Community members and visitors can experience the beauty of the Central Coast at Nature’s Palette, SCAPE’s annual juried fall exhibition, opening 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at the Music Academy of the West, with a 5-6 p.m. reception.

'San Marcos Sunday' by Kellie Stoelting will be part of the Nature’s Palette art exhibition.
‘San Marcos Sunday’ by Kellie Stoelting will be part of the Nature’s Palette art exhibition. (Kellie Stoelting)

The show, which is free to attend, continues 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

(SCAPE is the acronym for Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment.)

The exhibit showcases local artists while raising funds for Explore Ecology, a nonprofit whose programs inspire some 38,000 children annually to connect with nature and develop lifelong environmental stewardship.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SCAPE once again,” said Lindsay Johnson, executive director of Explore Ecology. “Last year’s exhibit featured a wide range of art celebrating the natural world, and we can’t wait to see the work in this year’s Nature’s Palette.

“Proceeds from the show will support the next generation of environmental stewards, helping to fund field trips, outdoor learning in school gardens across the county, and creative reuse art workshops.”

SCAPE fosters artistic growth while supporting environmental causes through exhibitions, donations, and member-driven events. Since 2002, SCAPE has donated to numerous environmental nonprofits.

“We are excited to be partnering with Explore Ecology as the beneficiary for the show,” said Kathy McGill, SCAPE Board president. “Explore Ecology’s focus on both environmental protection and youth education dovetails particularly well with SCAPE’s mission and values.

“And Explore Ecology’s many arts and crafts programs show how a passion for the natural world can be a launching pad for artistic creation for all ages. SCAPE is proud to do what we can to support Explore Ecology as they nurture and grow love for both art and nature in our community.”

Art aficionados not only support the work of local artists, but also help ensure that Explore Ecology’s vital School Gardens, Waste Reduction, and Watershed Education programs continue to thrive, Explore Ecology sais.

Fore more about Explore Ecology, visit ExploreEcology.org. Learn more about SCAPE at https://scape.wildapricot.org.