Painting by Instructor Sonja Hutchinson
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
$120 member/$140 non-member, includes Arboretum admission, bring-your-own supplies, see supply list
Registration coming soon.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
Basic watercolor experience recommended
Instructor: Sonja Hutchinson, Award-winning painter and long time watercolor painting instructor
In this watercolor workshop you will explore a variety of decorative fruit from the Arboretum’s Crabapple Collection and paint your own set of four notecards. Image references and step-by-step demonstrations will be provided.
In this class Sonja will help you:
- Practice multiple watercolor techniques such as blended washes, glazing and charging color
- Create unique backgrounds to enhance your paintings
- Increase your skills and confidence in watercolor
- Produce notecards you can share with your friends and family
Supplies/Equipment: Students will bring their own basic watercolor supplies to class.
- Watercolor paints
- Watercolor brushes and a mixing palette
- 2-3 sheets of 9 x 12” Watercolor Paper (Arches #140 cold press works well for this)
- Graphite transfer paper such as Saral
- Pencil and eraser
- Water containers
Please note: A short lunch break will be provided. Please bring lunch/snacks and beverages/water bottle (limited snacks beverages are available for purchase at the Bee Center).
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Address: Farm at the Arb Entrance Gate
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.