Enjoy an afternoon of crafting at the Net Loft as you create a framed wool painted shorebird. You will learn the basics of needle felting while illustrating in wool, the Western Sandpiper in breeding plumage, a migratory bird that travels to the Copper River Delta region each spring. 

Check out the upper & lower atrium of the Cordova Center on both May 4th & 5th to see the beautiful wares being sold by a few of Cordova’s own Artists & makers!

Their beautiful wares will be the perfect souvenir to bring home to remember your time in Alaska’s hidden treasure, Cordova Alaska.

Part of Cordova’s Regenerative Tourism Strategy is to give our visitors the opportunity to support local businesses through their purchases! This market will give you the chance to not only find an incredible one-of-a-kind item to bring home with you but also allow you to invest in our locally-owned businesses! We can’t wait to see you there!

There are three separate outdoor field sessions.  We will likely be visiting Hartney Bay, Three Mile Bay, and Alaganik Slough.  Outdoor Sessions are subject to weather conditions and will meet in a classroom at the Cordova Center if weather is too harsh to meet outdoors.

Each session will include 30 minutes with a guide, 2 hours with Kim, and 30 minutes for outdoor post class wind down, before heading back to town. Outdoor sessions require a class material packet. If registering for more than one outdoor session, only one packet is required. ($35.00 packet fee includes required class booklet and Kim's streamline set of art tools she will be using in her outdoor sessions)

OUTDOOR SESSION SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, Outdoor Session 9-12 noon. $45  

Saturday May 4,  Outdoor Session 9-12 noon.  $45  

Sunday May 5, Outdoor Session 8-11 am  $45 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

Come join us following the speakers on Saturday evening for a casual shorebird sharing and journal show and tell.  Gather with other birders to share your viewing experiences, as well as your shorebird drawings and nature journaling from the festival weekend. Bring any journals you may have to share with the group and inspire one another.   Dessert and tea will be served.

Facilitated by The Net Loft.  Saturday May 4, 7:00-8:00 pm. Library fireplace. 

Please preregister to help us coordinate our set up for this gathering.

ALL WELCOME to this get together, whether or not you have a journal to share.  We will be discussing also our favorite nature journaling authors, books, and online instructors, so come prepared to share your sources for skill development and inspiration. SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER BELOW!

Join us for a night of painting at the Moose Lodge on Saturday, May 4th at 6 pm.

Get in on this awesome experience led by the incredible Jessicca Morningstar Jones.

To book this class simply call Jessicca at (907) 429-7997.

All materials included. Cost is $45 for festival registrants, $50 for non-registered guests.

The beautiful wildlife and bird photography of Milo Burcham will be on display at The HeART Wall of the Reluctant Fisherman all during the Shorebird Festival.

Amy and Kim present their community project from the Coast Salish territories of the Fraser River, "walk quietly: ts’ekw’unshun kws qututhun (walk quietly with respect and care along the shore),” a curated guided walk situated at Hwlhits'um (Brunswick Point in Delta, British Columbia)—a key shorebird stopover site along the Pacific Flyway and feeding ground of the Western Sandpiper. The project shares diverse perspectives of this magical place, told by scientists, artists, and Hwlistsum and Cowichan knowledge holders. It brings attention to the threat to the Western Sandpiper due to the approved expansion of a shipping terminal at the site.  https://walkquietly.ca

Indoor Sessions include 2 hour instructional classes followed by 1 hour Open Studio in classroom space for those who want to continue working on projects.  Hot teas and snacks will be provided.

Indoor Classes will meet at Cordova Community Center, Education Room 

Quick and Easy Landscape Sketching. Learn beginner-friendly strategies for sketching landscapes and coastal habitats with Kim McNett. A small sketch goes a long way in documenting a sense of place and habitat in your field journal. 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

Check out the upper & lower atrium of the Cordova Center on both May 4th & 5th to see the beautiful wares being sold by a few of Cordova’s own Artists & makers!

Their beautiful wares will be the perfect souvenir to bring home to remember your time in Alaska’s hidden treasure, Cordova Alaska.

