Art for all Ages: Field Journaling in the the Sonoran Desert

April 19 -26, 2020
Instructors: Kate Aitchison and Ann Kramer

This workshop invites participants of all ages to celebrate the visual splendor and curiosity of the Sonoran Desert and ranch life ~ in a hands on way designed to remove the intimidation of trying to draw things that look “right”.  A corner of the guest dining room will be turned into an open studio stocked with paper, scissors, glue, paints, pens, printing gear and the like. Workshop activities will be designed around the Elkhorn riding schedule for the most part and you’ll also have the chance to do some art out on the trail! All supplies will be provided and/or you can bring some of your own favorites. While there will be a flow to the week that encourages participation throughout the week, the open studio nature of the week will welcome everyone to participate as they wish.

The week will begin with the Sunday night meet and greet where you’ll meet Kate and Ann, ranch crew and each other and you’ll see examples of journals to spark your curiosity. Monday afternoon studio time will focus on make your own field journal to use through the week. Tuesday afternoon studio time will encourage you to try all the different media provided to do still life collage. Wednesday adventures will take place in the field or dining room studio where you’ll make blocks to do simple block printing. Thursday afternoon will be open studio time pull it all together with printing from your own block print and exchanging prints with others, as well as continuing to explore using all the techniques you’ve been exploring so far. Friday will bring more of the same, with art on the trail, studio or around ranch grounds. Finally, on Saturday at the picnic we’ll do cyanotype or sun printing! By Saturday evening, we’ll tidy up the studio and share results of the week with one another.

Art studio and field activities guided by fine artist Kate Aitchison and art teacher Ann Kramer. Kate Aitchison is an artist and lover of the outdoors.  Originally from Flagstaff, AZ, Kate is an artist and river guide on the San Juan and Colorado Rivers, where her love and stewardship of wild landscapes began.  Visit her website to learn more about Kate and her work. Ann Kramer is a retired middle school art teacher from Flagstaff, Arizona and Bluff, Utah. Ann uses recycled materials to make art and functional objects that speak to the importance and beauty of reuse.

Workshop activities add creative flair to your Arizona dude ranch vacation week at no extra charge. Mark your calendar for April 19 – 26, 2020 and contact us to sign up! And remember, all ages are welcome!