Description
BLOOM: Botanical Learning Outdoors Observational Meetup
A Botanical Art & Nature Journaling Retreat Rooted in Curiosity, Creativity, and Community
Instructors: John Muir Laws, Wendy Hollender, Carol Woodin, Vern Fannin & Pam Thompson
When: Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
Where: The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge, NY
Who’s invited?: Nature enthusiasts and curious folks of ALL artistic skill levels, aspiring to advanced!
Have you ever stopped to admire a fascinating flower? Paused to pick up a lovely leaf, perhaps? Or been distracted by a brilliant bird or bug? If the answer is yes, you don’t want to miss this unforgettable weekend at the historic Ashokan Center in New York’s Catskill Mountains.
BLOOM is…
🌼where observation deepens, skills expand, and strangers become sketching companions.
🌼an invitation to grow, rooted in the idea that creativity flourishes best when it’s shared
🌼where botanical illustrations and nature journals come to life through shared curiosity, open eyes, and the joy of learning together.
BLOOM encourages us to explore, appreciate, and wonder about all the living things sharing this extraordinary earth with us. Learn from professional botanical artists and leaders of the nature journaling movement, not just in structured classes, but also in casual conversation over meals, in sketching side by side, and in touring the landscape together.
What Awaits You
🌿 Learn from Renowned Instructors
Join incredible artists and talented teachers, John Muir Laws, Wendy Hollender, Carol Woodin, Vern Fannin, and Pam Thompson, for a mix of large-screen presentations and demonstrations and drawing sessions with one-on-one instructor attention. Find out more about them and see samples of their work by scrolling down to the section, Meet the Instructors.
🎨 Hands-On Botanical Art & Nature Sketching Workshops
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, we’ll explore and practice new skills in observational drawing, watercolor techniques, nature journaling, and botanical illustration on vellum.
🍂 Nature “Snorkeling”
Stroll scenic trails, notice all the living things around you, and rediscover just how incredible nature is. Sketch birds and summer plants, gather flowers by family, take deep breaths among the trees, and so much more.
🖌 Personalized Learning & Creative Freedom
Select a schedule that inspires you most! You choose your sessions, so you can focus on what excites you. It’s a rare opportunity to just have fun in a relaxed learning environment without worrying about grades, attendance, or traditional school rules. You do you!
🏕 Relax, Recharge & Reconnect
Surrounded by fellow passionate artists, this retreat offers a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where you can create, share, and find inspiration in both nature and community.
What You’ll Take Home
✨ A new sketchbook with lessons to reference and a cover to customize
✨ Confidence in nature journaling & observational drawing
✨ A deeper understanding of botanical art techniques
✨ A renewed love for art, nature, and creative exploration
✨ Lasting friendships and newfound artistic inspiration
Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, explore the beauty of the natural world, or simply step away from everyday life to draw, relax, and reconnect, this retreat is for you and those you love.
Enjoy Different Types of Sessions
Each day, you get to choose which sessions you attend, so you can do everything you’d like to do (and nothing you don’t!). No need to sign up for specific sessions; just show up when and where you want.
Watch live instructor drawing demonstrations projected on the big screen, so you won’t miss any details. Explore the historic Ashokan Center’s gorgeous grounds on guided hikes or adventure on your own. Take supplies on your walks to draw outside, or bring your foraged finds back inside to your drawing table.
DEMO: These are live demonstrations where the instructor’s drawing will be projected on the big screen. Watch and listen, or draw along!
DRAW: In these learning sessions, instructors will teach techniques, give you time to practice those skills, and be available to answer questions and provide constructive feedback.
DOWN TIME: These periods are for food, focus, and fun! Make friends during meals, take your time drawing, share your work, ask questions, receive compliments, and enjoy your memorable moments among instructors and fellow nature and art enthusiasts.
Session topics may include:
•Intro to Observational Drawing
•Intro to Nature Journaling
•Working on Vellum
•Combining Watercolor & Colored Pencil
•Nature Journaling Walk
•Flowers by Family
•Sketch Birds in the Field
and more creative activities and drawing demonstrations
Special Highlights
Early Birds Special – Tour of Wendy’s Plant Families Exhibition
Doors at the Ashokan Center don’t open until 4pm, but here’s a special treat for early birds! Arrive in Kingston between 1pm and 3pm for a special tour of Wendy’s exhibition, displaying the 24 paintings she created with the release of the book, The Album of Plant Families. Join her at The Prince Street Gallery in Kingston, NY to celebrate.
