ART OUTSIDE
A weekend of creativity + connection in the Wrangells
august 22 & 23, 2026
All skill levels welcome, beginner to advanced.
2-Day art Workshop: A cReative immersion, watercolor, field sketching, wood carving,
Please reach out to audrey@wrangells.org with any questions.
MEET The artists
Kristin Link
Kristin Link is a science illustrator, artist, and educator based in McCarthy, Alaska. Her work combines careful observation, scientific accuracy, and drawing from life to communicate the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Kristin’s illustration can be found on interpretive signage and educational materials for the National Park Service, Prince William Sound Science Center, Copper River Watershed Project, and many other clients. Her weekly nature journal column, illustrated in pen and watercolor, runs in the Copper River Record. Kristin's fine art practice explores northern landscapes shaped by ice, light, and seasonal change. Her first book, Discover the Art of Field Sketching, draws on over a decade of teaching field sketching in Alaska and beyond.
Sarah Gilman
Sarah is a writer and artist based in Winthrop, Washington, who focuses on the environment, natural history, science, and place. In her journalism, essays, and poetry, she seeks to illuminate the ways people relate to landscapes, their bodies, and other species. In her visual art, she’s most interested in cultivating wonder, with the hope that it helps more of us come to value and make space for wildness, and for each other. Much of Sarah’s current work is at the nexus of writing and art, where she builds immersive pieces that aim to inspire empathy, respect for nuance over polarization, and a sense of awe for and accountability towards the world as it is—still huge and full of mystery and beauty, however threatened or diminished.
Cal Waichler
Cal is a printmaker from Winthrop, Washington. Her creative works channel experiences ranging from glacier research to wildlife tracking and skiing amidst wolverines. Through woodcut and other media, she explores relationships between climate change, mountain ecosystems and human experiences of environmental change. In addition to her printmaking practice, she is a commercial fisher, an art and environmental educator, a field biologist, and an avid explorer of the world on her feet and skis.
MORE INFO:
This workshop combines science and art in a unique approach to learning about the natural world. Participants will explore the environment surrounding McCarthy, Alaska within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park while practicing different field sketching techniques including observational drawing, watercolor painting, and working with mixed media.
Kristin says: “My nature journal is probably my favorite tool for learning about my surroundings and keeping up my art practice, and I’m excited to share that with you.”
This workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience. We will focus on basic drawing and watercolor sketching techniques with applied tools for field sketching. Kristin will share examples of her work, demonstrate techniques, and discuss approaches she uses as a science illustrator.
The workshop will include time for students to practice outside in the field. As a group, students will also get to learn from each other and share work. Participants are welcome to extend the workshop by one day to include a glacier hike where learned techniques will be applied.
Why keep a nature journal:
to slow down and be present
create a record of observations and questions about the natural world.
Keep a regular and painting drawing practice and develop visual vocabulary.
It can be a tool for beginning artists to create a practice and develop their own style.
Focus on the intersection of art, place, and nature!
In this workshop, Kristin will share her own nature journaling practice and some of her favorite tools and techniques for creating accurate journal entries from the natural world. As a visual artist, the instruction focus will be on sketching and visual art, though we will also talk about including words and numbers in your journal pages.
Workshop participants will:
Learn multiple approaches to keeping a nature journal so that they can experiment and decide what works best for them.
Gain confidence in drawing from observation.
Learn techniques for working with watercolor and with mixed media, drawing with pen or pencil, and watercolor or colored pencil.
Learn an approach for capturing a variety of subjects in your journal such as plants, landscapes, animals, bones, and rocks.
Create multiple journal pages to record our time together.
Register:
Important Notes
**Early Bird price for the 2-day workshop is $350; After May 15, $400.
**Please register individually as we collect form information for each registrant.
**The workshop is limited to X participants.
**Discounts available for local residents.
**All meals provided by the Wrangell Mountains Center.
**Accommodations not included.
Cancellations/Refunds: Registrants may cancel for a full refund up to 90 days prior to the date of the workshop; Up to 60 days prior to workshop a 50% refund will be issued; No refund will be issued within 60 days of the workshop.
2-day workshop: A Creative Immersion
This two-day workshop is an introduction to nature journaling and field sketching, and combines science and art in a unique approach to learning about the natural world. Participants will explore the environment surrounding McCarthy, Alaska in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park while experimenting with different field sketching techniques.
This workshop is limited to the first 12 registrants.
Artists of all levels, including absolute beginners, are welcome to attend. Instruction focus will begin with basic techniques for observational drawing and watercolor sketching.
**Please note that a supply list and welcome email will be sent to participants in May
Photo by Nathaniel Wilder
Meals and Accommodations
All meals will be provided and shared communally. Hot water will be available for coffee and tea. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions with advance notice. Primitive camping is available at no cost to workshop participants. The private site is located just a short walk away from the Wrangell Mountains Center campus. Those who camp are welcome to store gear and food, borrow bear barrels, and use our rustic shower and other facilities at the Hardware Store. WMC staff will direct you to the campsite and orient you there upon your arrival.
Other lodging options within McCarthy include the full service McCarthy Lodge and Lancaster's Backpacker Hotel, located just down the street. The Kennicott River Lodge and Hostel is another great option outside of town; it's a short bicycle ride or twenty minute walk each way. If you bring a vehicle with you, Currant Ridge Cabins is located on the McCarthy Road about three miles from the road's end; it's about a half mile walk between the parking area there and the Old Hardware Store. Free shuttles run between the river and McCarthy on a rotation with limited hours. If you bring a camper in or would otherwise like to camp out with your vehicle, there are two commercial campgrounds near the end of the McCarthy Road that will accommodate you without advance reservations.
Hotels and other lodging are limited. We strongly recommend booking your reservations well in advance.
Art Images by Kristin Link
Sketching in the outdoor classroom, looking towards Mount Blackburn on McCarthy Creek