Build Community. Spark Conversation. Inspire Change.

Freshwater Fantasies celebrates lyricism, color, and imagination through three beloved chamber works inspired by song, landscape, and expressive freedom. Clara Schumann’s intimate Romances open the evening with warmth and elegance, followed by the expansive pastoral sweep of Vaughan Williams’ early piano quintet. After intermission, Schubert’s iconic “Trout” Quintet brings buoyant rhythms, radiant melodies, and virtuosic interplay—an ideal soundtrack for a Northern Michigan summer.

Learn more at viridianstrings.com.

Performers

Nathan Meltzer, violin
Joe Skerik, viola
Kyle Stachnik, cello
Nina Bernat, bass
Umi Garrett, piano

Program

Clara Schumann – Three Romances, Op. 22

Ralph Vaughan Williams – Piano Quintet

~Intermission~

Franz Schubert – Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 “Trout”

Junior Curator's Camp (Ages 9 - 12)

June 29 - July 2 | 1 - 4:00 PM

$249 | REGISTER AT NMC EXTENDED ED

Step behind the scenes and become a Junior Curator at the Dennos. In this hands-on camp, students dive into the real work of museums—curating exhibitions, caring for collections, writing labels, designing displays, and creating engaging visitor experiences.

Campers will work directly with the curator to plan and install a special exhibition celebrating the museum’s 35th anniversary. Through gallery exploration, creative challenges, and collaborative problem-solving, Junior Curators will help tell the story of the museum and imagine its future through art. The week concludes with an exhibition opening where campers proudly lead the public on guided tours of the showcase they helped create from 3-4:00 PM.

Xavi Bou Artist Talk

Tuesday, June 30 | 4:00 PM

Join exhibiting artist Xavi Bou for a 45 minute presentation where he will share more about his artistic practice. Bou’s work explores the representation of animal movement through the technique of digital chronophotography, a practice situated at the intersection of art and science.  His work proposes new modes of perception that invite us to rethink our relationship with nature.

Limit of 34.

Creative Workshop with artist Xavi Bou

Wednesday, July 1 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 16+

This workshop invites participants to explore how movement can be translated into drawing. Using bird flight as a starting point, the session combines art history, observation, embodied drawing, and direct engagement with the landscape around the museum. The workshop connects closely with Bou’s art practice, in which movement becomes the central subject of the image rather than a secondary attribute of form. The workshop encourages participants to think of drawing as trace, duration, rhythm, and spatial memory.

Limit of 20.

Image: Xavi Bou, Ornothography #302. Digital chronophotographic print, detail.

Summer Reception + Launch Party

Thursday, July 2 | 7:00 PM, 6:45 PM Doors

You’re invited to the next era of the Dennos! Celebrate our summer exhibitions and get a first look at our updated brand. Doors will open at 6:45 PM. 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 at the cost of admission.

Your ticket includes one drink ticket and passed appetizers. Cash bar available. Please RSVP in advance.

Guardians of the Galleries (Ages 6-9)

July 20-23 | 1 - 4:00 PM

$249 | REGISTER AT NMC EXTENDED ED

Calling all young art heroes! Join the Guardians of the Galleries for a week of imagination, exploration, and creative fun at the Dennos. Each day brings a new mission—searching for hidden details in artworks, solving playful museum puzzles, making hands-on art projects, and discovering what makes a museum special.

The week ends with a festive family celebration where our newly minted Guardians share their artwork and highlights from their adventure. 

Catie Newell Artist Talk

Friday, July 31 | 4:00 PM

Newell’s artist talk will invite participants into her material-driven practice, exploring light, perception, and the emotional resonance of objects and environments.

Catie Newell is an architect and professor at the University of Michigan A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. This program is presented in partnership with the University of Michigan Arts Initiative through its Faculty Arts Ambassador Program.

Limit of 34.

Objects for Passing: Art for Grief, Care, and Life Transitions

Saturday, August 1 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Catie Newell, architect and professor at the UM A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, will present this workshop using work from her own artistic practice.

This program is presented in partnership with the University of Michigan Arts Initiative through its Faculty Arts Ambassador Program.

Limit of 20.

Ikebana Pop-up exhibit

August 8 & 9
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Traverse City’s local Ikebana International chapter returns for the third year, presenting original floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries for visitors to enjoy. Join us for a weekend of botanical creation and inspiration!

Included with admission to the museum. Please pay regular admission rates at the front desk upon arrival.

Ikebana Flower Arranging for Adults

Saturday, August 9th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

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 Littles 

Saturday, August 9 | 11:00AM - 12:00 PM