Ecology.Art.education

Adult Classes
Spring 2026
Botanical Illustration I
Thursdays, January 8-22, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
$123/$107 member
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, WI
Connect with nature while you hone your observational and artistic skills in the tropical atmosphere of the Bolz Conservatory! Whether you are an avid artist or an enthusiastic nature nerd starting a journaling habit, botanical illustration is a beautiful way to appreciate the form and function of living things. Through close observation of form, shape, and scale, we absorb more details about our subject and it helps bring our art to life. See supply list on the Olbrich website for materials needed.
This class is SOLD OUT! Consider joining the Nature Journaling offerings on the same day! (listed below)
Contact Emily Dufford to join the waitlist: EDufford@cityofmadison.com
Nature Journaling Indoors at Olbrich (3 wks each)
Session 1: Thursdays, January 8-22, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
Session 2: Thursdays, March 5-19, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Feb 26, 2026
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$123/$107 member
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, WI
Learn to use a nature journal to connect with plants, animals, landscape, and yourself. Whether you already have a journaling practice or are starting fresh, giving yourself a regular time to meet up with a group will support this habit. We will practice letting go of details and focus on capturing forms and flow with quick sketching, adding basic color, and taking notes that put our experience of the moment on the page. While we will answer some botanical and ecological questions, the main focus will be to center and commemorate the experience in your journal. This class will take place in a classroom and the tropical, Bolz Conservatory.
Botanical Illustration II
Thursdays, March 5-19, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: Feb 26, 2026
$123/$107 member
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, WI
Connect with nature while you hone your observational and artistic skills in the tropical atmosphere of the Bolz Conservatory! Whether you are an avid artist or an enthusiastic nature nerd starting a journaling habit, botanical illustration is a beautiful way to appreciate the form and function of living things. Through close observation of form, shape, and scale, we absorb more details about our subject and it helps bring our art to life. See supply list on the Olbrich website for materials needed.
Nature Journaling Outdoors at Olbrich (6 weeks)
Thursdays, April 30- June 4, 12:00-1:30 p.m. (Rain date June 9)
Registration Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
$123/$107 member








