To celebrate Biodiversity Week, Kerry Visual Artist in Residence Lisa Fingleton will be hosting two free creative virtual workshops on Zoom on Friday, May 21st.
These follow on from very successful workshops held over the last few weeks when over 50 people attended last week’s workshop and the feedback was extremely positive.
Lisa said that sometimes people find it hard to be present with nature but by drawing and really seeing what is before you, you get the chance connect with nature.
Drawing is Like Meditation
“Drawing is like a meditation and is really good for well-being and relaxation. We as artists also have an important role as guardians and protectors of the earth.
“At a time when we are facing the extinction of so many species it has never been more important to observe and protect our local biodiversity” said Lisa.
The Unfurling of Summer
The first workshop Drawing with Nature is for artists and adults interested in drawing and starts at 9.30am.
Lisa is encouraging people to take some time this week to observe the hawthorn blossoms, the ferns, butterflies, bees and, what she calls ‘the general unfurling of summer!
Present with Nature
The workshop will focus on becoming present with nature and using drawing as a meditative tool to really see what is around you. Ideally if you can sit outside in nature – or in your poly-tunnel – for inspiration that would be perfect.
Workshop for Schools
The second workshop is for schools for ages seven and upwards and it will show participants how to create a really cool nature journal with some drawing and mixed media tips.
The workshop will explore how to be mindful in nature and how to see what is around us.
It will also cover how to draw in nature, a toolkit and quick tips. It starts at 11.30am and runs for 45 minutes.
About Lisa
Lisa Fingleton is Kerry County Council’s first Visual Artist in Residence. The residency is funded by Creative Ireland with support from Kerry County Council and The Arts Council.
Lisa is particularly interested in using the opportunity to connect people with their local biodiversity and ecology.
Trees in Tralee
She is currently also working with the Presentation Secondary School in Tralee on a project called Soul Trees, connecting with the trees in Tralee through drawing and art.
For more info and registration: https://lisafingleton.com/drawing-with-nature-free-biodiversity-week-workshop-9-30-friday-21st-may/
For more information on the Visual Artist in Residence programme and to register expressions of interest please email the Kerry Arts Office at arts@kerrycoco.ie
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