The soils and rocks around us hold hidden potential for your next art project. Join artist Patricia Larenas for an exploration of local pigment sources — we will respectfully gather materials, transform them into paints, and practice using them as an artistic medium. All materials provided.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
10 a.m. to noon
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
$15 Members | $25 General
Registration opens for Members on Tuesday, March 14. Registration opens for all Wednesday, March 15.
Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

About the Artist
Patricia Larenas has a special interest the iconic trees of the San Francisco Bay Area, especially the native species. Her tree portraits of individual trees, are intended to bring attention to their profound beauty and their critical role in our global ecosystem. She believes that the health of our trees is a reflection of the health of our planet, and currently both are in crisis. Patricia is currently Artist in Residence with Canopy, a non-profit dedicated to growing the urban forest in the Bay Area (www.canopy.org). She studied in the Filoli Botanical Art Certificate Program in Woodside CA, and is an exhibiting member of the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists. She received her B.A. degree in Studio Art from San Jose State University. Patricia was born in Chile and currently lives in Mountain View with her husband and a menagerie of trees.
Website: www.plarenasonpaper.com
Instagram: @plarenas_onpaper
Accessibility and Logistics
- Wear layers and be prepared to be out in the sun for long stretches of time.
- This program will occur in the amphitheater behind the Museum. There is a ramp to get down to the amphitheater, but at the end are steps. We will also head across the street to Seabright Beach for a portion of the walk, including being on sand (we’ll head about 50 feet out onto the sand from the beach entrance).
- Leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are allowed.
- Restrooms are available inside the Museum.
- Parking permits are required on Pilkington Ave. adjacent to the Museum. Staff will provide one for any participant who parks there.
- All materials provided, but bring a breath mint tin (or something similar) should you like to take home a wet palate.
- Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration fees apply to all ages.
- Follow the latest guidelines for COVID safety at the time of the event.