Part of Cordova’s Regenerative Tourism Strategy is to give our visitors the opportunity to support local businesses through their purchases! This market will give you the chance to not only find an incredible one-of-a-kind item to bring home with you but also allow you to invest in our locally-owned businesses! We can’t wait to see you there!

There are three separate outdoor field sessions.  We will likely be visiting Hartney Bay, Three Mile Bay, and Alaganik Slough.  Outdoor Sessions are subject to weather conditions and will meet in a classroom at the Cordova Center if weather is too harsh to meet outdoors.

Each session will include 30 minutes with a guide, 2 hours with Kim, and 30 minutes for outdoor post class wind down, before heading back to town. Outdoor sessions require a class material packet. If registering for more than one outdoor session, only one packet is required. ($35.00 packet fee includes required class booklet and Kim's streamline set of art tools she will be using in her outdoor sessions)

OUTDOOR SESSION SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, Outdoor Session 9-12 noon. $45  

Saturday May 4,  Outdoor Session 9-12 noon.  $45  

Sunday May 5, Outdoor Session 8-11 am  $45 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

Indoor Sessions include 2 hour instructional classes followed by 1 hour Open Studio in classroom space for those who want to continue working on projects.  Hot teas and snacks will be provided.

Indoor Classes will meet at Cordova Community Center, Education Room

Quick and Easy Landscape Sketching. Learn beginner-friendly strategies for sketching landscapes and coastal habitats with Kim McNett. A small sketch goes a long way in documenting a sense of place and habitat in your field journal. 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

There are three separate outdoor field sessions.  We will likely be visiting Hartney Bay, Three Mile Bay, and Alaganik Slough.  Outdoor Sessions are subject to weather conditions and will meet in a classroom at the Cordova Center if weather is too harsh to meet outdoors.

Each session will include 30 minutes with a guide, 2 hours with Kim, and 30 minutes for outdoor post class wind down, before heading back to town. Outdoor sessions require a class material packet. If registering for more than one outdoor session, only one packet is required. ($35.00 packet fee includes required class booklet and Kim's streamline set of art tools she will be using in her outdoor sessions)

OUTDOOR SESSION SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, Outdoor Session 9-12 noon. $45  

Saturday May 4,  Outdoor Session 9-12 noon.  $45  

Sunday May 5, Outdoor Session 8-11 am  $45 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

Framed Whimbrel Needlefelt Workshop

May 7, Sunday 2-6 pm

Create a framed wool-painted shorebird, as you learn the basics of needle felting. Our subject will be the Whimbrel, a migratory bird that travels to the Copper River Delta region each spring. 

The class Instructional Fee $10, Materials Fee ($65) including all fibers, felt background, mat, and frame.  Use of needle felting tools included in class fee.    TOTAL $75

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Nature Journaling at Alaganik- Field Session

Alaganik Slough:  Sunday, May 7, 8-10 am -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Join Cordova Arts and Pageants for a lively concert featuring Blackwater Railroad Trio at the Pioneer Igloo, a 2-minute walk from that evening’s festival speakers.

Blackwater Railroad Trio is made up of Tyson Davis(Guitar/vocals), Ben Sayers(Bass/vocals), and Kyle Comeau(Keys/vocals). Based out of Seward, AK, the band is celebrating 10 years of making music in Alaska. These three make up the creative core and the "engine" that BWRR's waring sound is built upon. BWRR's trio performances take you on a dynamic ride through the world of Americana, Folk, Rock, Country and really all manners of American Roots Music. The Trio spends its long winter months, dialing in three part harmonies that contributes to BWRR Trio's, at times, full band sound. "These shows are unique because with the stripped down line-up, we can let these songs be vulnerable when they need to be and raucous when they demand to be."(Davis) 

     With unique/eclectic covers and dozens of beloved originals, BWRR Trio has been thrilling venues full of fans all across Alaska and beyond! Come dance as the music starts. Come experience BWRR.

Tickets are $20 for festival registrants and $25 for non-registrants.

