Farm Block Fest to offer family friendly music, camping Aug. 9, 10, 11

ALLOUEZ, Mich. -- Farm Block Fest is a two-night, three-day camping and music festival in the heart of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula -- at 2239 N. Farmers Block Rd., Allouez, MI 49805. The festival begins with gates opening at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, and continues Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9 and 10.

In conjunction with Keweenaw Krayons, Farm Block Festival is put on as a fundraiser for the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music fund. The fund provides free and low-cost instruments and music lessons for area youth.

Farm Block Fest strives to create a safe, family friendly environment that harnesses the power of music and arts in order to create a unique and positive community experience.

Live Music! Great Food! Art Vendors! A beautiful and pristine environment! 3 0n 3 basketball tournament!

Visit www.farmblockfest.com for ticket info and more details.

Click here for the Music Schedule for Farm Block Fest 2013.

Keweenaw Krayons to hold Celebrity Krayon Auction at Vertin Gallery Feb. 25

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons is hosting their first Celebrity Krayon Auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Vertin Gallery in Calumet.

Barbara Rose, Keweenaw Community Foundation executive director, will auction off pieces of "crayon" art created by local artists, businesses and community leaders.

Visit keweenawkrayons.com for more information. See examples of the art on their Facebook page.

Keweenaw Krayons seeks crayon art for live auction

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons will host a live auction to raise money for programs like Art On Wheels and Dan Schmitt Gift of Music classes. On the auction block: crayon art created by you, artists of the Copper Country. Keweenaw Krayons is putting out a call for any type of art made with the humble crayon. Whether you draw stick figures or still life, they want to see what you can do.

They're also accepting artwork made with melted crayons. For links to great ideas, visit the Keweenaw Krayons Web site.

The auction will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Vertin Galery in Calumet. If you would like to submit work, call Elise Matz, Keweenaw Krayons executive director, at 934-3824 and she will pick it up. Those who submit work will receive two complimentary tickets to the auction, which will also include live music and refreshments.

"Barbara Rose of the Keweenaw Community Foundation will be our fabulous auctioneer," Matz says.

Those who would like to attend the auction can purchase tickets from the Vertin Gallery and at Keweenaw Archive, located in the Jutila Center in Hancock.

Keweenaw Krayons thanks you for your support!

Keweenaw Krayons Adult Open Studio postponed to Jan. 26

MOHAWK -- Because of the weather forecast for this evening, Thursday, Jan. 19, the first ever Adult Open Studio at Keweenaw Krayons is CANCELLED. Adult Open Studio will now take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26. This free event is an opportunity for artists to create in a relaxed environment with like-minded folks. Bring a project you are already working on, or call ahead to ask about supplies on hand. Keweenaw Krayons can provide tools and materials for mosaics, fabric arts, decoupage and much more! 906-934-3824.

Kids' Open Studio still happening, Saturday, Jan. 21

This Saturday, from noon - 3 p.m., parents and kids are welcome to attend the Kids' Open Studio in the Art Room at Keweenaw Krayons Mohawk facility (Horizon School). Saturday Open Studio is a free, monthly event geared to kids but open to all who wish to stop in. This month, staff have hand-picked some supplies for making Valentine cards and gifts. Kids are also welcome to bead, paint and even use the hot glue gun (with permission).

To learn more about Keweenaw Krayons, visit their Web site.

Updated: Keweenaw Krayons gears up for 2012 art, music

Editor's update: The Adult Open Studio scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 19, has been cancelled because of weather. It is postponed to next Thursday, Jan. 26. Click here for details.

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons' 2012 winter schedule introduces changes to the organization’s open studio and guitar class schedule.

Keweenaw Krayons participants should be aware that the 2011 Fall Open Studio hours are no longer in effect. Instead, Open Studio will be held the third Saturday of each month through May. In addition, there will be an Adult Swim Open Studio on the third Thursday of each month through May. Both events are free to the public.

"I want to devote more energy to providing an exciting experience each time somebody visits Keweenaw Krayons," said Elise Matz, Keweenaw Krayons director. "Hosting Open Studio one Saturday each month allows us to plan special activities for the kids and anybody else who wants to participate. For Thursday Adult Swim, it’s a chance for mature artists to relax, visit, and get inspired."

