Participate as an Artist
CNPS San Diego 2027 Native Garden Tour
Celebrate Art, Nature, and Community Together
The Native Garden Tour brings people together to experience California native plant gardens, learn about the wildlife and ecosystems they support, and enjoy the creativity they inspire. Artist vendors add another dimension to the Tour by sharing work inspired by native plants, local wildlife, and the natural landscapes of our region.
We invite artists whose work reflects these connections to apply to participate in the 2027 Tour.
Artists in the Gardens
How the Tour Supports Artists
Artists will enjoy:
As part of the 2027 Native Garden Tour, your work will be seen by more than 1,000 guests who care about native plants, gardening, and community.
A place in a tour garden — Your art will be displayed and available for sale in a vibrant, native-plant setting. Placement depends on space and fit, ensuring the best match between art and garden. Participation may be for one or both days of the tour.
Visibility in tour materials — Your name, preferred contact, and a short description will appear in both formats: one line in the printed tour booklet and two to three sentences on the CNPS San Diego website.
A link to your website — Included on the CNPS San Diego website, when available.
Social media acknowledgment — The Garden Tour will be promoted on CNPS San Diego channels, with artists acknowledged as part of the event.
Being Part of the Tour
To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, selected artists agree to:
Show original, native-plant inspired work —Artwork must be inspired by California native plants, local wildlife, or native landscapes. All work must be original and offered at accessible price points.
Participate for one or both days — Artists may choose to participate on Saturday, April 10; Sunday, April 11; or both days. Garden placement will reflect both availability and the best fit between the artwork and the setting.
Contribute 10% of your sales — Artists are required to contribute 10% of their total sales to help cover promotional costs. Payment to CNPS-SD is due within one week after the Garden Tour.
Manage your own transactions — Artists are responsible for handling all payments and sales directly.
Provide your own display materials — Tables, easels, shade, or other equipment suitable for an outdoor garden setting must be brought by the artist.
Follow setup and breakdown times — Setup begins at 8:00 a.m. at the assigned garden location. Breakdown is at 4:00 p.m., or earlier if your artwork sells out.
I always say that I found my people in the garden. During my first Garden Tour with CNPS, I felt understood as an artist painting California native plants, pollinators, and the wildlife that surrounds us. Together, we shared conversations, curiosity, and knowledge, moments that showed our love and respect for nature
Ainara Calahorra
