UPCOMING EVENTS
Enjoy an entertaining evening with us
Moving Experiences at a Unique Venue
Portraits with Liz Frankland
Become more confident painting portraits in this four week class!
Liz will guide you through several exercises designed to increase your knowledge of anatomy and decision making through brushwork. Building from initial studies of individual features, each student will complete a portrait of their choosing. Liz will demonstrate in each session and provide individual guidance.
GPAA: A Morning Out: Every 1st and Third Tuesday
Connect with friends, share stories, and create art to take home. Join us from 10:30 a.m.–noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Something New with Donald Cronkhite
In Donald Cronkhite's previous classes, artists studied the work of deceased master painters based on the theory that the best way to understand the master's work is to paint a “master copy." In this workshop, students will be copying "Willow Tree" part Donald's landscape series, benefiting from hearing first hand how the artist worked to achieve his final piece.
Grosse Pointe Veterans Club Meeting
Join the Grosse Pointe Veterans Club for its meeting on Jan. 8, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Color Theory with Saveria Giovinazzo
In this class students will explore the intrinsic existence of color theory. Instruction in the use of the color wheel will be covered, as well as, color harmony, color psychology and the properties of color.
Your Old Mansion: Face Value: Contextual Cataloging of Historic Native American Photographs
In his effort to show respect for the Native American subjects and support the work of future researchers, Jakob Dopp, the graphics division cataloger at the William L. Clements Library on the U of M Ann Arbor Campus, worked tirelessly to uncover the true stories behind the photos in the Richard Pohrt, Jr. Collection of Native American Photography. He will talk about his process and share insights into the collection as the first lecturer in the series celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. The presentation is at 2 pm on Sunday, Jan. 11, in the historic Alger House on The War Memorial campus.
Your Old Mansion: America 250 Lecture Series
This year, the Grosse Pointe Artists Association's annual lecture series, "Your Old Mansion," celebrates the nation's 250th birthday. We thank members of the William L. Clements Library staff on the U of M Ann Arbor campus for sharing the library's resources to help us better understand our country's historical roots.
An Evening Out for Vets : Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday
Winston Churchill: "Painting came to my rescue in a most trying time."
The program is free and open to all veterans and their families on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
All materials are provided.
American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 Meeting
Join the American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 for its meeting on Jan. 20 at 6 p.m.
Heroes’ Movement Gala
Join Heroes' Movement for their 2nd annual Gala at The War Memorial! Enjoy dinner, an open bar, and live music by Packin' Heat while mingling in cocktail attire.
White Line Block Printing with Nobuko Yamasaki
White-line woodblock printmaking began in 1915, the first woodblock printmaking unique to the United States. Western artists admired the Eastern traditional type of woodblock printing made by the Japanese artists. The Eastern art form required several blocks of wood to produce a finished print. The Western printmakers of 1915 created their own style of woodblock printing using only one block of wood.
Golden Cloud Workshop with Donald Cronkhite
Since 2004, more than 20 years ago, Donald has been working on his cloudscape series. Several pieces are in the collections of Michigan universities and art galleries. In this two session workshop, he will
share with students how he paints his cloudscapes.
Your Old Mansion: Love and Romance in Early America
For the second lecture in the "Celebrating the Nation's 250th Birthday" series, you are invited to a learn about Valentine's Day in early America with Jayne Ptolemy, a curator of manuscripts at the William L. Clements Library on the U of M Ann Arbor campus.
American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 Meeting
Join the American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 for its meeting on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
Special Needs Resource Fair
The Special Needs Resource Alliance is a collaboration of local non-profit organizations, school systems and service providers who work together to offer exceptional support for individuals with special needs in Southeast Michigan, sharing the goals of embracing, supporting and developing social and educational opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families
Your Old Mansion: Curators of Maps at the Clements Library
A map of Michigan is easily at hand for most people, whether it is on the phone in their pocket or demonstrated by simply holding up their hand! It wasn't always that simple. The shape of the state took centuries to be fully realized on a map. Join Sierra Laddusaw, Curator of Maps & Graphics, and Mary Pedley, Assistant Curator of Maps, from the William L. Clements Library to learn more about the mapping of "the Mitten".
Your Old Mansion: Bloody Work: Lexington and Concord 1775
Reconciliation between England and the 13 colonies was failing. Parliament had declared Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion, and on April 14 General Thomas Gage received secret orders from England to suppress the rebels. On the night of April 18, Gage sent 700 British soldiers to Concord to seize patriot supplies there. At dawn the British reached the town of Lexington, just east of Concord, where they found 70 American militiamen waiting for them on the village green.
