classes art

With Judy Simon

Using fresh specimens from the garden as a source of inspiration, develop fundamental watercolor painting skills. Learn paintbrush usage, color mixing, subject matter selection, and color application while finding your unique painting style. Judy guides you with personalized instruction and practical painting exercises designed to nurture your creativity. Open to all levels of experience. A detailed list of required materials is available with the online class description.

Wednesday 9/6 through Friday 9/8 10 am – 1 pm | $109

With Nancy Bell

Children, and those young at heart, love to play in the woods, so building a fairy house is a great way to nurture an appreciation of the natural world and exercise imagination. Work with foraged twigs, bark, leaves, cones, and other botanicals to construct an enchanting garden home for fairies, elves, and trolls. Turn a walk in the woods into magical memories for you and your favorite youngster. Dress for the weather, class is held rain or shine.

Section A: Saturday 9/9, 10 am – 12 pm$8 for adults, $15 for kids (max 3 kids/adult)

Section B: Saturday 9/9, 1 – 3 pm | $8 for adults, $15 for kids (max 3 kids/adult)

With Shelly Silva

The first book printed featuring photographic images was made in 1843 by Anna Atkins, an English botanist and photographer. Atkins pioneered the use of the cyanotype process to capture images of algae, ferns, flowers, and other plants. Cyanotype, also known as sun prints, is a camera-less photographic printing process that allows the artist to explore shape, light, and an appreciation of nature. In this class, students will learn the history of this process, use the sun as a UV light source, and create cyanotypes with plant materials harvested from Mt. Cuba. No prior experience necessary; all supplies provided. This class includes walking in and out of the classroom to expose prints to sunlight. Wear dark clothes as materials may stain.

Sunday 9/10, 10 am – 1 pm | $69

(Rain Date: Sunday 9/17)

With Sara Setzer

Create stunning silk scarves using leaves and other natural materials in this one-day workshop. Learn how to bundle and wrap fabric and plant materials so that prints come out clearly and with maximum color. Discover how color-shifting occurs in the dye bath, how mordants assist the dye process, and how different fabrics and techniques affect the resulting color. Students will complete two full-length silk scarves. Bring your lunch.

Section B: Friday 9/15, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $95 (Materials included)

Section C: Saturday 9/16, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $95 (Materials included)

With Sara Setzer

Get ready to dive deeper into the art of eco-printing! In this advanced workshop, learn how to incorporate logwood, a natural dye that produces a variety of stunning purple tones, into your scarves. This class expands your knowledge of eco-printing on silk and teaches you new techniques for this beautiful craft. Each student will complete three scarves of various silk or silk and wool materials. Please bring your lunch.

Sunday 9/17, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $95

(Materials included)

With Margaret Saylor

September is a great month for foraging fungi. Starting a sketchbook of mushrooms can be a wonderful way to document your finds, enhance your observational skills, and refine your drawing technique. We’ll discuss how to begin a fall fungi sketchbook. Graphite, archival pens, or watercolor – or all three… it’s up to you. Basic mushroom-drawing skills will be shared along with demonstrations of how to create your very own tribute to your mycological finds. A detailed list of required materials can be found online.

Friday 9/22, 10 am – 3:30 pm | $75

With Donna Wiley

Celebrate the bounty of fall by creating a lush floral arrangement using fresh cut seasonal flowers from a local farm. Donna will teach you the elements of floral design and color theory using a variety of plant materials so you can produce a stunning autumnal centerpiece. All supplies are provided, but please bring hand pruners and a medium-to-large box to transport finished arrangements.

Section A: Friday 10/13, 1 – 3 pm | $79

Section B: Saturday 10/14, 10 am – 12 pm | $79

With David Greaves

Are you ready to take the next steps in exploring the world of nature photography? Join professional photographer David Greaves to learn advanced techniques such as using different lighting to your advantage to express emotion in your photos, telling stories through your photos using varying angles, and more tips to further develop your skills in the art of capturing nature with a lens. This class is intended for students who have some background in wildlife and outdoor photography techniques or for those who have completed Nature Photography for Beginners. Students should bring a smartphone or other camera they are comfortable using to practice the techniques learned. If you have a tripod and are interested in learning how to better utilize it, bring it along. Please dress for the weather.

