Friday Forums

June 21 The Artistry and Healing Power of Kintsugi — Artist Mary Dye will discuss the artistry and healing power of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Mending broken pottery with gold highlights imperfection and serves as a metaphor for accepting flaws and brokenness. Kintsugi not only transforms pottery; it can heal human brokenness too. In addition to this inspiring Friday Forum lecture, Mary will also teach a Kintsugi studio class July 1 – 5.

June 28 Mitten of Plenty: Michigan’s Agriculture and Craft Food Industries — Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the country and is often referred to as the “Mitten of Plenty.” Add to that a growing industry focused on locally sourced products such as cheese, sauces, jams, breads, chocolates, and more. This program by Dianna Stampfler will educate you about the state’s agricultural heritage, and whet your appetite for culinary tourism around the Great Lakes State.

July 5 The Opiate Epidemic in Northern Michigan: What You Need to Know — Northern Michigan has been heavily affected by widespread opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose. The consequences for individuals, families, and communities are devastating and far-reaching, even for non-users. Emmet County Undersheriff Matt Leirstein, Detective Sergeant Fuller Cowell, Deputy Tyler Midyett and his K9, Divot, will be on hand to discuss the history, scope and crushing effects of the opiate epidemic in Northern Michigan. They will share some of the strategies they use to combat the effects of the epidemic.

July 19 Bay View’s Blind Lyricist: The Songs of J. Will Callahan — Noted historian Mary Jane Doerr will explore the life and career of blind Tin Pan Alley lyricist J. Will Callahan, who built a cottage on Forest Avenue in Bay View in 1909. His song “Smiles,” written in 1917, sold 5 million copies of sheet music during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic and World War I. He published 300 songs during his time in Bay View.

July 26 Beyond the Movie: A Brief History of the Osage People and Their Resilience — Embark on a journey with Tom Eaton, an Osage Nation member, as he unveils a captivating snapshot of Osage history, exploring the era before, during, and after the era showcased in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” He will share tales of resilience and strength that illuminate the enduring spirit of the Osage people throughout the ages—yesterday, today, and for generations to come.

August 2 Patterns of Portugal: An Exploration of Photography, Journalism, and Travel — Back in Bay View by popular demand, writer and photographer Christine Chitnis shows us how color and pattern are woven into the very fabric of Portugal’s culture, history, architecture, and traditions. From azulejos, the colorful ceramic tiles covering much of Portugal’s architecture, to the intricately embroidered details of traditional lavradeira costumes, and the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine, Chitnis guides us on a tour of the gorgeous fields of Alentejo, the sparkling waters of the Algarve, the busy streets of Lisbon, and the lush valleys of the Douro.

August 9 Bay View: A Uniquely American Experience Sesquicentennial Preview — You may think you know Bay View’s history, but you’ve never heard it the way Bay View Archivist Elizabeth Nelson tells it. Nelson closes out the 2024 Friday Forum series with a look toward Bay View’s 150th anniversary in 2025. She will share rarely seen photos from Bay View Archives, and she’ll offer unique perspectives on our community’s history, the history of the nationwide Chautauqua movement, and Bay View’s connection with other summer resorts in the area.