Your Old Mansion: The Making of the DIA
Mike Kroll, artist and Detroit historian, recalls early 20th-century Detroit, a time when art, industry and civic vision converged in transformative ways. The focus is on Dr. Wilhelm Valentiner and Edsel Ford, whose partnership profoundly influenced the Detroit Institute of Arts during years of exciting promise as well as public debate. From the bold commission of Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals to the quieter acts of leadership, Valentiner and Ford stabilized the institution and defined the museum’s modern direction, shaping what is now recognized as one of the top art museums in the nation.
Portraits in the Style of Edouard Manet with Donald Cronkhite
One of the best ways to learn posthumously from a master painter is to paint a “master copy." In this workshop we will study Edouard Manet's portrait of Antonin Proust done in 1880. You can see it at the Toledo Museum of Art.
In this portrait, Manet uses bold and spirited brushwork to the capture the essence of Proust, considered a Parisian dandy.
American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 Meeting
Join the American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 for its meeting on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.
Lines: Building Blocks of Art w/Saveria Giovinazzo
The line is one of the seven elements of art. For this workshop, Saveria Giovinazzo has developed a curriculum focused on exploring the use of lines in creating designs and balanced compositions.
Authors to the Pointe: Elizabeth Gilbert
The Grosse Pointe Library will host their popular "Authors to the Pointe" lecture at the War Memorial on Wednesday November 5th. This event will feature nationally acclaimed author and journalist Elizabeth Gilbert, whose book "Eat Pray Love" has sold over 30 million copies.
Merry Memories 2025: Art & Essay Contest
How does your family celebrate the holidays?
What traditions related to your religion, ethnicity, or culture make this time of year so special?
Students in grades 1–5 from the Grosse Pointe Public School System and Harper Woods School District are invited to share their holiday traditions through art and writing in the Merry Memories Art & Essay Contest!
Christmas Card Workshop: Japanese Woodblock Printing with Nobuko Yamasaki
Surprise your friends and family with a Holiday card you made especially for them using the Japanese woodblock printing.
Celebrated for her Japanese woodblock prints, Nobuko will guide you through the process and provide the tools and most of the materials you will need to make a memorable Holiday card to share.
Portraits In The Style of John Singer Sargent
Learn classic portrait techniques by creating a “master copy” inspired by John Singer Sargent’s Study of an Egyptian Girl. Explore color, tone, and form as you study one of the 19th century’s greatest painters and his journey through Egypt.
Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra: Autumn Concert
The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra dedicated to providing live, classical symphonic music to the community while providing an opportunity for local professionals and accomplished amateurs to perform the classics.
American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 Meeting
Join the American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303 for its meeting on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
Power of Pink
Surviving. Thriving. Inspiring.
Join us for an afternoon bringing awareness, education to breast cancer and access to women's health resources available in our community.
Grosse Pointe Veterans Club Meeting
Join the Grosse Pointe Veterans Club for its meeting on Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.
Evening Community Yoga
Free Community Yoga!
Breathe, stretch, and destress with our incredible yoga instructors in the beautiful surroundings of The War Memorial. Classes are perfect for any level whether you’re looking to try something new, are a long-time yogi, or anywhere in between.
Come to as many classes as you like. Please bring your own mat.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
All Blood Types Needed! Register today for the American Red Cross Blood Drive, taking place in the War Memorial Ballroom on October 7 from 12pm-6pm
Some Assembly Required: An Assemblage Workshop with Marat Paransky
Some Assembly Required is a one-day workshop that will cover some of the many materials and techniques used in creating three-dimensional artworks. Through both demos and slideshows, there will be detailed instruction on:
Paintings from Family Photos with Liz Frankland
Together you will bring your favorite family photos to life. The photos you choose to work from can be in black and white and/or color, from any era. If you are unsure which photo to choose, bring a few options and Liz will discuss the compositional elements with you, helping you determine the best one to use as a reference.
Join or Die: A Conversation with Filmmaker Rebecca Davis & Joining Fair
Be part of the "Join or Die" movement! This event features a thought-provoking Q&A with co-filmmaker Rebecca Davis and a "Joiner Fair" designed to connect you with local clubs, non-profits, and your community.
Join or Die: Free Community Film Screening (NEWLY ADDED)
Experience the newly added public screening of Join or Die—a powerful documentary based on the civic research of Robert Putnam. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the screening beginning at 6:30 PM. This 90-minute film examines the decline of civic engagement in America and the importance of joining together. Don’t miss this final public showing before the filmmaker’s conversation and Community Joiner Fair the following evening.
Encaustic and Collage Workshop with Candace Law
We can thank Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso for introducing collage in the early 1900s.
