Create with us

Our art team is here to help guests of all ages and experience levels slow down and connect with nature in a new way. We welcome all Yosemite visitors to turn their unique observations into works of art.

  • Art Classes: Join one of our guest instructors — all professional artists — for a hands-on, four-hour outdoor art workshop in Yosemite Valley. Browse all 2023 daily art classes on the event calendar at the bottom of this page.
  • Art Retreats: These overnight workshops, formerly called art adventures, give you the chance to spend several days immersed in Yosemite’s natural beauty as you explore a specific art medium and learn from an expert. Browse all 2023 art retreats on the event calendar at the bottom of this page.
  • Custom Art Classes: Design a personalized guided art experience for your family or small group.
  • Kids’ Art Classes: Join us at Happy Isles for drop-in, nature-themed kids’ art classes from Monday through Thursday in June – August 2023!
  • Paint and Sip: Join us in person at the Yosemite Valley Lodge for our popular wine and paint class, every Friday from May-September 2023!

Click below to view the full lineup of 2023 art offerings, including instructors and pricing. As with all Conservancy programs, your participation in an art class helps support important work in Yosemite.

2023 Art Schedule

 

Yosemite-inspired art at home

If you’re still staying safe at home, our latest artistic resources offer inspiration, tools and techniques for recording nature’s beauty, capturing your outdoor experiences and relieving stress — wherever you are. See below for ways to make creativity part of your every day.

  • Check out our Park Art, From Anywhere blog post for watercolor painting tutorials, kid-friendly crafts, and Yosemite-themed coloring pages.

Browse Art Programs

 

Check out our art programs to find an activity that intrigues your creative side.
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Custom Art Classes

Heading to Yosemite with a group? Enhance your time in the park with a custom art experience. We’ll work with
03/01/2023 - 10/31/2023
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Paint and Sip

Yosemite Valley
In this paint and sip class, you will learn the basics of watercolor and employ them to create an iconic
05/26/2023 - 09/29/2023
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Watercolor with Jennifer Bentson

Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
Watercolor with Jennifer Bentson Looking to learn watercolor basics? Curious about how to capture the curves and playful light of
10/02/2023 - 10/06/2023
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Art Retreat: Watercolor Painting

Yosemite Valley
Art Retreat: Watercolor Painting: Autumn brings soft light and warm colors to Yosemite Valley. Join professional artist Steve Curl to
10/04/2023 - 10/07/2023
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Watercolor with Steve Curl

Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
Watercolor with Steve Curl This fun paint class for beginning and continuing students offers participants a chance to see Yosemite
10/09/2023 - 10/20/2023
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Watercolor with Zach Polic

Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
During autumn in Yosemite, the leaves of the oak, maple, and aspen begin to change into the fall colors that
10/23/2023 - 10/27/2023
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Art Instructors

Meet the skilled painters, writers and artisans who can help you craft a permanent memento of your Yosemite trip.

Capture Yosemite's spectacular scenery during an outdoor painting workshop. Photo: Yosemite Conservancy/Aline Allen.
Happy Isles Art and Nature Center, in eastern Yosemite Valley, hosts art classes, drop-in art activities, interactive educational exhibits, and more. Photo: Yosemite Conservancy/Cassie May.
Young artists get creative at Happy Isles during drop-in studio sessions and classes for kids. Photo: Yosemite Conservancy/Josh Helling.
Paintings by volunteer art instructor Steve Curl displayed at Happy Isles. Photo: Yosemite Conservancy/Kristin Anderson.