Schedule Of Events
10:00am : Wee Wonders
Wee Wonders is a class designed for parents (or grandparents or other willing adults) and young children (ages 3-5) to explore creative expression together. As you and your children discover the freedom and adventure that art can provide, leave artistic inhibitions behind and have fun! This year's Wee Wonders event will explore Beautiful & Brilliant Books! Each participant will be the writer and illustrator of their very own real book! The value of this activity is not measured by the finished product, but rather in the pure enjoyment and learning along the way. Plan to wear play clothes that you don't mind getting a bit messy and a box to transport your child's creation home safely. There is no fee for this workshop
Location : Big Rapids City Hall
1:00 to 3:00pm : Seed Bead Paintings
One of the most common arts and crafts practiced by multiple Native American tribes included the decorative use of beads. Generations before Europeans made contact with Native Americans, the beadwork used primarily stone, shell, quills, and bone. Later, materials like metal and glass were introduced and the beadwork patterns used on clothing, jewelry, and decorations became much more intricate and stylized. Today, American Indian beading remains important for both the people themselves and as a cultural artifact that teaches all about an important part of history. Most people understand American Indian beading as something that includes either stringing beads on threads to make jewelry or stitching beads directly onto a material backing. Some of the most impressive Native American techniques create large, flexible sheets or strips of beads tightly arranged in patterns or pictures. In this workshop, paintings will be created using sinew and glass seed beads. Take needle to canvas to create your own unique seed-beaded turtle. There is a $10 fee for this workshop to cover materials
Location : Artworks
2:00pm : Healing Beat: Health Benefits of Group Drumming
There's a special kind of magic that happens when people come together to make music. Whether you're a seasoned musician or have never touched an instrument, group drumming is an activity anyone can enjoy - and it offers remarkable health benefits. Drumming is a stress reliever - the rhythmic patterns have a grounding effect, helping to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Drumming is a physical activity - it's an accessible form of exercise that engages the entire body, improving coordination and motor skills while fostering a sense of accomplishment. Drumming is a tool for connection - the rhythm brings people into harmony, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. Drumming is inclusive - the drum circle is a safe space, where every contribution, no matter how simple, adds to the collective rhythm. Drumming boosts mental health - it's been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, improve focus, and even strengthen the immune system. Group drumming is a reminder of music's power to heal and unite. It's not about perfection or performance; it's about being present and connected. When we drum together, we tap into a universal language that transcends words and speaks directly to the soul. Come and join!
Location : Artworks
3:00pm : Forge Demonstration
A master blacksmith, Arthur Johns prefers to think of himself as more of a sculptor than a smith. Well versed in the various techniques and processes that have been used for thousands of years, he creates pieces that reflect the ancient craft, while adding a modern flair and design. His work is continuously evolving, and as he's refined his skills over the past 25 years, his works have become one-of-a-kind artistic masterpieces. Many individuals lose passion for their careers, but not Arthur - he enjoys the freedom, physical work, opportunity for refinement, and variety that each day brings. Arthur has a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from Wayne State, MFA from Southern Illinois, and is a proud member of the Michigan Artists Blacksmiths Association and the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America.
Location : FSU Heavy Equipment Building, Auditorium
7:00pm : An Evening of Scenes and Songs
Theatre at Ferris State University, under the direction of Professor Dennis Henry, is a program designed to explore students' artistic abilities through performance and/or technical theatre. Ferris Theatre stages two full productions each year. Students are encouraged to continue their love of the arts by participating in theatre, opening the door to their creativity to fine tune their natural abilities in acting and technical theatre - and along the road, possibly discovering something new about themselves! Working in theatre gives students hands-on learning as well as collaborative experiences that are useful in any profession - all while meeting new friends and developing teamwork and leadership skills. In addition to having a sense of involvement in the college experience, hours that are spent working in theatre count towards volunteer hours for the Honors College and campus RSOs for many students.
Location : The Back Room at Toppings
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