Activity book by an Ypsi Fine Arts Club member being presented at the January 9, 2026 YFAC Gathering

January invites us to look forward with intention. Across the arts world, 2026 is shaping up to be a year that centers connection over spectacle, process over polish, and community over consumption. Artists and cultural spaces are leaning into work that feels human, relational, and rooted. Experiences that ask us to slow down, reflect, and be present with one another. The future of art is less about chasing what’s next and more about deepening what’s real.

Ypsilanti is ready for this moment. Our creative community has long understood that art is a tool for belonging, dialogue, and care. As the arts evolve, we are poised not just to adapt, but to lead. Using creativity to strengthen relationships, support well-being, and imagine what’s possible together. This year, we continue building spaces where art does not just exist. It connects.

Gratefully,

Liz

Fiber Arts Class Alert!

Garment Knock-Off: Pattern-Making From Your Favorite Clothes

Learn how to turn that one piece you reach for again and again into a reusable sewing pattern! In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll walk you through tracing your existing garment, capturing key details, and truing up your lines so you end up with a clean, ready-to-sew pattern you can use over and over.

You’ll learn how to “read” a garment for construction details, tracing and marking techniques, and advice for construction from your finished pattern.

Bring a few favorite pieces to choose from (at least one simple, non-stretch woven is ideal), and go home with a custom pattern!

Details:

4 Week Course

$160/person. All levels. ages 16 and up. 

Jan 14-Feb 4. Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm

Studio 1 at Riverside Arts Center

After-School Art Class: Printmaking

Ages 13-18

During this six-week survey of various printmaking media, students will be exposed to four distinct forms of printmaking. From the comfort of a creative and supportive space, students will have the opportunity to explore self-expression by creating their own original pieces of art. At the end of the six-week period, students will finish multiple pieces and will have the skills to continue their journey as printmakers at home. 

Details:

6-week course.

Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm. April 13, 2026 – May 18, 2026.

Off Center at Riverside Arts Center 

13-18 year-olds

$10 a student

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

4th Annual Black Artist Exhibit

AACHM and RAC Partnered Show

January 16, 2026 – February 28, 2026.

North Gallery at Riverside Arts Center

Opening Reception: January 16, 2026, 6-8pm. Featuring a special performance by violinist Rodney Lamar.

Closing Reception: February 27, 2026, 6-8pm. Featuring a special performance, tbd.

This Year’s Theme: Embracing Unity Through Art

Celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Black History Month.

Sponsored by Ronnie & Gloria Peterson, the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County, and the Palm Leaf Club.

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