Earth Tones: Exploring the Creative in Nature, presented by Art Spark Texas and El Zarape Press with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces. It is a free art and nature retreat for Veterans and current and prior military and their family members.

This creative workshop will be held on October 23, 2021 at the Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and includes entry fee and lunch for the day.

We start as a group, then break into three focused workshops for the day with a break for a catered lunch, and a group wrap-up at the end.

Participants will choose one track to follow for the entire day. All workshops will include time indoors and outdoors. Register at Eventbrite.

• Photography – Bring your camera and join Nature Photographer Ruth Hoyt, a Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified Texas Master Naturalist, in a workshop to gain skills in taking photos of nature. This indoor/outdoor workshop will include guided hikes around the park.
• Open Art Studio – Bring your drawing or painting materials and join Art Professor Rachael F. Brown as you create in nature. Be inspired by the plants and animals at the park and connect with others as you gather indoors and outdoors.
• Creative Writing – Bring paper and writing instruments and join poet, author and professor Katherine Grace Hoerth for creative writing inspired by your natural surroundings. This indoor/outdoor activity will include guided hikes.

**Notes: You must bring your own supplies. Plan for October weather conditions and what you can carry while walking. ADA accessible trails are available and there will be options for hikes based on your personal activity level. Service animals allowed on leash. Children age 14 + with supervision allowed in workshop with a parent or plan to bring your family to enjoy the park for the day as you participate in the workshop.

A Friday pre-event is being planned as well as a Friday evening gathering at Veteran owned and operated 5 x 5 Brewery. Details available upon registration.

If you have questions, or if the topic you are interested in is sold out, please contact April Sullivan at [email protected] or 512-454-9912 ext 103.