Drawing inspiration from Andie Thrams’ ForestSong project, this one-day workshop invites participants to engage art and mindfulness as pathways to connection. Using watercolor, ink, and wildfire charcoal, we’ll create individual paintings and Forest Prayer Flags that honor the beauty and impermanence of our local forests.

Together we’ll explore biophilia—our innate love of life—and solastalgia—the sorrow we feel for ecological loss—through gentle art-making, writing, and nature-based meditation. Along the way, we’ll touch on Sierra Nevada forest ecology and reflect on how tending our creativity can also nurture resilience and hope.

In this art, nature, and wellness program, you’ll:

• Practice observation and reflection through watercolor and ink

• Explore emotional resilience through creative expression

• Learn about contemporary forest ecology and climate impacts

• Create Forest Prayer Flags celebrating interconnection

All levels are welcome. Some basic comfort with watercolor is helpful but not required—just bring openness, curiosity, and care for the living world.

Learn more about Andie’s work and the ForestSong process.

10:00am - 3:00pm with a break for lunch from 12-1pm

We’ll begin with introductions and a discussion about what we’d like to gain from this day together, then dive right in.

Lunch will be provided at noon, and you can choose to stay and enjoy with the group, or take some time for yourself.

After lunch we will reconvene  at 1:00pm. The workshop will conclude at 3:00pm.

More details to come.

Our workshop takes place at Midpines Park & Community Hall, a welcoming public space just outside Mariposa. The Hall offers heating, cooling, and restrooms, while the surrounding park features shaded picnic tables, outdoor art installations, and a seasonal creekbed perfect for inspiration and reflection.

The park is easily accessible via the YARTS bus, which stops directly on-site — a great option for sustainable travel. Parking is available, however it is limited, so we encourage you to take advantage of the bus.

View the YARTS Schedule ›

How much does it cost?

This workshop is free, thanks to a generous grant from California State Parks, the California Arts Council, and Parks California.

If you’d like to support future programs like this, donations to Balanced Rock will help us continue offering accessible, subsidized experiences for years to come.

Learn more and donate here.

Registration for this workshop includes the following:

• Detailed, professional instruction, fresh ideas, and personalized guidance to help you weave practices encouraging biophilia and honoring solastalgia into the fabric of your daily life.

• All necessary art supplies.

• A make-your-own sandwich bar lunch will be provided. We source organic ingredients whenever possible and will include gluten free options.

• Tea, coffee and snacks

Please bring the following for a comfortable experience:

• Yoga mat, towel, or camp chair; something to sit on outdoors.

• Warm layers and sun protection. We will spend as much time outdoors as possible, so prepare yourself for maximum comfort and variable weather.

• Refillable water bottle and thermos or insulated mug for tea

• If you are able to bring your own plate and utensils for lunch, this will be a great help for staff and will cut down on waste.

In order to ensure we have enough art supplies and lunch for everyone, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

This workshop will run rain or shine. We will have an indoor space that is heated in case of inclement weather.

No prior experience is necessary! Some basic comfort with watercolor will be helpful, but is not required.

As a living, breathing human being you have an innate capacity for biophilia and solastalgia; the creative processes we will explore simply serve to connect you with this basic nature in a new way.