Art Workshops & Special Events at the 2026 Monte Vista Crane Festival
Art has always been at the heart of the Monte Vista Crane Festival. From visual storytelling and hands-on workshops to film and illustration, these sessions invite participants to slow down, observe closely, and engage with cranes and the San Luis Valley in creative ways.
Below is an in-depth look at the festival’s art workshops and special events—including what you’ll experience, who will be leading them, and who each session is best suited for.
Keynote Event: Celebrating Common Birds Through Cartoons and Storytelling
The festival’s keynote blends art, science, and humor to celebrate the birds we often overlook. Through illustrated stories and sharp observations, this engaging talk invites audiences to reconnect with everyday nature in meaningful, memorable ways.
Presenter: Rosemary Mosco
Important to know: The keynote is included with your Festival Pass.
Who this event is for:
- Birders of all experience levels
- Artists, writers, and science lovers
- Anyone who enjoys humor paired with insight
Friday Night Film: Listers
Kick off the festival weekend with a special Friday night screening of Listers, a documentary that explores the passion, obsession, and joy behind competitive birding. Both entertaining and thoughtful, the film offers a glimpse into the world of life lists, birding milestones, and the personalities that drive them.
Why we love it: Listers speaks to seasoned birders and curious newcomers alike, celebrating the sense of wonder that keeps people watching birds year after year.
Important to know: The Friday Film is included with your Festival Pass.
Who this event is for:
- Birders who love stories about birding culture
- Festival attendees looking for a relaxed, social evening event
- Anyone curious about the lighter side of birding obsession
Nature, But Make It Cartoons
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how cartoons can be a powerful tool for storytelling and science communication. Rosemary Mosco guides attendees through her creative process, sharing tips for observing birds, finding humor, and translating ideas into simple, expressive drawings.
No advanced drawing skills are required—this workshop focuses on creativity, observation, and having fun.
Instructor: Rosemary Mosco
Who this workshop is for:
- Aspiring artists and illustrators
- Educators and communicators
- Anyone who enjoys learning through creativity and play
Wildlife & Nature Photography Workshop
Designed for photographers who want to improve their wildlife and nature images, this workshop combines field-based instruction with practical guidance on composition, light, and ethical wildlife photography. Participants will learn how to tell stronger visual stories while respecting wildlife and habitat.
Instructor: Mike Endres
Who this workshop is for:
- Beginner to intermediate photographers
- Participants interested in cranes, landscapes, or wildlife photography
- Those looking to refine their eye and technique
Field to Frame: Editing Nature Photography
This companion session focuses on post-processing techniques that help bring nature photographs to life. Learn how to edit images thoughtfully, maintain authenticity, and develop a personal visual style.
Instructor: Mike Endres
Important to know: This event is included with your Festival Pass.
Who this workshop is for:
- Photographers comfortable shooting in the field
- Participants interested in improving editing workflows
- Anyone curious about the storytelling side of photography
Sip & Paint (Friday Night)
Start your festival weekend with a fun, low-pressure painting session at the historic Windsor Hotel in Del Norte. This guided sip & paint experience is suitable for all skill levels, and is equal parts social and creative—perfect for arriving visitors who want an easy, welcoming way to jump into the festival community.
Participants will be guided step-by-step through a crane- or nature-inspired painting, with plenty of room to make it your own. (The ticket covers a glass of wine, additional beverages and snacks will be available to purchase.)
Instructor: Amanda Charlton Hurley
Who this workshop is for:
- Beginners who want a supportive, guided painting experience
- Groups of friends, couples, and first-time attendees
- Anyone looking for a relaxed, social Friday night activity
Plein Air Painting Workshop
Experience the landscape the way painters have for centuries—outdoors, in real time. This plein air workshop invites participants to paint directly from observation, capturing light, color, and atmosphere inspired by the San Luis Valley, and, of course, cranes!
Instructor: Denny Wetmore
Who this workshop is for:
- Painters of all skill levels
- Participants who enjoy learning through observation
- Anyone looking for a slow, immersive creative experience
Celebrating Cranes: Brush Painting Workshop
Instructor: Leigha Nicole
Who this workshop is for:
- Beginners curious about illustration and brush techniques
- Artists interested in looser, more expressive styles
- Anyone who enjoys process-focused, meditative art-making
Linocut Printmaking Inspired by Birds
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of linocut printmaking while creating bird-inspired designs. The process encourages thoughtful observation and offers a satisfying, tactile way to translate nature into art.
This workshop takes place at The Church Project in Monte Vista.
Instructor: Macey Sigaty
Who this workshop is for:
- Artists and beginners interested in printmaking
- Participants who enjoy hands-on, process-based art
- Anyone looking to create a tangible piece to take home
Gel Printing Workshop
Gel printing is a playful, experimental printmaking process that produces layered, textured prints—perfect for bird and nature themes. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of working with a gel plate, building color and texture, and creating one-of-a-kind monoprints inspired by cranes and the landscapes of the San Luis Valley.
This workshop is process-forward and beginner-friendly, with plenty of room for experimentation. It takes place at The Church Project in Monte Vista.
Instructor: Macey Sigaty
Who this workshop is for:
- Beginners who want a fun, accessible printmaking process
- Artists who enjoy experimentation and layered textures
- Anyone who wants to create multiple take-home prints
Art workshops and special events offer a creative counterpoint to festival talks and tours, giving participants space to reflect, create, and connect.
Space is limited for all workshops and special events, and advance registration is required. We recommend registering early to secure your spot.
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