Community Programs
The Dennos Museum Center presents a variety of programs for all ages, seeking to build community, spark conversation, and inspire change. Check out the listings here to find out what's happening.
DROP-IN TOURS
Tuesdays | 12:00 PM
Come to the museum and join an informal tour of our current exhibitions with one of our docents. Tours are free with museum admission and will begin at 12:00 PM. Please meet by the front desk a few minutes before the tour begins.
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECTS
Every Second Sunday of the Month | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Come to the museum and take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
Second Sundays are supported by the Linda O'Meara Fund for Arts Education. Second Sunday Art Projects are included with museum admission. Please pay admission when you arrive.
TADL Summer Storytimes
June 18th - July 23rd | 11:00 AM
FREE
Meet the Traverse Area District Library Youth Services team at the museum for art-inspired storytime this summer. Each session will feature a different artistic theme and will be followed by a related art project with Dennos staff and volunteers.
June 18th | Drawing & Painting
June 25th | Fiber Art & Fashion
July 9th | Photography
July 16th | Writing & Storytelling
July 23rd | Performing Arts
In Conversation with Matt Shlian
Friday, June 27th | 3:00 PM
GET TICKETS | $0 - $10
Join exhibiting artist Matthew Shlian for a presentation of his artistic process in the Dumters Theater. Following the talk, we will move to the gallery to explore his work first hand in a conversation with Executive Director Craig Hadley.
Limit of 30.
DMC Birthday Community Day
Sunday, July 6th | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE
Celebrate the Dennos Museum’s birthday with a free day of art, connection, and community! Explore the galleries, spark new conversations, and support your community museum by grabbing a sweet treat at our birthday bake sale.
Tween Zines at the Museum with TADL
Thursday, July 10th | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
FREE
Come make / take / trade your zines at the museum with other tweens (aimed at kids age 9-12). We will have all the supplies needed to create your own, and we can photocopy zines for sharing.
Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit
August 9 & 10th
During Open Hours
Traverse City’s Ikebana International chapter will present original floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries for visitors to enjoy. Join us for a weekend of botanical creation and artistic inspiration!
Please pay admission upon arrival to the museum.
Ikebana Flower Arranging for Adults
Saturday, August 9th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
GET TICKETS | $10 - $20
Step into the serene world of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. This beginner workshop will introduce you to the fundamental principles of balance, simplicity, and harmony. Learn to create your own unique arrangements, using creativity and mindfulness. No previous experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and an open mind.
Limit of 15.
Ikebana Flower Arranging for Kids 9-16
Sunday, August 10th | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
GET TICKETS | $10 - $20
After exploring the Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit filled with modern and traditional interpretations, dive into the art of crafting your own unique flower arrangement. This session is designed to engage the creative minds of older children. Limit of 15.
Ikebana Flower Arranging for Littles
Sunday, August 10th | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
GET TICKETS | $10 - $20
Discover the art of ikebana with your child in this hands-on workshop! Learn the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging as you create beautiful, balanced compositions together, fostering creativity and mindfulness.
Limit of 8 children (5-8 years old), each with a parent or guardian.
The Art of David Barr
Thursday, August 14th | 3:00 PM
GET TICKETS | $0 - $10
In this engaging presentation, EMU Professor Emeritus Ken Stevens will take you on a whirlwind journey around the world through the visionary artwork of Michigan artist David Barr. Exploring scores of images of David Barr’s work—including pieces from the Michigan Legacy Art Park, which he founded, Villa Barr, his former Novi home turned art park, and the Dennos Museum’s collection—the program will examine Barr’s regional impact, international artistic reach, and enduring legacy. Stevens is past president of MLAP where he created the park’s educational program and is currently serving as advisor to Villa Barr. Limit of 35.
Drop In & Draw
With the Plein Air Painters of Northern Michigan
Thursday, August 21st | 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Join us inside the Dennos Museum Center for an afternoon of observation and creativity with the Plein Air Painters of Northern Michigan. Bring your own sketchbook and pencils, or simply come to watch as artists interpret the museum’s collection. This informal, drop-in experience invites visitors of all ages to connect through artmaking, conversation, and seeing the museum through new eyes.
Please pay admission upon arrival to the museum.
PAST PROGRAMS
Juneteenth Community Day
Thursday, June 19th | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FILM SCREENING | 3:00 PM
JUNETEENTH BLOCK PARTY | 5:00 PM
Kick off Civic Season (Juneteenth to July 4th) with free admission to the Dennos all day, a screening of the film Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America at 3:00 PM followed by a community Juneteenth block party on the campus of NMC with Northern Michigan E3 at 5:00 PM.
About the film:
Interweaving lecture, personal anecdotes, interviews, and shocking revelations, criminal defense and civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson draws a stark timeline of anti-Black racism in the United States, from slavery to the modern myth of a post-racial America.
Summer Opening Reception
Friday, June 20th | 6:00 PM, Doors 5:45 PM
Join us for our summer opening reception to celebrate our new exhibitions. Doors will open at 5:45 PM. Enjoy an evening with food from the Cordwood BBQ Food Truck, and drinks from our cash bar. Each guest will get one drink ticket upon arrival.
Members get free admission and double discounts in the Museum Store the night of the event. Guests of members and the public are welcome to attend for the cost of admission. Please RSVP in advance. Limit of 300.
A Walk in the Woods Workshop
Saturday, June 21st | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join artist Joan Fitzsimmons for A Walk in the Woods, a hands-on workshop exploring cyanotype and photogram techniques. Begin with a walkthrough of Joan’s exhibit to discover the inspirations behind her work, then take a short walk in the nearby woods to gather ideas and materials. Back in the studio, cut paper to create imaginative imagery, assemble your cyanotype, expose it outdoors, and develop it with water. The workshop concludes with a sharing session, where participants discuss their images and stories. A perfect blend of nature, creativity, and photographic exploration! Limit of 25.