Shorebird registrants will receive a $5 discount at the door. If they get their ticket ahead of time, we'll give them $5 cash back at the door. 

Saturday, May 6, 7:30-8:30 pm. Library fireplace. 

Come join us following the speakers on Saturday evening for a shorebird sharing and journal show and tell.  Gather with other birders to share your viewing experiences, as well as your shorebird drawings and nature journaling from the festival weekend. Preregistration required.  Dessert will be served.

Facilitated by The Net Loft. Aaron Bowman will be helping moderate our discussion.

Session is not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER BELOW!

Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session

Hartney Bay:  Saturday, May 6, 3-5 PM -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

1:30-1:40 Saturday May 6th

Marybeth will be reading a few bird-centric poems from her new collection tender gravity, and sharing a few tips for making poems from field notes. She'll also have copies of her books available for signing.

A short bio:

Marybeth Holleman’s newest book is the poetry collection tender gravity. She’s also author of The Heart of the Sound, co-author of Among Wolves, and co-editor of Crosscurrents North, among others. Her award-winning work has appeared in venues including Orion, Christian Science Monitor, Sierra, Literary Mama, ISLE/OUP, North American Review, AQR, zoomorphic, Minding Nature, The Guardian, and The Future of Nature. Raised in North Carolina’s Smokies, Marybeth transplanted to Alaska's Chugach Mountains after falling head over heels for Prince William Sound two years before the Exxon Valdez oil spill. She now lives in Anchorage, but spends as much time as possible kayaking and hiking in the wilds of Alaska, especially Prince William Sound and Denali, when she's not at home watching birds visit her heated birdbath. Visit her online at marybethholleman.com and on Instagram @mbhalaska

From Field to Finish: Tips and Techniques

Saturday, May 6 | 11AM - 1PM

This session will provide help and suggestions on how to complete journal entries back in the studio after being in the field.

Cordova Community Center, Room A/B. 

Class Fee $40  ($38 after festival discount) 

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Nature Journaling at Alaganik- Field Session

Alaganik Slough:  Saturday, May 6, 8-10 am -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Join us for a night of painting at the Alaskan on Friday, May 5th at 8 pm.

Get in on this awesome experience led by the incredible Jessicca Morningstar.

To book this class simply call Jessicca at (907) 429-7997

Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session

Hartney Bay:  Friday, May 5, 2:30-4:30PM -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling 

Group A: Friday, May 5 | 12-2 pm Located in Community Room A&B in the Cordova Center

Class Fee $40 ($38 after festival discount)

We have a limited number of spaces for Children 9 -14 accompanied by an attending registered parent, $24  ($22.80 after festival discount) 

Please register for children at the shop. 

Materials: Net Loft Laws Drawing Materials Kit* $79 value, Special $62.98  ($55 with festival discount), Laws Sketchbook. (in a drop-down menu on Net Loft Website) 

Class will be offered twice and will be very similar. Emphasis in Group A will be for those who are new to nature journaling. 

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling 

Group B: Friday, May 5  |   9:30-11:30 AM  Located in Community Room A&B in the Cordova Center

Class Fee $40 ($38 after festival discount)

We have limited number of spaces for Children 9 -14 accompanied by attending registered parent, $24  ($22.80 after festival discount) 

Please register for children at the shop. 

Materials: Net Loft Laws Drawing Materials Kit* $79 value, Special $62.98  ($55 with festival discount), Laws Sketchbook. (in drop down menu) 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

Join us at the Copper River Art Gallery opening to hear John Muir Laws, the Net Loft’s Presenting Artist Speak!

John Muir Laws is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. He is a naturalist, artist, and educator who has dedicated his work to connecting people to nature through art and science. From an early age, his parents instilled in him a deep love and respect for nature. Over the years, that love has grown into a commitment to stewardship and a passion to share the delight of exploring nature with others.  As both a scientist and artist, Laws has developed interdisciplinary programs that train students to observe with rigor and to refine techniques to become intentionally curious. He is the founder and president of the Wild Wonder Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community.

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!!