Botanical Bleach Printing

Create wearable art inspired by the natural world in this adults-only session of Art with Nature. Participants will explore the woods around Camp Anderson to gather leaves and other natural materials with interesting shapes and textures. Using bleach painting and printing techniques, we’ll transform black bandanas into one-of-a-kind botanical designs by stamping and layering natural materials onto the fabric. This hands-on evening program encourages creativity, experimentation, and close observation of natural forms while introducing a unique fabric art process that creates striking organic patterns. Participants will leave with a handmade bandana inspired by the textures and shapes of the surrounding landscape. No prior art experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, August 26th | 5:00–7:30pm
Meeting Location: Community Room at Skagit Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon)
Who: Ages 18+
Cost: $30

Patterns in Nature

In this reflective, outdoor art experience, participants will slow down and explore the natural world through observation, arrangement, and design. Using found materials such as leaves, stones, sticks, flowers, and other natural elements, we will create temporary compositions directly on the land, exploring color, shape, texture, repetition, and pattern in response to what the environment offers.

This practice is inspired by ephemeral art, a form of land-based art where creations are intentionally temporary and left to return to the landscape. Rather than making permanent objects to take home, we focus on the experience of noticing, arranging, and letting go. The work exists in the moment, shaped by attention, presence, and the materials at hand. No prior art experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, August 5th | 5:00-7:30pm
Meeting Location: Community Room at Skagit Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon)
Who: Ages 18+
Cost: $30

Sun Printing & Shadow Tracing

Discover the magic of sunlight and shadows through nature-based art! In this hands-on class, participants will explore cyanotype sun printing using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to create beautiful blue-and-white prints. We’ll also experiment with shadow tracing, using the changing light and shapes found in nature as inspiration for drawing and creativity. This program invites participants to slow down, observe the natural world, and create unique artwork using the sun itself as a tool. No art experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, July 8th | 5:00–7:30pm
Meeting Location: Community Room at Skagit Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon)
Who: Ages 18+
Cost: $30

Flower & Leaf Pounding

Discover the natural beauty of plants through this hands-on art-making experience. In this workshop, participants will gather flowers and leaves from the surrounding environment and use a hammering technique to transfer their shapes, colors, and textures onto mixed media paper. As the plant materials are gently pounded, their natural pigments are released, creating vibrant, layered impressions that capture the unique details of each specimen. This process-focused activity invites experimentation, creativity, and connection with the natural world, resulting in a one-of-a-kind botanical print to take home. No prior art experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, July 15th | 5:00-7:30pm
Meeting Location: Community Room at Skagit Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon)
Who: Ages 10-17
Cost: $30

Leaf Printing & Natural Stamps

Discover the beauty of natural forms in this hands-on art workshop. Participants will gather leaves, flowers, and other natural materials from the surrounding environment, then use paint to transform them into natural stamps. By pressing these materials onto mixed media paper, we’ll create layered botanical prints that highlight the unique shapes, textures, and patterns found in nature. This process-based activity encourages creativity, exploration, and observation, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home. No prior art experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, July 29th | 5:00–7:30pm
Meeting Location: Community Room at Skagit Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon)
Who: Ages 7-12
Cost: $30

Sun Printing & Shadow Tracing

Discover the magic of sunlight and shadows through nature-based art! In this hands-on class, participants will explore cyanotype sun printing using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to create beautiful blue-and-white prints. We’ll also experiment with shadow tracing, using the changing light and shapes found in nature as inspiration for drawing and creativity. This program invites participants to slow down, observe the natural world, and create unique artwork using the sun itself as a tool. No art experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, July 1st | 5:00–7:30pm
Meeting Location: Community Room at Skagit Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon)
Who: Ages 7-12
Cost: $30