“Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – we haven’t time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.” Georgia O’Keefe
When: Look for this PLAYshop in late June or early July. (more family orinted thatn the retreat at the Qu’Appelle House of Prayer).
Where: Kerry Farm near Abernethy, Saskatchewan
What: The focus of our time together will be the wildflowers at Pheasant Creek Coulee, especially during the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the usual July heat. As Georgia O’Keefe writes, “to see takes time”. We will give ourselves the gift of time with the wildflowers. The places we will visit at Pheasant Creek are either a 10 minute or a 30 minute drive from Kerry Farm. Mid day will find us painting or drawing in the shade at Kerry Farm with some free hours to explore local attractions on your own (Motherwell Homestead, Katepwa Beach) or simply rest.
What Will We Do:
- walk the hills of Pheasant Creek Coulee
- find a “sit spot” to simply “be” with the wildflowers
- share ways of showing gratitude to the plants and flowers
- consider together the ways we might befriend a plant
- participate in art exercises designed to spark our creativity and encourage us to become more closely attuned to the natural world
- draw and paint the plants that call us
- learn about the plants we see
- sharing circle
Who should come? Anyone (all ages) who would like to spend time in the company of prairie wildflowers is welcome to come. We will be a small group (by design); our pace will be unhurried and relaxed. If the pace is too slow for families, parents or grandparents are welcome to provide more activity for their children as needed. Although the focus will be on creating art as a way of befriending wildflowers, others (the curious, poets, photographers, fibre artists, etc.) are welcome to come and participate in the ways most helpful to them. While the land is undoubtedly the best teacher, there will be an opportunity for each of us to share our wisdom and our wonderings about wildflowers with each other.
Camping at Kerry Farm: You camp in our yard and can make use of a fire pit and barbecue, as well as the toilet and wash basin inside the house. We can supply water. You are responsible for breakfast (coffee and tea will be available ) and lunch and I will offer supper (a cold supper on day 1, and a picnic or hot dog roast on Day 2, depending on the weather). Camping is rudimentary!
Registration and Cost: To secure your spot, please send a deposit of $50 by e transfer to poachedeggwoman@gmail.com or cheque to Box 128, Abernethy, Saskatchewan, S0A 0A0.
Cost is $150 which includes camping and the two meals. For families, the cost is $150 for one adult and $50 for each child or youth. I offer a sliding scale (from 0 – $150) and need to know in advance if you will be using this.
Materials: For those who choose to use watercolours: Sketchpad, pencils, watercolour paints, brushes and paper, container for water. A more detailed supply list will be sent out once you register. Some watercolour supplies can be purchased at cost.
For photos of previous “Befriending Wildflowers”, please check here and here