Hailed by many as the best garden party on California's North Coast, Art in the Gardens is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Imagine a beautiful summer's day with over 70 talented artists, a dozen of the finest Mendocino County wineries, delicious food and local culinary treats, and fabulous musicians all coming together to create a dynamic event right in the heart of the Botanical Garden.

Art in the Gardens is held in the Pine Forest, on the Lawn, and in the Dahlia Gardens — when these horticultural displays are at their peak — a backdrop that dazzles and delights the senses with color and fragrance.

Art in the Gardens highlights include: wine tasting from a dozen of Mendocino County's best, a wide variety of fine art and crafts including beautiful, handcrafted furniture available for purchase. Artists in Action will be demonstrating their techniques, from weaving to woodworking. The Silent Auction area will offer unique pieces donated by the artists, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Gardens. Wine tasting from over a dozen of Mendocino County's best wineries will be available with the purchase of an event wine glass. Gourmet picnic baskets featuring the finest local food and wine will be available for purchase, as well as delicious food from select vendors. Live music will be offered on two different stages, and performances by Opera Fresca will add to the ambiance and charm of this delightful summer's day!

Poster artist this year is Mariko Irie, a water colorist born and raised in Tokyo. She attended Musashino Art University there and moved to Mendocino in 1982 to pursue her painting. Mariko uses a wet on wet technique to bring out the watercolor's uniqueness and charm, adding layers of glazing to create very rich paintings. Her Japanese spirit blended with American realism is reflected in this new piece featuring a coastal sunset silhouetted by Cypress trees.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event. A limited number of Gourmet Picnic Baskets are available in two sizes: Single ($25) and Double ($40). Wineglasses for tasting are $12. Purchase advance tickets or picnic baskets (Single or Double) online now!

Lodging on the Mendocino coast will be limited due to a major, regional soccer tournament held the same weekend. We suggest you reserve your room as far in advance as possible. Here is a list of local lodgings that support the Gardens.

For more information, call Linda Brown at 707.964.4352 ext. 24; or email the Gardens at: aig@gardenbythesea.org