Explore Art and Nature in one of Georgia’s premiere natural environments! 

Looking Up, Cane Patch Rd © Kathryn Kolb

New camping option, see details below!

Welcome to all who love creating art in natural places, from photography to poetry, or those who just love art inspired by nature.

We offer the opportunity for those at any level of experience to further their work — or try something new — and engage in shared artistic inspiration and expression. You do not have to be a working artist to attend. All are welcome.

Photographer and master naturalist Kathryn Kolb, and photographer, ceramic sculptor and art educator France Dorman host a salon-style residency at Ossabaw Island from April 13-18, 2022, in honor of the vision and spirit of Sandy West (1913-2021), Ossabaw’s owner, advocate since the 1960s. 

Mrs. West’s mission in protecting one of Georgia’s largest coastal barrier islands was to ensure a safe haven for its natural ecosystem and all its inhabitants, as well as to provide a haven for students of nature and artists, especially artists inspired by nature. Our ability to learn about and be inspired by Ossabaw Island’s natural environment is made possible by her vision to protect the island from development, and the on-going work of the Ossabaw Island Foundation.  

Programing options are offered on different days and times, so each attendee can design their own itinerary, including quiet, unstructured time to work in their medium and have personal engagement with the island’s natural landscape. We’ll gather as a group at meals and for evening salon-style discussions. Hosts will lead discussions and all are welcome to share their work, insights, philosophies and inspirations about art and nature. 

Our short workshop sessions on photography, naturalist knowledge and nature awareness include: Nature’s geometry and forest intelligence • Digital imaging on glazed ceramic tiles • How to enhance your vision in the field • Night sky photography • Naturalist and birding walks • Traditional silver and alternative process image making (cyanotype) and printing in an on-site darkroom. And we’ll host guided outings to maritime forest, old-growth trees, a rookery (if accessible), and a natural beach.

We’ll also offer introductory sessions of Qi Gong and/or Shin rin yoku. Each evening’s salon and group discussion will focus on art and nature topics, including short presentations by participating artists who wish to share their work and vision.

Three gourmet meals each day will be prepared fresh “from scratch” by Chef Leslie Varnadoe, former on-island coordinator/caretaker for Sandy West, who specializes in dock fresh seafood, vegetarian and healthy southern dishes. 

Limited to 14 participants who must be fully vaccinated/boosted for Covid-19 and follow CDC precautions recommended at the time of the trip. 

All costs are included in the trip fee: programs, lodging, meals,  charter to and from the island, and on-island transportation. (Note: additional lab fee applies for special photographic processes. Lodging varies per house and per room, House/rooms may be shared with other attendees — ask us for more details on lodging. Tent camping is now available: bring your own tent and camping gear, includes all meals, programming, transportation and access to all indoor facilities.) 

Stay 3 nights to enjoy more programs, and stay 2 additional nights for more independent study.

3 night stay: arrive afternoon of April 13, leave morning April 16

5 night stay: arrive afternoon of April 13, leave morning/midday April 18

Trip fees: Club House: 3 nights $1050. – 5 nights $1450. Boarding House: 3 nights $1200. – 5 nights $1600. Tent camping is available for up to 5 participants: 3 nights $825. – 5 nights $1075.

Deadline for full payment is March 21st. 

Club House is an early 1900s hunting lodge, and Boarding House is also an historic cottage, partially restored. Most rooms accommodate 2 people, most bathrooms will be shared. 

Ossabaw Sunset © France Dorman

For more details and to register click HERE

Questions? contact: Kathryn Kolb 404-862-0118 kathrynkolb@bellsouth.net or France Dorman 404-384-5474 francedorman@gmail.com