Diana Langdon will continue teaching a Crayon Crafts workshop on the first Monday of each month. Crayon Crafts explores the many things one can do with that humble art supply, the crayon. Activities include (but are not limited to) wax molding and wax painting. This series is for kids of all ages, and adults are welcome to join as well. It is free to the public, but participants are encouraged to call ahead or register online so that Keweenaw Krayons can prepare adequate staffing and supplies.

Group guitar lessons for kids 14 and under, made possible by the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music Fund, will also continue to take place at Keweenaw Krayons. However, class times have moved from Saturday afternoons to Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Classes at Calumet High School will continue to be held each Tuesday after school.

Those who wish to learn more about any of these programs can call Elise at (906) 934-3824 or visit our website for updates. Parents and students can register for all events by visiting www.keweenawkrayons.org and clicking on "Calendar of Events."

Keweenaw Krayons to offer winter Tai Chi, Qigong Wellness classes

MOHAWK -- Back by popular demand, Darlene Basto is scheduled to teach Tai Chi and Qigong Wellness classes at Keweenaw Krayons this winter. An experienced instructor, Basto is certified by the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC).*

Both classes begin their six-week run on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Keweenaw Krayons’ facilities in Mohawk. Qigong Wellness runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tai Chi 8 commences shortly after, at 6:45 p.m., and ends at 7:45 p.m. Participants can register for both courses by visiting www.keweenawkrayons.org and clicking on "Calendar of Events" to view the schedule.

Each course costs $75 separately, or students can sign up for both classes and pay $125. The optional companion book for both classes, The Healer Within, is $15. Those who wish to register for both classes at the discount rate should contact Keweenaw Krayons Director Elise Matz at (906) 934-3824.

About Qigong

While reducing stress, the Qigong Wellness techniques also increase vitality. These gentle but effective mind-body exercises are done seated and standing, with a focus on breathing, meditation and self-massage techniques. Core-strengthening, this ancient Asian practice deepens breathing and relaxation, which assists the body in healing itself. The method, with continued practice, aids in enhancing the immune system. No floor work. Other benefits include balance (falls prevention), increased flexibility and clarity of thought.

About Tai Chi 8

Tai Chi 8 includes an eight-movement "Tai Chi EasyTM" practice developed by the IIQTC, as well as some mind-body strengthening qigong exercises. No previous tai chi or qigong experience is necessary, but it is helpful for deepening the practice. These movements increase coordination and focus while also enhancing balance, flexibility, and relaxation.

* Click here to learn about the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi.

Keweenaw Krayons offers new classes, Open Studio

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons will be offering several new classes / workshops this month. You can now register for these classes online by visiting the Keweenaw Krayons calendar page and clicking on the class that interests you. (See below)*

Qigong

This class begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18! Darlene Basto teaches this four-part class to introduce students to the ancient art of Qigong. This class series offers simple movements, self-massage, breathing and meditation techniques to assist you in becoming and staying healthier and minimizing stress. Research shows many diseases are stress-based, or are augmented by stress-filled lives. This method teaches "profoundly simple" tools to better manage those moments to boost your immune system.*

Mosaics

Rachel Tober teaches a two-part Mosaics Class from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and Friday, Oct. 21. Students will learn how to design a mosaic, cut glass and ceramic pieces, and grout an object of their choice (optional). Cost is $30, which includes tools and supplies. No experience necessary. Materials provided: Cutting and nipping tools, glue, stained glass, tiles or glass backing. You also have the option to bring stools, tables, a window or frame you would like to use in the piece. There are still spots available. Register online* or call 934 - 3824 for more details.

Realistic Crayon Drawing

The first class in Realistic Crayon Drawing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 21. Diana Langdon teaches this four-part series, in which participants learn techniques to produce amazing crayon drawings. The series will cover sketching, shading, burnishing, color layering, finishing and more. Class fee covers all materials. Participants will receive crayons, sharpeners, bristle brush, and Stonehenge paper. Workshops will culminate in one finished work by each participant being matted, framed, and included in a Keweenaw Krayons exhibit. Cost for the class is $20. Register online* or call 934 - 3824 for more details.

Solo Voice Workshop

Each workshop participant will learn breathing techniques, phrasing and more, using a song chosen at the first workshop. Students will improve confidence and vocal delivery through practice and performance at each session, to culminate in a final public recital at Keweenaw Krayons. The four-session workshop will held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Oct. 22. Call 934 - 3824 to find out if registration for this workshop is still open.

