
Inspired by the Land: Art in Parks
Inspired by the Land is a vibrant celebration of art, creativity, and community at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. As part of California State Parks Week, this free event offers a unique mix of interactive experiences, including a dedicated kids' art and craft zone, hands-on workshops, and art classes. Try your hand at creative activities such as photography, painting, calligraphy with black walnut and oak gall ink, knitting, and nature drawing. Watch live demonstrations as artists and artisans showcase their crafts. Enjoy food and drinks while browsing pop-up exhibits featuring local artists and makers. Please note that attending the event and all activities are free to participate in; however, the standard Day-Use Parking Fees ($10 per vehicle) still apply.
All ages and abilities are welcome to join us in celebrating art, culture, and the beauty of California’s State Parks in a whole new way!
June 14, 2025
11 AM - 4 PM
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
3801 St. Helena Hwy.
Calistoga, CA 94515
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event!
Stay tuned for 2026 dates - in the meantime, enjoy these event photos captured by Isabel Soloaga and The 87 Collection.
Workshops & Classes
Join expert-led workshops and classes designed for all skill levels. Explore new techniques such as painting, sketching, and photography while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the parks. These sessions will be held throughout the park and may include a hiking component. Spaces are limited, and advanced sign-ups are required. Use the links below to learn more and register.
Pop-Up Art Exhibit
Discover unique works by 30 + local artists and crafters, featuring paintings, sculptures, handmade crafts, and more. Explore, shop, and support the vibrant creative community in Napa Valley.
Kids Art Zone
A fun, hands-on art activity zone led by Nimbus Arts—perfect for kids (and the young at heart!) to get creative. Enjoy crafts and interactive projects designed to spark imagination and celebrate the beauty of nature.
Join a Class or Workshop
Photograhy
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Explore the beauty of Napa Valley through your lens on a guided photography hike along the scenic History Trail, connecting Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to the historic Bale Grist Mill. Led by award-winning documentary photographer Isabel Soloaga, this enriching walk invites you to slow down, observe, and capture the timeless charm of one of California’s oldest water-powered mills and the surrounding oak woodlands and forest.
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Knitting
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Botany enthusiast, Naturalist, and experienced Knitter, Joe Joe Clark will lead a hike which will include a knitting demonstration in a redwood fairly circle. The hike will focus on taking inspiration from the forms and patterns of the surrounding forest. The hike will be an easy to moderate 3 miles and last approximately 2 hours. After the hike you can stop by the knitting table in the day use area to perfect your skills!
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Botany enthusiast, Naturalist, and experienced Knitter, Joe Joe Clark will lead a hike which will include a knitting demonstration in a redwood fairly circle. The hike will focus on taking inspiration from the forms and patterns of the surrounding forest. The hike will be an easy to moderate 3 miles and last approximately 2 hours. After the hike you can stop by the knitting table in the day use area to perfect your skills!
Calligraphy
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Discover the art of calligraphy using natural materials like black walnut or oak gall ink. Learn traditional lettering techniques and create your own beautifully hand-lettered piece to take home. Drop in Anytime.
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Nature Journaling
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Stop by Sarah’s booth between 1:30 and 3 PM to explore her personal nature journals, watch live demonstrations, and pick up a fun, beginner-friendly zine for kids and adults alike. She’ll also have a small display of favorite books by nature journaling instructors.
Then at 3 PM, join Sarah for a short walk and workshop where you’ll learn simple techniques to observe and record the natural world through drawing, writing, and curiosity. No experience needed—just bring your sense of wonder!
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Meet-up Group Bike Rides
Join a community ride to Inspired by the Land with a scenic, easy-paced bike ride from St. Helena or Calistoga to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park! Riders will meet at Lyman Park in St. Helena or Calistoga Depot before setting out on a 4-mile route along the Vine Trail. This is a casual, all-ages ride—perfect for families, friends, and solo riders looking to connect with fellow cyclists.
Meet at 10:30 AM.
