Attend an Upcoming Event
Virtual: Aurora Chasing Program & Book Launch
Virtual Aurora Chasing Program and Book Launch for “Below the 45th Parallel”
Date: Thursday, March 2, 7:30pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/2nE9jwF6w
Writers Conference: AWP 2023
Fiction Writing Workshops; Attending the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference
March 8-11, 2023
Seattle, Washington
A Day of Aurora Chasing
Aurora Mythology and Folklore, Northern Lights Tips, Aurora Painting Class, and Book Signing with Various Speakers
Aurora Chasers Pastel Painting Class with Karen Mazzoline
When: Saturday, March 18th, from 10:30PM
Where: The Katydid
Admission: $40
Tickets: https://grandpashorters.com/product/aurora-chasers-pastel-class-03-18-23/
Aurora Mythology: Secrets from the Goddess of the Dawn
When: Saturday, March 18th, from 1PM – 3PM
Where: The Katydid
305 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Admission: $15
Tickets: https://grandpashorters.com/product-category/tickets-for-upcoming-in-store-events/
Aurora Chasing Tips/Advice & Book Signing
When: Saturday, March 18th, from 5PM – 7PM
Where: The Katydid
305 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Admission: Free, tickets required
Tickets: https://grandpashorters.com/product-category/tickets-for-upcoming-in-store-events/
Below the 45th Parallel: Aurora Chasing Program & Book Signing
Featuring Melissa F. Kaelin, author of The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region
Date: May 11, 2023, 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Ann Arbor District Library, Westgate Branch
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/23g9y4Voa
Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop
Aurora Forecasting & Photography Workshop featuring Nate Stovall, Shelly Leigh, Patrick Grubba, Melissa Kaelin and Others
April 1, 2023, 1-6pm
Headlands International Dark Sky Park with off-site photography at night
Admission: Free Program, Registration Required. Open to the Public.
Register: SOLD OUT
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/4uh42witA
Following the program, join the Michigan Aurora Chasers for the Social and Night Shoot with dinner provided.
7pm-7am, April 1-2, 2023
Cost: $12
Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
A weekend celebration of our dark skies with various speakers
April 21-22, 2023
Chasing the Northern Lights in Michigan with Melissa Kaelin
2:00pm, Saturday, April 22, 2023
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
Admission: $125 per person
Register: Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
Below the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region
Date: 7pm, Thursday, May25
Location: Oxford Township Parks and Recreation, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: https://oxparkrec.org/
Join Melissa F. Kaelin, the founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of “Below the 45th Parallel,” to discover what it takes to view the Northern Lights in the mid-latitudes, where we live. This program will explain how Aurora is created and the best methods for predicting an Aurora display, while sharing tools and techniques you can use to realize your dream of catching the Northern Lights.
Fox Park Observatory Star Party
Featuring Michigan Aurora Chasers Founder Melissa Kaelin & Others
Dates: August 17-20, 2023
Location: Fox Park Observatory, Potterville, Michigan
Admission: TBD
Website: https://www.facebook.com/foxparkobservatory
Grand Rapids Area Aurora Chasing Program & Book Signing
Dates: 6:30pm, Thursday, September 7, 2023
Location: Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville
Admission: Free
Aurora Summit 23: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science, and Photography of the Aurora Borealis
Dates: November 3-5, 2023
Location: Legendary Waters Resort, Red Cliff, Wisconsin
Admission: $$$
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
RSVP for Aurora Summit 23
Back by popular demand, join us for the optional pre-conference program Aurora Summit: Photography Bootcamp, hosted by Mike Shaw Photography! Details below. The conference will feature a Keynote Speaker, an Aurora Chasing panel, and many presentations on topics related to Aurora and the night sky. The annual Aurora Summit is open to anyone with a passion for the Northern Lights, space weather and astrophotography. Registration launches in June!
Aurora Summit 23: Photography Bootcamp
Attending the Aurora Summit? Come early and join our host Mike Shaw Photography for a pre-conference Photography Bootcamp!
This optional add-on will begin at 9 a.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, before the conference opens. Those attending may want to check in to the host hotel on Thursday night. Bring your camera, lenses, tripods and trackers to get in gear for a weekend of astrophotography! For details, visit: TheAuroraSummit.com/events
Latest News & Updates
Get the latest news and updates! View stories in the press, watch videos, and get more details about current happenings.
