The Art and Science of Southern Residents

If the class is Sold Out you can join the wait list emailing to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org

Scholarship available for this class:

Yes

Registration opens:

SOLD OUT - Join the wait list

SOLD OUT

Class Cost:

Do you want to foster a deeper connection with the Southern Residents? Look no further! Our unique 2-month class combines art and science to unravel the captivating stories of the Southern Resident killer whales. Whether you're an aspiring marine biologist or naturalist, an amateaur artist, or simply curious, this class is designed for everyone.

What You’ll Discover Through Weekly Virtual Sessions

Scientific Insights: Dive into some of the key scientific publications to better understand the plight of the Southern Residents. We’ll explore groundbreaking research papers and discuss the whales' behavior, habitat usage, and conservation challenges, with a focus on how we can contribute to their well-being.
Artistic Exploration: No need to be a seasoned artist! Our art lessons will ignite your creativity as we delve into the details of killer whale identification. Learn about the body shapes that differentiate ecotypes and unique markings that distinguish individuals. Engage a different part of your brain to improve your ID skills.
Story-telling: There is no population of whales better known than the Southern Residents. Thanks to decades of research, we know each whale as an individual and the history of every family group. You will hear from some of the people who have been working with them the longest, learning about both current social associations and stories about those we have lost.

Optional Grand Finale

For those craving adventure, join us on the optional in-person field trip as a culmination to the class to explore the Salish Sea that the Southern Residents call home for part of the year. While we won't be viewing the whales themselves, we will enjoy all the wildlife that shares their marine home and it will be a chance to bond in-person with class participants. Make sure to add the boat trip separately in check-out when you register for the class.

Monday nights

Optional boat excursion: Saturday, November 23.‍

Tuesday nights

Optional boat excursion: Sunday, November 24.

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• 8 virtual Zoom sessions

• Custom-made 8 color Salish Sea palette featuring handmade watercolors by Ruby Mountain Paints

• Four 7" x 5" sheets of 100% cotton watercolor paper for drawing and painting

• #5 round watercolor brush

• Access to a class Discord server for interaction with instructors between classes and community building

Note: Art supplies will be mailed to you in early September 2024.

Optional class add-ons (Must be added separately at check-out)

• Signed copy of Endangered Orcas: The Story of the Southern Residents by Monika Wieland Shields
(which we will be discussing in the second class)

• Class whale-watch excursion with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching out of Friday Harbor (Note: This will not
be to view Southern Residents but to gather in person and enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the Salish Sea
ecosystem with fellow classmates and instructors)

There are no specific prerequisites other than a willingness to learn, challenge yourself, and respectfully engage with others throughout this educational experience.

You certainly do not need to be an artist or a scientist!

We will help you with both the art and the science along the way.

While no specific background is needed and the class will begin with a basic introduction to the Southern Residents, this is considered a more advanced class for those with existing knowledge, rather than an introductory class for those just learning about orcas for the first time.

The general expectation is that students will spend 1-2 hours on class assignments in between sessions (though some may choose to spend more!)

“Monika has a very gentle manner and knows her subject well. She welcomes all questions, answers them thoughtfully, and makes every student in the class feel valued and relevant.”

“Biggs 201 was not only a phenomenal class, it was also a fantastic life experience. I learned a ton, and also met so many wonderful like-minded people who I now call friends. THANK YOU to Monika and the Orca Behavior Institute for creating this opportunity for non-scientists to learn more about and engage with the whales we have loved for decades. It is a truly remarkable thing you have created and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. I can’t wait for the next one!”

“Participating in the Biggs 201 Program made my childhood dream come true of being able to explore this field of marine research, which has always felt out of reach. The entire program was so fascinating and fun!! I appreciated the flexibility available for participants to learn at their own pace in a way that was not stressful. It was really incredible to encounter such inspiring humans and cetaceans, while feeling a deep sense of belonging and connection. Monika and OBI put a lot of heart and soul into making this an exceptional and truly life-changing experience that I will always cherish. I would wholeheartedly recommend making this happen if you’re considering taking a class!”

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone 18 and older who wants to:
• Expand their knowledge of Southern Resident killer whales
• Dive into some of the key publications summarizing the issues the Southern Residents face
• Improve orca ID skills
• Learn how to draw and paint orcas
• Gain a deeper understanding of how things have changed in the Salish Sea over the last 25 years
• Connect with experts and fellow orca enthusiasts

What does it cost and how do I sign up?

The class costs $825, with the option to split the fee into two payments (plus a 2.9% transaction fee) with
50% due at the time of booking and 50% due in September. You can add on a signed copy of
"Endangered Orcas" for $30 and/or the class boat trip with Maya's Legacy from Friday Harbor for $225.

We have one scholarship available for each class session. The deadline to apply for the scholarship was May 31, 2024.

Both the Monday and Tuesday night version of the class are current SOLD OUT, but you can join the waitlist by sending an e-mail to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org