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Experience Level

Easy

Hiking

Elevation

4,000 ft.

Registration Fee

$20

*Yosemite Conservancy has made the difficult decision to cancel this art program due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information about our response to COVID-19, please click here.*

Calling all nature fans — no journaling or artistic experience necessary! Join artist Faith Rumm for a relaxing spring day of observing, recording and reflecting on your surroundings in Yosemite Valley.

Nature journaling combines observation with quick sketching and writing to capture the essence of a subject or scene, without agonizing over getting a shape, shadow or hue just right. In this four-hour class, you’ll create eye-catching pages composed of simple drawings and paintings paired with notes on what you see, hear, wonder and feel in the moment. You might jot down the name of a plant species you sketched, a question prompted by a bird’s song, a short poem about the sensation of dewy grass on bare feet, or anything else that comes to mind.

The class starts with a short demonstration at Happy Isles, followed by an easy stroll (0.5–2 miles, depending on the group). While strolling, you’ll stop several times to observe and capture your surroundings, building out a creative journal that documents your day in the park. Throughout the class, Rumm will answer questions and share suggestions to help you hone your work, try different sketching and writing techniques, and challenge yourself to take creative leaps. You’ll end the day with a fresh perspective on the park and a personalized Yosemite keepsake: your own nature journal to take home!

  • Beginner level: Little to no experience required, ages 12+.
  • Registration: $20 per day per visitor. Advanced registration recommended; drop-ins welcome as space is available.
  • Location: Happy Isles Art and Nature Center. Park at Curry Village, and take the shuttle (shuttle stop #16). Workshops are held outside, weather and medium permitting.
  • Hiking: 0.5–2 miles of easy walking (depending on group ability).
  • Time: 10 am–2 pm, Monday–Friday. Please arrive at 9:45 am to purchase supplies, and plan for extra time when taking the shuttles.
  • Materials: Supplies are not included in the registration fee. Supply lists are sent to registered participants once payment is received. Additional supplies are available for purchase at Happy Isles Art and Nature Center. All purchases benefit the park! Materials available for use free of charge: field easel, field stool, hardboard, water containers and paper towels.
  • Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of the participants.