When was the last time you colored with your kids, picked up a paint brush, or even doodled in your daily planner? On a Thursday evening at Dodge, adults of all ages are gathered around tables scattered with vibrant paints to try their hand at watercolors.
Wild Watercolors participants gathering the materials they need for their artwork.
Naturalists Mary Dybvig and Ashley Johnson created Wild Watercolors, a new program for ages 18+, to reengage adults in art. “The idea behind this class was the intersection of art and nature, but also mindfulness,” says Ashley.
The format is easy and approachable—no experience necessary. For a small fee of $10 all the materials needed are included. Some participants said they haven’t touched art since childhood.
Participants Kristi Culp (left) and Kate Grote (right) adding watercolors to their canvas.
“A lot of people when they reach adulthood think, ‘I’m not good at art, I can’t do art’,” Mary says to the class. “At some point in childhood, you realized you couldn’t make your art look exactly like what you were seeing. This activity helps us let go of that expectation.”
Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is most known for its field trips, seasonal camps, and early-childhood education for children—but adult education is growing and just as impactful.
“I color with my kids, but this is pretty new!” says Crystal Shores, a Dodge Nature Preschool parent. Crystal has been hiking at Dodge for 10 years and frequents other adult classes like Women in the Woods and Forest Bathing.
Wild Watercolors participant dipping their brush into water before applying another color.
“I take adult classes at Dodge because I want to explore feeling safe outside of my comfort zone, knowing my child is coming here and doing the same thing.”
The class begins with students painting abstract and whimsical patterns. Ashley provides guidance: “Think of it as finger painting as a kid!” Around the room, canvases fill with colorful swirls and small scenes. While the paint dries, participants head outside to meander the nature center for inspiration.
Ona Sussman sketching black-eyed Susans in bloom.
Ona Sussman, a naturalist for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, pauses by prairie flowers to sketch.
“This is a slightly different way of approaching nature,” Ona explains. “I work with kids so much—I don’t get to experience a deeper level of mindfulness. Anything that makes me a little bit more aware of what I’m surrounded by is really nice.”
One participant filling in their watercolor artwork with tiny doodles.
Back inside, students take pen to paper to finish their watercolor with linework. Tiny rabbits, intricate flowers, wandering lines, and more spring to life on each painted piece. Mary brings out Pretzel the hognose snake for people to meet and see her pretty, patterned scales. Childlike smiles and oohs & aahs of cuteness break out around the room.
Participant Kate Grote holding Pretzel the hognose snake.
“The sad fact of life is no one can be a kid forever, but you can be a kid at heart forever,” Mary says as she shows off Pretzel. “Your inner child is still welcome and meant to come here.”
Check out upcoming adult programs here.
This article was originally published in the Nourish Your Need for Nature Newsletter, Fall/Winter 2024.