Animal Architecture: Birdhouse Building for HumansShells spiral out from snails, bees build elaborate colonies, and birds fill the spring with nests. Human people are not the only ones who practice architecture. Explore buildings and designs of the living world while learning how to build a birdhouse to put up in your own yard! In this class, students will be the architects, constructing and decorating their own Purple Martin Gourd Birdhouse. While many birds are opportunists and build nests just about anywhere, Purple Martins in our region nest almost exclusively in human-built homes. Learn about the rich diversity of animal architects in our forests, and how you can contribute. Open to all skill levels and ages 14(+). Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Ashlee Mays is the Director of the Museum of Infinite Outcomes, an open-air museum of conservation tucked into the historic chestnut ridge of Knoxville, TN. Mays is an artist, printmaker, and former Gold Pass Holder at Dollywood family amusement park. Her work crosses genres of art, ecology, pseudoscience, and game theory. Mays has been teaching art in a variety of settings for over a decade. She is fond of waterfowl and gardens and those who keep them.

Reserve your spot today for only $85! We provide the tools, the instruction, and the materials; you bring your curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Discover the beauty and satisfaction of creating something from raw materials, and who knows, you might just unlock a new passion. We look forward to crafting with you!