Wild Wonder Weekend
August 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM – August 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Join us for a special weekend with naturalist, artist, scientist, author, and educator John Muir Laws (also known as Jack), the president and co-founder of the Wild Wonder Foundation.
The Wild Wonder Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community—has been busy this year, with retreats in multiple locations across the country to bring together nature journaling enthusiasts from coast to coast. We are overjoyed to have Jack here in Port Townsend on Saturday, August 23rd, and Sunday, August 24th!
We have a weekend planned with three sketch demos led by Jack and joined by Art Toolkit, one of which includes a book-signing opportunity! We will have Explore Palettes for you to borrow as we learn about the creative practice of nature journaling. Visit our retail shop at the end of August to browse a special selection of Jack’s favorite sketching tools, as well as his award-winning book, The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, with signed copies available after his visit and while supplies last. Check out the full weekend schedule below, and we hope to see you later this month!
Wild Wonder Weekend Schedule
Saturday, August 23rd
Nature Journaling Demo with John Muir Laws
Location: Tyler Street Plaza, next to Art Toolkit
Time: 1pm–2:30pm
Visit downtown Port Townsend for a Nature Journaling Demo in the plaza next to Art Toolkit! We will have Explore Palettes, brushes, and paper to borrow, and we encourage you to bring your favorite sketching supplies or sketchbook! We recommend arriving early to allow for parking, and invite you to stay afterwards to visit our retail shop. See you there!
Book Signing and Nature Journaling Presentation with John Muir Laws
Location: Port Townsend Carnegie Library
Time: 4pm-6pm*
Visit the local library for an engaging Intro to Nature Journaling session and book signing of The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling with award-winning author, artist, and educator John Muir Laws! Learn the basics of nature journaling as well as handy tips and techniques that artists of all skill levels can use to document their outdoor adventures. If you can’t make it to the live event, swing by our retail shop for a signed copy—there will be a limited quantity, so visit us soon after!
*FREE but registration required due to limited seating. Register here!
Sunday, August 24th
Sketch Walk on the Beach with John Muir Laws
Location: Fort Worden Marine Science Center Dock
Time: 9am-11am
Join John Muir Laws and Art Toolkit at the Fort Worden Marine Science Center Dock for a morning sketch by the Salish Sea, joined by Naturalist Carolyn Woods from the Marine Science Center! We will have Explore Palettes, brushes, and paper to borrow during the event, and we encourage you to bring your favorite sketching supplies or sketchbook!
Special Palette Offering in Our Retail Shop!
Inspired by the Wild Wonder Weekend, we are excited to offer a limited quantity of customizable Pocket and Folio Palettes in a lovely summer green. We invite local visitors to come down to our retail shop to personalize yours with paint pans of your choice.
In-store only. Mixing Pans sold separately.
About Jack
John Muir Laws, also known as Jack, is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement and the president and co-founder of the Wild Wonder Foundation. Jack is an award-winning naturalist, artist, scientist, and educator who has dedicated four decades to connecting people to nature through art and science.
Over the years, that love has grown into a commitment to stewardship, nature conservation, and a passion for sharing the delight of exploring nature with others. Learn more at johnmuirlaws.com or on Instagram, @johnmuirlaws.
About The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling is a comprehensive reference for observing and recording the natural world, including animals, wildflowers, landscapes, skies, and more. Section by section, author and illustrator John Muir Laws (Jack) shares practical tutorials and philosophical guidance that offer a joyful and curious framework for nature journaling. Jack covers the use of various media from colored pencil and pen to watercolor and gouache, inspiring readers to explore the natural world through art and reflection.
In the words of Jack, “Keeping a nature journal is a learnable skill that can change our lives forever, opening doors to mindful attention, curiosity, wonder, beauty, connection, peace, and joy.”