Free Open Studio and Free Guitar Lessons

Come to Keweenaw Krayons' Open Studio from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 20, and from 12 noon to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 22, to make whatever you want! Selected supplies and materials will be available -- including paper and paint, crayons, markers, colored pencils, in addition to classic craft materials like cards and magazines, paper towel rolls and milk jugs. If you can dream it, you can make it. Open Studio is free through December; donations are welcome.

Also on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, free group guitar lessons are being offered for youth 14 and under, courtesy of the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music Fund. Keweenaw Krayons also has several small guitars for little hands to lend for the duration of the 2011-2012 school year. Lessons are free through December. Call Elise at 934 - 3824 for more details.

*Click here to register online for any of these classes or call 934 - 3824 for more details.

Keweenaw Krayons to offer Art Afternoon Sept. 24

MOHAWK -- From noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 24, Keweenaw Krayons is saying farewell to summer and its Art On Wheels program, and hello to fall classes and offerings with Art Afternoon, a free event for youth and families.

To celebrate the end of a great summer for the Art On Wheels program, artist Sarah Kirchner will be leading sand painting and collograph, or ink printing, activities for youths and families. Cupcakes will be served. Keweenaw Krayons director Elise Matz will also announce the winner of the Art On Wheels Logo Contest. The winning logo will be featured on Kk Art On Wheels promotional materials and merchandise when the program resumes next summer.

The Art Afternoon portion of the event features artists who work in a variety of mediums. Guests can stop at a demo and sign up to learn more about upcoming classes. Artists who teach painting, sewing and mosaics, voice and guitar, among other things, will be there for conversation and questions.

Darlene Basto will be among the Art Afternoon artists. Keweenaw Krayons is pleased to announce that she is returning to teach a four-session course in Qigong Wellness -- an introductory class of foundational movements, breathing, self-massage and meditation techniques that lead to "maximized vitality" where the mind, body and spirit are functioning with the least physical, mental or emotional restraint. Gentle movements are done sitting and standing (no floor work).

This weekly class will be held at Keweenaw Krayons from Tuesday, Oct. 4 through Tuesday, Oct. 25. For more information and registration, visit www.keweenawkrayons.org.

Keweenaw Krayons is located at the Horizon School in Mohawk.

Keweenaw Krayons to launch Art on Wheels program with party July 10

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons is hosting a party to celebrate the beginning of its Art On Wheels Summer Program, which will bring art instruction and fun to youth throughout Keweenaw County and northern Houghton County. The event, to be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, is free for people of all ages. It will take place at Keweenaw Krayons in the Horizon School building in Mohawk.

Art on Wheels Launch Party poster. Click on poster for larger version. (Image courtesy Keweenaw Krayons)

Crafts planned for the big day include making cement pavers to decorate Keweenaw Krayons’ newly replanted and expanded garden. Children will be encouraged to participate in classic playground games like Red Rover and Duck-Duck-Goose as well as some improv activities.

All guests are eligible to enter a raffle for a chance to win an Art On Wheels tee-shirt. Singer-songwriter Brooke Basto will entertain the crowd with an eclectic mix of covers and her own work.

The event will also feature the debut of the new Art On Wheels Art Car, a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica that will fly the Art On Wheels banner in the absence of Stephanie Treviño’s Make and Do Art Bus.

"The Make and Do Art Bus, which was to be the cornerstone of the Art On Wheels program, was involved in a freeway accident that left it totaled," said Elise Matz, Keweenaw Krayons' newly appointed executive director. "Thankfully, Ms. Treviño walked away from the crash with only minor injuries."

During the June 2011 Art and Music Festival in Houghton, artist Stephanie Treviño conducts an art activity with kids in her Make and Do Art Bus, just weeks before an unfortunate accident totaled the bus. Luckily, Ms. Treviño suffered only minor injuries. Her project -- a senior project for her graduation from Finlandia University's International School of Art and Design -- will continue, thanks to an Art on Wheels Art Car. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The Art On Wheels Art Car is scheduled to stop in locations throughout northern Houghton and Keweenaw counties during July and August of 2011. Towns scheduled for stops include Calumet, Copper City, Amheek, Eagle River, Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor.

The Keweenaw Krayons Art on Wheels Summer Art Program is funded in part by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Copper Country Community Arts Council and the Denise Marth Memorial Grant through the Superior Child Abuse Prevention Council.