Arts & Crafts to Break the Ice
Each pre-assigned group of participants will receive a bag of goodies to create a fun centerpiece we can admire at every meal. Work together, become fast friends, and get ready for a great weekend!
Evening Campfires, Songs, & S’mores
Join the incredible Jay Ungar & Molly Mason for a cozy evening of singing, strumming, and s’mores around the campfire.
Morning Movement with Sheila
Start with yoga to stretch your muscles and get you relaxed and ready for the day ahead.
Wake Up Walk with Del
Begin your morning with a guided walking tour of the Ashokan campus to learn the lay of the land, hear about its fascinating history, and collect inspiring subjects to sketch.
Lounge in the Library
Get comfy on the couch and peruse some of the instructors’ favorite books.
Silent Auction Raffle
Each instructor is donating a print of their work. Buy tickets to enter a raffle for each print. A portion of proceeds will be donated to benefit The Ashokan Center.
📅 Reserve Your Spot & EnJOY Botanical Art & Nature Sketching
See the Daily Schedule Here
(The full itinerary is still in process and may change before being finalized.)
Fun for the whole family!
Enjoy delicious meals together and sleep soundly in beautiful wooden lodges. Children younger than 13 years old must have adult supervision at all times and can enjoy various family activities around the Ashokan Center. (Click here for a map of the main campus.)
Family activities may include:
–Hiking: Explore forest and streamside trails to Historic 1885 Covered Bridge, Winchell’s Falls, Cathedral Gorge, Homestead, and Sugar Shack. (Click here for trail map.)
–Art: Colored pencils and watercolor supplies will be available for families to draw and paint all of the interesting botanical parts you find on your hikes. You can also take inspiration from artist Andy Goldsworthy and create temporary art installations using natural materials.
–Music: Play ukuleles, guitars, and other available instruments, or bring your own portable instrument to practice.
–Games: Whether you like running around playing sports or prefer more mental exercise, you’ll enjoy the variety of fun games we’ll have available.
–Local Attractions: Adventure around the Hudson Valley to various local attractions. (Click here for list of local sites.)
Note: Children (and their accompanying adult) may join you at no extra charge from us, but you will be responsible for arranging their lodging and dining with the Ashokan Center.
How BLOOM Began
It started with a seed, an idea, a dream. Wendy found a few talented botanical artists and professional nature journaling instructors that inspired her. After taking their classes and hosting many workshops of her own at her farm, Wendy knew that inviting these artists she admired to teach with her would bring fresh flavor and learning opportunities. In 2023, Lara Call Gastinger and Giacomina Ferrillo co-taught a small nature journaling workshop with Wendy at Hollengold Farm. It was so successful, and they had so much fun together, that they decided to join forces again!
The Ashokan Center and Wendy have been working together for many years, and she knew it would be the perfect place to host a larger workshop. We were able to find an available wintery weekend in 2024 that worked for everyone, Jean Mackay joined the teaching team, and we had an amazing experience. How could we not keep this going?!
In 2025, we stepped it up another notch. We listened to participants’ feedback and made significant improvements. Vern Fannin became a fifth instructor, and our late autumn event was better than ever.
The weather will be much warmer in August this year, but the dates did not work for Lara, Giacomina, and Jean. We needed to adapt, so now the seeds of our Botanical Art & Nature Journaling Retreats are evolving into BLOOM, an annual artists’ retreat rooted in curiosity, creativity, and community. This year we are thrilled to welcome John Muir Laws, Carol Woodin, and Pam Thompson to the growing team with Wendy Hollender and Vern Fannin. That’s how BLOOM was born!
About The Ashokan Center
The Ashokan Center is an independent music & nature nonprofit established in 2008. Their mission is to inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art. They welcome school groups for Educational Field Trips, host public community events including festivals and Music & Dance Camps, and more. The site has been declared an Historic District on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. This land was a favored hunting and fishing ground for the Munsee Indians for generations, and became home to Americans of European descent in the 1730s. The first mill and blacksmith shop in Ulster County were built here… Learn more about Ashokan
Details for Sleeping & Eating
Next steps for lodging and dining arrangements will be sent to your inbox once your purchase is complete.
Lodging & Dining are NOT included in this workshop fee and will require a separate payment to the Ashokan Center.
