Art on the American

Choose Your River

A woman smiling down at her notebook with a beautiful sunset behind her.

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 1 night and 2 days rafting and riverside camping 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.

TRIP ITINERARY

Meet Time: Call For Info
Return Time: Call For Info

Whitewater Rafting and Camp Session

Whitewater Rafting Adventure: Rafting starting at Chili Bar Put-In. Safety talk and introduction to the creative themes for the day.

Lunch: Enjoy a riverside lunch. 

Arrive at Long Beach BLM Campsite: Camp Orientation and setup camp for the night. 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: Enjoy a group dinner with reflection on the day’s activities

Campfire: Storytelling and libations around a fire. Stargazing before bed.

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

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
  • Camping is primitive located on BLM property
  • Option to add on another night of camping at our private riverside campground and upgrade to a glamping tent.

PRICING

Pricing is per person
Custom Trip / Date
Contact us for more information
$399

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
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

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

 

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

Rafting shuttle services and fees included. For more information on trip shuttles click here.

Included with Rafting

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

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • 1 night camping
  • 4 meals
    • Day 1 – lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast & lunch

Included with Camping

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

Camping & Meals