Saturday 10/14, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Sunday, 10/22)

With Monica Lopez

Allow the vibrancy and charisma of the hummingbird to inspire your time painting and collaging a work of art with artist, Monika Martinez. Learn paintbrush usage, color mixing, and color application on canvas while finding your unique painting style. Monica will guide you through finding artistic expression with personalized instructions. Open to all levels of experience. All materials will be provided.

Saturday 10/21, 10 am – 12 pm | $45

With Nicole DeLizzio

Create your own beautiful wood-burned artwork in this one-of-a-kind workshop. Discover different woodburning techniques, compare how different types of wood burn, and explore your artistic side by creating various textures, shapes, and designs with a simple-to-use wood-burning pen. All supplies are provided, just bring your creative spirit!

Section A: Thursday 11/9, 10 am – 12 pm |$44

Section B: Saturday 11/11, 10 am – 12 pm | $44

With Kathy Andrzejewski

Come and learn how to transform the fruits of the harvest into a lovely fall centerpiece and tablescape. Participants will use a variety of fall fruits and veggies as vessels that will then be used to create several fall floral designs. All supplies are provided but please bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Section A: Friday, 11/17, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79 (Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 11/18, 10 am – 12 pm | $79 (Materials included)

With Susan Dixon

Enhance your home’s holiday spirit with a festive, long lasting evergreen wreath. Combine an assortment of fresh evergreen cedar, fragrant pine, and sturdy magnolia boughs, adorn it with foraged cones and berries, and add a bow for eye-catching seasonal flair. Bring hand pruners and a large box to transport your finished wreath home.

Section A: Friday, 12/8, 10 am – 12 pm | $79 (Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 12/9, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79 (Materials included)

With Susan Dixon

Give entryways an elegant look from now until the new year with a classic outdoor urn arrangement. This hands-on class includes an introduction to design principles and all the elements needed to create a long-lasting display of native winterberry, magnolia, and evergreen branches. Bring hand pruners and a large box to transport finished container home.

Section A: Friday, 12/8, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 12/9, 10 am – 12 pm | $79

(Materials included)

With Nicole DeLizzio and Maria Phillips

Create your own beautiful wood-burned artwork in this one-of-a-kind workshop. Discover different woodburning techniques, compare how different types of wood burn, and explore your artistic side by creating various textures, shapes, and designs with a simple to use wood burning pen! Leave this workshop with unique ornaments that will make the perfect holiday gift or addition to your tree. Woodburning supplies, gift wrapping materials, and festive holiday snacks are provided!

Friday, 12/15, 9 am – 12 pm | $79

(Materials included)

With Nicole DeLizzio and Maria Phillips

Create your own beautiful wood-burned artwork in this one-of-a-kind workshop. Discover different woodburning techniques, compare how different types of wood burn, and explore your artistic side by creating various textures, shapes, and designs with a simple to use wood burning pen! Leave this workshop with a set of four wood-burned coasters that will make the perfect holiday gift. Woodburning supplies, gift wrapping materials, and festive holiday snacks are provided!

Saturday, 12/16, 1 – 4 pm | $79

(Materials included)

With Serah Pesce

Plants collected for their winter interest provide an abundant palette for creating uniquely beautiful holiday arrangements. All supplies are provided but please bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Section A: Friday, 12/15, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 12/16, 10 am – 12 pm | $79

(Materials included)

With Kathleen Elliot

Capture a moment in time to revisit later through nature journaling. Observe and document the surroundings at Mt. Cuba with Kathy leading participants through workshop activities. Dress for the weather as a unique opportunity to experience the gardens in the winter will be included in the workshop. Select a journal that suits your tastes and bring it to class along with a #2 pencil.

Saturday 2/17, 1 – 3 pm | $29

(Snow Date: Saturday 2/24)

With Sara Setzer

Create a one-of-a-kind, no-knit, durable tote bag, ideal for carrying art supplies, books, tablets, and more! Using merino wool and other fun fiber accents, Sara Setzer walks you through the ancient craft of wet felting, from selecting and arranging your wood fibers to the finished product. Expand your knowledge of fiber arts and go home with a truly unique hand-crafted tote. Please bring your lunch.

Saturday 3/23, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $59

(Snow Date: Saturday 4/6)

With Sara Setzer

Capture the essence of nature while learning the beginning steps of 3-dimensional needle felting. Local textile artist Sara Setzer shows you how to create beautiful floral designs using wool and other natural fibers in this relaxed session of crafting. Leave with your own hoop-framed piece of original art, ready to hang and admire. No experience needed! Bring your lunch.

