A Field Guide to Joy

From the artist, Tina Mullen

It is remarkable to me how seeing or remembering a bird can connect me to the place and people in my life. This grounds me in joy. In this workshop, we use birds and nature as our visual metaphors and explore creative processes of drawing, collage, photography, watercolor, poetry and narrative to connect our experience in nature to our sense of well-being. This can be a joyous voyage and a tool for developing a “delight” muscle.

Keeping a sketchbook is a visual manifestation of these investigations. A place for ideas to grow and a place to hold memories. The field guide seeks to explore, through storytelling and images, the intersection of well-being and birdwatching. Through these experiences, you'll begin to develop a journaling habit that will help you create your own Field Guide to Joy.

What will we do?

We will gather at the Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville for a 45-minute mindful morning walk observing the flora and fauna, listening to and looking for the birds around us.

After, we will gather inside for an hour-long creativity and learning session.

What will you learn?

You will understand how both the concept and the practice of everyday creativity can help you thrive throughout your life.

You will identify how well-being, creativity and engagement with nature intersect, as well as the health benefits associated with creative art practices.

You will develop a practice that will help advance your creative ecosystems.

No artistic skill level required

All materials provided

If you already have a journal or sketchbook, we encourage you to bring it

***Please note, this registration is for the workshop only. The garden entrance fee must be paid separately. to see their varying rates; admission tickets for Oct. 18 will be available online about two weeks before the workshop or at the venue on the day of. Plan to arrive by 9 a.m. to park and enter the grounds.***

This free workshop is supported through a grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts.