Art in the Pines returns to nature reserve next weekend

From Local Reports

View spring wildflowers in full bloom, watch artists capture the beauty of nature on their canvases, experience the Torrey Pines Nature Reserve, and breathe in the fresh ocean air at the third annual Art in the Pines Festival.

The Torrey Pines Natural Reserve Docent Society and Torrey Pines Association will host the show and sale benefit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6. The festival is free and held at the Reserve just south of the Lodge.

The event features a professionally judged plein-air contest with an awards ceremony; artists’ booths and an open air galleria exhibiting nature-inspired art for sale in a variety of media such as painting, pastels, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and photography.

There will also be food and music; children’s nature and art activities; an opportunity drawing for donated artwork; guided nature walks; tours of the historic Torrey Pines Lodge; and demonstrations in several different artistic mediums.

Visitors may hike the Reserve during the last weeks of April and the first week of May to observe artists at work.

The festival provides opportunities to support children’s nature programs at the Reserve. This program serves 4,000 children in the San Diego area every year with an outdoor experience tied to the school curriculum. Where else can you go to have a great hike, see dolphins and trap-door spiders, and learn about geology, all in a half-day visit to the Reserve?

A free shuttle will run from the Reserve’s North Beach and South Beach parking lots. The event is free, but the parking lots are $10 per car or a valid annual pass. Guests are encouraged to consider walking to the event (15 minute walk uphill from the South parking lot).

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Park entrance is at 12600 North Torrey Pines Road.

For more information, call (858) 755-2063 or visit artinthepines.org