A few months ago, one of our members stopped by the office at Evergreen to register for a yoga class. Through the course of the conversation, she asked if a group of plein air painters would be able to spend a day painting on the grounds.  Of course, we would welcome the artists anytime, so we scheduled a date. Later in the month, I noticed there were additional cars in the parking lot. Since there was no class scheduled in the building at that time, I took a walk around the buildings. As I walked out toward the waterfront, I saw the artists and their easels scattered around the grounds, what a wonderful surprise. It was a beautiful spring day, and I had a chance to visit with several of the painters who were capturing the scenes on canvas and paper.
Several of the painters shared they had never been to Evergreen and had no idea that it was so close to downtown Easton. Another painter shared they were pleased to find access to a scenic waterfront location without the usual boat traffic along the waterway. One painter expressed how just driving onto the property the sense of peace and serenity could be felt in the natural setting compared to the nearby traffic from the bypass.
One of the painters mentioned they had attended a yoga class and enjoyed the waterfront view from the Great Room, where our classes and workshops are held.  She noticed that besides regular yoga classes; we had a wide range of program offerings, including creative self-expression, health and wellness, and personal and spiritual growth.
It was a lovely break to reconnect with nature and be inspired by the artists painting on the grounds. Later in the day I took another walk to visit the artists, and see their progress. They had enjoyed the day, and plan to return to paint again. I came back to the office more relaxed and inspired to try doing some painting of my own.
Evergreen welcomes plein air artists, friends and family to enjoy our scenic waterfront along the Tred Avon River. We welcome you to paint, photograph, stroll around the property, use the labyrinth, visit our library and/or attend one or more of the workshops or classes. Evergreen, A Center for Balanced Living is located at 770 Port Street, just past the Londonderry Retirement Community of Easton, near Easton Marina.
During the Plein Air Festival, we have several events and workshops that may be of interest to Plein Air artists and visitors.  While registration is encouraged, walk in registration is available for the following workshops. Our ongoing yoga classes have a drop-in fee of $15.00 per session.
On Monday July 14th 6:30-8:00 pm. Jimmy E. Quast will lead a practical and fun workshop: Activate Your Creativity with Hypnosis. Participants will be guided through the process of designing their own personal post-hypnotic suggestions and cues for activating and enhancing creativity. Group hypnosis and self-hypnosis will be used to both create and install simple post-hypnotic tools that can subsequently be used anytime to quickly enter that sometimes elusive inner space where creativity flows naturally. Bring a journal.  Tuition: Member $20 Nonmember $25  
Yoga teacher, Kathy Quackenbush will offer Inspiration for Artists through Yoga on Tuesday afternoon, July 15th, 2:00–3:30 pm Light your creative fire with a yoga practice designed to enhance clarity and stillness of the mind. Use yogic breathing and postures, smooth and easy movement of the body, to relax into mindfulness in your surroundings. Learn to simply be and allow your art to express itself through you. No experience necessary, all levels welcome. Please eat lightly or at least 2 hours before class. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sketch books welcome.  Drop-in fee is: $20. 
On Wednesday evening July 16th, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm plein air artist Vanessa Piche will present her secret strategies: Create, Make Money, Be Happy. 5 Steps To Increase Your Income as an Artist
Learn Vanessa’s secret strategies to make your artistic dreams a reality.   She will teach you real tangible ways to increase your creativity, and productivity.  You will be ready to take action and set your dreams into motion.  Imagine going into your studio and working with clarity and ease. This is perfect for the beginner or seasoned professional. Tuition: Members: $15 Nonmembers: $20.
On Friday evening 7/18th Friday 5:30-7:00 pm  S.D. Swan, yoga instructor and wellness practitioner, will lead our monthly Friday evening series  just breathe . . . 
On July 18th, S.D. Swan will share tools and techniques learned from her personal path and disciplines to allow inner awareness to expand and unfold with each breath. The program may include breathing techniques for relaxation, restorative yoga, guided imagery, meditation, energy balancing, clarifying and strengthening intention are some of the possible explorations. Please come as you are.  Loose clothing and a light stomach are helpful.  All are welcome.
Drop in fee is $5 to Evergreen with a gratitude donation to the facilitator. No registration required

www.evergreeneaston.org