Nature & Art Series invites adult learners to engage with the local environment through creativity, conservation, and cuisine
From a pasta-making class to an olive oil tasting session, the summer 2025 series features a variety of hands-on programs centered on a farm-to-table theme—plus workshops in painting, printmaking, birdwatching, reiki, and more.
Participants in the summer 2022 focaccia class pose with their freshly made creations.
This summer, Interlochen College of Creative Arts’ popular Nature & Art Series will return with 12 hands-on programs exploring the intersection of nature, art, and food.
First held in 2021, the Nature & Art series invites adult learners to interact with the local environment in a positive way. All lectures will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at Interlochen’s R.B. Annis Botanical Lab. The series kicks off on June 4 with a workshop on creating floral and herbal mocktails with Traverse City-based mixologist Jack Lankford and concludes on Aug. 27 with a session on Gelli printmaking with local artist Autumn Kirby.
Interlochen Director of Sustainability Emily Umbarger teases a season of returning favorites and new offerings.
“Some of our favorite classes will come back, exploring painting, making art, and learning the ancient art of Bonsai,” she says. “We also have a new guided bird hike experience and a reiki energy healing class this year that I think people will really enjoy. We look forward to an exciting summer lineup, and we hope you will join us!”
The summer 2025 series also includes a number of workshops that center on the culinary arts.
“Many of this year's classes focus on a farm-to-table theme, exploring how local food, cooking, nature, and community come together,” Umbarger says. “We have pasta-making, marvelous mocktails, local tacos, fresh focaccia, and have even partnered with Fustini's in Traverse City to explore olive oil tasting.”
Classes in the Nature & Art series are offered on an a la carte basis; registration fees range from $20-40 depending on your chosen class. Although summer is still a few months away, Umbarger urges those who are interested in attending to register as soon as possible.
“Many of our classes have limited seating, so don't delay and register today!” she says.
For more information, visit the Nature & Art Series webpage or contact Emily Umbarger at emily.umbarger@intelrochen.org.
