Minneapolis Public Schools

Mindfulness and Creativity Series Look within and find ways to render your inner landscapes using gestures, colors and imagery that symbolically express your essence. These classes can culminate in a self-portrait mandala painting or can develop into a visual journaling practice. In this class the focus is on the why more than the how to in using flora and fauna in your art. Many cultures around the world hold traditions that understand and appreciate the gifts in animals and plants. There is plant folklore and tree symbolism. There are spirit animals, totems and guides. When approached from a place of mindfulness, we look from a more personal perspective; what kinds of plants and animals express how we feel? We will draw from that inward place, using either handmade stencils or freehand, and add in color. This can be applied to any artform you do.

Observe wild birds being banded up close by a licensed bird bander. Explore how banding helps us learn more about Minnesota bird population, habitat, and behavior. Enjoy a guided bird walk through Wood Lake’s forest and marsh listening and watching for birds. Class held at Woodlake Nature Center 6710 Lake Shore Drive Richfield. *During in-person outdoor classes participants must agree to wear a face covering, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from others at all times, do an At-Home Daily Health Assessment and answer the health screening questions upon arriving at the class. Participants with any signs of illness are to stay home.