Once you complete your purchase of this workshop, you will receive a registration email with a link to make arrangements with the Ashokan Center.
LODGING
Lodging is NOT included in this workshop fee. Once you complete your purchase of this workshop, you will receive a registration email with a link to make arrangements with the Ashokan Center (or see offsite lodging options here).
•Longhouse bed in the comfy bunk wing (men’s, women’s, or all gender): $50/person/night (shared bathroom)
•Longhouse private (4 rooms/sleep 3 ea) $150/room/night (shared bathroom)
•Red Maple private (8 rooms/sleep 4 ea) $180-200/room /night (private bathroom)\
•Sycamore private (4 rooms/sleep 5 ea) $220-230/room /night (private bathroom)
•4 cabins: 2 with queen beds, 2 with 2 twins each $150/ cabin/night (shared bathroom)
(pillows & blankets provided-BYO sheets + towels or rent from Ashokan (twin $26/queen $38))
•Camping $16/person/night
Any size tent or RV is welcome on Ashokan grounds. Use bathrooms and showers in Longhouse Lodge.
•Commuter $10/person/day
WENDY’S RECOMMENDATION: I have stayed in these bunks in the Longhouse many times and personally recommend the authentic “sleepaway camp” experience. Don’t let shared bathrooms scare you; the Longhouse is LOVELY and a great chance to meet new friends.
If your preferred lodging at the Ashokan Center is sold out, here is a list of other local places to spend the night.
DINING
Regardless of where you sleep, dining at Ashokan is the easiest option (plus it’s delicious!).
Dining is NOT included in this workshop fee. Once you complete your purchase of this workshop, you will receive a registration email with a link to make arrangements with the Ashokan Center.
Meals are served buffet and/or family style in the Dining Hall at designated times.
Coffee, tea, and fruit are available throughout the day. (Paper cups will be provided for your convenience, but using your own travel mugs is encouraged.)
For each person attending (you + each family member accompanying you) select 1 option for a meal plan:
•Adult Meal Plan – $142
•Child Meal Plan (Ages 4-12) – $71
•Baby Meal Plan (Ages under 4) – $0
Art Supplies
Below is a list of supplies recommended for this workshop. Some brands are suggested, but you can use any supplies you prefer.
WE SUPPLY:
•Sketchbook: The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling
•Pencil: Prismacolor Col-erase Non-photo Blue Pencil
•Water Brush: Pentel Arts Aquash Round, Large (18mm), Fine Point Water Brush
BRING YOUR OWN:
•Graphite Pencil (H or HB) – can be mechanical (003 or 005) and/or regular pencil
•Pencil Sharpener (Muji Desktop Pencil Sharpener or Faber Castell Double Hole Sharpener)
•Eraser (Tombow Mono Zero)
•Watercolor (portable watercolor travel set or watercolor pencils (Faber Castell Albrecht Durer))
•(optional) Watercolor Brushes (See suggestions, sizes 6, 2, and 3/0)
•Colored Pencils (Faber Castell Polychromos)
•Sepia Micron Pen, size 005
•Vellum (size 3”x4” or 5”x7”) – Pergamena Classic Cream / Character Cream suggested, but any kind will do
•Magnifying Glass
•Small Ruler (see-through if possible)
•Portable Lamp (battery powered is best due to limited outlets)
Meet the Instructors
John Muir Laws
John Muir Laws, aka Jack, is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. Jack is a scientist, educator, and author, who helps people forge a deeper and more personal connection with nature through keeping illustrated nature journals and understanding science. His work intersects science, art, and mindfulness. Trained as a wildlife biologist and an associate of the California Academy of Sciences, he observes the world with rigorous attention. He looks for mysteries, plays with ideas, and seeks connections in all he sees. Attention, observation, curiosity, and creative thinking are not gifts, but skills that grow with training and deliberate practice. As an educator and author, Jack teaches techniques and supports routines that develop these skills to make them a part of everyday life.
He is the co-founder and president of the Wild Wonder Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community. Laws is the founder and host of the Nature Journal Club, a family-friendly, intergenerational community that connects with nature through art and field journaling. He was awarded the 2026 Conservation Hero Award by San Francisco Nature Education, the 2024 Conservationist of the Year by the John Muir Association. the 2020 Bay Nature Local Hero Award for his work in environmental education, and the 2009 Terwilliger Environmental Award for outstanding service in Environmental Education. He is a 2010 TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Fellow with the National Audubon Society. He was the 2011 artist for International Migratory Bird Day.
