FCCA has received funding from The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River, to expand our outreach efforts by offering free, outdoor nature journaling workshops for the community. Programs will take place at FCCA and at the Crow’s Nest Research Center (CNRC) with support from environmental educators. In addition to general workshops, specialized programming — including nature journaling for the visually impaired — will promote accessibility and inclusion. By combining artistic expression with environmental exploration, the initiative encourages creativity, collaboration and community connection while increasing access to meaningful cultural experiences.
Classes are limited to 10 participants and require pre-registration. You can register here.
Using your Phone for Nature Journaling – Aug. 29 10am – Noon CNRC
Instructor: George Meadows
A phone can add a great deal to your nature journaling experience. It adds:
- A camera with macro, telephoto, and video capabilities
- A sound recorder and sonogram viewer
- A note transcriber
- Apps for collecting information
- Apps for identification
- A sketch pad
We will explore and practice all these possibilities as well as digiscoping (connecting your phone to binoculars or a spotter scope) and printing from your phone to a phone printer.
Botanical Cyanotypes for Nature Journaling – Sept. 19 10am – Noon CNRC
Instructor: Diane Moser
Use the power of the sun to capture solar prints from nature. Cyanotype is an early form of photography that uses light sensitive chemicals and UV light to create Prussian blue x-ray like images. Participants will be able to print on light sensitive paper, treated paper, a greeting card and a canvas tote bag. We will have the opportunity to gather items from nature, but feel free to bring any special items you would like to experiment with. Think thin translucent items such as leaves, fresh or pressed flowers, feathers, lace and photograph negatives.
Mosaics and Nature Journaling – Sept. 26 10am – Noon CNRC
Instructor: Cathy Smith
Come join us to create your own 10” mosaic circular piece of art, created from everyday natural materials such as dried seeds, lotus pods and pinecones.
Innovative Tech and Nature Journaling – Oct. 10 10am – Noon CNRC
Instructor: George Meadows
We will explore and practice the use of some innovative technology and techniques that can enhance your Nature Journaling experience. We’ll be looking at and working with:
- Instant cameras
- Thermal printers
- Tactile drawing boards for raised relief sketching
- Sonograms
- Tablets
- Lithophanes
Pottery and Nature Journaling – Oct. 17 10am – Noon CNRC
Instructor: Lawton Clites
Students will hand-build nature-inspired pottery mimicking organic textures using such things as leaf imprints, tree bark, pebbles, and blooming flowers. The designs will try to capture one or more of the different settings at Crow’s Nest including ponds, marsh, and forested areas. The student-created pottery will be glazed and fired after the class.
Nature Journaling for Visually Impaired 1 – Postponed Date TBD
Nature Journaling for Visually Impaired 2 – Postponed Date TBD
Instructor: George Meadows
In this class we will examine materials and techniques that will enhance the nature journaling experience for the visually impaired. We will be looking at working with:
- Tactile drawing boards
- Raised relief images and 3D prints
- Creating mosaics with natural materials
- Magnifiers
- Voice recorders
Nature Journaling for Hearing Impaired 1- Postponed Date TBD FCCA
Nature Journaling for Hearing Impaired 2 – Postponed Date TBD FCCA
Instructor: George Meadows
In this class we will examine materials and techniques that will enhance the nature journaling experience for the hearing impaired. We will be looking at working with:
- Sonograms
- Voice to text
- Resonance speakers
nclusive Technology for Nature Journaling – Postponed Date TBD 10am – Noon FCCA
Instructor: George Meadows
Inclusive technology is technology that assists folks with learning disabilities to better access learning experiences. In this class we will examine and work with different types of technology that can enhance the Nature Journaling experience. The first part of the class we will discuss and practice the materials and techniques. The second part will be outdoor practice in the FCCA garden.
