Set aside time to disconnect from the day-to-day and give your creative side an opportunity to flourish. Through guided explorations with professional writers and artists, this retreat at The Morton Arboretum will provide a fun, interactive, natural setting to release your inner creativity, connect with nature, and find community.
Participants may sign up for one or two days. Instructors will provide means to see and experience the natural world in novel ways that will inspire you to think differently. Use pen, paper, and a variety of art materials to play and explore new ideas.
Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.
See What to Know for a list of required supplies.
All experience levels are welcome.
Friday Workshops
Morning
Cultivating Nonattachment Through Collage
Join certified forest therapist Kristy Belton for an exploration of nonattachment—the practice of releasing our need to control or shape a particular outcome—through the playful, intuitive medium of collage. Much like the natural world, collage invites us to trust in organic process over perfect design. Guided invitations will support you in letting go and opening up to possibility as you create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your experience.
We’ll also reflect on how collage, by its very nature, mirrors the rhythm of life in the wild: fragmented yet whole, unpredictable yet beautiful—like fallen leaves forming a forest floor or rivers carving unexpected paths through stone.
Please bring a journal and any of your favorite markers or pencils.
Afternoon
Writing to Pay Attention to the Natural World
Listen to the timeless words of celebrated nature writers. Enjoy dedicated time outdoors in nature with writing prompts both old and new that will hone your observational skills. In this session led by nature writer Cindy Crosby, participants will experiment with different literary forms to express their thoughts, feelings, and impressions about the natural world in new ways. A great refresher for those who have taken this workshop before; lots of invigorating writing ideas for those new to the workshop. Come with inspiration and an open mind, leave feeling energized to write!
Please bring a journal or sketchpad and something to write with.
Saturday Workshops
Morning
Block Printing
Discover the art of linoleum block printing with a focus on nature-inspired designs. This beginner-friendly workshop led by artist and educator Carrie Carlson will introduce the tools and techniques of carving linoleum, inking a block, and hand-printing unique images. Draw inspiration from leaves, flowers, and natural textures as you create your own one-of-a-kind prints.
All supplies will be provided in class.
Afternoon
Beginner Botanical Embroidery
In this hands-on workshop led by Chicago-based textile artist Katie Vota, we’ll explore a variety of botanically inspired embroidery stitches, both flat and dimensional. You’ll have the option to create a sampler that showcases each technique, perfect for beginners looking to build confidence and skills, or apply the stitches more freely in your own creative botanical design.
Whether you’re new to embroidery or looking to deepen your practice, this workshop offers a grounding, nature-based approach to stitching.
All supplies will be provided in class.
Instructors: Kristy Belton, certified forest therapy guide, Prairie Pathways; Carrie Carlson, artist; Cindy Crosby, author and naturalist; Katie Vota, art professor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A096-A
