During this restorative retreat, you’ll tap into a place of calm and centeredness through a sensory-focused immersion in the natural world combined with gently guided artistic exploration.
The day begins with an art-focused forest therapy walk where you’ll awaken your awareness of the shapes, textures, colors and smells of nature, and explore the beauty of creating heart-guided, impermanent art from natural materials. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to engage, in the spirit of creative play, with more traditional art methods like sketching, collage, and painting. We’ll incorporate inspiration and materials from the outdoors, including natural inks and paints, in a way that serves to further enhance your connection with the natural world.
No art experience is necessary! This type of artistic expression is focused on the process of creativity (rather than on any end product), so whether or not you consider yourself to be artistic or creative, this program is for you.
Our aim is for you to feel pampered and cared for in a relaxing, calming, supportive atmosphere. Certified Forest Therapy Guide Beth Bengtson and artist and designer Betsy Mitten will offer gentle guidance to help you access the joy and internal freedom that naturally emerges when you engage with nature in hands-on, creative ways. Your fee includes a custom-designed pouch of art and self care items to enhance your experience during the program and to take home and enjoy in further explorations of your own.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum. Please bring a lunch and water. All other materials are provided.
Instructor: Beth Bengtson, certified forest therapy guide; Betsy Mitten, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: WELL250/A250
Instructors
Beth Bengtson, certified forest therapy guide
Beth Bengtson is a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She was also an education program guide at the Arboretum for more than 15 years, teaching nature education programs for youth and adults in both lab and outdoor settings. She has certifications in natural history and Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program through The Morton Arboretum. She works with a volunteer steward group restoring the Arboretum’s East Prairie, and she leads students and youth volunteers on natural areas restoration projects. She has a BA in English from the University of Iowa and, prior to entering the field of nature education, worked professionally as a writer and editor. She still enjoys writing freelance and personal projects. Her work has been published in literary journals and various print and online publications.
Betsy Mitten, artist
Betsy Mitten is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and pattern designer whose work weaves together her love of creativity, nature, and education. She is passionate about helping learners of all ages connect with their creativity and the natural world, and brings a hands-on, engaging approach to her teaching.
Betsy holds a BFA in textiles and fibers from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Master’s in Education from Loyola University Maryland, and an AMI Montessori Elementary Teaching Certificate. She has held various educational roles throughout her career, including as children and family programs coordinator at the Chicago Botanic Garden and an education program guide at The Morton Arboretum. Betsy has decades of experience designing and implementing integrated art and nature programs for museums, schools and private groups. You can learn more about Betsy’s current design work and classes @betsymittenstudio.
What to Know
All skill levels are welcome.
This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.
Please bring lunch, a snack, and water.
Program Schedule
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
