Build Community. Spark Conversation. Inspire Change.
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.
Tour Tuesdays
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.
Earth Day Clothing Swap
Wednesday, April 22 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE
Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a fun and eco-friendly clothing swap! This second annual event is a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe Sustainably, connect with your community, and reduce waste. This year will also include a gear swap in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Conservation District.
Donation Drop Off:
Bring gently used clothing (teens - adults, no undergarments) to the museum to donate between April 17th - 21st during open hours.
Recreation and gear donations will be accepted at the Boardman River Nature Center from April 1st through April 21st, during their operating hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10am – 4pm). Accepted outdoor gear includes lightly used items such as raincoats, hiking pants, fleeces, base layers, daypacks, overnight backpacks, sun hats, and snow gear. We won't accept used helmets, life jackets, personal flotation devices, heavily worn hiking boots, or climbing harnesses.
All remaining items will be taken to NMC’s clothing closets for students or to other area nonprofits.
Swap Day:
On April 22, browse and take home clothing and gear—no donation required to participate. The Dennos will not accept donations after 12:00 PM that day.
Bonus:
While you’re here, don’t miss a plant sale hosted by the NMC Green Team, featuring nearly 500 starter plants, including herbs, flowers, and houseplants—perfect for welcoming spring and growing greener habits.
This event is held in partnership with NMC Student Services, NMC Pride, NMC Green Team, Slip Vintage, Grand Traverse Conservation District, and Up North Pride.
5th Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration
Wednesday, May 6th | 5-8:00 PM
FREE
5:00 | Food in Dennos Sculpture Court
6:00 | Screening of Seoul Switch
6:30 | Program with Spoken Word Poet Masaki Takahashi
Join Traverse City's AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Community for a free event with the goal to build greater understanding and empathy for people of different cultural backgrounds through positive engagement and welcoming learning events.
Local AAPI restaurants and chefs will provide the food. Afterwards, head to Milliken Auditorium for a screening of Seoul Switch from director Liann Kaye. The evening’s keynote program will feature Masaki Takahashi, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Lansing, Michigan (2022–2024), whose powerful, community-centered work has been featured on platforms including Button Poetry and TEDx.
This program is made possible with support from the Northern Michigan E3, the Northwestern Michigan College Library, the Traverse City Human Rights Commission. Program partners include The Dennos and Traverse Area District Library. Food from The Good Bowl and Samsara.
Spring Art Market
Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE
We look forward to celebrating Michigan artists once again during our Spring Art Market, now in its fifth year. This one-day juried art event is held indoors in our Sculpture Court before the summer season of art fairs begins and falls on Mother’s Day weekend. We plan special programming into the day to let moms feel the love while offering a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.
Please visit the Museum Store’s website as the event nears for up-to-date event details and a list of participating artists at shop.dennosmuseum.org.