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Food by RayRay’s Tacos
Savor fresh, flavorful tacos from RayRay’s Tacos while immersing yourself in a day of creativity and inspiration. Pair your meal with a refreshing drink as you explore art exhibits, participate in workshops, and enjoy the beauty of the park.
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Live Music Performances
Enjoy live music by Tummo and Joe Shoemaker. Calistoga-based Tummo blends ambient, electronic, and techno influences to create immersive soundscapes, while Napa-based instrumental composer Joe Shoemaker weaves together samples, field recordings, and electronic instruments to craft vibrant, dynamic compositions that are both playful and evocative.
Meet the Artists & Makers
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RBAnderson Art offers more than just paintings—each piece is an experience inspired by the beauty of the natural world. The collection includes original oil paintings, fine art prints, and unique wearable landscapes, with something for everyone to enjoy.
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Alyssa Minko is an artist whose contemporary landscape paintings explore themes of connection, light, and resillience. Inspired by neo-impressionism and fauvism, she uses rich color palettes that reflect a radical interpretation of nature and emotion.
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Nuttercutter Woodworks offers hand-carved spoons, spatulas, and other functional art—crafted entirely with an axe and knives using locally collected hardwoods. Each piece is unique and made without power tools, glue, or toxic chemicals.
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Savage Art features the work of a local Napa artist currently exploring the expressive possibilities of watercolor. Detailed images are drawn with pen and ink, then carefully brought to life with layers of watercolor.
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Susan Loomis is a retired teacher turned full-time artist who creates paintings and prints of wildlife, domestic animals, and landscapes. She also makes earrings using recycled inner tubes.
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Carolyn of Strawberry Sister is a Santa Rosa-based artist known for her joyful, color-rich paintings inspired by nature, emotion, and play. From bold murals to dreamy canvases, her work brings life and warmth to both public spaces and personal homes. When she’s not painting in her converted military-barracks-turned-studio (ask her about her frog hotel!), she’s designing prints, cards, and creative goods that celebrate connection and self-expression.
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Crystal Lynn Collins is a fine art photographer whose early connection to the natural world shaped her artistic lens. Her work is rooted in the landscapes of the California coast and its delicate marshlands, through composition and gentle light, Crystal invites viewers into serene, contemplative spaces—reminding us of nature’s quiet rhythms and the beauty found in stillness.
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Valerie Calzada-Martinez of Heart N Soul Galleries is a Sonoma County native who works in acrylic and watercolor, drawn to their non-toxic nature. Since being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease in 2015, art has remained a vital part of her journey, supported by an amazing medical team that helps her live her best life.
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Art Revolution by Tannia creates botanical art and jewelry through handcrafted pieces that beautifully preserve and showcase real flowers and plant elements. . The designs celebrate the elegance of nature, blending artisanal craftsmanship with a timeless, earthy aesthetic—perfect for nature lovers and those seeking unique, wearable art.
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Join award-winning filmmaker, writer, and photographer Isabel Soloaga for a hands-on photography workshop exploring storytelling through images. Isabel’s work has been recognized internationally and focuses on themes of migration, identity, and human connection.
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TIMBERBOARDS by Gerda offers one-of-a-kind artisan wood designs—including cutting boards, trays, and candle holders—crafted from local and exotic woods. Inspired by nature, each piece is both functional and timeless.
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Dar Merle Is an award winning painter currently using acrylic on canvas. Her artistic passion is continually evolving, inspired by beautiful scenery, people, animals, and vision paintings. “I dream what I paint; I paint what I dream.”
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Michael McLaughlin is a lifelong multimedia artist who reconnected with ceramics after fifty years. He will be demonstrating his craft live on a pottery wheel, sharing the process behind his functional and artistic clay works.
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Bring a photo of your pet and get a custom 15-minute watercolor doodle, created live by artist and animal lover Pearl Heitman. A fun and whimsical keepsake made on the spot!
