There once were some people from Grayling

Who were known for their smarts and their wailing

But on St. Paddy's Day -

No wailing today!

Just writing a limerick for mailing!

What could be more fun than exploring the rhyme and rhythm of a limerick for St. Paddy's Day?  Cathy Lester will review the essential elements and then participants will just have a good time seeing what can be created. 

Perhaps even a prize for the "Best Limerick of the Day"!

Plus - in this Write N Sip class, one complimentary drink is included in your registration fee.

Come bringin' your smarts and wearin' your Greens! All materials needed will be supplied for a fun time.  

March 17, 6:00-8:30 

Salt and Pepper Shakers or decorative home accent?  Luckily, you can make these whatever you want!

Wouldn't these clay rattles in different shapes, colors, and sizes look terrific sitting on your table or window sill? Maybe a shamrock shape? Or just a collections of colorful spheres? Maybe a round bear face or other creatures? Maybe gathered in a lovely bowl?

Or poke a few holes and make a unique set of Salt and Pepper Shakers! What a grand gift shaped to match a friends interests!

Even though you may not see yourself as being "an artistic person" you can make these lovely pieces with the help of Pam Meland.

Pam Meland, who is experienced working in all kinds of clay, will demonstrate several hand-building techniques. She will also guide registrants in shaping and preparing the rattle(s) to go into the kiln.

All materials will be provided. 

Students will complete one or multiple rattles depending on time and the desired sizes.  

Return for your glaze date on March 24 from 6:00-8:30. 

March 17      6:00-8:30

Adults 

Max 6

Mud Room

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

Creations must be picked up within four months of the class.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

AAV takes precautions to provide a safe environment and our instructors are educated in providing options for individual limitations.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions.

Mar 18     6:00-8:00pm    Glaze Mar 26     Adults

(REPEAT of the Feb 18 class)

Using a pop can or a piece of PVC pipe as a form, create a unique mug. 

Add a handle and some texture and drink all the coffee you want.  (Of course we'll fire it for you first, help you add glaze and then fire it again!)

Emily Millard will guide you through the whole process including the glazing of your mug on Feb 26, Wednesday from 6:00-7:00.

Mar 18     6-8

Max 6

Min 2

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

AAV takes precautions to provide a safe environment and our instructors are educated in providing options for individual limitations.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions.

March 30, 2025 5:00-7:30

This two and a half hour workshop (Glazing Day April 6)  is designed to give registrants instruction on successfully using a potter's wheel.  Each registrant will choose one of their creations to have kiln dried and then to glaze and complete to take home.  

- Learn Mud Room basics including emergency procedures, room rules, and clean up expectations.

- Learn to cut & prepare your clay for the wheel

- Watch a demo of correct usage of the wheel with guided discussion of what is happening. Then use wheel time to get the feel of the clay and to create your form

- Learn to trim, and texturize your piece in preparation for glazing.

All materials and supplies will be there for you. Registration includes the supplies and materials, wheel time and two firings in the kiln.

Join us for this enjoyable learning event!

Mar. 30, 2025

5:00 pm - 7:30pm 

Adult

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

Creations must be picked up within four months of the class.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

AAV takes precautions to provide a safe environment and our instructors are educated in providing options for individual limitations.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions.

Unwind and explore the magic of watercolor while painting serene treescapes. This beginner-friendly class will introduce fundamental watercolor techniques, including washes, layering, and blending. Through playful experimentation, create a dreamy forest scene inspired by the landscapes of Northern Michigan.

Each registrant will leave with an 8"x10" finished piece and a collection of small practice swatches—little treasures that often hold unexpected beauty. Whether new to watercolor or looking to loosen up your technique, this class is all about embracing creativity and enjoying the process.

Amber Swanson is a Grayling native and lifelong artist who finds healing through creative expression. Her work is fluid, ambient, and deeply inspired by nature. Passionate about the healing power of art, she loves helping others tap into their creativity with freedom and joy.

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

Creations must be picked up within four months of the class.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

AAV takes precautions to provide a safe environment and our instructors are educated in providing options for individual limitations.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions.

Thursday, April 3    6:30-8:30 

Join Amber for a mindful art experience designed to help you slow down, connect with yourself, and express freely.  Beginning with gentle mindfulness and journaling, setting intentions and connecting with ourselves. Then, moving on to exploring the painting technique.

No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to create freely. All skill levels are welcome and supplies are provided. This process invites you to listen within, embrace fluidity, and release expectations.

You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind artwork and a deeper connection to your creative self. Get zen, paint your feelings and leave with a handmade reminder of your inner calm.

Amber Swanson is a Grayling native and lifelong artist who finds healing through creative expression. Her work is fluid, ambient, and deeply inspired by nature. Passionate about the healing power of art, she loves helping others tap into their creativity with freedom and joy.

Materials to be used. Bring your own if you'd like, but Amber will have plenty to share. 

Cotton fabric 

Acrylic paints in various colors

Water cups, spray bottles for water effect

Brushes of different sizes

Towels/paper towels for blotting

Palette, paper and tape 

Optional- Bring favorite journal and pen

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

Creations must be picked up within four months of the class.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

AAV takes precautions to provide a safe environment and our instructors are educated in providing options for individual limitations.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions.

April 5 from 1:30-3:30pm  Creativity Center

Monotype printing.  Lots of people are talking about it and lots of artists are hanging their monotype prints!

Please join local artist Claire Rettenmund as she demonstrates and guides registrants on how to select a design, effectively paint wth watercolors on an acrylic surface and then how to make a clear, balanced and pleasing print using watercolor paper. 

Each person will leave with two completed monotype prints and at least one monotype printed card with an envelope for mailing! What a lovely surpise for a friend who receives a one-of-a kind card made especially by YOU! 

The prints will be a standard size (4 1/2 X 6) so getting a mat or a frame will be easy! They'll be all ready to hang or gift.

All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite micron pen or some extra watercolor paper.

This class is open to adults in all stages of learning art - beginner to experienced.  Registrants only need to come, listen and watch, and then give it a try - you'll have as much support as needed. All this in the relaxing and beautiful surroundings of the Ausable Artisan Village.

April 5,  Saturday

1:30-3:30pm

Max 10 registrants

Min 2 registrants

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions. 

Four Sunday Evenings - April 6, 13, 20, 27 from 5:00-7:30pm

Prerequisite: Potter's wheel class at Artisan Village (or contact us)

This class is designed to provide guided practice time for those who have taken a first wheel class. It is not appropriate for those who have not taken an initial class.

An experienced teacher will guide and assist as needed.

April 6, 13, 20, 27

5:00-7:30pm

Final Glaze Day to be determined during first session.

Full refunds if AAV cancels the class. Refunds minus the processing fees up to seven days before class begins. No refunds after that time.

Creations must be picked up within four months of the class.

AAV is handicapped accessible.

AAV takes precautions to provide a safe environment and our instructors are educated in providing options for individual limitations.

Please make your own individual decisions regarding health precautions.