This is a story about coming full circle.

About ten years ago, I was trying to decide what the next phase of my life would be – post raising children. Photography was my passion, but I didn’t want to lose my love for it by turning it into a business.

I’d also become very interested in environmental issues, and decided to do a Masters program in that subject. My goal was to work for a not-for-profit environmental organization.

Going back to school at my age was so enjoyable and interesting. The program I enrolled in taught me so much. And, I did briefly work part-time for a wonderful environmental organization called Earth Charter Indiana.

However, photography kept drawing me back.

Fast forward about seven years. At my Star Island workshop last fall, I met a woman named Deb McKew, who works for a wonderful organization called BRI – Biodiversity Research Institute. According to their mission statement, they assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. Deb is the Communications and Publications Director for BRI and has a passion for writing. She came up with the fabulous idea to create a workshop that bridges the scientific research being conducted by BRI and the art world.

In other words, to allow artists the opportunity to see BRI’s work in action and express the experience through their art.

On Block Island (12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island), BRI tracks raptors and songbirds as part of their research, and also maintain a saltwater marsh. For five days this October (4th – 9th), BRI will be hosting a retreat where science meets art. There will be three sections of 8 participants each – art, photography, and writing (although there will be some writing in all three sections).

I will be leading the photography section and am very excited about the opportunity. I feel as though I’ve come full circle, combining my love for photography, writing, and environmental work in one place.

If you’re with me on this, I hope you’ll consider being one of the eight in this very special and intimate retreat. And, if you know of someone else (or a group) that would appreciate this type of experience, please pass it on to them. There is a special offer (see below) for registering before May 1st.