Get ready for a week of creativity, exploration, and outdoor adventure! In Nature Art day camp, young artist-scientists will immerse themselves in magical Fort Worden State Park, using nature as both their inspiration and their canvas.

Campers will learn to draw from observation, create stunning earth sculptures inspired by eco-artists like Andy Goldsworthy, and experiment with a variety of natural materials to craft unique works of art. Through hands-on activities, they will discover the fascinating patterns, textures, and colors of the world around them.

Each day will be filled with creative projects, fun outdoor games, and guided explorations that encourage curiosity, teamwork and connect art with the science of nature. Whether building ephemeral sculptures on the beach, sketching towering trees, or playing nature-inspired games, campers will carry with them a deeper appreciation for art, science, and the outdoors.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required art supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Aliina Lahti is a certified K-12 teacher, watercolorist, abstract painter, eco-artist, and a certified yoga instructor. Her exploration of art in and with nature began with childhood mud pies in her backyard and continues to be inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She thrives when teaching classes in the great outdoors, using art as a tool for self-exploration, grounding, meditation, and play. With degrees in visual art and ecology, she deeply appreciates the interconnectedness of all living things. Her teaching encourages playful, whole-body integration and acceptance, incorporating movement, stretch breaks, and the recognition that art can be a practice of both letting go and play.

Artist website: Aliina Lahti

In this fun three-hour workshop, you'll learn how to make a “turkey-wing” style hand broom from start to finish.

We'll start with a short introduction to broom-making and its history, including a foray into the world of the Shakers, and instructor Dan Hawkins' connection to them in Maine. Then we'll jump into learning how to craft a broom, and selecting sorghum and hemp cord for your handcrafted broom — not only a cleaning tool but also a work of art. Dan will share his insights on technique, broom size, uses and more, and you'll come away with a finished broom as well as the skills to make more.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dan Hawkins was born in Maine and has worked as an architect and carpenter in China, Denmark, England, and the United States. In 2021, he moved to Portland, OR, where he started Bodge, a platform for his sculpture, woodwork, and brooms. His work explores domestic tools, as well as the craft traditions and techniques associated with those objects. Dan also teaches broom-making and woodworking classes and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In this creative week-long camp, youngsters ages 8 to 15 get to explore the history, structure and importance of ancient Greek theater — and then produce a play of their own! We will create costumes, develop characters, build a set, and collaborate on a script in the style of the ancients. Camp culminates in a performance and celebration of what we built together.

Note: While Greek mythological themes may come up, our focus in this camp is on using the structure of ancient Greek theater to tell a unique story.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required art supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Lorelei Amato has been a teaching artist for more than 20 years, working with all ages an almost all materials and techniques. She specializes in creating arts-integrated history, social studies and personal growth curriculum. Helping people unlock creativity and discover the power in their hands to feed their minds and spirits is what gets her out of bed in the morning.

Artist website: Lorelei Amato

Northwind Art, alongside the Olympic Area Agency on Aging, is thrilled to offer a series of workshops for folks experiencing memory loss and their caregivers.

The Aging Creatively workshop series offers a welcoming and supportive space for individuals experiencing memory loss, and their caregivers, to connect through art. Led by experienced instructor Jodi Ericksen, these every-other-week sessions provide time for creative exploration, self-expression, and meaningful social engagement.

Based on the very successful Creative Aging program created by the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, these art classes are designed to foster connection, creativity, and cognitive engagement, enriching the lives of the people who take part.

Each session is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various skill levels, focusing on simple painting or mixed-media activities that stimulate cognitive function while fostering joy and connection. Caregivers and participants create side by side, strengthening their bonds through shared artistic experiences.

Held at the Northwind Art School at Fort Worden, these classes have all materials provided, ensuring accessibility for all. Whether rediscovering a love for art or trying something new, participants will leave each session with a sense of accomplishment, community, and creative inspiration.

Join us every other week as we celebrate creativity, connection, and the power of artistic expression!

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Jodi Ericksen is a local artist who in recent years has specialized in block printing, while also enjoying mixed media, collage, water color, oil pastels, acrylics, fiber arts and more. Her work stems from the soul, and she believes art comes from the places within us without words. She views the expression of art as an act of simply setting our minds free, as well as a place to connect with and release feelings and emotions. In addition to her work as an artist, she is also a mother, a massage therapist, and a graduate student in Seattle University’s Licensed Mental Health Counseling master's program. Her future intention is to work with clients by utilizing talk, somatic, and art therapies.

Funding for the aging Creatively program is provided by The Olympic Area Agency on Aging.

This course is limited to individuals diagnosed with memory loss and their caregivers.

One registration covers enrollment for two people. This is not a respite program. Individuals experiencing memory loss must be accompanied by their caregiver.

Registration is highly encouraged so that we have enough seating and an accurate amount of art-making supplies, however a limited number of walk-in spaces are available for each session.

