Art in Nature

Classes at the New Start Community Garden

“Art in Nature” Activities Connect Kids and Adults to Nature

All ages discover the connection between art and nature with engaging outdoor and indoor (with inclement weather) activities that inspire an appreciation for nature. Activities include various art and culture workshops or classes ranging from crafts, collage, theater, music, and video – all focused on experiencing nature through various artistic mediums and cultures.

View the schedule for the 2023 Art in Nature classes taught at the New Start Community Garden by Art Luz Bratcher of the Golden Repair art studio in Burien, WA. Thanks to our plant sale fundraising efforts and our generous donors, we are able to offer these class free of charge!  Classes vary in topics.  Some supplies are provided. Others you will bring.

The classes are held at the New Start Community Garden located on the New Start School Campus, 614 SW 120th St. Burien, WA.  Sundays through October 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

Some of our past Art in Nature projects were held at Burien King County Library in partnership with Burien Arts.  We provided face painting at the outdoor Arts-A-Glow Festival in September which is held in the forest near the Dottie Harper Park on SW 146th St, Burien.  We also have provided face-painting at many of the Burien City sponsored events, including Dia De Los Muertos, and the Fall Festivals with the City of Normandy Park.

No artistic talent is required to volunteer to help at these events.  We teach the basics for face painting to celebrate community-wide fun events!

Photo 1 – Youngsters make beaded bracelets and learn the Salmon life-cycle.  Each colored bead in the bracelet represents a fact in the life-cycle.
Photo 2 – Students visit a local community garden to observe and draw hummingbirds in that frequent the nectar rich pollinator vine and plants.
Photo 3 – Students and adults learn to draw flowers and designs celebrated by Latinx cultures for Dia de Los Muertos.

    

Natural Inks from Garden Plants of Various Colors

Ink Drawing Sample with Various Inks You Will Learn to Make

Below is the schedule for the 2023 Art in Nature classes, that were held at the New Start Community Garden. The classes were taught by Art Luz Bratcher of the Golden Repair in Burien, WA. Thanks to the Nature Stewards plant sale fundraising efforts and our generous donors, we are able to offer these engaging classes on various topics free of charge!  Some supplies are provided.  Go to Nature Stewards Program Eventbrite to see what additional supplies you will bring to the class. Classes start promptly at 1:00PM.

The classes were held at the New Start Community Garden located on the New Start School Campus.
614 SW 120th St. Burien, WA.

Sundays through the summer and fall of 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

Date Name of Class Class Description Supplies Needed (provided by participants) Supplies Provided by Instructor, Luz Bratcher Misc.
Sept
09/17/23 Ink Making Make ink from berries, leaves, and petals found in the garden. Participants will be able to write, draw, and paint with their homemade ink. Collect materials. Bring a 12oz (for extraction) and 4oz (for storing) glass jars. Exact sizes not required, just a large and small jar. Bring watercolor paper or copy paper. Paint brushes, salt, white vinegar, spoons, coffee filters, powdered gum arabic No experience needed. Wear clothes that can be stained.
09/24/23 Shadow Drawing Learn to discover plants in a whole new light—literally! Capture the shadows of the garden to create imaginative abstract drawings. Coloring tool of choice (markers, pencils, crayons, pastels, etc), sketchbook (optional). Flashlight, butcher paper, paint markers
Oct
10/01/23 Plant Print Making Learn how to make plant prints with a miniature press. Bring aluminum pie tins or clean used Tetrapak containers (like what soup, broth, or plant milks come in), scissors. Paper, ink, press, brayer, ball point pens. No experience needed. Wear clothes that can be stained.
10/08/23 Book Making Learn to make your own book to hold nature samples and note cards. Bring a few 3×5 inch note cards or old greeting cards. Craft paper and newsprint. Paper cutter. Simple, easy, folding technique. No experience needed.
10/15/23 Garden Embroidery Learn to embroider your favorite plants on fabric. Embroidery hoop (any size), non-stretch fabric (preferably cotton) or cotton clothing you’d like to embellish, pencil or Frixion pen/marker. Embroidery thread & needles, Frixion pens and markers. Daiso, Michael’s, JoAnn’s for an embroidery hoop. No experience needed.
10/22/23 Mono printing with Leaves Create a monoprint using leaves or flowers found in the garden Paper (copy, newsprint, cardstock, or construction) Printing plate, paper, acrylic paint, brayers, paint brushes. No experience needed. Wear clothes that can be stained.
10/29/23 Pumpkin Carving Carving plant designs on pumpkins for Halloween Pumpkin and carving tools. Sharpie and plant design templates. Great gift idea! Adults supervision required.

Here’s a Happy Dance by a Psychedelic Bird to Make Your Day!
Take a look at this incredible Superb Bird of Paradise and his artistic transformation as he dances to attract a mate.