While artist and textile designer Susan Schön’s whimsical and colorful paintings will be on view throughout the summer in the Children’s Garden at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, she will be an artist-in-residence at the Gardens from July 30 through August 3 and during her residency will offer several art programs for children of different ages. These workshops, listed below, are designed to stimulate creative thinking and build confidence in individual style. They’ll focus on using natural and recycled materials and foster learning in a nurturing and supportive setting.

Schön’s artwork, which fills the walls of the Story Barn, incorporates many bird and plant subjects to complement this year’s Feathers and Foliage theme at the Gardens. She has worked in the design field for more than 25 years, and her textile-design career has spanned numerous markets for a multitude of products. After having two children, a new passion for art, design and nature evolved. Through years of raising her girls, she has reignited her vision of experiencing or “seeing” the world once again through the eyes of a child.

Schön will present the following workshops in the Children’s Garden. Pre-registration is required.

Monday, July 30: Story-Inspired Art

This program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. is for ages 5 to 8 accompanied by an adult. Schön will read a story (“I Am an Artist” by Pat Lowery Collins). The children will then use their senses to observe natural objects and will create prints using sliced apples, cabbages, oranges, leaves, and even their own hands on small colored papers, which will then be mounted onto a larger sheet of black paper. Prices are $20 for members, $30 for non-members.

Tuesday, July 31: Collage-making with Recycled Materials

Collages are a creative way to re-use and “recycle” materials like magazines, books, and even snack wrappers. In this class from 10 a.m. to noon for children ages 7 and up, Schön will guide the young artists as they create a treasure from what some people might call “trash.” Participants are asked to bring a favorite wrapped snack or two, such as a granola bar, for the project. Other “repurposed” materials are included, but those from home are also welcome. Prices are $25for members, $35 for non-members.

Wednesday, August 1: Creating Driftwood Sculptures

In this workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. for children 9 and up, children will first imagine what forms they see in pieces of driftwood and then create them.  Who knows what creatures may emerge! She will provide driftwood and other materials, but participants may bring a favorite piece from their own beachcombing. Prices are $25 members, $35 non-members.

To learn more or to pre-register for any of these programs, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; visit www.MaineGardens.org; or stop by the Gardens, located off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.