He has written and illustrated books about art and natural history including How to Teach Nature Journaling (2020), The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (2016), The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds (2012), Sierra Birds: a Hiker’s Guide (2004), The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada (2007), and The Laws Pocket Guide Set to the San Francisco Bay Area (2009). He is a regular contributor to… Learn more
Learn more about John Muir Laws
https://johnmuirlaws.com/
https://www.wildwonder.org/
YouTube: @JohnMuirLaws
Instagram: @johnmuirlaws
Facebook: @John Muir Laws
Wendy Hollender
Wendy Hollender is a botanical illustrator, author, and instructor, as well as the founder of Draw Botanical. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium Project
– BFA in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design
– Certified by the New York Botanical Garden in Botanical Art and Illustration
– Featured in the 13th International Exhibition at Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation
– Exhibited by Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, the Smithsonian National Museum for Natural History and the US Botanic Garden
– Author of The Joy of Botanical Drawing, Nature Journaling in a Nutshell, The Practice of Botanical Drawing, Botanical Drawing in Color and the self-published Botanical Drawing, A Beginner’s Guide
– Illustrator of Foraging and Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook by Dina Falconi
– Member of the National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium of Artists
– Wendy’s newest large format art book, The Album of Plant Families: An Illustrated Exploration of Nature’s Beauty & Bounty, is due to be released by Abbeville Press in May 2026… Learn more
Learn more about Wendy Hollender
wendyhollender.com/
Instagram: @wendyhollender
Carol Woodin
Carol Woodin enjoys spending time outdoors looking at and thinking about plants and habitats and making studies for future paintings. Plants and their diversity serve as never-ending sources of inspiration and fascination, and have led to a life-long vocation of painting them in watercolor. She was drawn into the field through an interest in wild orchids in upstate New York, and since then curiosity has led her to paint everything from heirloom food crops to threatened species. Carol has been painting on vellum for thirty years and has taught her techniques to people around the world. Some recent venues showing her work are the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, UK, Museum de Zwarte Tulp, the Netherlands, Hannarie Wenhold Gallery, Grootbos, South Africa, and UBS Gallery, New York.
Her work has appeared in Curtis’ Botanical Magazine and in three orchid monographs published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Natural History Publications, Borneo, and authored by Phillip Cribb. An instructional book edited by Carol with Robin Jess, Botanical Art Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide received the 2020 CBHL Award for Excellence in Botanical Art and Illustration. In 2024 she became the third recipient of the Shirley Sherwood Award for ‘broad and significant contributions to botanical art’… Learn more
Learn more about Carol Woodin
carolwoodinart.com
Instagram: @carolwoodinbotanical
Vern Fannin
Veronica (Vern) Fannin is a designer, illustrator, and creative arts specialist from Tallahassee, Florida. She lives in the rural Catskill Mountains of New York and loves to hike, paddle, and play in the wild forest. View Vern’s Illustration Portfolio
Thanks to the generosity and approachable lessons of Wendy Hollender, Vern fell in love with botanical drawing and the investigation of the plant world. She worked closely with Wendy to expand Draw Botanical’s educational endeavors and has been a Draw Botanical instructor for many years… Learn more
• BA Humanities/Studio Art – New College of Florida
• MFA Interior Design – Florida State University
• Member, National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium of Artists
• Author and illustrator, A is for Asparagoose: A Plant + Animal ABC
• Signage and Art, Hoot Music Festival
Learn more about Vern Fannin
earthartmagic.love
vernfannin.com
patreon.com/cw/earthartmagic
Pam Thompson
Pam Thompson is a botanical artist and scientist in Pennsylvania where she strives to capture the unique, intrinsic artistry of the plants that inspire her. Raised in the middle of nowhere, she developed a deep curiosity about the woodland plants that surrounded her, but didn’t discover her love of botanical art until 2017 when she attended a workshop with Wendy. She’s been head over heels since, and is enrolled in the Botanical Illustration Program at the New York Botanical Garden. She is inspired by the flora of local farms and gardens of Bucks County where she resides, and on the native plants surrounding the glaciated lakes and bogs of the Pocono Plateau.
Learn more about Pam Thompson
Instagram: @pamthompsonart
View Pam’s Draw Botanical Portfolio
