A Day by the Ocean

Immerse yourself in a unique journey of feminine creativity and deep connection to the ocean, set against the breathtaking coastal beauty of Newport. Join us on Sunday, May 18, for a day trip leaving from Essex, Ct to Newport, Rhode Island for a mindful walk around breathtaking Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge followed by an afternoon at Saltwater Studio Newport for a private marine botanicals pressing workshop. This timeless art form, once popular during the Victorian era, invites you to reconnect with nature in a meaningful, creative way. During the 19th century, those who spent their summers by the coast would press seaweed into scrapbooks, alongside poetry, watercolors, and other cherished mementos, to preserve the beauty and magic of their seaside experiences.

During this three-hour workshop, artist Mary Jameson will guide you through the fascinating process of pressed marine botanicals, blending art and science in a unique way. You’ll create two beautifully crafted pressings, perfect for framing and displaying at home. Each participant will also receive two reusable kits, allowing you to continue your artistic journey at home with the drying and preservation of your seaweed creations.

photo of artist, Mary Jameson, and her beautiful seaweed pressings @saltwaterstudionewport

Schedule

• 8:30 AM: Depart from the commuter lot in Essex, CT (approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive). Transportation is included.

• 10:00 – 11:20 AM: Mindful Walk at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
  Enjoy a peaceful, mindful walk through the stunning Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. As we explore the breathtaking coastal landscape, you will be guided through reflective prompts to help you deepen your connection with nature and prepare for the creative process ahead.

• 11:30 AM: Arrive at Saltwater Studios Newport
  Enjoy a light lunch (participants are welcome to bring their own snacks or lunch), meet Mary, and explore her beautiful studio and work.

• 12:00 – 3:00 PM: Marine Botanicals Pressing Workshop
  Immerse yourself in the calming art of creating art with ocean botanicals as Mary leads you through the process, creating two pressings to take home. We will be working at tables set up with seaweed filled trays to study the different species and speculate on collage combinations. The materials we use include cotton rag paper, blotter paper, towels, nylon cloth and cardboard. Small tools, such as tweezers, scissors, toothpicks and soft bristle brushes are also used as needed.

• 3:15 PM: Depart for Essex

• 4:45 PM: Arrive back in Essex feeling refreshed

Image courtesy of Saltwater Studio Newport

What’s Included:

• A private, hands-on workshop to create two beautifully pressed pieces of marine botanical art

• A custom tote bag to carry your creations and personal belongings

• Tea and delicious treats on the journey to set a calm and nourishing tone for the day

• A mindful walk with guided prompts at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, connecting with nature in a deeper way

• A light lunch with fruit, energy bars, wraps, and beverages (water & tea) to fuel your creative and mindful journey

• Two reusable kits to continue your artistic journey at home with the drying and preservation of your seaweed creations

• Transportation to and from Essex, CT, included

This experience offers more than just a creative workshop—it’s a day of mindful exploration, connecting with nature, and embracing the magick of the ocean. You’ll leave not only with beautiful ocean botanical pressings but also with a renewed sense of connection to the earth and your inner artist. Join us for a memorable day by the sea with a like-minded community of women.

Sachuest Point Aerial View via NOA

Details and Cost

• This trip is limited to 11 women

• Please Note: To maintain the intimate nature of this workshop and make the experience meaningful for everyone, we are prioritizing group transportation. We will open the workshop up to people who wish to only attend the workshop, but only if there is space available. If you’d like to be part of this inclusive day experience, we recommend signing up early, as spots will fill up quickly.

• We will depart sharply at 8:30 am from the Exit 3 Commuter Lot located at the Essex Fire House, 11 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT and will return to the lot at approximately 4:45 pm.

• Look for a Ford Transit Wagon or similar vehicle.

• We recommend bringing essentials such as sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, binoculars, and a camera for an enhanced experience on our walk.

• Bring your journal for onsite reflections.

• For your safety and comfort, please wear shoes with rubber soles.

• Remember to bring a warm jacket, as the temperatures can be quite cool and windy out at Sachuest Point.

• Please note: The commuter lot and van do not have restroom facilities. Ensure you use the bathroom before boarding the van. The trip is approximately and hour and a half each way.

• Investment: $200.00