Ave Veneklasen offers life drawing sessions at Studio Deeplyart, 634 N. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI. Contact Ave at www.deeplyart.com, or 517-783-1151. Ave’s them is “GET INSPIRED”, Tuesday, August 5th, 11am to 2pm. Student fee is $7.00 for 3 hours; that’s 1/2 price. Ask Ave about drawing instruction during live model drawing.

The Jackson Symphony Guild has opened their annual membership drive. The Guild promotes the enjoyment of music to our community by being a major donor to the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Guild members are welcome to participate in a number of activities; call Membership Chair Helen Greene at 782-4460 or President Nancy Kyro at 787-6381 for information.

The Jackson Civic Art Association contracts nationally established artists for workshops. The current workshop is Sharon Griffes Tarr workshop which is scheduled for 3 days, August 5th, 6th, and 7th, starting at 9am to 4PM at the Ella. Contact Doris Shelby at 784-8002 for a seat. The workshop fee is $210.00, payable to the JCAA.

Sharon Griffes Tarr will lecture and deomstrate at the JCAA August 5th meeting, 7-8pm. This is a one hour presentation on working from life with painting examples of plein air studies and studio works. The artist offers an in-depth look at the value and usage of life studies in the creative process. As always, visitors are welcome.

August is Pottery Month at Big Tree Gallery and Gift Shop. The event is “Mugs & Bowls Plus” featuring local and Michigan artists August 7th through August 23rd. Thursdays and Fridays hours are 12-6pm, Saturdays 12-4pm. Sunday the 12th and Friday 22nd feature art walks. For additional information call Kay Howard at 517.392-0051.

The JCAA Annual Potter Center Art Exhibition is scheduled for October 2008. JCAA Members can submit 2 pieces to the exhibit. Ave’ Veneklasen serves as juror for this years exhibition.

Four Summer Art Classes with artist Joan Larsen are scheduled for July 24th, August 7th, 14th, and 21st. There are two sessions each day, 9:30 am to noon and 6pm to 8:30pm. Each workshop session is $15.00. Subject medias are: Oil Pastels, Watercolor, Waterbased Ink, and Waterbased Oil Monotypes (Prints). Contact Joan at joan [at] joanlarsen [dot] com or 517-524-7185 for a resevation.

From Allison Loveday, Director of Arts and Cultural Alliance, we can expect an “iART Home Tour” in the near future. The tour takes us to homes of art patrons displaying works of local artists. Also, the Allance is working on an Artist Directory which Allison expects is near completion. Contact her office at 517/783-4300 to ensure your inclusion.

Need More blues? Coming to 634 August 24th, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, starting at 6pm.

disAbility Connections have scheduled a Games/Craft Day at the Ella, September 5th, 1 to 4 pm. All supplies are provided. Brenda Bobon needs 3 or 4 local artists to demonstrate their art or craft to a special audience. Attention all artists, call Brenda at 782-6054 to volunteer your support.

Oh These Irish Hills! A Festival for the family at Hidden Lake Gardens will feature a juried art show. Attractions for the family include a variety of entertainment for children, beautiful walks, art booths, or just enjoy the scenery. It happens September 20th from 10 am to 6 pm. For additional information call Maureen Keast at 734-777-6109 or 517-467-9397.