Library Lines: Help inspire young local artists

The Youth Art Show is on display in the Cheboygan Public Library Gallery through Wednesday, May 3. Plan a visit to the library to view the unique works of art created by young local artists. A youth art reception will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 28; refreshments will be served. The Youth Art Show and reception are free and open to the public.

Spring is officially here and that means a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities are available in Northern Michigan. One popular activity brings folks out into the woods to forage for mushrooms. Would you like insider tips and more information on how to be successful finding mushrooms in the woodland areas of Northern Michigan? You are in luck! The Cheboygan Library is hosting five-time National Morel Hunting Champion Anthony Williams at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3.

Over the past 20 years, Anthony has continued to share his “Picking With The Champ” seminars at festivals and libraries all over Michigan. Anthony’s seminars are filled with stories from his many years of picking, tips on where and how to pick, including the finer points of finding the elusive morel. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time picker you’re bound to find a new perspective to gathering the elusive morel. This program is free to attend, registration is not required.

Give the gift of life, Cheboygan Library will host a blood drive with the support of Versiti Blood Centers of Michigan from 1:30-6 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Sign up at donate.michigan.versiti.org.

Are you ready for the boating season? The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department is offering a free Marine Safety class 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in the lower level of the Cheboygan Public Library. Any motorized boat operator born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to pass an approved boater safety course and to carry a boater safety certificate. In addition, boater education is also required for all PWC operators born after Dec. 31, 1978. The minimum age to attend this class is 12 years old. Parents and adults are encouraged to attend and take the course. Class size is limited, pre-registration is required. Students will need to bring lunch and attend the entire class. Interested parties can visit michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com to register for this free class. Please contact Sgt. Earl Manuel, Recreational Division Commander emanuel@cheboygancounty.net or call 231-627-8888 for more information.

A new session of still-life drawing class is set to begin meeting on May 1 and will continue to meet on May 8, 22 and June 5 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Art Studio lower level of the Cheboygan Library. Join artist Kimberly Liedel-Ross as she guides you through still-life drawing while providing plenty of interesting inanimate objects from the natural or man-made world to use for creative inspiration. Classes are open to ages 9 to adult. Supplies are included. Registration is required, to register please call 231-627-2381 or stop by the circulation desk and a staff member would be happy to assist you.

Calling young artists! A second still-life drawing class is scheduled just in time for summer break. Classes are set to begin June 12 and will continue to meet June 19, 26, and July 3 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Art Studio. Drawing class is open to all and since school will be out for the summer children ages 9 and older are encouraged to sign up. Supplies are provided, registration required please.

“Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open.” — Laura Bush

— Paula Jewell is program director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Library Lines: Help inspire young local artists