The Art of Nature Journaling

The Art of Nature Journaling was a year long program (Project Stream Grant through Pennsylvania Council on the Arts) to conduct a series of seven, hands-on, journaling workshops concluding with an exhibit at the Nurture Nature Center. The goal of the workshops was to re-ignite a sense of wonder in the natural world and encourage personal observation, creativity and expression. Participants were guided through the process of recording nature observations and creating a personal artistic journal that chronicles their findings.

Each month, attendees were given science-based presentations focusing on a different aspect of the environment and took part in a creative workshop to explore various media and expand their visual/written skills. Presenters included: Diane Husic, Professor of Biological Sciences at Moravian College; Keri Maxfield, Art Director at NNC; Kate Brandes, writer and Science Director at NNC at the time; Pam Ruch, journalist, blogger and lifelong gardener; Gabby Salazar, accomplished wildlife photographer; Mary Shafer, full-time freelance writer, commercial art illustrator and certified storm spotter; Maryann Riker, mixed-media artist; Tom Maxfield, illustrator and art teacher; and Judy Krasnicke, journalist and master gardener.

Participants worked to become more informed and observant about the natural world around them and increase their confidence in the creative role they can play as citizen-journalists and citizen-scientists. The final exhibit featured both journal entries and works of art from participants.