Outreach

I support scientific outreach and education through art; to cultivate observation, scientific inquiry, and environmental awareness. I am available to work with expeditions, and also offer workshops, presentations, and educational exhibits for audiences of all ages. View my upcoming events on my calendar or contact me to discuss projects. My teaching fee is $100/hour or $500 daily for extended day programs.

Expedition Assignments

My role with expeditions typically includes a field and studio production component. I can also assist with web development in collaboration with my husband, Darin Reid.

Field work

I complete daily sketches, as well as create photographs, audio recordings, and video clips to illustrate and share stories from expeditions. I can also manage expedition blogs.

Studio Production

I develop my field work into paintings and educational materials for exhibit, multimedia presentations, hands-on activities, and web content.

 

Presentations

My presentations range from 20-50 minutes and may include audio and props.

Expeditionary Art

Discover the tradition of explorer and naturalist artists and the historical cross-over between art and science. Featured artists include Edward Wilson, Conrad Martens, and Emily Carr.

High Latitudes: Science and Art in the Arctic

This multi-media presentation features paintings, photographs, and audio recordings from NE Greenland. Learn about walrus, arctic terns, polar bear, and field projects in the far north.

Workshops

Sessions vary from 1 hour to multiple days and often include an indoor and outdoor component. I incorporate group activities with time for independent painting and one-on-one feedback. Curriculum may be customized for specific interests and supplies (such as my Art Toolkit) may be provided. Private lessons are available.

Tools for Observation

This fun and fast-paced workshop covers basic drawing techniques including, contour, thumbnail, and diagrammatic sketches, as well as measuring and value.

Field Sketching with Ink and Watercolor

Participants learn fundamental sketching and watercolor techniques and have the opprotunity to work with tools such as watersoluble and waterproof pens, waterbrush pens, and split primary palettes.

Watercolor Painting

A variety of workshops provide opportunities for participants of all levels to gain confidence and experience with watercolor. Topics may include painting mountains, expressive skies, glazing and masking, and the properties of paint.

Nature Journaling

This workshop introduces bookbinding techniques and offers prompts and inspiration for nature journaling.

 

Outreach Partners

My past and current outreach partners include the University of Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, North Cascades Institute, Confluence Gallery, Explorers Club, Islandwood, Nature Consortium, Daniel Smith, University Child Development School, Margaret Mead Elementary, and Methow Valley Community School. Please view my resume for a list of expeditions.

Testimonials

In all of our field expeditions together, I have been amazed by Maria's productivity, unflagging creativity, and exuberance in some of the worst conditions imaginable.
Matthew Beedle
University British Columbia
Maria can take a glacier or mountain in view and engage the students in close observation of the colors, shapes, textures in a way that gives artistic confidence to those who view the world scientifically and gives scientific confidence to those who view the world artistically. And the students love her sense of humor!
Erin Pettit
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Professor of Glaciology
When Maria did a field sketching and nature journaling workshop, she brought with her an enthusiasm for art and exploration. Maria's visit provided my students with a new set of tools that allowed students to take their work to another level. I highly recommend Maria as a wonderful resource for art and exploration!
Sarah Varick
Methow Community School Teacher
Maria works well with children and adults – for practical, friendly, effective teaching, we commend her very highly.
Mark Beaufait
Student