n e w s l e t t e r
South Hill Artists ✫ April 2026 Newsletter ✫ Issue 84
Our Next Workshop Will Be With Artist​​
Beverly Choltco - Devlin!
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Nature Journaling is a practice that focuses on observational and the creative expression of the natural world around us in a journal format. Using an approach of I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds
Me Of, one can use a variety of approaches and mediums to develop this practice.
Many languages can be used in Nature Journaling: sketching, drawing, painting, writing and even numbers can be used in Nature Journaling. We will work with observing,
writing and painting nature items we bring.
One can nature journal anywhere!
About Beverly Choltco - Devlin
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Beverly Choltco-Devlin has been sketching, drawing and painting her whole life. She retired in 2021 as a professional librarian and now devotes her time to art with a special emphasis on nature sketching and journaling, urban sketching, pen and ink drawing and watercolor painting. She is a Certified Nature Journaling Educator through the Wild Wonder Foundation and has taught nature journaling (as well as Shin Rin Yoku – the art of forest bathing). e Billy Frank Junior / Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, North Cascades Institute, Tahoma Bird Alliance, The City of Covington, Tacoma Public Libraries and a variety of art groups in the region.
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During this hands-on working session, Beverly will introduce participants to the practice of Nature Journaling using the principles established by Nature Journaling guru artist, scientist and author, John Muir Laws, co-founder of the Wild Wonder Foundation, along with Roseann Hanson, who also own an outdoor expedition company with a focus on nature journaling. While all aspects of nature journaling will be covered, special emphasis in this workshop will be on the more artistic components of nature journaling, including illustration and expressive depictions of the natural world around us. We will cover the many approaches including working at home, in a studio, and out in the field.
Examples of Beverly's Work
Materials List
Basic materials will be provided, including paper, clipboards, watercolor palette,pencils, waterproof ink pens, hand lenses for observation, water containers, and naturalobjects for observation etc., but FEEL FREE to bring any combination of materials ofyour own choice:
• Sketchbook, any size
• Pencils in any ranges from hard to soft H-B
• Watercolor pencils
• A writing pen
• Ink pens (both soluble and water-soluble) such as Microns, Tombows, fine-line markers
• Charcoal pencils
• Watercolor pencils
• Crayons
• Oil pastels
• Collage materials
• A bag or backpack to take on an outdoor excursion near the church weather
permitting
• Paper towels (cloth towels will be provided as well)
• A small portable folding chair
• Any small natural objects which you would like to focus on, such as flowers, seed
pods, pine cones, rocks, leaves, shells, vegetables and photos of birds, animals and natural landscapes.
• Note: while oil and acrylics CAN be used in nature journaling, the scope of this workshop will not allow for their use, though Beverly will provide suggestions for how they may be used in a nature journal at home
• Small lapboard, clipboard or easel with clamps
• Portable travel stool or a sit-upon
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Rain gear if needed
• Backpack or portable bag (depending on size of kit)
• For this session bring snacks or a bag lunch.
Workshop Meetings are Held the 1st Thursday of the Month Excluding:
July ✩ August ✩ December ✩ January
The First Presbyterian Church of Puyallup
412 West Pioneer Puyallup, WA 98371
Please send all correspondence, inquires and payments to the address below:
SHA - South Hill Artists
PO Box 731762
Puyallup, WA 98373-0019
p r e s i d e n t 's n o t e
A Warm Welcome to All SHA Members!
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“Creativity is a natural order of life.
Life is energy: pure creative energy.”
~ Julia Cameron ~
April 2026 - President’s Message
Dear South Hill Artists,
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​Feeling stuck or uninspired? As our Spring 2026 Art Escape
approaches, I’ve been reflecting on what to work on next—
and where inspiration comes from.
One approach I often return to is looking at the work of
other artists, including the masters. Not to copy, but to
understand why certain pieces resonate. What draws you in?
Is it the color palette, the composition, the design elements,
or the subject matter? Identifying those qualities can help you incorporate similar energy into your own unique work.
Inspiration is everywhere. Browse Pinterest or Instagram, visit a gallery, or simply take notice of the world around you. As author Julia Cameron suggests in The Artist’s Way, treating yourself to an “artist’s date” can spark fresh ideas and open creative doors you
didn’t expect.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to explore. Let your mind wander down
unfamiliar paths and see where your imagination leads—you may discover something
entirely new!
Warmly,
Doreen Koch Allen
President, South Hill Artists - SHA
Upcoming Events
Before we arrive, the camp staff will have set up our art creating area in the Dining Hall with:
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plastic coverings on the floor
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individual artwork tables
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extension cords
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shared power strips
Monday - 9:00am to 10:30pm
Check-in is in the Dining Hall
(see the attached Camp Arnold Buildings Map).
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Only park in designated areas (not in the grassy fields) and enter the Dining Hall from the front entrance.
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You may want to briefly check in and then drop off your bedroom items to your assigned cabin before setting up your art creating table.
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Remember to bring a table covering, art supplies you would like to give away, and snacks to share.
Monday - Friday 10:30am Buffet brunch
Monday - Thursday 4:30pm Buffet Dinner
Also available daily:
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coffee
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hot water
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Variety of teas
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beverage condiments
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cereal
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dairy and non-dairy milks
Thursday after brunch - Group photo
Friday - 10:00am Room check-out
- 11:00am Art Escape Concludes
Camp Arnold Regulations:
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Speed limit is 10 mph
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Park in designated areas
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Quiet time: 10pm - 8am
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Alcohol free campus
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Fume free art media
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No glitter ($250 fine)
Please Note:
Camp Arnold has several trails to walk if you need a nature break. They may be muddy so bring boots. The camp office has a trail map available.
Classes & Exhibitions
Member's Corner
Do you know of an art show, competition, workshop, class, art exhibit, or have art
supplies for sale that may interest other SHA Members?
To have information included in the newsletter, please email the details to sha.southhillartists@gmail.com by the 1st of the month.
Please Note:
The email address that sends the SHA newsletter is not monitored.
Please direct all emails and inquiries to:
SHA Membership Information
Membership to South Hill Artists - SHA offers individuals numerous opportunities to create, learn and gather in a supportive and creative atmosphere.
Throughout the year there are scheduled live workshops, where one can
paint and create alongside an experienced professional artist.
Twice per year SHA holds a weeklong art camp workshop in Eatonville, at an affordable cost to its members. Members will receive an email newsletter, announcements, an invitation to join the private SHA Facebook group,
and participate in various social events.
A paid SHA Membership entitles you to participate in all these activities, September through August. Payment of dues is required 30 days prior to participation in art exhibits and shows. SHA members are encouraged to volunteer and support SHA activities, events, and chartered objectives.
Membership dues are $50.00 for the 2025-2026 SHA year.
When joining SHA, please download and fill in the SHA Membership Form.
Send the completed form with your check to the address below.
Membership dues can also be paid at the monthly demo meeting. Current members need to renew their membership in the month of September every year. Also, please update your contact information when
joining or renewing your SHA membership.
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Please Send Your Payment To:
Facebook Group
Our Facebook group is a private group for South Hill Artist members. We should think about using it more to share items that may be of interest to our members. Things to share could be books, artists you have learned about, new project ideas, photos of what you are doing, new art tools or supplies that others might not know about, etc. Think of ways you can contribute to our Facebook group!
Handmade Greeting Cards
SHA is also collecting handmade greeting cards to send to members
who may be going through a difficult time or facing illness.
If you’re able, please consider bringing a few card donations for SHA to have on hand.
