Is prior artistic experience necessary?

No, this workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

What materials are provided?

All necessary art supplies and materials are included in the workshop.

Can children participate?

Yes, the workshop is family-friendly and open to all ages.

Do I need to bring my own music?

Music is provided as part of the workshop; you don’t need to bring your own.

Is the workshop suitable for those with mobility issues?

Yes, the workshop is held indoors in a wheelchair-accessible space.

What is the best time to attend?

Check the schedule for available dates; the experience is enjoyable year-round.

Creative Art Workshop at Rookery Bay Estuarine Reserve | Events

Located along the southern coast of Florida, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a dynamic backdrop for artistic expression. Here, award-winning artist Anthe Capitan-Valais leads a captivating multimedia workshop called “Drawing from Music.” Designed for families and individuals of all ages, this experience blends the sensory worlds of sound and visual art. Participants gather in a vibrant, welcoming setting as music fills the air, inspiring spontaneous sketches and expressive creations. The estuarine environment itself—rich with mangroves, salt marshes, and abundant birdlife—adds an inspiring naturalizing force, enriching the creative process. During the workshop, all materials are supplied, and no prior artistic skills are needed—only an open mind and a love for music. This unique offering makes Rookery Bay a standout destination for both art lovers and nature adventurers. The reserve’s location in Naples, Florida, positions it as an accessible yet immersive escape into nature and culture, perfect for forging new creative pathways. Beyond the studio, visitors can stroll along scenic boardwalks, observe coastal wildlife, and enjoy the estuarine landscape’s diverse flora and fauna. Rookery Bay’s commitment to conservation and environmental education runs parallel to its dedication to fostering artistic spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just curious, “Drawing from Music” offers an inspiring environment to connect with your inner creativity while surrounded by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. For visitors, it’s not just a workshop but an opportunity to see how art and nature intertwine, leaving you refreshed and inspired by the unique blend of cultural and natural riches at Rookery Bay.

About Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a Southwest Florida research and education organization that connects people to coastal science through lectures, workshops, community events, and youth camps.

It presents the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, pairing a buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill with monthly presentations by environmental experts and complimentary center admission. The Reserve offers guided experiences such as Birding with Biologists, a three-hour beginner workshop at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park led by expert biologists focused on identification, behavior, and binocular skills.

Annual and community events include the Classic Car Show at Florida SouthWestern State College with vehicle and vendor registration options, family-friendly activities, and Friends of Rookery Bay fundraising; an Art Gallery Reception in partnership with United Arts Collier showcasing local photography and painting; and Rookery Bay Community Day. The Reserve also hosts Science Nite, the Seabird Social decoy painting workshop during the Festival of Birds, and a wildlife workshop series addressing marine animals, invasive Burmese pythons, and local mammals.

Professional learning opportunities include a hybrid workshop for real estate professionals on selling coastal and inland properties, seawalls, boat lifts, and regulations. Educational programs for youth include a half-day marine science camp for 7th–10th graders with hands-on lab experiences led by scientists focusing on sharks, sea turtles, and conservation.

Rookery Bay emphasizes research-driven programming, community partnerships, and practical learning to advance conservation and public understanding of estuarine ecosystems. Programs welcome residents, students, scientists, and visiting nature enthusiasts year-round.