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 2024 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 2024 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 2024!
  • Paint and Sip: Join us in person at the Yosemite Valley Lodge for our popular wine and paint class, every Friday from May-September 2024!
  • Gift Certificates: Want to share the Yosemite love? Our Art Gift Cards make great presents for park fans.
  • Yosemite-inspired art 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. Check out our Park Art, From Anywhere blog post for watercolor painting tutorials, kid-friendly crafts, and Yosemite-themed coloring pages.

As with all Conservancy programs, your participation in an art class helps support important work in Yosemite. You can view, filter, and book 2024 programs by scrolling through our event calendar below. You can also view our full 2024 Art PDF schedule.

Browse Art Programs

 

Check out our art programs to find an activity that intrigues your creative side.
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Art Class: Watercolor with Michael Friedland

Yosemite Valley
Watercolor doesn’t have to be intimidating! That’s the theme of this creative painting class with artist Michael Friedland. Spend a
10/01/2024 - 10/04/2024
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Art Retreat: Painting & Poetry with Joa & Kelly

Yosemite Valley
Bring along a fresh notebook and join artists Joa Suorez and Kelly Lee for three days of progressive nature journaling
10/03/2024 - 10/06/2024
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Art Class: Watercolor with Rebecca Alarcon

Yosemite Valley
Time is a great mystery and often, before we know it, we are leaving the beauty of Yosemite to return
10/07/2024 - 10/11/2024
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Art Retreat: Watercolor with Molly Hashimoto

Yosemite Valley
In this multi-day art workshop, you’ll create sketches and paintings of Yosemite’s natural wonders, all while learning about shapes, colors,
10/10/2024 - 10/13/2024
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Art Class: Watercolor with Zach Polic

Yosemite Valley
During autumn in Yosemite, the leaves of the oak, maple, and aspen begin to change into the fall colors that
10/14/2024 - 10/18/2024
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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.