Performance by Terpsichore Collective at Riverside Arts Center.

This year, we watched creativity move through Ypsilanti like a current. Kids from Art Explorers! walked the path through Riverside Park, reading the powerful words and images of Embracing Our Differences and seeing their city through a new lens. Artists in our Neurodiverse Drop-Ins found a space where the only expectations are curiosity and care. More than 300 neighbors gathered through the Ypsi Fine Arts Club, sharing work, sharing courage, building culture together.

These are not small things. They are the moments that weave a community together.

Your support is what keeps that current flowing. You bring exhibitions to life. You open doors for young artists. You make space where everyone can express who they are and imagine who they can become.

A supporter has stepped forward with a $25,000 match so that every gift carries more weight for the year ahead. It is a chance to strengthen the programs that make creativity accessible for everyone who calls Ypsi home.

Let’s carry this creative energy forward. Let’s keep investing in each other.

Gratefully,

Liz

Fiber Arts Drop-In Returns This Weekend!

First Saturdays, from 10am-1pm. Studio 1.

Next drop in: December 6th.



Our new Fiber Arts Drop-In Days provide a relaxed environment for all fiber artists, novice to expert. Drop in with your quick questions, like how to thread your machine or how to sew on a button. Stick around and make with us!

Come hang out with fiber artists Lindsey Leyland and Kim DeBord every first Saturday of the month, from 10am-1pm.

ColorFull Conversations: Talking to Your Child about Race

Do you ever feel stuck when your child asks questions about race?

You’re not alone. Many parents want to raise children who understand difference, race, and culture—but aren’t sure how to start these conversations or worry about saying the wrong thing.

Register today!

Free to attend.



December 12th and 19th in Top Floor Main

Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-In

Next meeting: October 27th. 6-8pm.

Gather with your local neurodiverse community and get creative. There will be a provided project, and general crafting materials will also be available. Optional: Feel free to bring snacks to share with a labeled ingredient list.

Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-in meets every fourth Monday of the month, 6-8pm, Top Floor-Room B at Riverside Arts Center.

Shape Note Singing | Ypsilanti

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7-9pm. Off Center at Riverside Arts Center. Free to attend.

Once described as “the Metal of Early-American Music,” Shape Note Singing is a community-focused, practice-based singing style that uses notated noteheads with distinct shapes to make learning music accessible to everyone. The result is a bold, resonant sound that fills the room and connects singers through shared rhythm and its unique harmony.

Our group meets twice a month to sing from The Sacred Harp (2025) and The Shenandoah Harmony, celebrating a living tradition that’s as spirited as it is welcoming.

Newcomers are encouraged to join us every 2nd Tuesday for a workshop-style deep dive into the history and technique of Shape Note Singing.

No experience required—just bring your voice and curiosity!

Rentals @ Riverside Highlight:

Violin Bootcamp - Learn Violin in 8 weeks!

Mondays & Thursdays, 6-7pm, Jan 5 - Feb 26th (no class 1/19 MLK day and 2/16 Presidents Day) 

In this course for adult beginners (18 & up), you'll be playing songs and reading music on the violin in 8 weeks! Students will benefit from twice-weekly classes with an experienced, creative, and encouraging instructor, as well as have access to online content for aiding practice and the opportunity for feedback from the instructor on questions that come up between classes.

Exhibitions @ Riverside Arts Center

Anything But... New Materials | Group Exhibition

OPENING RECEPTION TONIGHT!

December 5th, 5-7pm, in the North Gallery at Riverside Arts Center.

December 5, 2025 - January 9, 2026.

North Gallery at Riverside Arts Center

Open Hours: Fridays 4-6pm, Saturdays 11am-2pm.

The Anything But… New Materials group exhibition highlights 48 works from 28 artists, made primarily from recycled, reused, or repurposed materials, encouraging artists to step away from traditional, relied-upon art supplies and experiment with new ways of making. We’ve selected pieces that feature inventive modalities of engaging with familiar objects, showcasing how creativity can transform disparate materials into masterpieces!

Announcing our newest online gallery! Riverisde's Ypsi Fine Arts Club Online Gallery!

We are excited to feature the work of 16 of our YFAC artists for this inaugural online exhibition.

Explore the new gallery now! Interested in owning something you see? The work can be purchased on the spot!

Explore the gallery now through December 31st.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Support accessible arts programming by donating today. Any amount helps!