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Reverie and Roots blends nostalgic storytelling with sustainable craftsmanship, creating small-batch candles designed to evoke meaningful moments through nature, memory, and connection.
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Jacob Zúñiga is a 17-year-old artist born in El Salvador. Drawing on their rich cultural background and love of the outdoors, Jacob works across oil painting, linoleum prints, and embroidery to evoke the beauty of the natural world and the spirit of a place. Their landscapes reflect a deep connection to nature, while their linoleum prints explore spirituality and depict saints.
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Tarasance is a playful collection of handmade gifts by artist Tara Caplan, featuring her whimsical colored pencil animal illustrations. From art prints, cards, and magnets to t-shirts for all ages, dresses, tote bags, and zippered pouches, each piece brings a joyful, imaginative touch to beautiful handmade gifts.
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Cindy is a lifelong Napa native and avid hiker who finds inspiration in rocks, plants, and leaves along the trail. In her watercolor artwork, she captures the fascination and appreciation she feels for nature, hoping to inspire others to get out and find some trails of their own.
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Your Spirit Rocks! offers hand-painted gift rocks, each with a unique design that makes it a one-of-a-kind, treasured collectible. Whether used as a paperweight, windowsill ornament, or whimsical doorstop, these glowing keepsakes spark creativity and are especially loved by kids.
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Stuck on You Permanent Jewelry offers custom-fit, clasp-free jewelry designed to be worn every day and built to last. Crafted by esthetician and artist Jen Freutel, each piece is welded on for a seamless, minimalist look—perfect for marking a special moment or simply elevating your personal style.
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Mike Snowden, a retired industrial arts teacher and Napa native, handcrafts copper cups using traditional techniques. Each is made from food-safe materials and designed to last.
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Megan Peabody, a Napa-based painter, creates abstract works in oil and acrylic inspired by glimpses of nature. Her intuitive, layered process reflects a deep connection to the natural world and inner stillness.
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Up North Pottery makes fun-ctional items for everyday use. Nature inspired pottery to add a little joy each time they're handled.
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A Calistoga native, Donna Higgins crafts one-of-a-kind jewelry using gemstones, leather, and pearls. Her fascination with the history and beauty of beads inspires every handmade piece.
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Jayne De la Selva, a 4th-generation St. Helena artist, works in painting, sewing, embroidery, and fiber arts. Her playful and spiritual work celebrates animals and nature.
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Samanta is a photographer and illustrator showcasing fine art prints, photography, and original sticker designs.
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M & M Artworks showcases an eclectic mix of acrylic and watercolor paintings inspired by the natural world. A self-taught artist, who combines acrylics, pens, and ink to create vibrant, expressive pieces.
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Anamarie Fox creates fabric art, bags, and accessories using traditional Japanese stitching techniques. Her work blends utility with hand-sewn artistry.
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Hummingbird & Herb is a Sonoma County-based, woman-owned self-care brand offering clean-burning soy candles, essential oil car diffusers, herbal sachets, and more.
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Stephanie Small is a fantasy artist who brings unicorns, dragons, and other mythical creatures to life through acrylics, oils, colored pencils, and more. Her detailed work invites viewers into an imaginative world of wonder.
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Melissa Elliott recycles crayons into playful, custom shapes and letters, and also hand-sews felt play food. Her creations are both colorful and imaginative.
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Elements by MC Parra features the work of Calistoga resident Mars, who makes handmade bracelets with natural semi-precious stone beads and sun catchers.
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Kaci makes handmade jewelry and crafts to help raise money for college.
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Barbara Campbell creates water color, multi media, and upcycled art pieces using recycled jewelry parts and frames.
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Beaded Jewelry by Debbie Mejier
Thank you to our Event Sponsors & Partners
Additional Activities Around the Park that Day
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Pool
Cool off at the pool, open from 1–5 PM.
Entry is $5 per person. -
Eco Fitness Hike
Join the 2nd Saturday Ecofitness Hike at 9 AM.
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Junior Ranger Program
Starting at 10 AM