Step away from the studio and spend a day immersed in art, ocean air, and creative discovery. Travel with Medium Photo to Catalina Island for a special field trip featuring an artist-led walkthrough of Oriana Poindexter’s exhibit The Blue Forest, a shared lunch, and an optional hands-on cyanotype workshop inspired by the coastal landscape.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 - Avalon, Catalina Island
Join Medium Photo for a curated day of art, ocean, and creative exploration on Catalina Island with photographer and marine scientist Oriana Poindexter.
Participants will travel together by ferry from Dana Point to Avalon for a day centered around Oriana’s installation Blue Forest at the Catalina Museum for Art & History. During an intimate artist-led walkthrough, Oriana will share the inspiration and interdisciplinary research behind her work, which explores the intersection of art, science, and marine ecosystems.
Following the museum visit, participants will gather for a relaxed catered lunch before the afternoon portion of the experience.
Participants may then choose between a self-guided walking tour / free time exploring Avalon or joining an immersive cyanotype workshop led by Oriana, where you will create photographic prints on paper and fabric using sunlight and organic materials gathered from the coastal landscape.
This unique field trip offers the opportunity to step away from daily routines, connect with fellow photographers, and spend a day immersed in creativity and the natural beauty of Catalina Island.
Optional Cyanotype Workshop
In the afternoon, participants may join Oriana for a hands-on workshop exploring cyanotype, one of photography’s earliest alternative processes.
Using light-sensitive chemistry first developed in the 1840s, cyanotypes produce luminous prints in the distinctive Prussian blue palette reminiscent of the sea itself. During this workshop, participants will not only learn the fundamentals of the process, but also gain insight, techniques, and practical tips from one of the region’s leading cyanotype artists.
Drawing from years of experience integrating cyanotype with marine science and environmental storytelling, Oriana will share the subtle decisions that elevate a print—from material selection to exposure strategies and composition techniques that produce the strongest results.
The session includes:
An introduction to the history and science of cyanotype
Demonstrations of printing techniques and exposure strategies
Professional tips and troubleshooting techniques for achieving strong, detailed prints
Guided experimentation with composition and materials
Create at least three cyanotype prints on paper or fabric with materials provided
Participants will leave with both finished prints and a deeper understanding of how to confidently continue working with cyanotype in their own practice.
Schedule
9:30–11:00 AM — Ferry from Dana Point to Avalon
11:30–12:30 PM — Artist-led walkthrough of Blue Forest at the Catalina Museum
12:30–1:30 PM — Catered group lunch
1:30–3:30 PM — Cyanotype workshop (optional) or free time / self-guided walking tour in Avalon
5:00–6:30 PM — Ferry from Avalon to Dana Point
$475 — Full experience (includes cyanotype workshop)
$275 — Field trip only (museum visit + artist talk)
$350 — Catalina Local Package (no ferry transport)
Your registration includes:
Round-trip ferry transportation between Dana Point and Catalina Island (except with Catalina Local registration)
Admission to the Catalina Museum for Art & History
Guided exhibition walkthrough and artist talk with Oriana Poindexter
Catered group lunch
All materials and instruction for workshop participants
Space is limited to keep the experience intimate and ensure everyone receives hands-on guidance during the workshop.
We recommend registering early to reserve your place on the ferry and in the workshop session.
If the fee presents a hardship, please contact info@mediumphoto.org.