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. 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.

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 www.joan@joanlarsen.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.

The Shakespeare Festival at the Jackson Community College has started and continues through August 3rd. This weeks performances are  July 24th  Julius Caesar - 7:30 pm, July 25th  All’s Well That Ends Well - 7:30 pm, and July 26th features the Three Spinning Faires at 10:30 am, followed by Julius Caesar at 2:00 pm, and last All’s Well That Ends Well with “Bard Talk” (meet the cast) at 6:45 pm. See www.michshakfest.org for a full schedule. “The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, based in Jackson, MI., has been presenting these timeless themes with its glorious language of William Shakespeare since 1955 and continues to grow each year”.

Love the blues? Art 634 features Blues, Food, and Art Saturday July 26th featuring Luther “Badman” Keith. Pulled Pork and Hot Wings are on the menu with complimentary beer and wine served during the concert. Doors open at 6pm and entertainment starts at 8pm. Tickets available at 634 N. Mechanic in Jackson; $30 advance, $35 at the door, and $55 couples advance, $65 at the door.

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.