There’s still time to register for Legacy Learning Boone River Valley’s annual Fall Weekend, Sept. 27-29 at Briggs Woods Park. Participants will have a chance to immerse themselves in nature while exploring their creative side.

Five different workshops, ranging from a watercolors to blacksmithing, will offer a wide range of experiences.

Art Making Experience

Carmon Slater will lead an Art Making Experience for Teachers, Parents and Grandparents, Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. This workshop will give participants an opportunity to experiment with various art making activities such as solar nature prints, fish prints, clay and paint. Then students will interpret and explore the experience through creative journaling.

Slater comes to Legacy Learning from Colorado and has spent a lifetime finding creative and artistic ways to engage children with nature. He holds degrees from the University of Iowa and combines his love of science with his love of art. His work has been shown throughout the United States and he’s the past president of the American Craft Association.

In the evening, share dinner and gather around the campfire. Bring along a musical instrument or share poems or even some of the writings done in the workshop. A pop-up art show of all the creations will be featured at the end of the weekend.

Plan to stay over in the Hickory Cabin in a semi-private space, available for $45 per night on a first come, first served basis.

Fall Watercolors

Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage of Briggs Woods Park while exploring various watercolor techniques in a workshop led by artist Dick Hanson Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work in a relaxed setting with a talented artist to learn some simple techniques such as frisket, salt and alcohol that will allow attendees to express themselves.

Supplies will be available, but feel free to bring any watercolors or papers you might wish to use. There’s no experience required and all skill levels are welcome.

The workshop will be held in the Oak Cabin. Stay over in the Oak cabin in a semi-private space for just $45 per night on a first come, first served basis. Reserve a space by calling (515) 832-1264.

Iowa Central Community College credit is available. Call (515) 835-0497 for more information.

Natural Elements in Fine Silver – Metal Clay

Advanced Techniques

Artisan Rhonda Scott will lead the Natural Elements in Fine Silver Workshop featuring metal clay advanced techniques on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Briggs Wood’s Oak Cabin. Participants will spend the day learning to create silver jewelry with three types of metal clay. Students will set a small gemstone, create a piece from a real leaf and use origami methods to make intricate folds without traditional metalsmithing skills.

Each student will take home three pendants or pairs of earrings.

No experience is required and all skill levels are welcome. Supplies are provided and the materials fee will cover the fine silver and gemstone used.

Fall Wildflower Walk

Take a stroll with a Legacy Learning guide to explore the wildflower trail at Briggs Woods Park. Discover the beauty of the late fall flowers on this autumn afternoon, Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

Blacksmithing

Demonstrations

Ty Murray of Boone Forks Forge, Stratford, will fire up the forge and give demonstrations of this skills that have been passed down from father to son for generations.

Murray maintains an active studio at the Boone Forks Forge.

During the demonstrations, he will create some unique high-quality items, such as hooks and fire pokers. Those wishing to participate should wear cotton clothing and closed toes shoes. The demonstration is free to watch, but with a free-will donation, those attending can create something on the forge.

For information on tuition and to register for one or more of the workshops, visit the website at www.legacylearningbrv.org