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 5 - 8, 2019
Alcona Arts
Retreat
The seventh annual retreat has ended with a tasty farewell cookout. In April, look for details of the 2019 edition. The instructors will all be highly experienced teachers who also regularly sell and win awards for their own work across Michigan, the nation or the world.
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

September 22, 2018
Water|Ways Sketch-in
Meet at Harrisville Harbor from 11 to 1 on the fourth Saturday of September to get a short lesson about drawing landscapes using special kits you can borrow later from the Alcona County Library. Everyone is encouraged to draw, and all work submitted will be displayed around the county.
September 21 and 27, 2018
British Comedy Series
British comedies are the subject of a four-movie series introduced by Professor John Blakemore. Two have passed, but the third, starring John Cleese, Kevin Klein, Jamie Lee Curtis and Eric Idle, opens the Classic Movie Night series for the fall at 5:45 p.m. September 21. The fourth shows at 2 p.m. September 27.

All will be shown on the big screen at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Free movie, free popcorn and free beverages.
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. Click here for an entry form with all the details.
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.

Ongoing series

Alternate Mondays
Free Guitar Lessons for Alcona Students
Inspiration Alcona sponsors after-school guitar lessons for students 12 to 18 at Alcona Middle and High Schools. 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.
Third Friday of each month
Classic Movie Night
Great cinema shows at 5:45 p.m. every third Friday at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Free movie, free popcorn and free beverages.
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. $25 for six sessions; visit once free. Classes start at 10:30 Saturday morning at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

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, (above) 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

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. 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