Distance
2 Miles
Elevation Gain
200 Feet
Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Cost Per Person
$175
Program Overview
June 14, 2026: Join local artist Sydney Boveng for a half-day art course in the breathtaking setting of Glacier National Park. This immersive experience includes a short hike through some of the park’s most scenic landscapes, offering inspiration from its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and pristine wilderness. Sydney will be walking you through her process for creating expressive and playful plein air landscape sketches. Many people find drawing a scene outdoors intimidating, and her goal is to help you break down some of the most common barriers people face when drawing outside. We’ll practice identifying and capturing your favorite elements of a scene, letting go of perfection, and exploring your own unique visual language.
This hands-on class is designed for artists of all skill levels, providing an opportunity to connect with nature, develop artistic skills, and create meaningful artwork in one of the most stunning national parks in the world.
Art in the Heart of Glacier
Hike Overview Continued
Instructor: Sydney Boveng
June 14, 2026 at 8am
Join local artist Sydney Boveng for a half-day art course in the breathtaking setting of Glacier National Park. This immersive experience includes a short hike through some of the park’s most scenic landscapes, offering inspiration from its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and pristine wilderness. Sydney will be walking you through her process for creating expressive and playful plein air landscape sketches. Many people find drawing a scene outdoors intimidating, and her goal is to help you break down some of the most common barriers people face when drawing outside. We’ll practice identifying and capturing your favorite elements of a scene, letting go of perfection, and exploring your own unique visual language.
This hands-on class is designed for artists of all skill levels, providing an opportunity to connect with nature, develop artistic skills, and create meaningful artwork in one of the most stunning national parks in the world.
Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp
Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather) At 8 a.m. we will gather at Field Camp for introductions and short classroom session. We will take a short break, then head into the field to a nearby location for our field studies. We will return to Field Camp by 1 p.m.
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, dinner, plenty of water and snacks for the day.
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
Equipment: You will receive a Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly are comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2 liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers.
Some art supplies will be available to share. In order to be most successful in this course, we recommend bringing the following materials:
- drawing surface of their choice (sketchbook, journal, or just paper and a clipboard)
- line media: pens, pencil, colored pencils
- shape/thick mark media: crayons or pastels, highlighters, markers, etc
- umbrella, if there is a chance of rain
Physical Requirements: Easy/moderate. We will hike approximately 2 miles with no more than 200 feet of elevation gain.
Recommended Reading
- The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws
- Wildflowers of Glacier National Park by Shannon Kimball and Peter Lesica
What to Expect On Your Art in the Heart of Glacier
(subject to change due to trail closures and weather) At 8 a.m. we will gather at Field Camp for introductions and short classroom session. We will take a short break, then head into the field to a nearby location for our field studies. We will return to Field Camp by 1 p.m.
* Any trails listed on this program or others are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
- This program meets at Glacier Institute Field Camp, West Glacier.
- Instructor: Sydney Boveng.
- The program will begin at 8 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Hiking distance covers up to 2 miles with less than 200 feet elevation change.
- Glacier National Park Vehicle Pass required, purchase at recreation.gov.
- On-site parking available.
- Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.
- Physical Requirements: Easy/moderate difficulty. Hiking distance covers less than two miles.
What to Bring
Some art supplies will be available to share. In order to be most successful in this course, we recommend bringing the following materials:
- drawing surface of their choice (sketchbook, journal, or just paper and a clipboard)
- line media: pens, pencil, colored pencils
- shape/thick mark media: crayons or pastels, highlighters, markers, etc
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches