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
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
GET TICKETS | $0 - $10
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
GET TICKETS | $10 - $20
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.
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
SKY INTO STONE: SIGHTS & SOUNDS
To celebrate the closing of Sky Into Stone, exhibiting artist Katrina Bello and sound artist Jonathan Harris will host an artist talk and immersive listening experience based on sound recordings that span nearly 250 miles on (and off) the coast of Lake Michigan. Harris’ multichannel composition uses hydrophonic and atmospheric recordings of the lake’s environmental sounds to explore the interplay between connection and separation in our experience of nature, examining how this complex dynamic parallels the tension between consciousness and embodiment.
In an artist talk, Bello will discuss her work on view in her solo exhibition and how her Tusen Takk residency–heavily informed by the sounds of nearby Lake Michigan–impacted not only her practice but also her bodily experience.
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECTS
Sunday, January 12th | 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 flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
EMBRACE THE DREAM FREE DAY // MLK DAY
Monday, January 20th | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lecture | 2:00 PM
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with us and kick off the Embrace the Dream programming with free admission to the museum! The 2025 Marching for Justice exhibit, celebrating the 30th anniversaries of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum and the Million Man March will be on view in the museum's sculpture court from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. This extraordinary exhibit showcases over 150 original artifacts, highlighting pivotal moments in Black history—from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to contemporary social justice movements. With founder, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, explore the stories of resilience, unity, and collective action that continue to inspire change during his lecture at 2:00 PM.
Find all the Embrace the Dream programs at: https://www.nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream/
WINTER 2025 OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, January 24th | 6:00 PM
Award Ceremony | 5:00 PM
Join us for the Winter 2025 Opening Reception celebrating regional talent! Meet the artists featured in the Northwest Regional Juried Exhibition and enjoy drinks and hearty hors d'oeuvres. Arrive by 5:00 PM to attend the award ceremony in Milliken Auditorium. The reception will begin after the awards at 6:00 PM.
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECTS
Sunday, February 9th | 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 flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
HEARTS FOR ART
February 7th - 14th
Show some love to your favorite artwork at the museum and celebrate Hearts for Art with us!
Pick up a heart at the front desk, leave it on the floor in front of the artwork (please don't place hearts in the frames or on pedestals), and share your favorites with us online.
You can find us on Facebook, and Instagram @dennosmuseumcenter.
ART OF LOVE: MOCK TOURS AT DMC
Friday, February 14th | 7:00 PM
Join Full Tilt Comedy as they guide you through an unforgettable (and completely fictional) tour of the museum paired with your choice of specially crafted mocktail or bubbly from Mawby Vineyards! Perfect for couples, friends, or solo adventurers, this light-hearted night of art and laughter is bound to leave you seeing love—and the museum—in a whole new way.
THE GREAT MC: HEROIC, YET HEARTFELT PLAY FOR AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES
Saturday, March 8th | 11:00 AM
Tickets: Free | Please RSVP in Advance
This performance is part of Interlochen's Accessibility Series.
Don your super suit, grab your favorite gadgets, and join the Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Division for the action-packed premiere of a new work from accomplished playwright Sue Pak. Commissioned by Interlochen as part of the Theatre for Young Audiences BIPOC Superhero Project and developed during a one-week on-campus residency, The Great MC introduces a new hero of color to the pantheon of caped crusaders.
The accommodations available at this performance include:
Sensory/fidget devices*
Noise/Light sensitivity accommodations*
House lights lowered down to 50%
Barrier Free Entrance
ASL Interpretation
Ability to enter/exit the event as needed
Safe Space to enter and continuously watch/listen to the show with monitor and speaker access with sensory toys and activities
Social Story
Large Print Programs
T-Coil Loop
Wheelchairs*
Wheelchair accessible seating
*If you need a specific accommodation for this performance or would like to request a wheelchair, sensory/fidget device, please email us at dmc@nmc.edu or call 231-995-1055.
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECTS
Sunday, March 9th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
3d paper sculptures with artist Dorothy Anderson Grow
Come to the museum and take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
Spring Break at the Museum
March 21st - 30th
Visit the museum for a Spring Break adventure for the whole family. Kids are free this week with accompanying adults.* A new scavenger hunt will be available at the front desk. Turn it in to receive a prize!
*All children under 15 must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Artists Talk: Northwest Michigan Regional Juried Exhibition
Thursday, April 3rd | 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Tickets: $0 - $10 |
Learn more from the region's artists in the Northwest Michigan Regional Juried Exhibition. Each artist will present for about 15 minutes on their work in the exhibition and their artistic practice.
Tickets cover admission to the museum. You do not need to pay upon arrival, but please check in at the front desk.
April 3rd Artists
Mary Fortuna, James Thatcher, Mercedes Bowyer, and Dorothy Anderson Grow
Artists Talk: Northwest Michigan Regional Juried Exhibition
Saturday, April 5th | 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Learn more from the region's artists in the Northwest Michigan Regional Juried Exhibition. Each artist will present for about 15 minutes on their work in the exhibition and their artistic practice.
