Visioning: Responding to Nature (3 Class Bundle)

These classes will take place at Dillman’s Bay Resort 9:00 a.m.-Noon, with John Bates on July 18, with Gary Theisen on July 25 and on August 1 with Terry Daulton.

Visioning: Responding to Nature is offered in partnership with Dillman’s Art Workshops. Students can bundle all three classes here on this page, or sign up for them individually: Writing, Photography and Drawing/Painting.

We thank Dillman’s for their generosity in working with us. Dillman’s is a beautiful Northwoods resort with a world-class art workshop series, and we are grateful to be offering these classes with them.

Visioning: Responding to Nature Through Writing – on July 18 with John Bates

In writing about the natural world, we need to write with both a sense of wonder and a scientist’s eye. We’ll focus on two approaches: creative nonfiction and poetry. While it may seem that those two words – creative and nonfiction – don’t go together, they really do. The genre is all about telling true stories using accurate facts about real life, but doing so in a vivid, enthralling manner that reads every bit as compellingly as fiction. Writers of creative nonfiction can supply information while being humorous, inspirational, and wildly creative at the same time.

We’ll also explore the world of poetry, reading works from poets who have made deep connections with their home places, and discussing what makes their words move our minds and hearts.

As importantly, we’ll also take the time to try our hand at both approaches, and as time permits, do some sharing.

Requirements: Students must bring their own favorite writing implements–pen and notebook, laptop, etc.

This July 18 class qualifies for advanced training hours for Master Naturalists.

Visioning: Responding to Nature Through Photography – on July 25 with Gary Theisen

This class is designed for two types of photographers: a) those new to or interested in photography and b) experienced amateur photographers who want to improve upon their photographic techniques and results.  The focus will be on capturing landscape and close-up images of subjects in nature.  The class is not intended to provide in-depth guidance on photographic methods but rather to introduce/review basic concepts about light, the camera’s ability to capture it in different circumstances, and composition.  Handouts will be provided.

The three-hour class will be divided into three parts.

Hour 1:  In-class presentation by the instructor on key things to understand about camera settings, and principles of strong composition.

Hour 2:  Photographing in the resort area with several instructor assigned tasks designed to illustrate and reinforce the principles discussed in the first hour. Participants may work individually or with partners. The instructor will be available to provide guidance.

Hour 3:  Participants will return to the classroom to critique images and to use their photos for answering questions and discussing strategies for improving their results.

Requirements: Participants must bring their own phone, point-and-shoot or DSLR camera with memory card.  The instructor will have a memory stick for transferring photos for projection and discussion in the review session. Please dress according to weather conditions.  We plan to photograph outdoors even if raining.  To best focus the class presentations, please answer the several questions that will be sent prior to class.

Visioning: Responding to Nature Through Drawing and Painting – with Terry Daulton on August 1

Join artist/illustrator and naturalist Terry Daulton for a fun day in the outdoors exploring Northwoods habitats with sketchpad and a variety of art mediums.  Terry has been creating art on location for many years and will share tips on watercolor, sketch pencil, ink, as well as techniques for illustrating plants, animals and landscapes. This half day will include a journal and art materials.  Terry’s work can be seen on her website or at the Trout Lake Limnology Station’s art/science website.

Requirements: This half day will include art materials; students must bring their own sketchbook.

Classes are limited to 12 students. 

Instructor: John Bates, Gary Theisen and Terry Daulton

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.

Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.