Nature & Art Series
Interlochen’s Nature & Art Series offers a variety of two-hour programs focusing on creative exploration of nature, art, and food. Our goal is to inspire adult learners to interact with our local environment in a positive way. We explore conservation, artistry, sustainability, and ecology while providing an educational and exciting learning experience for all.
For more information, please contact Emily Umbarger at emily.umbarger@interlochen.org.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $20
Celebrate the flavors of spring! This hands-on class will guide you through the art of crafting botanical-inspired mocktails using fresh herbs and edible flowers. Learn to make infused syrups, extract delicate floral and herbal flavors, and mix refreshing, vibrant drinks that capture the essence of the season.
Led by Jack Lankford
Jack Lankford, a Traverse City mixologist, is passionate about crafting unique, flavorful experiences—both in the community and in a glass. Jack believes that great drinks bring people together, and his workshops are all about creativity, connection, and fun.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35
Join us for a fun and creative culinary experience where you'll turn fresh garden produce into edible art! In this hands-on class, you’ll collect herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers straight from the garden to craft your beautiful focaccia masterpiece. Come with friends or meet new ones, and create something beautiful and tasty!
Led by Marie Leggett
Maria Leggett grew up in Traverse City and graduated from Great Lakes Culinary Institute in 2018. While traveling in Italy in 2017 and 2018, she fell in love with the Italian philosophy behind cooking: simplistic and full of flavor.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $20
On this bird walk, we'll move through forest, riparian zone, and out to Bridge Lake to maximize the number and kind of birds we may see or hear. We'll give tips on equipment, apps, and photography. Pro tip: download the Merlin app (free) with the "US: Midwest" Bird Pack on a phone before the class. Please let us know if you need binoculars, and let us know if you have any accessibility issues. The path is flat (0.3 miles one-way) and wood-chipped. Ticks are not usually abundant at this location, but hats, long sleeves and pants tucked into socks are recommended.
Led by Dr. Mary Ellen Newport
Dr. Newport is a retired life-science teacher and is on the board of our local Grand Traverse Audubon Club.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $20
Monet painted in his garden to capture the joy his flowers brought him. Learn how to paint Michigan native flowers with watercolor. You will observe real flowers and then sketch and paint them. You will learn watercolor techniques, color mixing, and leave with a watercolor sketchbook for further independent exploration.
Led by Wendy McWhorter
Wendy is a retired Lansing School District art teacher. She is a practicing Landscape and Floral oil, watercolor and gouache painter. She currently teaches with Arts for All, at Northwest Education in Traverse City.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $20
Reiki is from the Japanese healing art about universal vital life force energy. Together we will learn to work with the body's subtle energy to allow the body to heal itself. This ancient technique is a safe and intuitive method of healing spirit, body, and mind. Channeled awareness of our own energy fields and visualization can provide Reiki healing for ourselves. We start with chakra education and energy body fields and then move to actual application, which will be done sitting or lying down with no props needed.
No previous experience is needed and anyone can do this simple but effective practice. Reiki is not a religious practice and does not conflict with any established faith or religion.
Led by Rena Hicks
Rena creates a nurturing space for our Neuromuscular Therapy and Yoga in Traverse City for clients recovering from trauma, pain, injury and illness and want to improve their health. Rena has lectured, instructed, and draws upon more than 30 years experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, a Michigan licensed Massage Therapist, and a 200 hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher and Reiki Master.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35
Put your pasta-making skills to the test with an emphasis on garden ingredients. Learn the art of the *perfect* pasta dough, cooking pasta, and utilizing the garden to make an unforgettable meal for cozy nights at home.
