Archaeology with Donna W.

Did you have a childhood dream of becoming an artist, a park ranger, or an archaeologist or something else but didn't think it'd ever come true? I did. I wanted to be all three! Sometimes our dreams come true in different ways that we never would have imagined. My love for archaeology and nature kindled a passion in me to look for other ways of bringing my dreams to life. Today, my dreams are expressed through drawing artifacts, teaching art, and leading nature walks. As a volunteer certified trail guide, I dress up in my hat and vest and lead interpretive nature walks to help educate the public on native plants, wildflowers, and the indigenous peoples of the areas in which I live. I majored in history and art at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA where I received an A.A. Degree and Certificate in American Indian Studies. I began technical illustration when I volunteered at an archaeological society and discovered that while I am not an actual archaeologist, I get to hold and draw artifacts thousands of years old, rub elbows with everyone in the field, and even teach current archaeologists how to draw the items that they find! My archaeological illustrations are published in scientific journals, archaeological reports and professional presentations. Drawing has added so much to my life - it gives me serenity when I need it, a feeling of completing something special (that I did all by myself), a team effort in contributing to a project, gifts for friends and family, a hand-drawn card to brighten another's day, and so much more. Whether you decide on either of the three courses I offer, it is my hope to share this ability with you and help you find your inner artist too!