March 24 – Water color painting with Elise Sheffield – Behold and Be/held

Presenter/Facilitator: Elise Sheffield

Brief Bio: Long-time Boxerwood educator Elise Sheffield has been an on again/off again painter for most of her life. For the past decade she has channeled most that creativity into designing and facilitating experiences that help people of all ages connect more deeply with the natural world. In this workshop, she’ll be introducing an approach to outdoor painting that Boxerwood has offered to hundreds of school children over the years, and their often harried adults. With an academic background in literature, theology, and science, Elise meanders many pathways for experiencing the world. She retains special affection, however, for the way of knowing beyond words: the path of the brush.

Brief Description: In this completely “not for experts” adult workshop, we’ll set aside our busy minds to behold nature’s creativity and to welcome our own. First we’ll stroll a bit, awakening our inner eye to the visual delights around us. Then we’ll settle in for some contemplative exploration of what we see and feel using the same “Look See Paint” method so beloved by the children we teach. In essence we supply simple yet professional quality watercolor paints and post-card size, artist-grade paper and invite you to discover where the brush takes you, leaving judgment and perfection behind. The goal is connecting with the world around us and becoming more deeply part of it. This is less a “how to” session than a “why not?” opportunity to rediscover fresh ways of seeing and being. Join us! All materials supplied, limited to 14 people.

A “not-for-experts” workshop: Stroll, behold nature’s creativity – explore what we see and feel with a “Look See Paint” method so beloved by the children we teach. Leave judgement and perfection behind. The goal is to connect with the world around us, become more deeply part of it in a less than “how to” than a “why not” opportunity. Materials provided.

Please e-mail info@boxerwood.org or call (540) 463-2697 to register for each of these workshops.  The programs are free, but suggested free-will donation for each program is $12/person to support care and upkeep of Boxerwood’s gardens.