Creative fun
Up North
Visit a haven for artistic people
in beautiful Alcona County
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Sign up for a visionary three-day retreat

SEPTEMber 6 - 9, 2018
Alcona Arts
Retreat
Five great workshops are on the schedule for the seventh annual retreat: Plein-air painting, pastels, mosaics, jewelry and experimental watercolor. The instructors are all highly experienced teachers who also regularly sell and win awards for their own work across Michigan or the nation.
October 4 - 7, 2018
Lost Lake
Writers Retreat
At the third annual retreat, learn from six talented author-teachers including novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Michael Zadoorian; poets Cecilia Woloch, Kathleen McGookey and Jack Ridl, and songwriter-poet Emily Rose. Hosted by John D. Lamb.

Other events coming soon

June 19 - July 19, 2018
Summer Art for Youth
Free art lessons for students ages 8 through 14, taught by local professional artists. The series runs at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, but no classes the week of July 4.

Click to learn more.
July 14, 2018
Brunch under the Tent
Under the big tent above the Harrisville harbor, join your neighbors for a special brunch featuring burritos with chicken sausage, pork sausage or vegetables only. This meal is a certified local food event. More details to come soon.
October 6, 2018
Opening of the Water|Ways Art Exhibition
Artists from six northwest Michigan counties are eligible to enter the competition for this juried show to celebrate Michigan's waters and the Smithsonian touring exhibit coming in November to the Alcona County Library. Entry deadline is September 22.
October 7, 2018
'Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman'
This acclaimed movie shows how three small communities made local agriculture better and at the same time helped preserve their enviroments. Another in the Farm to Fork Alcona series of events.
2 p.m. Sunday at the Alcona High School Auditorium. Click here to see a trailer.

Series taking the summer off

Alternate Mondays
Free Guitar Lessons for Students
Inspiration Alcona sponsors after-school guitar lessons for students 12 to 18 at Alcona High School. The lessons, taught by Joel Choate Jr. of Joel's Guitar Shop in Alpena, meet on alternate Mondays (with exceptions based on the school calendar) throughout the school year, just after classes end for the day.

This series will return in September shortly after school starts.
Third Friday of each month
Classic Movie Night
Great cinema shows every third Friday at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Free movie, free popcorn and free beverages.

This series will return September 14.
First and Third Saturdays
Alcona Authors writers group
Enthusiastic and experienced leader MaryAnn Crawford, a former college English professor, hosts this program for adults who write or want to give writing a try. New participants are always welcome. Current members are working on memoirs or novels, but we're open to almost anything. $25 for six sessions; visit once free. 

This series will take July and August off then return September 15.

Local projects Inspiration Alcona is helping with

Ongoing
Donations for Cona, school therapy dog
Inspiration Alcona is acting as a fiduciary agent for the purchase and training of Cona, a golden retriever puppy that will serve as a therapy dog at Alcona Elementary School starting in September 2018. You may donate any amount toward the total of approximately $8,000 needed through this website or directly to the school.

Click here for more details about the project as well as information on how to donate.
Ongoing
Harrisville Pocket Park Donations
Inspiration Alcona is acting as fiduciary agent for the Harrisville Pocket Park project, which needs as the first step $4,000 to buy the land. The space is on East Main Street between the railroad tracks and the former Richards Pharmacy.

Click here for more details about the project as well as information on how to donate.

Events from friends of Inspiration Alcona

June 28 - July 1, 2018
One Voice Gospel Choir tours nearby
Director Jean Wilson, star of the Alcona GospelFest,
brings her home choir to tour northeast Michigan.

7 p.m. June 28: Spruce Lutheran concert

6:30 p.m. June 29: Lincoln UMC concert
‍
12:30 p.m. June 30: Besser Museum Log Cabin Days
concert

7 p.m. June 30: Brush Creek Mill concert

July 1: 10:30 a.m. service at Congregational United Church of Christ, Atlanta
September 1 - 2, 2018
Harmony Weekend Festival
The Harrisville Arts Council celebrates  its 45th annual Harmony Weekend Festival this year. The show draws a few hundred vendors and thousands of lookers and shoppers. All items are hand-made by the artists and artisans. Hours are 9 to 5 on Saturday, 9 to 4 on Sunday.
october 12 - 14, 2018
Alpena Book Festival
The Alpena Book Festival brings together a growing cadre of Michigan authors to Northeastern Michigan while promoting the cause of adult literacy. The Alpena Book Festival is the only book festival held in our region. A full day event, the festival includes panel discussions, author talks, meet and greets, and educational sessions for aspiring writers.

Details will be added as they become available.

Past events

If you'd like to see more about the retreats or other events above, click here to see photo stories about the events we've held or sponsored since December 2015.

Stay in touch

Inspiration Alcona is grateful for its 2017 - 18 grants

While Inspiration Alcona appreciates donations from local businesses and individuals, and it raises more than half its budget from participation fees, it could not offer the breadth of programs it does without the generous support of thes agencies shown below.

Partners

Inspiration Alcona also works with several partners shown below and has earned recognition as noted.
Alcona Community Schools
Alcona County Library

Recognition