News Up North

Announcing the 5th Annual Dorothy Draper School of Decorating at America’s Summer Place. Come experience a Day of Decorating with host Carleton Varney, one of the most well known interior designers and President of Dorothy Draper and Company of New York City. Participants of the School of Decorating will explore the art of creating beautiful bold interiors during two design and artistic sessions. Learn about the Dorothy Draper style, developing a symphonically creative space, and giving your room personality and harmony. In addition, the day of decorating class is designed so participants may enhance design and decorating for their own personal spaces and appreciate the process of creating new and bold interiors.

Click here to read a Q&A with Emma Jay Byfield, great-grandaughter of Dorothy Draper, on MyNorth.com.

Emma talks about her experience attending Grand Hotel’s Dorothy Draper School of Decorating and how her great-grandmother’s iconic designs have influenced her own personal style.

Come immerse yourself in the bright beautiful colors and inspiration throughout Grand Hotel where Carleton Varney has been decorating for over 40 years. Gain confidence in your artistic expression and let your decorating talents come to life! Get ready to be creative and have fun!

In addition to the School of Decorating, the package includes accommodations in one of 397 uniquely decorated guest rooms designed by Mr. Varney, a full breakfast and dinner daily, cocktail receptions on Friday and Saturday evenings, and all of the modern amenities of Grand Hotel.

Dorothy Draper School of Decorating Registration Form:

In addition to the package price, there is a $300 per person fee for the School of Decorating sessions for guests staying at Grand Hotel.

For non-hotel guests there will be a $350.00 per person fee.

To register for the School of Decorating, please fill out the form by clicking here.

Join faculty, alumni and students from the Michigan State University College of Arts & Letters, the celebrated home of art, theatre, language, literature, innovation and creativity at the University, as they convene for a very special 25th Anniversary weekend. Celebrate the future of art through sustainability, while enjoying the splendor of Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island, pre-dinner cocktail receptions, fine dining, and performances showcasing theatre and music.

Friday evening will start with a cocktail reception and dinner in the Main Dining Room, followed by an enjoyable evening of musical theatre with Broadway hits performed by the MSU Department of Musical Theatre Company.

Saturday morning, take a guided tour of the Mackinac Island Manoogian Art Collection, followed by a presentation about Sustainable Design: Fashion and Culture by faculty from MSU College of Arts & Letters Apparel and Textile Design program and MSU Department of Theatre. In the afternoon, take part in The Art of Shares to Wares by Laura Cloud, Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. Shape and mold snare wires into toys and works of art that can be sold to support community members in East Africa.

This is the perfect weekend to bring out your passion for the arts and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Arts Weekend!

NEWS! Read about Associate Professor of Integrated Media Design, Alison Dobbins, who is at forefront of a new frontier in theatre – one that integrates digital media, lighting, and theatrical production to provide magical effects for the stage. Alison will present on Saturday afternoon. At the Forefront of a New Age in Theatre >>