwood Botanical
Garden & Nature Preserve. Costs are as follows: adults $7, seniors (65+) $5, students
(13-18) $4, children (6-12) $3, and children 5 and under are free. Fernwood members
are also free. For more information, call (269) 695-6491.
Turning Point: Japanese Studio Ceramics in the Mid-20th
Century
Now through Dec. 4 in Kalamazoo
This exhibition at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts explores a crucial period of
contemporary ceramic art in Japan, during which studio potters redefined the art of clay
from a “craft” to an artistic form in which individual expression was emphasized over
particular styles or production sites. Pioneering potters in the 1930s initiated the change
that invited a burst of new expressions in the 1950s and ’60s, when potters’ personal
visions became the central interest. No admission fee is requested, but there is a
suggested donation of $5. With questions, call (269) 349-7775.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 10-11 in Kalamazoo
The Ballet Arts Ensemble and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra have teamed up to
present a holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.” Performances will be held at 2 p.m. on
Dec. 10 and 11, with an additional evening performance on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets
are $17-20 or $12-14 for students and seniors. The event will be at Chenery
Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave., in Kalamazoo. For more information, call (269)
345-3433.