Cyanotype creation at an Erin Patton-McFarren event. Photo provided by Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.

News Release

WINONA LAKE — The Cyanotypes from the Wetland Workshop, hosted by the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams invites guests to a hands-on art lesson on Saturday, July 12. Longtime artists and beginners are given a unique educational experience after selecting subject items from the Lilly Center’s very own wetland.

The event lasts from 10-11:30 a.m., beginning in the Lilly Center’s backyard.

The instructor for this event is Erin Patton-McFarren, a teacher and self-employed artist operating out of a studio in Fort Wayne. Patton-McFarren is an expert in cyanotypes, a type of photography that uses sunlight and water to create blue-and-white outlines when interacting with light-sensitive paper.

Participants will select native plants after hiking to the center’s wetland to make cyanotypes. Because of this, each art piece will be unique to the artist, allowing individuals to express their own creativity.

In addition to an art lesson and nature walk, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Indiana’s native plant species while observing the beauty of our waterways. Materials needed for this event will be provided; therefore, tickets will be $10 to cover the cost of these materials.

Guests will receive portable cyanotype kits to take home as a gift after the event. Attendees are encouraged to practice cyanotype photography in the future to continue merging nature with art.

This event is limited to 25 participants, and children in attendance will need a participating adult. Get tickets for this event through here.

This event is underwritten by the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, the Indiana Lakes Management Society, and Depuy Synthes.