See spring and art at Torrey Pines Reserve

COAST CITIES — The second annual Art in the Pines, a nonprofit fundraising event is being held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15 at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
The Torrey Pines Natural Reserve Docent Society and Torrey Pines Association invite all to enjoy spring wildflowers in full bloom, watch artists capture the beauty of nature on their canvases, experience the reserve and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Art in the Pines is an all-day event featuring a professionally judged plein air contest with an awards ceremony; artists’ booths exhibiting nature-inspired art for sale in a variety of media such as painting, pastels, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and photography; food and live music; children’s nature and art activities; an opportunity drawing for donated artwork; guided nature walks; tours of the historic Torrey Pines Lodge and expert demonstrations in several different artistic mediums.
Hike the reserve during the first two weeks of May to observe artists at work. Several paintings were sold “right off the easel” last year.
All proceeds from Art in the Pines go directly to help the children’s program at the reserve. That model 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?
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. Additional parking will be available at National University located just south of the Reserve at 11255 North Torrey Pines Road. Guests are strongly encouraged to consider walking to the event — a 15-minute walk uphill from south parking lot, 10-minute level walk from National University parking lot.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Interstate Highway 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles to Coast Highway 101. Turn left and proceed along the beach for about a mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade.