About the Session

Soils and earth pigments have always been at the core of natural art supplies. Explore the process of making watercolor paint from natural soil minerals using a science-forward approach. You’ll learn enough to want to learn more.

About the Instructor

Karen Vaughan (she/her) is a soil scientist, paint-maker, creative, parent, runner, friend, sister, daughter, aunt, wife, speed-dater-of-the-arts, aspiring sailor, and so much more.

In addition to being the owner and Jill-of-all-trades for the Art of Soil, Karen is a soil science professor who teaches, researches, and explores her way through our oft overlooked, most important natural ecosystem-soil! She regularly shares on Instagram @theartofsoil and @fortheloveofsoil.

Karen respectfully works and lives in Wyoming, on the Native homelands of the hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) Indigenous communities, past and present.

About the Virtual Educator Camp Series

NMWA’s virtual Educator Summer Camp is designed for all educators—schoolteachers, adults supporting students learning remotely, home school instructors, scout leaders, etc. We just ask that you come with your learners in mind and a playful spirit!

We will offer independent 1.5-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 6 through July 27. Sessions, inspired by the Art, Books, and Creativity (ABC) Institutes and NMWA’s collection, are hands-on, participatory, and fun. Sessions will explore NMWA’s collection and resources, introduce historic and contemporary women artists, and engage participants in experimental making and close looking.

Guest instructors include artists and educators from around the country. You will receive a recommended supply list, applicable digital resources, and a Zoom meeting link in advance of each session. Camp activities are designed to make use of materials and tools you might have at home, to encourage repurposing and seeing everyday objects in a new light.

Register for one session or many depending on your interest and commitments.

Session participants can request certificates of completion reflecting total earned participation hours.

Questions? Reach out to education@nmwa.org.