Sunday 3/24, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Sunday 4/7)

With Margaret Saylor

Mt. Cuba’s unique collections of native plants are a natural fit for the art of botanical drawing. Using specimens from Mt. Cuba’s gardens, learn how to draw flowers, foliage, and stems realistically in this entry-level program. Start with the elements of line, shape, and form, and progress to developing your own personal drawing style. Begin with Learning to Draw Spring Wildflowers or dive into the upper-level courses if you already have the basics.

$155 per course or $419 for the series.

A detailed list of required materials is available with the online class descriptions.

Four Thursdays: 4/4 through 4/25

10 am – 1 pm

Discover the fascinating details of spring wildflowers from Mt. Cuba’s gardens in this relaxed, beginner level class. Develop basic drawing skills through observing and sketching a variety of flowers, leaves, and branches. Explore line, shape, and form, and follow up with instructor demonstrations. Plenty of exercises will build confidence in drawing native spring flowers. No previous art experience needed.

Four Thursdays: 5/2 through 5/23

10 am – 1 pm

Bring yourself to the next level with drawing native wildflowers from Mt. Cuba’s unique collections. Continue to learn basic botanical drawing skills, such as composition, scale, and perspective, while introducing simple color techniques that add another dimension to your work. A series of stepby-step exercises, instructor demonstrations, and one-onone feedback sessions provide a strong foundation in botanical drawing. Students may work in watercolor or colored pencil.

Four Thursdays: 5/30 through 6/20

10 am – 1 pm

Continue to refine botanical drawing and composition skills using color theory and exercises that reinforce botanical accuracy. Explore painterly techniques such as dry brush or watercolor washes that enhance individual style while remaining true to the tenets of botanical drawing. Sketch, compose, and execute a finished piece, applying the skills learned in all three sections of the Spring Botanical Art Series.

With Nate Shampine

High levels of white-tailed deer populations have detrimental effects on native ecosystems. The sound management and harvesting of these animals has been shown to be the best way to reduce large herd numbers. Observe and experience how our natural lands manager, Nate Shampine, utilizes the different cuts of meat. Enjoy three courses of venison dishes with the evening’s private chef. Cash bar available. Seating is purposefully limited to 32 guests to create a close-knit, welcoming environment for all guests. (Ages 21 and over)

Friday 9/15, 6 - 8 pm | $99

(Rain Date: Friday, 9/22)

With Nate Shampine

It’s build your own taco night – with ecology in mind! Mt. Cuba’s natural lands support a variety of wild game, some of which have negative impacts on our native vegetation. Management of these species provides us with locally sourced, sustainable food. Join us for a casual evening around a campfire, grilling wild game meats and veggies, while sipping some drinks. Fresh toppings and everything you need to make Mt. Cubainspired tacos will be provided.

Sunday 10/15, 4 – 6 pm | $69

(Rain Date: Sunday 10/22)

With Jeffery “Doc” Cheskin

Join award-winning cidermaker “Doc” Cheskin in a discussion of the rich history of apples, cider, and hard cider in this region and the art and science of cider making. Native North American apples were joined by those brought over from Europe early in the development of the original 13 colonies. Delaware produced one of the first apple drinks of Colonial America – cider, which, when fermented, becomes hard cider. While everyone remembers Johnny Appleseed, aka John Chapman, most do not know that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin we huge hard cider fans (and makers). Sample a variety of ciders including one made exclusively for Mt. Cuba using local ingredients. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturday 11/11, 2:30 - 4:30 pm | $45

With Jeffery “Doc” Cheskin

Also known as honey wine, mead can be traced back more than 8,000 years and has some intriguing tales surrounding its history. Doc Cheskin of Liquid Alchemy Beverages discusses and demonstrates how mead is made, using both ancient and modern techniques, after which you sample a variety of products. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturday 3/23, 2:30 - 4:30 pm | $45

With Robert Raguso, PhD

Great wine and food pairings either emphasize the similarities or highlight the differences between the two. Dr. Raguso studies the floral scents of native plant species, including trilliums, a core collection at Mt. Cuba. Trilliums are noteworthy for not smelling like conventional flowers, with fragrances that evoke wine, cheese, fruit, and spices. He has assembled a “flight” of Mt. Cuba trilliums and several wines that complement their woodsy aroma. Explore the chemistry and ecological value of various trillium scents and take note of the pairings you like. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturday 4/27, 3 – 5 pm | $45