Landscape Painting

**Join us for a relaxing Sketch & Sip meetup at Paradise Springs Winery — and help us celebrate Ellen’s retirement! 🎉** We’ll spend a peaceful morning sketching the winery’s scenic grounds and vineyards. It’s the perfect setting to slow down, be creative, and enjoy time with the community. We’ll start together at **11:00 AM**, then spread out to sketch whatever inspires us. Toward the end, we’ll regroup to share our drawings — always a fun and inspiring part of the meetup. We’ll also take a moment to celebrate Ellen, who has hosted many of our past meetups and has been integral part of this community 💛 **What to expect:** * Relaxed, low-pressure sketching * Beautiful outdoor scenery * Friendly, welcoming group * Come and go anytime — no need to stay the whole time **What to bring:** • Sketchbook, painting materials, or any mediums that you'd like to use • Portable chair, stool, or blanket (optional) The winery has wine and food available for purchase if you’d like to enjoy something while you draw. If you’d like a preview, check out photos from a past meetup here: https://www.meetup.com/drawingnova/events/284731134/ **All skill levels welcome — even if you haven’t drawn in a while.** Looking forward to drawing together and celebrating Ellen!

Join us for a cozy and creative evening where art meets good company. This Sip & Paint event is designed for all skill levels—whether you’ve never painted before or just want a relaxing night out. 🕒 What to Expect (Agenda) • Arrival & Welcome (10–15 mins): Get settled, grab a drink, and meet the group • Guided Painting Session (1.5–2 hours): Step-by-step painting in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere • Social Time: Enjoy conversation, connect with others, and unwind as you paint No pressure, no perfection—just a fun and calming experience. 🍷 What’s Included • All painting supplies (canvas, brushes, paints, etc.) • Light refreshments • Wine 🎒 What to Bring Nothing! Just bring yourself and a positive, open mindset. 📍 How to Find Us This event is hosted in a private home in Lake Ridge area. The exact address will be shared with confirmed attendees prior to the event. Come solo or with a friend—this is a welcoming space to relax, get creative, and connect. 🎨✨

Join us for a calm and cozy afternoon of creating together at Oakton Library. This is a relaxed social art meetup, not a class. No instruction, no pressure. Just time to focus, draw, paint, and connect. We’re keeping this one intentionally small: **Maximum 10 seats** for a more intimate creative space. 🗓 First Saturday of every month 🕐 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Oakton Library *** ✨ **What to Expect** This is quiet, focused art time with light conversation. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you’re welcome. You’re free to come late or leave early. *** 🖌 **What to Bring** Bring any materials you enjoy working with. Keep setups clean and easy for a shared public space. Suggested items: * Sketchbook or loose paper * Pencils, pens, markers, crayons * Small watercolor or gouache setup * iPad or tablet * Crochet, journaling, calligraphy — any quiet creative work is welcome Please avoid messy materials or anything with strong odors. *** 📌 **Important** Seats are limited to 10. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. If you RSVP and can’t make it, let us know so someone else can join.

We will hike the famous Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). We’ll depart from the Lake Audubon pool area and follow the trail north for three miles. The route features a pleasant mix of dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces, with a few gentle hills—none exceeding 200 feet. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy a one-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail. After the hike, we’ll head to Lake Anne Brew House, an award-winning spot known for its small-batch beers and beautiful views overlooking Lake Anne. Hike parking along Twin Branches and Glade Dr. A detailed map of the CCT is located here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy

Tickets are $40 (includes all supplies plus 1 Free Drink) [Grab your Tickets Here](https://square.link/u/RjcMbEEf) or go to DandiAndiDesigns.com When: May 7th 6:30 pm Where: Great Mane Brewery 6620 James Madison Hwy, Haymarket, VA 20169 What’s Included: • A guided step-by-step painting session • All painting supplies (canvas, brushes, smocks, and high-quality acrylic paints) • 1 Free drink included per ticket! • A fun, relaxed atmosphere, great beer, and even better company No experience is needed! I’ll guide you step-by-step through the painting while still giving you the freedom to add your own creative touches and make it uniquely yours. Whether you're coming with friends, planning a date night, or just looking for a creative night out, this event is the perfect way to unwind and have fun. Grab a seat, a drink, and let’s paint new memories together!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Join me on a new NVHC **GUIDED NATURE WALK** with Heidi Allen, a dedicated volunteer with Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management program for the past 11 years. She has spent a decade caring for Fred Crabree, Deerlick, and Waples Mill Parks, helping to restore the health of our native habitats. She co-founded the NOVA Tree Rescuer program and spent several years coordinating volunteers to protect our tree canopy. We'll learn interesting facts from Heidi as we look for vernal pools, bellwort, wild azaleas, Christmas ferns, Virginia spring beauties, trout lilies, skunk cabbage and different varieties of club moss while walking along Little Difficult Run. Thanks to NVHC member/Crabtree volunteer Margaret Coffey for helping with this event. **DETAILS**: We'll do a 2 mile slow-paced guided loop with Heidi in Fred Crabree Park from 9:00-10:30. It is mostly flat, with a small hill. Trails are natural surface. Option for an additional 2.5-3 miles at a moderate pace on other trails within Crabtree Park. There is one stream crossing over large rocks in this second section. **LIMITED PARKING**: Please note that due to limited parking at Fred Crabtree Park and the preference of our nature guide for a smaller group, this hike will be limited in size. Please only sign up if you are fairly certain that you're able to attend. Thank you. **RESTROOMS**: One porta-potty **FEES:** No fee **DOGS**: No dogs allowed on this one

Celebrate Earth Day with Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings at Lake Fairfax Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. First started on April 22 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson in order to bring awareness to the importance of the environment, Earth Day is now celebrated throughout America and the world. This years Earth Day Festival for Northern Virginia takes place at Lake Fairfax Park near Reston. Located in the Difficult Run Watershed by the damning of Colvin Run, beautiful Lake Fairfax offers camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking on 15 miles of trail. The Earth Day Festival includes many outdoor organizations, live music, guest speakers, food vendors, outdoor activities, and great spirits as we both celebrate and promote further protection of our precious Earth. Meet throughout the day at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia. Leaders: Glenn Gillis 571-217-4477 and Vicky Hsu 240-370-7011.