Art as a Mindful Way to Connect with Nature at Prairiewoods (in person)

Most people hurry through the woods, counting calories burned. Artists take the slow approach, with bare feet on ground, sketchbook in hand and an eye ready to enjoy everything around them. Deeply connect with the outdoors through nature journaling in this creative morning spent in the woods at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha). Facilitators Jacob & Rebecca Lesan collaborate in an Art & Ecology Practice. They create art to teach an appreciation of God's creation and to impart the values of stewardship and conservation to the next generation. Jacob grew up in Slovakia and came to study music education in Iowa. He worked as an orchestra director before taking on the role of education specialist at the National Czech/Slovak Museum & Library. Jacob is a painter and illustrator with a heart for children's books. Rebecca grew up in Switzerland, Canada and the United States. She studied community health and worked in various roles across disciplines before settling into singer and gardener. Rebecca sings with Concert Chorale and gardens with the historical Brucemore community center. They completed their Artist Residency at the Burren College of Art in Newton Castle, Ballyvaughan, Ireland, and are currently carrying out The Iowa Oak Project on an Arts Council grant. Please bring a sketchbook and/or journal and drawing, painting or writing media of your choice. If you wish, bring a lawn chair or other seating implement, or just sit on the ground if you want to be extra connected with Earth. If you prefer working while standing, you can bring an artist easel or just hold your sketchbook in hand. The cost of this morning of creativity is $10. For more information or to register, contact Prairiewoods at www.Prairiewoods.org or 319-395-6700.