Tickets cover admission to the museum. You do not need to pay upon arrival, but please check in at the front desk.
April 5th Artists
Ellie Harold, Nancy McRay, Carrie Betlyn-Eder, Sally Rose, and Sherry McNamara
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECTS
Sunday, April 13th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Felt creatures and creations inspired by spring with artist Mary Fortuna
Come to the museum and take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
This month's Second Sunday Art Project is made possible in part with support from the Linda O'Meara Fund for Arts Education and the Michigan League of Handweavers.
DMC DANCE PARTY: FUNK EDITION
Wednesday, April 16th | 6:00 PM
Tickets: Pay As You Wish | Please RSVP in Advance
Join us for the afterparty following the Indie Lens Pop-Up screening of We Want the Funk: The History of Funk Music. DJ E-Knuf will keep the vibe alive with funky beats perfect for dancing the night away!
Earth Day Clothing Swap
Tuesday, April 22nd | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a fun and eco-friendly clothing swap! This event is a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe sustainably, connect with your community, and reduce waste. Donation not required to take home clothing. Please bring your own bag to take home your items, bags will be available to those without one while supplies last. Limited dressing rooms available. We recommend wearing light layers that will allow you to try on clothes over the ones you wear.
Bring gently used clothing, workwear, shoes and accessories to donate between April 15th and the day of the event. Donations can be delivered to the museum during open hours. All remaining items will be taken to NMC's clothing closets for students or donated.
This event is held in partnership with NMC Student Services, NMC Pride, Penny Lane, Slip Vintage and Up North Pride.
spring art market
Saturday, May 10th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Our Spring Art Market features 25 Michigan artists selling their work indoors along with free admission to the museum and special programming to celebrate artists, spring, and moms!
Indulge in a Mawby sparkling cocktail at our afternoon cash sparkling bar while you take in the art with a pianist in the galleries. Support artists and shop unique gifts and artwork. Create a Mother's Day card in our Discovery Gallery. A day of fun for all!
Spring Art Market | 10 AM - 4 PM
Mother's Day Card Making Project | 10 AM - 2 PM
Pianist in the Galleries | 12 - 3 PM
Snacks & Lemonade | 12 - 3 PM (or as long as they last)
Mawby Sparkling Cocktail Bar | 12 - 3 PM (or as long as they last)
See the full list of artists and find more details at: https://shop.dennosmuseum.org/2025-spring-art-market
SECOND SUNDAY ART PROJECTS
Sunday, May 11th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Mini embroidery/tapestry project inspired by Small Expressions.
Come to the museum and take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
This month's Second Sunday Art Project is made possible in part with support from the Linda O'Meara Fund for Arts Education and the Michigan League of Handweavers.
Speaking Truth to Power: An Evening with Photographer Taro Yamasaki
Presented by TC AAPI - a local, grassroots committee
Tuesday May 13th | 5-8:00 PM
5 - 6:00 PM | Appetizers in the museum Sculpture Court
6 - 8:00 PM | Event in Milliken with Taro Yamasaki
Join us for an evening event with Taro Yamasaki, a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist. He has completed many hundreds of assignments for national magazines, newspapers and nonprofit journals, in 48 states and in numerous countries around the world.
Yamasaki has spent much of his 45+ year career telling the devastating human stories of innocents ravaged by war, disease, natural disasters, and the cruelty of tyrants. In 2023, 109 of these photographs were acquired by the Library of Congress for its permanent collection.
Yamasaki has also photographed architecture throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia (resulting in two folio size books) and has spent 3 semesters teaching documentary photography at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design (now the Penny Stamps School of Art and Design), the last two as the "Distinguished Visiting Artist in Residence."
Event is free and open to the public. It will contain depictions of adults and children who experienced trauma or loss in a war zone.
Limit 250. Please RSVP.
This program is made possible with support from Northern Michigan E3, Northwestern Michigan College Library and the DEIB Advisory Council, the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, and Oryana Community Co-op, the Dennos Museum Center, and the Traverse Area District Library.
AI IN THE PREHISTORIC GREAT LAKES
Thursday, May 15th | 7:00 PM
In 2013, scientists from Michigan and Wisconsin used virtual reality to discover an ancient hunting site in the Great Lakes. Join us with Interlochen Public Radio and meet the scientists, visit the virtual prehistoric world they made, and see the AI caribou that roam there.
Artists Talk: Northwest Michigan Regional Juried Exhibition
Sunday, May 25th | 2:00 - 3:45 PM
Learn more from the region's artists in the Northwest Michigan Regional Juried Exhibition. Each artist will present for about 15 minutes on their work in the exhibition and their artistic practice.
Tickets cover admission to the museum. You do not need to pay upon arrival, but please check in at the front desk.
May 25th Artists
Birgit Zipser, Kurt Bullock, Justin Shull, Bradford Sprouse, Scott Rice, and Nekisia Davis.
