Big rapids camera club

Say cheese! Or don’t. Candid chaos is welcome too. Our monthly photography club is a low-pressure, high-fun gathering of shutterbugs who love capturing the world one click at a time. Whether you shoot with a fancy camera, your trusty phone, or something vintage that may or may not be held together with tape, you’ll fit right in.

We swap tips, share our latest shots, try new challenges, and occasionally debate the eternal question: Is it art, or did someone’s thumb photobomb again?

New members are always welcome. No experience required, just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to point your lens at something interesting. Come join us and bring your best shots (or your funniest outtakes)!

Big Rapids Camera Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 to 7:30pm at Artworks’ lower level. BRCC is facilitated by Cathy Martin.

Brush strokes

Brushstrokes is where creativity flows, and color comes to life! This lively group of artists gather to splash, smear, and swirl their imaginations onto canvas, paper, and beyond. From watercolor washes to bold acrylics, delicate inks to vibrant oils, no medium is off the table. Brushstrokes belief that every brush has its story to tell.

Whether you are a seasoned painter or just dipping your bristles in for the first time, Brushstrokes is about sharing inspiration, swapping techniques, and celebrating the joy of making art together. Think of it as equal parts studio, playground, and creative jam session. Where happy accidents are masterpieces in disguise and every painting day ends with paint on your hands and a smile on your face.

Brushstrokes meets on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to noon in the Creative Education Center at Artworks and is facilitated by Cheryl Gould.

Harmonicas plus

Harmonicas Plus is where toe-tapping tunes and heartfelt jams come to life! This spirited group of musicians blends the soulful sounds of mouth instruments with the rich strum of strings, creating music that’s equal parts foot-stomping fun and sweet harmony.

Whether you are a harmonica whiz, a guitar strummer, a banjo plucker, or curious about making music in good company, you will find a place in the circle. No auditions, no pressure. Just a love of melody, rhythm, and the joy of playing together. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, bring your smile! Harmonicas Plus is always open to new members ready to make a little noise and a lot of memories.

Harmonicas Plus meets Tuesdays from 9am to 10am at Artworks’ lower level and is facilitated by George Arndt.

Hook & needle

Hook & Needle is where threads turn into treasures and stitches tell stories! This cozy crew of knitters and needlepoint artists gathers to swap patterns, share tips, and, of course, laugh over a tangle or two. From colorful scarves to intricate designs, every project is a chance to create something warm, wonderful, and uniquely handmade.

Whether you are a pro with perfect tension or a beginner still figuring out which end of the yarn is up, you will find a seat, a skein, and a smile waiting for you. Hook & Needle is all about friendship stitched together…one loop at a time.

Hook & Needle meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm on Artworks’ main level and on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6pm to 8pm at Artworks’ lower level and is facilitated by Cathy Johnson.

Novel Tea

Novel Tea is a cozy corner for curious minds and big imaginations. Each month, Novel Tea cracks open a new story. Sometimes thrilling, sometimes thought-provoking, and always worth talking about.

Whether you are a voracious reader, a casual chapter-at-a-time kind of person, or just looking for a reason to finally tackle that “to be read” pile, you will fit right in. New members are always welcome. Bring your favorite bookmark and join the conversation!

Novel Tea meets on the third Thursday of each month at 3pm at Artworks’ lower level and is facilitated by Barbara Ross.

Click on the plus (+) symbol to view this year’s book selections and click on the book title to purchase the book through Bookshop.org

woodwackers

Grab your mallet, sharpen your chisels, and join the Woodwackers! A spirited crew of carvers who turn ordinary blocks of wood into extraordinary works of art. Woodwackers is equal parts creativity, camaraderie, and a few flying woodchips. Whether you are a seasoned whittler, a curious beginner, or just someone who loves the smell of fresh sawdust, you will find a warm welcome and plenty of inspiration.

Whittle away the stress of the week, swap tips (and tall tales), and celebrate every creation. Whether it is a masterpiece or a “well, it’s got character.” Bring your imagination and tools and come carve out a little time for yourself with the Woodwackers. New members are always welcome!

Woodwackers meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to noon in the Creative Education Center at Artworks and is facilitated by George Melby.