Fun for the whole family with our mobile art class. Explore the natural world by creating a garden mobile from recycled and natural objects supplied by the Gardens. These eye-catching mobiles can add whimsy and natural music to any garden as they catch the wind. Students are welcome to bring their own found, repurposed, or natural objects like driftwood, to incorporate into their garden mobiles. Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents are encouraged to work with their child to craft a mobile together. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.

In this lively workshop, we'll play with color and patterns to represent symbiosis in the natural world. Students will tell a visual story of the interrelationships between plants, animals and their environment through the layering of materials, both handmade and found, combined with paint and pastels. Students will learn how to create botanical prints, an accordion book, and will be encouraged to make daily observations of the Gardens in a sketchbook. Scholarships are available for families with financial need.

Ancient Egyptians used willow and myrtle to treat pain and fevers, and Mayans used the papaya tree for many herbal remedies. Plants have been used as medicine since our existence, and have inspired many modern-day medicines. In this session, participants will explore and sample plants in our gardens and surrounding woodlands that can be used for medical treatment for colds, upset stomachs, stress, anxiety, and so much more. The session will end by sampling a few herbal iced teas that participants can recreate at home or be inspired to create their own with their new knowledge. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Join us for an immersive insect-themed poetry workshop for ages 9-14 with Wolastoqiyik writer and artist Mihku Paul. Students will get a unique look into the lives of insects and draw inspiration for poetry from a special visit to the Caterpillar Lab living exhibit. Through observations in the garden with our entomologist, participants will document the insects they encounter, collecting ideas and sketches that will become the basis for writing a poem or prose. Examples and templates will be provided to support the work. Participants will also be introduced to the Indigenous perspective on nature and learn some Passamaquoddy vocabulary as part of the instruction. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.