In this class we'll follow their lead on collage, but add encaustic (hot wax) that can be used both as an adhesive and as a paint.
If you are new to the medium, this is an opportunity to learn more about painting with hot wax.
For the more advanced, this is an opportunity to push your creative process.
Demonstrations will be combined with one-on-one time with the instructor and individual work time so you can learn additional ways to incorporate encaustic into your own artistic projects.
We are inviting you to spend a creative day learning more about this lovely, versatile medium and how to blend it with other materials.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz Collection Event
The War Memorial will serve as a drop-off site for the Free Bikes 4 Kidz non-profit. Over the last seven years, this non-profit has given underserved kids in the Metro-Detroit community 14,614 bikes – each one with a new helmet – getting kids started on a happier, healthier childhood.
Behind the Brushstrokes: Vincent Van Gogh
In coordination with the DIA’s Inside-Out Program that has brought reproductions of 14 pieces from its world-class collection to our community, the Grosse Pointe Artists Association is offering a workshop that takes a deep dive in Self Portrait with a Straw Hat which Vincent van Gogh in 1887.
Artist/Teacher Donald Cronkhite, whom students describe as “passionate, knowledgeable andencouraging,” will lead the workshop and provide all necessary materials to make a copy. Making copies of master artworks is a time-honored practice in art education and is a valuable way to learn about technique, composition and the thought processes of great painters. Art enthusiasts at all levels of experience are welcome.
Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Run - Join the War Memorial Team!
Join the War Memorial Team for the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Run!
Yoga Pop-Up: Yoga for the Perpetually Online
Are you constantly staring at a screen – computer, phone, TV or windshield? Then you and the tension in your head, neck, and shoulders need this special pop-up class designed by Amy Koenig. Everyone is welcome whether you’re looking for a way to stretch or destress, want to try a new form of exercise, are an experienced yogi, or anything in between.
Preschool Playtime
Parents and caregivers join in the fun as little ones play, sing, and dance.
Please note families should attend only one class per week, follow the age recommendation, and keep in mind this is an interactive class designed for adults to participate.
Behind the Brushstrokes: Cafe Scene in Paris, Henri Gervex, 1877.
In coordination with the DIA’s Inside-Out Program that has brought reproductions of 14 pieces from its world-class collection to our community, the Grosse Pointe Artists Association is offering workshops that take deep dives into two of the paintings:
• Cafe Scene in Paris by Henri Gervex
• Self Portrait with a Straw Hat, Vincent van Gogh
Artist/Teacher Donald Cronkhite, whom students describe as “passionate, knowledgeable andencouraging,” will lead both workshops and provide all necessary materials to make a copy. Making copies of master artworks is a time-honored practice in art education and is a valuable way to learn about technique, composition and the thought processes of great painters. Art enthusiasts at all levels of experience are welcome.
History Stroll Through the Pointes
Explore Grosse Pointe’s iconic landmarks during a History Stroll featuring tours at American House, The War Memorial, and the Ford House, plus light refreshments at each stop.
Yoga Pop-Up: Back to Reality
Ready or not summer is coming to an end – get back into a routine slowly with this special pop-up class designed by Amy Koenig. Everyone is welcome whether you’re looking for a way to stretch or destress, want to try a new form of exercise, are an experienced yogi, or anything in between.
Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra: Outdoor Summer Concert
The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra dedicated to providing live, classical symphonic music to the community while providing an opportunity for local professionals and accomplished amateurs to perform the classics.
Clay Therapy
Experience the unique benefits of art therapy through clay. In this hands-on session, you'll explore the healing power of touch, texture, and creative expression while learning sculpting techniques like pinching and coiling. No experience needed—all materials provided.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
All Blood Types Needed! Register today for the American Red Cross Blood Drive, taking place in the War Memorial Ballroom on February 13 from 12pm-6pm
Colored-Pencil Basics with Saveria Giovinazzo
No drawing skills required. All materials provided.
Saveria has designed this class to make it easy to explore what can be created with color pencils.
Students will use stencils and image transfers as the basis for their pieces, then use colored pencils to add color.
Thank you to our sponsors
Charles Schwab GP Community Advocate Sponsor
George Johnson & Company Arts & Culture Friend Sponsor
Wolverine Packing Co. Patriotic Advocate Sponsor
Jeffrey Smith & Lisa Vallee-Smith Patriotic Partner Sponsor
Frank Rewold & Sons Patriotic Partner Sponsor
Grosse Pointe Garden Center Patriotic Friend Sponsor
Butcher & Butcher Construction Co. Patriotic Host Sponsor