Programs

Arts & Nature, Sketching and Painting

August 17 – August 22, 2025

Featuring artwork from campers Amanda Bailey and Victoria Burnham
Featuring artwork from campers Amanda Bailey and Victoria Burnham. Photo: Amanda Leemann

Find creative inspiration on Maine’s stunningly beautiful rocky coast, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and rhythms of life on an island. This program brings together people at all artistic levels who share an enthusiasm for nature and who wish to draw and paint with more ease indoors and out. We invite you to join us as we learn, explore, and grow in a fun and supportive environment.  

During the week participants can choose drawing and watercolor painting sessions geared for beginners or more advanced skill levels. We’ll put those skills to work in the field as we explore Hog Island’s bird life, spruce forests, tide pools, and striking vistas. There will also be longer blocks of time to explore and sketch on your own using the island and its many resources for inspiration, as well as opportunities to explore alternative media like printmaking. Weather permitting, we will spend a day traveling by boat to lunch, hike, and sketch on Harbor Island and get another perspective on the vast Muscongus Bay. 

Our instructional team includes some of the country’s best wildlife artists and field sketchers, as well as experts in the natural history of coastal Maine. 

Portable field sketching supplies are recommended.  See the  Materials Supply List for details.

Director: Sherrie York
Instructors: TBA

Arts And Nature Birders
Photo: Sherrie York

Pricing: $1625 

The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. This price is based on a standard shared room (with 2 twin beds) a shared bathroom. A limited number of upgraded accommodations are available for an additional cost. Two upgrade options are a single room for solo travelers or a room with a private bath for two people traveling together. There are no single rooms with private bathrooms available. Please see our lodging page for more information.  

Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session. Please see our transportation page for more information.  

There are several different scholarship opportunities available to help participants attend Hog Island sessions! Please see our scholarships page for more information about Hog Island Scholarships. You should also check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for additional opportunities. 

Requirements: There are no prerequisites for this program! Artists of all skill levels are welcome.  

Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (coming soon)

NOTE: Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.

Campers sketching intertidal organisms
Campers sketching intertidal organisms. Photo: Sherrie York

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