BIG week, BIG opps, BIG summer coming 👀

We MAY-ed it, Steven!

We made it to May, fam. The calendar is filling up, the opportunities are real, and this community keeps showing up in all the best ways! Let's get into it.

All virtual links in one place. For member eyes only. Bookmark this: https://linktr.ee/4linkagemembers **Sign-up should not be required to use. If pop-ups appear, you can click the corner "X" to close them.

Writers Workshop — TODAY, May 8 · 11am If you're reading this in time, jump in!!! Bring something to share! YOU decide if you want feedback or not. No pressure, just come write with us. PLUS!!! We need your help with a lil' writing project. No experience required. All welcome! Join Zoom

Virtual Coffee Chat — No Agenda, Just Us Every Monday at 9am. Come as you are. No agenda, no pressure, can't be late. Stay 5 minutes or the whole time — whatever works. Text (734) 649-0508 if tech gets funky. Join Monday Coffee

[Image: commUNITY rising Install, 2025]

Coming Up Next Week!

Music Circle — May 11 · 3:30–4:30pm We're still riding the momentum from last time — jam session ideas, a possible Linkage Anthem, and a performance opportunity to talk through. Bring something you're working on or just an idea sitting with you. All levels, all styles. No polish required. Also: interested in performing at our Pop-Up Art Stop on June 27 (11am–8pm)? Let us know and we'll get you a slot! Join Zoom

MJF Exhibit Curation & Planning — May 15 · 9–10am Come help shape our upcoming traveling exhibition for the MJF Summit, themed Protecting Progress, Dreaming Forward. This session we'll work on the exhibition title, description, wall text, and member artwork nominations. ALL members welcome — not just visual artists. Your voice matters in how this show comes together. Join Zoom

A Brighter Way BBQ — May 15 · 3–7pm · Ypsilanti Our best friend org's 4th Annual BBQ is in ONE WEEK at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti. Linkage will have a table — come hang with us and rep the community! Let us know you're coming so we can save you a seat. @ Riverside Park, Ypsilanti. (2 E Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198) I'm Coming!

[Image: Martín Vargas' Mural in Ingham Co. Parole Office, 2026]

SAVE THE DATES!

Copyright Workshop — Tentatively May 26 · Time TBD Learn how to protect your shiz! Evening of May 26. Details coming soon — mark it now!

REBIRTH Exhibit Install — May 29 · 10am–2pm Lunch included. Transportation reimbursement available. WHO WANTS TO EXHIBIT?! Let me know! (Text 734-649-0508 or via button below) Meet @ the Linkage Gallery: 200 Albert Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 I Want To Exhibit!!

Pop-Up Art Stop — June 27 · 11am–8pm SELL YOUR SHIZ! Perform your work! Tables available for art, books, food, etc. Stage time for music, written word, theatrical performances, all of it. This is going to be a whole day. Sign up for a spot — Limited slots are available now! Reach out to Sarah directly via text (734)649-0508 or email to snag one!! Sign Me Up!

[Image: Day of Empathy Detroit, 2026]

Opportunities · Resources

Embracing Our Differences — 2027 Exhibition Call This national exhibition welcomes ALL artists and writers — students, emerging creatives, professionals, everyone. Theme: acceptance, respect, and embracing our differences. Best-in-Show Adult and People's Choice Award winners each receive $2,000. Due: July 1, 2026 Submit Artwork | Submit a Quote

FREE On-Demand Creative Entrepreneur Workshops! A whole library of free virtual creative business workshops available to watch anytime on our YouTube channel. Watch at your own pace — these are genuinely good. Watch Free Workshops

Spending Plan Resource — Better Money Habits From our last Financial Fun Workshop — a FREE tool to help you build a real spending plan. Bookmark it. Try it out. Let us know what you think. bettermoneyhabits.com/mobility

[Image: ArtPrize Mural Reveal, 2025]

We Need U! Sign the Volunteer Waiver Form — Please! If you're volunteering time or expertise with Linkage in 2026, we need you to fill out this form so we can track all the incredible hours you're putting in. It's electronic and takes a few seconds. (You do NOT need to sign up for anything to complete it.) If you would prefer a paper copy, please let me know, and I can get one mailed to you. Fill Out Waiver

Strategic Planning — Fill in the Blanks Frannie and I are reaching out individually, but here it is if you haven't heard from us yet. We want your voice at the center of where Linkage goes next. Just fill in the blanks: "Linkage Community exists [for this purpose]. We know it's a success when [these things happen]." One word, one sentence, one paragraph — whatever you've got. Text, email, voice memo, or video. All responses are anonymous. This is YOUR org. Help us shape it. Share Your Thoughts

[Image: We Draw The Lines, 2025]

Want to see what's coming this year? View Full 2026 Calendar Here

Did you know... Y'all are the reason this whole thing works! Keep showing up, keep creating, keep being exactly who you are. See you out there! —Sarah