Nature Journaling at Borestone Mountain with Monson Arts

This special three-day retreat and workshop is designed to deepen creative engagement with the Maine woods, and immerse participants in the older forests and crystalline ponds of Borestone Mountain. It’s an opportunity to explore a unique ecosystem, from the lilliputian mosses and lichens to the panoramic views of Borestone’s summit.
Open to artists, writers, and creatives, who draw inspiration from the natural world, we will traverse an unimproved road and take a short boat ride to access Maine Audubon’s Borestone Mountain Lodge. The Adirondack style lodge on Midday Pond will be our home and studio for this three-day exploration.
With nature journaling as our foundation, each day Maine Audubon Director of Conservation Sally Stockwell will lead forest walks drawing on the many trails, surrounding forests, and alpine ponds and mountaintop for inspiration. Sarah Shaw, illustrator, visual storyteller, and professor at Maine College of Art & Design, will offer writing prompts, visual storytelling exercises, and experimental illustration activities, designed to take note of the natural world in unexpected ways. In addition, Sally will draw on ecology, climate science, and environmental philosophies to enliven our connection with nature. Along with optional planned activities, time will be set aside for reflection, conversation, and exploring inventive ways of working. While we will introduce some new techniques and tools for recording your nature experience, this is not a beginner class.
Workshop includes rustic accommodation for three nights, all meals prepared from locally produced goods, transportation to and from the lodge from the gate (directions here). Depart Wednesday after lunch to be back at the gate no later than 3 pm. Participants will be sent detailed information prior to the workshop. Registration fee includes three nights of lodging and all meals (Sunday dinner- Wednesday lunch).