Art on the American

Prices Starting At

$399

August 3 - 4, 2024

TRIP OVERVIEW

White Water Rafting and Creativity Weekend Retreat

Put on in partnership with the talented artist Ray Becker this 2 day rafting and creative workshop will feature multiple creative sessions drawing from river inspiration, storytelling, art journaling and more. Connect with others as you learn tricks and tips from Ray featuring projects that inspire creativity.

During the Art on the American rafting trip you will spend 2 nights and 2 days rafting and riverside camping at different locations each night. Your first night of camping is at our established South Fork American River campground in Lotus, CA. The second night of camping is primitive located on BLM property.

Artist Bio

Ray is a digital artist and avid wanderer with a penchant for warm weather. Her journey began in the outdoor industry, where she spent over a decade as a guide, constantly finding inspiration in the intricate beauty of plants and animals. Ray is the proud owner and operator of Insecuri-tee Designs, a project that began as a tee shirt company but now spans wholesale, surface design, Skillshare teaching and mural work. 

Her artistic philosophy mirrors a belief that art should be an immersive experience. Embracing the idea of making more ‘bad’ art and illustrating whimsical concepts that reflect her humor, and interests. 

She believes that being an artist gives permission to explore the world, and take joy in being a perpetual learner. She is incredibly excited to host this overnight river trip that combines her passions of whitewater rafting and hosting the creative practices that she cherishes. 

Favorite mediums include; watercolor, ink, putting googly eyes places they are not normally, drawing on her ipad, and working with large cans of paint on big walls

Favorite rivers include; her home river the South Fork American, the Touloumne, The Kaweah, The Rogue and the East Fork Carson.

@insecuri_tee

Water flows in the South Fork American River result from releases from hydroelectric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or rafting companies operating under Permits from the County of El Dorado.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Riverside art and creative instruction from local artist
  • Connecting with other artists
  • Gain artistic inspiration from the river
  • Whitewater raft the entire South Fork section
  • Your first night of camping is at our established South Fork American River campground in Lotus, CA with showers, and flush toilets.
  • The second night of camping is primitive located on BLM property, no showers and vault toilet.
  • Option to add on another night of camping at our private riverside campground and upgrade to a glamping tent.

River Map

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Pre-orientation

  • Welcome and Registration
  • Evening Introduction Session
    • Group Introductions & IceBreakers (if everyone arrives by a certain time)
    • Set the Creative Tone for the Retreat 
    • Good Night Sleep!

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting and Camp Session

  • Morning Pages Creative Practice 
    • Early session with morning pages (in the style of Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’) with Tea and Coffee
  • Breakfast
    • Group Breakfast At Rivers Bend
  • Whitewater Rafting Adventure
    • Rafting starting at Chili Bar
    • Safety talk
    • Introducing the creative themes for the day
  • Lunch
    • Riverside 
  • At Long Beach
    • Arrive at Long Beach BLM Campsite
    • Camp Orientation, Setup Camp
    • Creative Verbal Exercise 
  • Free Time: Explore the Campsite, Relax, Journal, or Work on Personal Projects

 

  • Afternoon Creative Session at Camp
    • Drawing from Nature; Draw a Leaf 4 Ways (right,left,continuous,blind)
    • Draw One (or Multiple)
  • Dinner
    • Group Dinner with Reflection on the Day’s Activities
  • Campfire
    • Storytelling and Libations
    • Stargazing

Day 3: Morning Session and Departure

  • Morning Creative Session 
    • Sunrise Morning Pages; With Tea and Coffee
  • Breakfast
    • Group Breakfast at BLM
  • BLM Early Afternoon Session
    • Art Journaling Session with Prompts
    • Draw, Draw, Pass
    • Free Time: Relax, read, break camp
  • Lunch:
    • Closing Ceremony
    • Wrap Up & Share Our Takeaways
  • Rafting Downstream to Salmon Falls
    • Return to Tributary Base Camp for final goodbyes

Traveling to the

Where to Meet

Tributary Outpost & Private Campground on the American River

6500 CA-49
Lotus, CA 95651

Where To Stay

Camping

  • Tributary Campground – Lotus, CA
    Many of our multi-day American River trips include camping at our private campground, located directly on the South Fork of the American River. Extend your trip and camp with us at our private riverside campground before or after your rafting adventure.
  • Consumnes River Ranch – Plymouth, CA
    One of our preferred partners! This is an amazing private property on the Consumnes River with tent camping, glamping cabins, stone barn for weddings and more.

 

Hotel Options

What Should I Bring

For the Creative Workshop

Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies, including a journal and pen. We will provide clipboards, additional tables, chairs, extra paper, colored pencils, crayons, markers, as well as some other inspirational materials. 

Other things to bring: Library Ammo Can, Excessive Amounts of Tea, Media such as National Geographic for inspiration

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping, Night One

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camp chair

For Camping, Night Two

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camp chair

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

What Does Tributary Provide

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft
  • Shuttles to/from camp

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • 2 nights camping
  • 5 meals
    • Day 1 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast & lunch

Included on Night Two

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Dry Bag for your gear