Arts and Birding

Connecting to birds and nature through art.

All participants must agree to the Camper Guidelines - coming soon.

July 7–12, 2024

This session runs concurrently with Photography of Maine Birds & Landscapes.

See sample Arts schedule for 2023.

Find creative inspiration on Maine’s stunningly beautiful rocky coast, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and rhythms of life on an island. This week brings together people at all artistic levels who share an enthusiasm for birds and nature, and invites you to learn, explore, and grow in a fun and supportive environment.

The week will include in-depth skill sessions on sketching/painting birds and nature, taught by some of country’s best artists and nature sketchers. We’ll also explore the island’s spruce forest, tide pools, and striking vistas, and travel by boat to visit Harbor Island and get another perspective on the vast Muscongus Bay.

People of all skill levels are welcome. The program will include opportunities to choose drawing and watercolor painting sessions geared for beginners and advanced skill levels, as well as opportunities to explore alternative media like printmaking. You will also have longer blocks of time to explore and sketch on your own using the island and its many resources for inspiration.

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

See sample Arts schedule for 2023.

Prices: Below are listed per person prices that include meals, housing, instruction, and all boat trips. Participants must arrange transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session (see directions page). Check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club to see if scholarships are available.

$1590 Standard Room - twin bed in a shared double or triple room, shared bathroom
$1490 Queen Mary Loft - women only, shared loft space with 6 beds and shared bathroom
$1740 Puffin Room in the Crow's Nest, 2 twin beds, private 1/2 bath
$1890 Single room, shared bathroom
$1890 Osprey Room, Eider room, Blackburnian, or Guillemot room, 2 twin beds, private bathroom (dbl occupancy)
$2090 Helm Cabin, 1 queen bed, 1 twin bed, private bathrooms (dbl occupancy)

Questions: For questions regarding the program, registration, lodging or meals, contact the Audubon Camp program manager at hogisland@audubon.org or (207) 360-7733. Additional information can be found on the lodging and frequently asked questions page.

Please note that there are NO prerequisites for these programs and less experienced/enthusiastic spouses/friends are more than welcome to enroll in all sessions!

Arts & Birding Director
Sherrie York, Artist and Educator

2023 Art Instructors
Barry Van Dusen, Artist
Sean Murtha, Artist
Kelly Radding, Artist

Guest Lecturer
Eric Snyder, Todd Wildlife Santuary Facilities Manager, Seabird Institute

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.