Autumn Nature Hike & Journaling with Cydney Ross

In conjunction with its fall exhibition Material World, the Artspace is pleased to continue its Art + Practice series of free demonstrations and learning sessions at the Artspace and designated locations within the community for registered attendees to engage in artist-led, hands-on activities for adults and children (ages 12 and up), who are interested in exploring the creative process.

Each session offers participants opportunities for informal interaction and exchange, hands-on experience with communal material exploration, and a sharing of the learning process.

In Autumn Nature Hike & Journaling with Cydney Ross, participants will join artist and naturalist Cydney Ross for a low-impact, nature hike and journaling session at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. During the walk, Cydney will discuss various journaling prompts and the intricate relationships seen in our own backyards.

Nature journaling is a great way to spark your curiosity and develop an intimate connection with nature, and this session is for anyone also interested in learning more about native plans, local ecosystems, restored woodlands, savannahs, and native prairie plantings as well as beautiful rock formations and the colors of fall foilage.

This program is open to all experience levels. Bring a backpack, sketchbook, and favorite drawing materials if you have them. There will be paper, drawing materials, and transportable chairs available on site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, long socks, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Please bring a full reusable water bottle. We will meet at Burr Oak Woods at the Bethany Falls Trailhead at 12:00pm. (see included map)

RSVP: Space is limited, and on a first come, first serve basis, so reserve your spot through Eventbrite. Email [email protected], or call 816-802-3571 for directions and questions.

Programs may be subject to change. For the latest information, including other rsvp sign-up opportunities and workshop details and locations, contact the venue directly. Follow us on Instagram @artspace_kcai and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artspacekcai, or visit www.kcai.edu/artspace, to receive the most up-to-date information about these programs.

LOCATION: Meet at Bethany Falls Trailhead, at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area is a 1,071-acre property located 21 miles east of Kansas City in Blue Springs, MO, and just north of Interstate 70. Established in 1977, the site provides public access to unique wildlife viewing and learning experiences, and it is well known for its trail system and Nature Center. Features of the area included forest hillsides, Burr Oak Creek, large limestone boulders and outcrops, and prairie and woodland restoration sites.

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 70 (I-70) take Exit 20 for MO-7 Highway at Blue Springs and turn north to travel on MO-7 Highway for 1.10 miles, then turn west on NW Park Road for 1 mile, past the Visitors Center to end at a small parking lot with a picnic shelter and bathroom at the trailhead.

HIKE DIFFICULTY: 1.33 miles, easy to moderate elevation changes, with gravel, dirt, and wood chip path.

ASSISTANCE: If you are interested in carpooling to the destination, please email Rebecca Blocksome at [email protected] to schedule a group departure from the Artspace.

About the Artist:

Cydney Ross was raised throughout the Greater Kansas City area, and has set down roots in Kansas City, Missouri with her cat, Max. She earned a BFA in ceramics from Kansas City Art Institute in 2013. No matter the material, their creative expression embraces ephemerality and risk-taking. Her current practice utilizes clay, soil, native seeds, pigments drawn from natural materials, time and weather. She has always had a naturalist spirit, with her earliest memories hiking, paddling Missouri rivers, camping with her family, and gardening with her mom. Her endless curiosity, stewardship for the earth, and background in the arts inspires folks to connect with nature and shift perspectives of beauty. Cydney proudly leads LGBTQ+ inclusive nature programs throughout the Kansas City area and is a self-proclaimed “native plant nerd.” They are the Outdoor Education Manager for Deep Roots, a non-profit who fosters community around native landscapes in the Midwest. If you've visited Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center in Kansas City, you may have seen Cydney sculpting the native gardens or enthusiastically teaching people how to garden with nature.

Autumn Nature Hike & Journaling with Cydney Ross is organized by the Artspace as part of Material World, on view September 20 - November 9, 2024.

Images (from above): Autumn Nature Hike and Journaling with Cydney Ross at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area; Cydney Ross, courtesy of the artist.

Host or Publisher H&R Block Artspace, Kansas City Art Institute