Seeing Nature with Art: A Double Feature Weekend | Saranam Retreat Center
August 1 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Two days, two workshops, two teachers, one focus: seeing deeply into nature by making art inspired by the natural world.
Being with Plants
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Led by Claudia Giannini
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Led by Claudia Giannini
Now is the time for a paradigm shift in our thinking! Writers and scientists, such as Robin Wall Kimmerer and Monica Gagliano, are talking about the agency and intelligence of plants, the biosphere and the earth itself—all of which we are intricately connected to.
Throughout the day we will participate in a series of simple artistic practices that help us to deeply see plants and nature and the amazing beauty to which we belong. This workshop is for people with any (or no) artistic experience. All art materials will be provided, but feel free to bring whatever drawing supplies you like.
Claudia Giannini received her MFA from West Virginia University, with specialization in printmaking and photography and has exhibited her work throughout the country. Her 38-year career in the museum field provided extensive experience with both historic and contemporary art. In the last five years, her award-winning work has focused on making mixed-media paintings of the native plants of Appalachia.
Gathering a Bouquet in a Book
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Led by Connie Banta
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Led by Connie Banta
A book can be many things, including a way to gather together beautiful things for the reader’s contemplation. Like flowers on an altar, like gifts for the beloved.
We will spend the first half of this day gathering our beauties by exploring a variety of ways to create images with plants: making prints, making and using stamps, dyed images (on repurposed paper to embodying our respect for trees). We will then gather these papers (or plant material) into a simply constructed book (pamphlet or stab binding, your choice). Your pages might include the art made the day before with Claudia.
This workshop is for people with any (or no) artistic experience. All art materials will be provided, but feel free to bring whatever supplies or papers/image you like.
Connie Banta earned her MFA (Poetry) from West Virginia University. A retired therapist, she has a strong background and passion for the benefits of expressive arts. She has explored paper arts, soul collage, and book binding for many years, and has led many groups in art making experiences.
ARRANGEMENTS
FOOD: Bring your own lunch and/or food to share. For those staying overnight consider contributing to a potluck dinner, which will be coordinated shortly before the event.
FOOD: Bring your own lunch and/or food to share. For those staying overnight consider contributing to a potluck dinner, which will be coordinated shortly before the event.
COST: $130 for both days.
You are invited to stay overnight at Saranam for $25 per night. We offer comfortable dormitory space and a few private rooms (first come, first served). We request that you bring your own linens to help us keep our overhead as low as possible.
You are invited to stay overnight at Saranam for $25 per night. We offer comfortable dormitory space and a few private rooms (first come, first served). We request that you bring your own linens to help us keep our overhead as low as possible.
$75 for one day. Add $25 for an overnight.
To register, go to https://www.saranamwv.com/events-1/seeing-nature-with-art-a-double-feature-weekend
