ABOUT
EXPLORE. CREATE. CONNECT. GROW
Welcome to the Art and Wilderness Institute! At AWI, we are committed to connecting with nature, raising awareness and promoting values of stewardship through our outdoor, hands-on, “get muddy” learning philosophy. Our students range from the budding two-year-old naturalist to the tenured retiree.
We also believe in giving back. Students plant trees, assist refugees, and lead hikes for the elderly. We adhere to the belief that genuine learning is achieved through acts of stewardship and service. Collaborating with numerous partners, we actively contribute to making a wider positive impact. Join our growing AWI community!
ABOUT AWI's FOUNDING
Established in 2019, the Art and Wilderness Institute traces its roots back to a period of smaller-scale operations preceding its official founding. Prior to the inception of AWI, students were already engaged in learning under the guidance of Sama Wareh. The catalyst for the institute's formation occurred during a camping trip, where Khadeeja Abdullah, Sama Wareh, and Syma Aslam Chaudhry found themselves beneath the branches of an Elderberry tree. It was during this conversation that they envisioned a plan to expand community participation in classes and events, giving rise to the creation of AWI.
Driven by a shared desire to create a space where community thrives around the central theme of connecting with nature and giving back, AWI has embarked on a remarkable journey. The success of this venture is attributed to the unwavering support of our community, coupled with the proactive involvement of parents and students who have taken the initiative and assumed leadership roles.
PARTNERS
Join our alliance of partners – Non-Profit Organizations that our students support by offering services, fundraising, and honing the skills they acquire at the Institute.
Art and WIlderness Institute is based in Southern California
Our Office is located at 5520 Trabuco Way, Irvine, CA
Welcome to the Art and Wilderness Institute! At AWI, we are committed to connecting with nature, raising awareness and promoting values of stewardship through our outdoor, hands-on, “get muddy” learning philosophy. Our students range from the budding two-year-old naturalist to the tenured retiree.
We also believe in giving back. Students plant trees, assist refugees, and lead hikes for the elderly. We adhere to the belief that genuine learning is achieved through acts of stewardship and service. Collaborating with numerous partners, we actively contribute to making a wider positive impact. Join our growing AWI community!
ABOUT AWI's FOUNDING
Established in 2019, the Art and Wilderness Institute traces its roots back to a period of smaller-scale operations preceding its official founding. Prior to the inception of AWI, students were already engaged in learning under the guidance of Sama Wareh. The catalyst for the institute's formation occurred during a camping trip, where Khadeeja Abdullah, Sama Wareh, and Syma Aslam Chaudhry found themselves beneath the branches of an Elderberry tree. It was during this conversation that they envisioned a plan to expand community participation in classes and events, giving rise to the creation of AWI.
Driven by a shared desire to create a space where community thrives around the central theme of connecting with nature and giving back, AWI has embarked on a remarkable journey. The success of this venture is attributed to the unwavering support of our community, coupled with the proactive involvement of parents and students who have taken the initiative and assumed leadership roles.
PARTNERS
Join our alliance of partners – Non-Profit Organizations that our students support by offering services, fundraising, and honing the skills they acquire at the Institute.
Art and WIlderness Institute is based in Southern California
Our Office is located at 5520 Trabuco Way, Irvine, CA
MISSION
To rekindle a love and appreciation for the environment and community through
exploration, creativity, connection and growth.
exploration, creativity, connection and growth.
