Artsy Fun!

Want to explore your creative side?!?  Local Artist, Bobbi Shirey, is available November - April to host onsite experiences at The Castle. 
​Prices are based on two people minimum.
​Contact her directly in advance of your stay to plan your BEST EVER date night or group gathering!  ​1.616.799.0692 (Call/text)

​Couples or Small Group Classes

"Paired Painting" Date Night
Roughly an hour and a half
​​Private Couple Only:  $150   (upgrade to 16x20 canvases for $40 more )
Group Castle Guests:  $150 base price for two +$60 per additional person
A collaborative art experience where two individuals each paint a separate canvas that, when placed together, forms a single, cohesive masterpiece. 

• Split Composition: The design is intentionally split across two canvases (a diptych) so that elements like tree branches, horizons, or abstract shapes flow seamlessly from one piece to the other.
• Collaborative Alignment: Partners must coordinate their brushwork and color matching to ensure the two halves align perfectly when mounted.
• Thematic Unity: Common themes include "Sun and Moon," "Love Birds," or interlocking landscapes where each person's contribution is essential to the whole. ​

Includes approximately and hour and half with Bobbi at The Castle, two canvases (11"x14"), and all painting supplies.  No experience needed.  Step by step instructions provided using brushes and palate knifes as you choose.

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"Treasure of Superior" Jewelry Workshop
​Roughly an hour and a half
​Two-Person Minimum:  $45 - $60 per person
This onsite class allows guests to transform locally foraged finds into high-end mementos.

• Find & Forage: We've done this work for you as this is a winter class!  Pick from beautiful pebbles from the shore, sand from any of the multiple local beaches, pine needles, dried leaves, mini pinecones, and twigs!  Be creative.
• Artisan Crafting: Under the guidance of a local artisan, Bobbi Shirey, learn wire-wrapping or basic silversmithing techniques to set your found stones into custom pendants, bracelets, or earrings.   Or choose to create keepsake resin jewelry using sterling silver trays for your local materials of choice.
• Materials Provided: Bobbi will provide all necessary jewelry-grade wire (sterling silver or copper), professional tools, and resin equipment needed for your project of choice.  Typical class lasts 1.5 hours.

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"Michigan Trees" Crushed Glass Workshop
Roughly an hour and a half
Two-Person Minimum:  $60 per person
​This onsite class allows guests to transform a mixture of shattered tempered glass fragments into mesmerizing wall art.

• About the Glass:  Purchased glass in multiple colors providing the variety of shades needed to add depth to your artwork.
• Medium of Choice: Guests will be provided with several examples of past glass tree work, while they pursue the vast selection of Michigan trees they may use as their own personal muse.
• Materials Provided: Glass of various color, glue, resin, and wooden frame (4x20).  Local rocks and sand will also be available to embellish your project as you see fit. 

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"All Crack Up "Beach Glass Workshop
Roughly an hour and a half
Two-Person Minimum:  $60 per person
​This onsite class allows guests to transform a mixture of locally formed and purchased beach glass into a work of art!

• About the Glass: Lake Superior is the cleanest and least traveled of all Great Lakes, resulting in a limited supply of beach glass found on the shore.  I've added some purchased glass to enhance options with this project.
• Medium of Choice: Guests will pick an object from imagination, Bobbi's examples, or even go online and then utilize the glass with the guidance of Bobbi to form their own unique masterpiece.
• Materials Provided: Glass of various colors and sizes, glue, and frame (11x14).  Local rocks will also be available to add to your project as you see fit.​ 

About the Artist....

Bobbi Shirey was born and raised in West Michigan but now calls Calumet, Michigan home.  Here's some words from her...

After being a hairstylist for 36 years and owning my own salon for 30 of those years, I decided to retire in 2020 and pursue my passion for art full time.  My husband of 38 years and I moved 10 hours north to the Keweenaw Peninsula. I have 3 grown children and 4 beautiful grandchildren who all support me in my artwork. While I took art classes in high school and college, I am self-taught and draw most of my inspiration from the beauty that surrounds me here in the Upper Peninsula. I love creating one of a kind artwork, whether it’s canvas art using my palette knives to layer colors to create incredible texture and depth, or my jewelry which I refer to as wearable art. I love teaching classes to young and old, sharing my techniques and making new friends along the way. My advice to anyone… It’s never too late to follow your dreams and start over again.  Do the things you dream of!  You never know until you try. On a perfect day you can find me along the shores of Lake Superior with my easel, using the views as inspiration or in my studio creating one of a kind artwork.
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