Spend an enjoyable day painting landscapes en plein air while learning the tricks to painting with gouache as well as how to simplify a landscape for a painting. Some experience with any paint and mixing colors is recommended.

Gouache has several advantages for plein air painting. Your supplies are compact and lightweight and you could even paint in your lap in a pinch. You don't need solvents and can paint on paper, and you paint smaller and more quickly.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

Please bring:

• your own plein air easel (the classic wooden french easels are fine, as are the pochade boxes and uprights attached to a tripod, which are lighter weight), OR at least a camping table to use with one of our table top easels or just to have beside you if you paint in your lap.
• collapsible chair or stool to sit on, even if you stand to paint (it's a long day)
• brimmed hat
• lunch and water (there are some cafes nearby with limited food and drinks)

We provide gouache, paper and brushes, but feel free to bring your own watercolor journal or pad if you want. If you choose to bring your own gouache, it should be artist/professional grade, not student grade.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Anne Pfeiffer has a graduate degree in painting and decades of experience as a high school art teacher, community college art instructor, and adult and teen workshop instructor. She currently lives in Port Angeles and paints landscapes and still lifes, often plein air, and participates in regional and national exhibitions and events.

This course will introduce students to the art and craft of silversmithing. Teaching artist Sarah Calautti will guide students through the process of creating a simple ring including forming a bezel, soldering, cutting out and filing backplates, forming a ring shank, burnishing a bezel around a stone, and adding textured details.

Students will work with an open flame torch, soldering flux, various tools, and sterling silver to create their very own heirloom. Bringing your own special piece of sea glass is encouraged, but various stones will also be available for students to choose from. Students must be able to hold a torch, pliers, and files for short amounts of time. No previous experience or prerequisites required.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required materials and tools will be provided, however students can bring their own special cabochon or piece of sea glass if they wish.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Calautti is a self-taught silversmith who blends traditional, southwestern silversmithing techniques with Pacific Northwestern scenes. She began her journey as a silversmith while living full-time in a school bus. After landing on the Olympic Peninsula and becoming enveloped in its maritime forests and kelp beds, her work has become a direct reflection of the beauty that she finds here.

Artist website: Ómós Jewelry, @omosjewelry

Acrylic is a versatile and convenient painting medium, but it has its challenges. In this four-session class with supplies provided, we'll explore just about everything — from which types of paint and brushes to use, what the mediums and additives are for, and how to mix colors, blend colors and slow drying time. We'll have plenty of time to explore during Monday sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, July 27 through August 17. 

We'll start with some fun color theory exercises, and then dive into painting still lifes to become more fluent in the medium. We'll finish with an abstract landscape, and come away with expanded skills and confidence. 

SUPPLY INFORMATION

• An 11x14 or larger mixed media or watercolor sketchbook

ABOUT ANNE

Anne Pfeiffer has a graduate degree in painting and decades of experience as a high school art teacher, community college art instructor, and adult and teen workshop instructor. She currently lives in Port Angeles and paints landscapes and still lifes, often plein air, and participates in regional and national exhibitions and events.

Artist website: Anne Pfeiffer, @annepfeifferartist and @annepfeiffer

Wearable Art is beyond fashion — it is sculpture on the body. This camp encourages creativity and imagination. First a drawing, and then using the wide variety of materials and techniques to make it a reality! Expert teaching artists Margie and Michele will cover vision, design and construction and performance.Wearable art campers also learn skills that consider movement and safety. Using a sewing awl on cardboard, hot glue, staplers and duct tape, we will make a sturdy construction that students can use again and again. We will talk about presentation, movement, and how to incorporate surprise elements. A variety of materials like paper, fabric, wire, streamers, foil, plastic, vinyl, sticks, string, ribbons, foam, vegetable net bags, plastic odds and ends, paper mache and more will be available in the classroom, while students are welcome to bring additional materials.

Campers can use the sewing machine if they’re interested, and they will have a chance to finish their pieces using acrylic paint techniques and other enhancements. These five days are an adventure of imagination and construction — no previous art experience necessary.

The week will finish up with a wearable art show.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required art supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Fiber artist Margie McDonald is a founder of Port Townsend Wearable Art Show and has shown her work at WOW New Zealand, the biggest wearable show in the world. Margie is a sculptor and wearable art artist and teacher, she is a costume and set designer at Key City Public Theater. Port Townsend, New Zealand and Hollywood have seen Margie's wearable art creations on the runway. She has taught wearable art construction from her native Newfoundland to most teaching venues in Port Townsend.

Artist website: Margie McDonald, @margiem_art

The horse pasture was Michele Soderstrom's grand studio as a child. Self taught, for hours she sat sketching her horse as it grazed. Michele has a BA in Visual Arts Teaching, minor in Studio Art, through Central Washington University, and is an award-winning artist with her equine art. She has taught creativity through art since 2008. Today she paints and sells work professionally. Michele enjoys watching the process of her high school students as they gain art-making skills and find their place within personal creativity.

Artist website: Michele Soderstrom, @horsepainter9