Exploring Watercolor
July 22 (sold out) & August 12
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Learn to paint what you see and create beautiful watercolors with the garden as your backdrop. This class will concentrate on watercolor washes and mixing colors. We will also talk about composition. Suitable for all skill levels. Required materials list sent upon registration. Instructor: Melissa Gannon

Member: $30; Non-member: $35

Introduction to Botanical Dyes
July 27 & October 5
10 AM to 1:30 PM

This course teaches students how to mordant or “pre-treat” fibers to accept dye derived from locally foraged plants. We'll take a walk through the garden to identify common dye plants and discuss harvesting practices and plant processing. All participants will create a card with the day’s colors and a dyed silk scarf. All materials provided. Instructor: Megan Mesloh

*Member: $115; Non-Member: $130

Drawing Through Nature
August 5
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Choose a subject and render it as realistically as possible. This class will address how to make shapes, add values and how shadows can be used to define objects. If desired add pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor, pastel or a medium of your choice to colorize your drawing. Suitable for all skill levels. Required materials list sent upon registration. Instructor: Melissa Gannon

Member: $30; Non-Member: $35

After-Hours Yoga in the Garden
2nd & 4th Tuesdays in June 11 - August 27
5:30 - 7:15 PM

Enjoy yoga in the peaceful evening Garden, hosted by Lighthouse Yoga.

Class fee $13 - $17 sliding scale

List of classes & descriptions >>

Botanical Bundle Dyeing Workshop
September 15th
10 AM to 1 PM

Bundle dyeing is the process of adding dye plants directly onto the pre-treated fabric, then folding, twisting, and binding the fabric to create intricate and deeply colorful organic patterns- the color is extracted, then set in the fabric by steam. This is an explorative and playful process, all levels of natural dye experience are welcome! All materials provided. Instructor: Megan Mesloh

*Member: $115; Non-Member: $130

Sturgeon Moon Gongstravaganza
August 18th
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

In a peaceful natural setting amidst the trees on the Aerial Tree Walk, gather for Sturgeon Moon Gongstravaganza, sound therapy where the sound of gongs helps you relax and reduce stress. The gongs' sounds mix with the evening noises of the forest. Through their intuitive blending, Vani, Betsy and Katy create a sonic tapestry that resonates with the energies of the participants and the surrounding environment. Each gong tone helps release tension and brings a deep sense of calm. This harmony acts as a catalyst, amplifying the healing and transformative effects of the gongbath experience. Although the moon hasn't risen yet, its presence is palpable. This will be an invigorating night to remember!

Member: $30; Non-Member: $35

*Reduced-cost scholarship spots may be available. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for these, please email jlebaron@leachgarden.org.

About the Instructors

Melissa Gannon enjoys painting nature. Her inspiration comes from travel, hiking, and exploring her local area. Her home in the Pacific Northwest provides ready access to the coast, rivers, mountains and desert. She loves painting outdoors—portraying a perfect peaceful place in the woods, a bird surveying the world, or the vibrancy of a bunch of daisies. She finds that observations made in plein air painting enhance her studio work.
Megan Mesloh is a textile artist working primarily with weaving, natural dyes and surface pattern design. She received her BFA in textiles from the Oregon College of Art and Craft. With a focus on cloth making and manipulation, Mesloh explores the many potentials for fibers to transform in color, shape and form.