Digging In to the Art of Nature: FREE Workshop Series! Mondays Through 8/13. Papermaking This Monday 7/23

"Digging in to the Art of Nature" Workshop Series

Mondays, July 16-August 13, 12:30-2:30 pm, Andes, NY                                                          

This exciting series of hands-on programs is designed for kids & their families to enjoy. We’ll explore the wonderful interconnected world of bugs & plants -- and take a look at what brilliant architects these beings are.  We’ll marvel over wasp nests, seed pods, caddis fly cases, chrysalises and  the like, all the while making art, singing songs and hearing stories about the creatures who build these amazing structures. 

Hosted by local musician/storyteller & arts educator “Story” Laurie McIntosh, each week’s program will feature a different guest artist/naturalist. All programs are free of charge. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult.

“Digging In to the Art of Nature” is funded by Kids in the Kaatskills.  For more info about this series, call (845) 676-4727 or email storylaurie@gmail.com

Mon. July 16: Bee Buggy with Musician/Naturalist Betty Boomer.
We'll hunt for butterfly eggs, aquatic insects & more wonderful creatures. We'll sing songs & hear stories about bugs of all sorts; we’ll take a look at the brilliant houses these beings build for themselves & then do some watercolor painting inspired by the insects we study. Meet at Ballantine Park, on CR 1 in Andes, aka Lower Main St. -- across from the post office.  (In the event of foul weather, meet at the Andes Public Library)

Monday, July 23:  Papermaking with Andes School Art Teacher Sharon Tucker.    We'll make our very own paper incorporating natural materials we find outdoors; and we'll learn about nature's papermakers. Meet at the Andes Public Library. 

Monday, July 30: Painting Garden Helpers with acclaimed children's book author/illustrator Durga Bernhard.    We'll hunt for some smooth stones while talking about different insects that help our garden grow. We'll enjoy some stories & songs about garden insects while painting our rocks with images of some of these marvelous creatures.  (Acrylic paints -- bring smocks!) Meet at the Andes Public Library.

Monday, August 6: Digging into a Wormbox with Retired DEC Forest Ranger & 4H Leader Extraordinaire Patti Rudge.  Patti will bring an active worm box with her (compost central!), which we will take apart, don our scientist hats as we count & weigh the worms & castings, and then rebuild the box....enjoying worm stories & songs all the while. Maybe we'll even make up a tune or two ourselves? Meet at the Andes Public Library.

Monday, August 13: Harvest Picnic & Music Celebration with Local Musician Ira McIntosh.    We'll harvest some veggies from the Andes School Garden, and prepare & enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Ira will share some fun tunes about food, gardens, water, bugs, and just about anything else you can think of! We’ll meet at the greenhouse behind Andes School (near the pool), & then walk over to Ballantine Park. (In the event of foul weather, meet at the Andes Public Library)

Wear comfy clothes & shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, as we'll go for walks & spend time poking around in the dirt and water. Too fun!

For more info: Laurie McIntosh, storylaurie@gmail.com, 845.676.4727

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