Wild Impressions: A 6-Week Nature Artist in Residency for Kids
About this Event
Wild Impressions - Discovering the Art Hidden in Nature
Wednesdays from 4:15–5:15 PM for six consecutive weeks:
September 30 • October 7 • October 14 • October 21 • October 28 • November 4
What happens when we slow down and see the natural world through the eyes of an artist?
In Wild Impressions children ages 5–8 are invited to explore the farm through the eyes of an artist. Over six weeks, young artists will venture outdoors to observe leaves, bark, seeds, textures, colors, patterns, and other natural discoveries—and then bring those observations back into the studio to inspire their own artwork.
Through drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, clay, and mixed-media exploration, children will experiment with a variety of artistic processes rather than creating a single predetermined project. Each week offers a new invitation to notice, wonder, and create.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia atelier approach, the workshop encourages children to follow their curiosity, make discoveries, and develop their own ideas through art. Carefully selected picture books will provide additional inspiration and help connect children's observations with stories, language, and imagination.The six-week experience culminates in a gallery walk, where children will share, reflect on, and celebrate the artwork they have created throughout the series.
This six-week artist-led experience includes:
- Six 60-minute sessions
- Ages 5–8
- All art materials provided
- Outdoor exploration of the farm (weather permitting)
- Process-based studio experiences
- Picture books and storytelling
- Nature sketchbook/artist journal
- A culminating celebration of children's creative work
Tuition: $130 per child for the entire six-week series
About the Teaching Artist
Julie Klear Essakalli is a trilingual teaching artist, writer-illustrator, and creative learning specialist with more than 25 years of designing arts experiences that foster curiosity, inclusion, and connection.
Her work spans classrooms, museums, and community organizations across the United States and abroad, where she blends visual art, storytelling, language, and nature into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for all ages.
As co-founder of Zid Zid, Julie develops whole-child Pre-K enrichment programs, is a conference speaker and leads professional development for educators, helping schools integrate process-based art, literacy, and creative inquiry into everyday learning.
She is 2027-28 Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellow and award-winning children's book illustrator represented by Painted Words. Her style encompasses collage, drawing and mixed media.
She brings a global perspective shaped by fifteen years living and teaching in Morocco, and currently resides in OTR with her family.
Agritourism Warning: Under Ohio law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if that injury or death results from the inherent risks of that agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, but are not limited to. the risk of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals as well as the potential for you as a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.
By signing up and/or attending any of our programs, you are agreeing to the above policies.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 130.00
