Fall 2026: Wild Ideas: Nature, Science, & Creativity

• Observation & Inquiry: Develop close observation skills and use scientific inquiry to investigate the forms, patterns, and processes found in the natural world.
• Research & Discovery: Explore scientific concepts, natural phenomena, and environmental topics through research, reflection, and discussion.
• Creative Interpretation: Translate scientific observations and discoveries into original creative work through writing, visual art, media, performance, or other expressive forms.
• Interdisciplinary Connection: Examine the relationship between science and creativity, recognizing how both disciplines deepen our understanding of nature and inspire innovation.

• Have and log 2 pair session per month
• Attend all live Journey Meetings
• Complete all lessons provided in the course
• Submit an artist statement
• Create an original research-inspired project responding to Helen Ghiradella’s work and a nature- or science-related topic of your choice, expressed through writing, visual art, video, audio, performance, or another creative medium.

Complete each lesson in the the following course. As you progress through each lesson, make sure to press complete before moving on to the next.

• Wild Ideas: Nature, Science, & Creativity
  This course provides you with a foundation in observing, understanding, and creatively interpreting the natural world. Through a series of self-paced lessons, you will explore how scientists and artists alike use curiosity, close observation, experimentation, and imagination to make sense of nature. Along the way, you will engage with inspiring examples, reflective prompts, and hands-on creative exercises that build the skills and confidence needed to develop an original interdisciplinary project celebrating the beauty, complexity, and wonder of the natural world.

Mentees and mentors are required to attend all Journey Live Meetings–one each month–and the Journey showcase. 

• Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET
• Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET
• Saturday, January 9, 2027 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET
  
• Showcase: January 30, 2027 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET

If you’re unable to attend a Journey meeting or the showcase, you must notify your Staff Lead in advance and attend a community event to make up for it—recommended options for this journey include Community Studios and Career Chats.e per month. Additional dates for suggested workshops and career chats will be announced!

Final Project Submission

Create an original research-inspired project responding to Helen Ghiradella’s work and a nature- or science-related topic of your choice, expressed through writing, visual art, video, audio, performance, or another creative medium.

All in all, you will submit 3 pieces:

Your Creative Work–submitted as writing, video, audio, photographs, or images.
Your Artist Statement ~250-350 words.
Your Scientific Article ~300 words.