Set aside time to disconnect from the day-to-day and focus on connecting with the natural world through writing and art. Throughout this one-day art and writing retreat, participants will explore nature journaling, sketching, and creative writing skills under the guidance of professional writers and artists. Take in the sights and sounds of The Morton Arboretum, and explore nature with fellow creatives. Appropriate for all levels, this retreat will help you grow your connection to nature through writing and art, no matter your starting point.
Sessions include:
Paying Attention through Words with Cindy Crosby
“So much of our life passes in a comfortable blur…” so writes the poet Diane Ackerman. How do we pay attention to our lives? One way to do so is to pay attention to the places we find ourselves. In this session, discover ideas to help you closely observe the natural world, and then practice putting your impressions into words. Try out various writing forms that will help you think in new ways about your exterior and interior landscapes. Listen as Cindy shares the voices of diverse writers you may enjoy and learn from. Leave with ideas on how to continue your writing practice.
Nature Speaks with Kristy Belton
Author and collage artist Kristy A. Belton will guide participants through an outdoor adventure where clouds reveal worlds, beetles carry clues, and tree bark whispers to be touched. Participants will be guided via prompts to notice that which yearns to speak to them from nature. They will then translate these words into a unique collage piece.
Nature Journaling with Carrie Carlson
Artistic nature journaling is the mindful practice of connecting with nature by using all your senses, making and recording observations through art, and being curious. What better way to expand your enjoyment of nature! Participants in this workshop will
- use words, pictures, and numbers to document the natural world around us.
- discuss tools, materials, and resources for journaling.
- explore prompts that will sharpen observation skills.
- practice basic drawing skills.
- learn to appreciate even the smallest details nature has to offer.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructors: Cindy Crosby, author and naturalist; Carrie Carlson, artist; Kristy Belton, nature and wellness educator
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A096
