Nature Art: For a cre-active retirement
For retirees who want to nourish their creativity, their body, and their soul in nature.
This summer, join us for a combination of a mindful morning nature walk and a nature art workshop. Every Tuesday morning, we’ll explore a park in the Beauharnois and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield region, and we’ll let nature inspire us to create different forms of art.
Thanks to support of the MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry’s “Une retraite cre-active” program, Nature Art is offered to all retirees in the area. It’s a collaboration between Cleoniki Kesidis, a certified forest school practitioner and founder of Valleyfield Joue Dehors, and Valérie Filion, a multidisciplinary artist and relationship therapist.
Nature + Mindfulness + Creativity + Activity = A joyful, enriching summer
- Nurture and explore your creativity among the inspiration of nature
- Enjoy light physical activity that strengthens your body
- Let a sunny summer morning full of birdsong nourish your mental health
- Collaborate with other retirees who love nature and art just like you
Where and when
Tuesdays from 8 to 9:15am
July 21 to August 18 (5 weeks)
at Parc des Îles de St-Timothée and Pointe-du-Buisson
Free of charge (thanks to the MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry!)
Meet Valérie and Cleo, your Nature Art guides!
Valérie Filion is a multidisciplinary artist and thérapeute en relation d’aide who teaches art from her home studio, La Maison-Atelier, in Les Cedres. Learn more about Valérie on her website here: https://www.valeriefilion.com/
Cleoniki Kesidis is a certified forest school practitioner who leads groups of children on forest adventures every week, as well as leading science and nature field trips for schools in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Learn more about Cleo here: https://valleyfieldjouedehors.com/about/
Daily themes
| Date | Location | Theme | Activity |
| July 21, 2026 | Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée | Ephemeral art | Plant observation walk + Creation of land art, photography of creations |
| July 28, 2026 | Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée | The 5 senses | Sensory observation walk + Creation of a sensory nest |
| August 4, 2026 | Pointe-du-Buisson (Beauharnois) | Footprints | Animal observation walk + A collage from elements of nature |
| August 11, 2026 | Pointe-du-Buisson (Beauharnois) | The nature collective | Mindfulness walk + An art installation containing nature elements and inspiring words |
| August 18, 2026 | Pointe-du-Buisson (Beauharnois) | Stone painting | Immersive walk + Painting on stones and other natural materials |
Details and FAQs
How much physical activity is required?
This activity is adapted to retirees, so the walks will be gentle. Every walk is meditative and immersive. We ask that every attendee be able to walk for about 20 minutes at a gentle pace.
Will it be canceled for bad weather?
The activity will be moved to the following day, Thursday, in case of bad weather, namely: heat above 30 C, storms, violent winds above 40 km/h, weather alerts (tornadoes, smoke, etc).
Can I attend only some of the days?
Yes, you are welcome to register for only the days that you are available. Drop-ins are welcome. Please register at least 3 days in advance so we know how many people to expect.
How much does it cost?
This activity is funded by the MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry’s “Une retraite cre-active” program. Attendees do not need to pay. However, please register in advance so we have art material prepared for you.
Is it dangerous to be out in the heat in the summer?
The heat can absolutely be dangerous, especially if you have any medical concerns. The activity is early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. We will move the activity to the following day if it is above 30 C at 8am.
What if I have no artistic talent?
No artistic experience is needed! You are welcome to attend even if you don’t consider yourself to be an artist. This is about your own personal creative expression, inspired by nature. Anyone can do it. (And you don’t need to show your work to anyone!)
Information, rules, and details
Register for Nature Art
There are two ways to register.
You can fill out the registration form yourself by clicking the green button here. Or, you can call Valerie at 438-499-2432 and she will assist you in registering.
This program is free of charge.
We can’t wait to see you!
or call 438-499-2432