ABOUT
EXPLORE. CREATE. CONNECT. GROW
Art and Wilderness Institute is an Institute dedicated to strengthening appreciation and understanding of Wilderness through all methods of learning. Our unique classes are geared towards having participants gain a deep connection with nature and raise awareness to promote stewardship values.
Students are adults, children and anyone on their journey, anywhere on their journey.
We give back to our community through our learning process. Students have planted trees, worked on rehabilitating wetlands, cleaned up over 300 lbs of trash, helped refugees and led hikes for the elderly. Our model is that true learning comes through stewardship and service. We partner with many organizations to give back.
Currently our classes are held in Southern California (Mostly Orange County and Inland Empire)
THE STORY OF HOW WE BEGAN
Art and Wilderness Institute "AWI" was founded in 2019 but had been operating on a smaller scale prior to that. Students that are part of Art and Wilderness Institute had been learning with Sama Wareh before the inception of AWI. One day on a camping trip together, Khadeeja Abdullah, Sama Wareh and Syma Aslam Chaudhry were sitting underneath an Elderberry tree talking about how to make room for more of the community to participate in classes & events. They came up with a plan and thus AWI was formed.
They wanted a place where community was built around the central idea of connecting with nature while also giving back. It has been a wonderful journey thanks to the support of our community and due to the fact that parents and students take initiative and take charge.
MISSION
To rekindle a love an appreciation for the environment and community through
exploration, creativity, connection and growth.
exploration, creativity, connection and growth.