Led by Maria Leggett
Maria Leggett grew up in Traverse City and graduated from Great Lakes Culinary Institute in 2018. While traveling in Italy in 2017 and 2018, she fell in love with the Italian philosophy behind cooking: simplistic and full of flavor.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $40
Have you ever wondered how bonsai are created? Join us for an interactive evening designed for anyone who is interested in learning more about the incredible art and fascinating science of bonsai. You'll create your own indoor bonsai starter with experts from the Sakura Bonsai Society, who will be on hand to guide you step-by-step along the way. You'll receive a small starter bonsai plant, bonsai pot, and instructions necessary to create your own mini masterpiece to take home.
Led by Rod and Janet Kivell
Rod and Janet are members of the Sakura Bonsai Society of Northern Michigan. The Society was founded in 1990 and comprises artists of all ages and years of experience.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35
Sourced with local ingredients, join Chef Laura for an evening of taco-making extravaganza. Learn how to make fresh salsas, delicious marinades, and enjoy garden-picked produce. Tacos are a huge crowd pleaser and versatile for a wide variety of diets!
Led by Laura Fellows
Laura Fellows is a seasoned culinary professional with a rich background spanning from managing executive chef roles at establishments like Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI, to orchestrating culinary experiences for large-scale events at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Committed to sustainable practices, she has spearheaded initiatives for waste reduction and plant-focused cooking, aligning her culinary vision with ethical and environmental values. Laura's versatile skill set, coupled with her collaborative spirit, makes her a driving force in creating exceptional dining experiences that honor both ingredients and guests alike.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35
Taste and learn the difference fresh crushed olive oil makes in inspiring you to create delicious, healthy meals. This class features both the agricultural process of the sourcing, harvesting, and crushing our olive oils and a tasting session focused on the exceptional flavor and quality of our select extra virgin olive oils. We round it off by discussing the outstanding benefits these polyphenol-dense oils bring to your overall health.
Led by Hannah Parker
The class will be led by Fustini's Traverse City store manager Hannah Parker who has spent her life expanding her food palette with a focus on fresh, healthy, and sustainable ingredients. A local who grew up surrounded by agriculture, Hannah will lead this community class to connect you to a higher quality eating experience.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $20
Elevate your next gathering with handcrafted mocktails! Learn how to make flavorful syrups, balance ingredients like a pro, and mix crowd-pleasing mocktails that will impress your guests at any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to up your beverage game, this class will give you the tools to create stunning, alcohol-free drinks that everyone can enjoy. Cheers to great flavors and great company!
Led by Jack Lankford
Jack Lankford, a Traverse City mixologist, is passionate about crafting unique, flavorful experiences—both in the community and in a glass. Jack believes that great drinks bring people together, and his workshops are all about creativity, connection, and fun.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35
Discover the art of creating stunning and delicious charcuterie boards in this hands-on class using our available garden ingredients! Perfect for food lovers of all levels, this class will guide you through assembling a visually impressive and well-balanced charcuterie spread. By the end of the class, you'll have crafted your stunning charcuterie board to enjoy and the skills to recreate it for gatherings at home. Whether hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this class will elevate your entertaining game!
Led by Marie Leggett
Maria Leggett grew up in Traverse City and graduated from Great Lakes Culinary Institute in 2018. While traveling in Italy in 2017 and 2018, she fell in love with the Italian philosophy behind cooking: simplistic and full of flavor.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Registration Fee: $20
Gather botanical material outside and learn how to print in very thin, translucent color layers with printing tools that consist of paper, paint, Gelli pads, and brayers. You'll create compositions of botanical materials of different shapes and sizes. You'll learn how to use the proper tools and techniques to achieve your creative vision through an instructor-led process.
Led by Autumn Kirby
Autumn Kirby is an artist who loves sharing her knowledge with students of all ages and abilities. She graduated with a MFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a BFA from Western Michigan University. She has worked with Art Escapes through Northwest Ed, NMC College for Kids, Interlochen College for Creative Arts, Source MN, Lapeer Community Health, Woodland Park Academy, and Cowell Family Cancer Center. She is currently the Office Manager at Glen Arbor Arts Center.
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