What ages can participate?

The program is family-friendly for ages 4 and up; children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver.

Are materials provided?

Yes—all watercolor, paper, and collage supplies required for the workshop are included.

Is this event wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility is not listed in the program details; contact the museum or check the For Families tab on the museum website for specific accessibility information.

What happens if it rains?

The event is held rain or shine and will adapt to wet weather using covered spaces or sheltered sketching areas at the meeting point.

How do I book and get notifications?

Book through the provided referral link; registrants will receive text notifications with any schedule or program updates.

Family Nature Journaling at River Hook Preserve

Q: What is the meeting location?

Meet at River Hook Preserve, 611 N Midland Avenue, Upper Nyack, New York 10960.

On July 11, Family Art Day brings painting, paper, and a practiced eye to River Hook Preserve in Upper Nyack, offering a two-hour, artist-led nature journaling workshop designed for families and curious adults. Meeting at River Hook Preserve, 611 N Midland Avenue, Upper Nyack, New York 10960, the session links the Museum’s current exhibition, James Prosek: Memory, Trees & Shadows, with hands-on exploration of the museum’s own backyard. Larry Jackson leads a guided stroll across the preserve where participants gather natural materials—leaves, seedpods, bits of bark—to include in a handmade nature journal. The program combines observational walking, watercolor washes, and paper-cut collage so each person can build a small archive of place-based sketches and tactile mementos.

All materials are provided, and the format is welcoming to ages 4 and up; children must attend with an adult. The workshop is capped at 30 people, making it intimate enough for individual guidance and group conversation. Whether you’re steering a preschooler’s curiosity or rediscovering drawing as an adult, the rhythm of short walks punctuated with art time encourages slow looking: noticing leaf vein patterns, comparing bark textures, and translating color into quick washes.

This program is notable in the local recreation scene because it blurs museum programming and outdoor interpretation—participants leave with more than a souvenir; they carry a handmade journal that records a small landscape fragment. It’s supported in part by the New York Council on the Arts and other local funds, which underscores the community value placed on creative ways to connect people to place. Held rain or shine, the experience adapts to weather: sheltering under trees for sketching or using covered areas at the meeting point.

Practical notes: the event runs about two hours, begins at the stated meeting address, and is family-focused rather than a drop-off program. Expect light walking on preserve trails and standing for demonstrations; wear comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear. Because materials are supplied, bring only curiosity, a water bottle, and a small bag for any collected natural pieces you wish to take home.

For visitors to Nyack and nearby towns this workshop is a compact, low-commitment way to deepen observation skills, introduce kids to nature study, and take home a creative record of the Hudson Valley's edge. It’s an accessible, art-forward approach to being outdoors that leaves participants looking at local green spaces a little more closely.

Space is limited—book early through the referral link. Remember the program mentions being partially underwritten by the New York Council on the Arts, The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and special donors, reflecting local support for arts in nature. Check the museum website's For Families tab for updates; registered participants will receive text notifications.

About Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center

Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center in Nyack, New York, preserves and promotes the artistic legacy of American painter Edward Hopper. Housed in the historic building associated with Hopper's early life, the museum presents rotating exhibitions, scholarly programming, and public events that explore Hopper’s influence on American art and culture.

The institution offers guided and self-guided tours that present artifacts, archival material, and contextual interpretation for visitors of all ages. Education and public programs include lectures, film screenings, panel conversations, and hands-on workshops — from plein air painting days for families to artist talks and curated discussions. Signature events highlighted by the museum include the annual Jazz in the Garden summer concert series, special exhibition openings, and the Fall Arts Education Benefit, which supports arts education initiatives.

The museum also hosts guest curators and contemporary artists whose work engages Hopper’s themes of light, solitude, and urban life. As a study center, the institution supports research through public programs and curated displays that highlight rare materials related to Hopper and his contemporaries. Visitors can plan visits in advance and choose tour styles that suit their interests. The museum maintains partnerships with regional cultural organizations to expand access and learning opportunities. With a focus on preservation, education, and community engagement, Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center serves as a cultural landmark in Rockland County and a resource for scholars, artists, and the public. Tickets, event schedules, and visitor information are available through the museum's official channels to help plan each visit.

Family Nature Journaling at River Hook Preserve — July 11 Art Day in Nyack

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