The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) will celebrate “40 years of creativity” with a 40th anniversary picnic planned for Thursday, August 17. The event will take place from 5-8pm at Thoreson Farm in Maple City, where GAAC promises “fun, fellowship, and fried chicken,” as well as wine donated by Synchronicity Gallery.

GAAC was born in 1983 out of a brain trust of local artists and art supporters that included Suzanne Wilson, Ananda and Ben Bricker, Frank and Barbara Siepker, Midge Obata, and Becky Thatcher. According to the GAAC website, this group got together and “pooled their ideas and energies to create the organization.” In particular, the group “wanted to see the work of area artists celebrated and promoted for all to enjoy,” and desired a place for “teaching classes, organizing exhibits, and holding events that promote understanding and appreciation of the arts.”

Today, GAAC provides year-round arts programming in Leelanau County, including exhibits of work by local artists, arts classes and workshops for kids and adults alike, and live events that range from lectures to theatrical performances to live music.

Attendance to the GAAC 40th anniversary picnic is only open to members, and attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by August 17 to autumnk@glenarborart.org.

Correction: A previous version of this article indicated that the event was open to all. The party is only open to GAAC members.