A day retreat in a heritage garden and ancient woodland
to reconnect with nature and explore your innate creativity.
There’s a particular kind of magic that an ancient woodland holds.
Allow yourself to be enchanted by it; and to reconnect to something wild and free within, where your creativity can flourish.
We will begin with a cuppa and introductions, then talk about techniques that influence how we see the world. We’ll walk with Tom and Pam through the walled garden to explore the built and natural heritage. Jules will awaken our imagination through simple mark-making — an intuitive way of accessing our creativity that needs no artistic experience.
After lunch, we’ll find inspiration in the ancient woodland, one of Ireland's last surviving fragments of true old-growth. Here, we slow right down: Look, listen, and breathe. As curiosity stirs, pencils find their way to paper.
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Jules will guide you into close and thoughtful observation of nature through drawing, so this day suits complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. It’s not an art class, and no artistic skill is needed. We are all innately creative. This is a chance to absorb what you see and feel, and to respond in your own authentic way to this enchanting place. The drawings you make and take home will be a visual memento, a symbol of your experience here.
Summary Details
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Full-day workshop, vegetarian lunch and art supplies included
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Saturday 3 October, 2026, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
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Ballin Temple Nature Sanctuary, Ardattin, Co. Carlow
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Limited places – Book your spot at astraea.net/shop – only €10 thanks to Creative Carlow’s support.
Hosts
Astraea was founded by Tom and Pam Butler in 1999 to help people broaden perspectives and live happier lives. Tom is an eco-entrepreneur, author, smallholder and steward of this Special Area of Conservation. He has extensive experience in supporting business and personal transformation. Pam helps people cultivate self-awareness and explore personal change through yoga. She manages a rural enterprise, and is an an MII-accredited mediator.
Jules Michael is a visual artist (MFA (NCAD)), member of the Nine Stones Artists and coordinator of Creative Drummin, the creative component of the Drummin Bog project. Jules brings her gift for gentle, inclusive art facilitation, supporting total beginners and seasoned creatives alike with their own authentic mark-making.