Past Events
How to Catch the Northern Lights in Northwest Michigan
Public Program, Q&A and Book Signing
Date: Saturday, February 11, 1:00pm
Location: Leland Township Public Library, Leland, Michigan
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/3X4qIoc6K
Virtual! Chasing the Aurora in the Mid-Latitudes
Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Date: Thursday, January 19, 7:30-9:30PM ET
Location: Virtual
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/2e3BUbUt0
Michigan Aurora Chasers Social
A Social Gathering for Members of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Date: 7:30pm, Friday, December 30
Location: The Limberlost, Houghton Lake, Michigan
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/6lc1hMq5H
#MIAuroraSocial
Aurora Summit 22: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science and Photography of the Northern Lights
November 4-6, 2022
Red Cliff, Wisconsin
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
Fiction 440
Participating in a Community Performance Event
5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Jimmy’s Pub
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/Fiction440/
Fiction 440
Participating in a Community Performance Event
5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Jimmy’s Pub
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/Fiction440/
Live Chase: Michigan Aurora Chasers
Meet us at one of two events on Friday to chase the Northern Lights, in a #LiveChase led by Melissa F. Kaelin and Nate Stovall.
When: 8 p.m. Eastern, Friday, April 1, 2022
Where: Glen Haven, Michigan OR Port Austin, Michigan
Admission: Free
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1342756526219074/
Pay It Forward Day: Writing Seminar Honoring the Late Mike Resnick
Variety of speakers, with Melissa F. Kaelin presenting “Revise to Impress Your Readers: Getting Constructive Feedback & Finding Writers Groups”
11:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2022
Virtual seminar via Zoom
Admission: Free
Register: https://shoemaker.space/pay-it-forward-day/
Fiction 440
Participating in a Community Performance Event
5 p.m. — 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Jimmy’s Pub
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/Fiction440/
Aurora Summit 21
Various Presentations
Friday, Nov. 5 – Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021
Harbor View Event Center
Washburn, Wisconsin
Open to the public with registration
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
#AuroraSummit21
Fall Equinox Michigan Aurora Chasers Meet-Up
Casual gathering of Michigan Aurora Chasers
7:00 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24, 2021
Free and open to group members
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/306459820872163
Summer Book Launch & Party: The Social Gap Experiment
Performances by artists of the Social Gap Experiment Anthology
Details: 2 p.m., Saturday, June 12 in Moore’s Park in Lansing, Michigan
Free and open to the public
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/192947789242284/
Website: KaelinArt.com/social-gap-experiment
Fiction 440
Participating in a Community Performance Event
5 p.m. — 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/Fiction440/
REO Town Reading Series
Performances by M.F. Kaelin and other talents
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Watch live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REOTownReading/
Social Gap Experiment Virtual Launch Party
Performances by Authors & Artists of the Social Gap Experiment Anthology
7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020
Watch the Facebook Video: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.f.kaelin/videos/10106791466718128
Website: KaelinArt.com/social-gap-experiment
Lansing Poetry Club
Featured Poet
September 7, 2020
In September, Melissa was featured by the Lansing Poetry Club in the “We Miss You Series.” Read the featured post or watch the video of the performance by Mary Fox.
Social Gap Experiment
Creative Banter and Performances by Melissa F. Kaelin & Others
Virtual Event Every Thursday from July 2 – August 27, 2020
Social Gap Experiment — 7 p.m., Thursday (Informal Open Mic on Facebook Live Video)
Anthology In Progress!
Website: KaelinArt.com/social-gap-experiment
The Artist’s Umbrella
Performance by Melissa F. Kaelin & Others
7 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Virtual Event
Website: www.theartistsumbrella.com
News: https://www.opportunityarts.org/news–events/world-renowned-vocal-performer-to-headline-lansing-based-variety-show
Fiction 440
Participating in a Community Performance Event
6 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Jimmy’s Pub
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/Fiction440/
The Poetry Room
Participating in a Community Event
7:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020
The Robin Theatre
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: $5/10 Suggested Donation
Website: the517poetryroom.com
REO Town Reading Series
Fiction by Melissa F. Kaelin & Others
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020
Blue Owl Coffee
1149 South Washington Ave.
Lansing, Michigan
Website: REO Town Reading Series
Aurora Summit 19
Presentation: Secrets of the Goddess of the Dawn — Aurora Myth & Legend
Friday, Nov. 1 – Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019
Habor View Event Center
Washburn, Wisconsin
Open to the public with registration
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
Details: This 3-day conference brings people together to share their passion for the Northern Lights and astrophotography. Hosted by Mike Shaw Photography, the workshop features a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, and more than 10 educational sessions on topics related to the Aurora and the night sky. Registration is typically launched in June. Follow us on Twitter or join the discussion with the Aurora Summit on Facebook.
#AuroraSummit19
Fiction 440
Participating in a Community Performance Event
6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019
Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/Fiction440/
Inkwell Open Mic and Reading Series
Featured Author: Poetry Reading
7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019
Urban Artifact, Northside
Cincinnati, Ohio
Website: Inkwell Poetry Open Mic and Reading Series: Aug 14
The Poetry Room
Participating in a Community Event
7:45 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019
The Robin Theatre
Lansing, Michigan
Admission: $5/10 Suggested Donation
Website: the517poetryroom.com
The Good Tyme Writers Buffet & Potluck
Fiction Reading with Various Authors
7 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2019
Public Pool Art Space
3309 Caniff Street
Hamtramck, Michigan 48212
Website: Tumblr Page
East Lansing Art Festival
Fiction 440, Flash Fiction Reading with Various Authors
3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2019
East Lansing, Michigan
Website: East Lansing Art Festival Performers
REO Town Reading Series
Fiction by M.F. Kaelin & Others
7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2019
Blue Owl Coffee
Lansing, Michigan
Website: REO Town Reading Series
Art: Diverse Perspectives Through Local Eyes
Event: Public gallery exhibit from Eagan Artist Connect
Date: December 1, 2017 – January 30, 2018
Artist Reception from 6- 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 3
Location: Art Works Eagan, 3795 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN
Admission: Free admission at the opening event
Website: ArtWorksEagan.org
Details: Join us for a gallery exhibition celebrating the work of local artists in Eagan Artist Connect, in one of the first gallery exhibits to be held at the newly opened Art Works Eagan, or AWE.
Aurora Summit 18
Event: The Aurora Summit: Celebrating the Art, Folklore, Science, and Photography of the Aurora Borealis
Date: Friday, November 2 – Sunday, November 4, 2018
Location: Two Harbors, MN
Admission: Open to the public with registration, Cost TBD
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
Details: This 3-day conference brings people together to share their passion for the Northern Lights and astrophotography. Hosted by Mike Shaw Photography, the workshop features a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, and more than 10 educational sessions on topics related to the Aurora and the night sky. Registration is typically launched in June. Follow us on Twitter or join the discussion on the Aurora Summit 18 Facebook Event Page.
Aurora Folklore & Mythology: Into the Deep
Event: Aurora Summit 17
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2017
Location: Two Harbors, MN
Admission: Included with conference registration
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
Details: All are welcome to attend the Aurora Summit, a new event hosted by Mike Shaw Photography. I’ll be presenting among an amazing group of individuals on the art, science, photography and folklore surrounding the Northern Lights. If you’re interested in attending the summit, please register here.
Aurora Folklore & Mythology
Event: Session at the 4th Annual Great Lakes Aurora Hunters Gathering
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2016
Location: Two Harbors, MN
Admission: Open to members
Website: http://www.eventzilla.net/web/event/glah-gathering-2016-2138854960
Details: Any member of the Great Lakes Aurora Hunters group on Facebook is welcome to join us at our annual retreat, where I’ll be presenting alongside many talented individuals on all things Aurora.
Wintry Art Exhibit
Event: Public coffee shop exhibit
Date: Monday, January 5, 2015 — Monday, February 9, 2015
Location: Dunn Bros. Coffee,
1012 Diffley Rd., Eagan, MN 55123
Open Hours: 5:30am to 8:30pm, Monday — Sunday
Admission: Free
Website: http://eagan.dunnbros.com/
Details: Stop by Dunn Bros. Coffee in Eagan, Minnesota, for a steaming cup of coffee and enjoy the vibrant colors of 11 original paintings during your visit.
First Thursday in the Arts District
Event: Public open studio tour
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014
Location: Gallery 402B, Northrup King Building,
1500 Jackson St. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Open Hours: 5pm to 9pm, Thursday
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.northrupkingbuilding.com/
Details: Join us for First Thursday in the Arts District of Northeast Minneapolis. Hundreds of galleries will open to the public for the night.
“Art-A-Whirl”
Event: A large, public open studio tour, presented by
the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association
Date: Friday, May 16, 2014 — Sunday, May 18, 2014
Location: Studio 402B, Northrup King Building,
1500 Jackson St. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Open Hours:
5pm to 10pm, Friday
Noon to 8pm, Saturday
Noon to 5pm, Sunday
Admission: Free
Website: http://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl
Details: Presented by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country. It’s an opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with artists and purchase original work. This annual event takes place on the third weekend in May. It is free and open to the public.
“Thirty Years of Hope”
Event: “Thirty Years of Hope” benefiting the MN AIDS Project
A joint effort by Altered Esthetics and Hennepin County Library
Date: November 1 — December 31, 2013
Location: Cargill Gallery, Minneapolis Central Library
Open Hours: Weekdays 10-6 pm, except Thursday 10-8 pm & Sunday Noon-5pm
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/libraries/cargillhall.cfm
Details: The exhibit will be on display during Minnesota AIDS Project events including their 30th anniversary celebration. The event will acknowledge the suffering and loss caused by HIV and AIDS and celebrate the progress the organization has made against this once deadly disease.
Summer Art Exhibit
Event: First exhibit ever!
Location: Apple Valley Dunn Bros.
Date: June 26 — August 20, 2013
Open Hours: Monday through Thursday 5:30am – 8pm
Friday 5:30am – 9pm
Saturday 6am – 9pm
Sunday 7am – 7 pm
Admission: Free
Details: I am pleased to announce my first-ever art exhibit! Stop by to get a deliciously strong coffee and view my artwork. Special thanks to Jacob Wicker and Lisa Anderson for inviting me to share my work!
melissa f. kaelin 