Plein Air Patrol Blitz Brings Community and Creativity to UC Berkeley’s Botanical Garden

By Staff Writers Cecilia Cheng & Megha Vashisht

A leading gravel path framed by lush flora welcomed visitors into the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden’s Plein AiR Patrol Blitz art exhibition, hosted by artist Forest Stearns as part of his DRAWEVERYWHERE project. When the event ran from April 8-16, Stearns invited artists from around the Bay Area to illustrate the diverse plants housed in the garden.

The garden, housing a collection exceeding 10,000 unique plant species, is the venue for its long-standing history as a research base for scientists, engineers, and artists alike. Artists spread across the garden, some perched on benches and others crouched along narrow dirt paths, sketching quietly or comparing work with another person beside them. Nearby, another artist works in silence, occasionally glancing up to study the curve of a branch before returning to their sketch. Following the drawing session, a group gathering invited each artist to the spotlight with a self introduction and share their creative vision.

Plein AiR Patrol Blitz replaces rigid studio routines with something far more immediate. Artists scattered across winding garden paths, sketchbooks balanced on their knees, pausing to chase shifting light as it filters through the leaves. The scent of damp soil and blooming flowers linger in the air as conversations spark between attendees comparing different brushstrokes and techniques.  “I have been inspired to bring drawing into the garden because we are surrounded by an amazing natural environment and passionate people who love nature.” Stearns said. “I love being here because it’s a community of practice and it’s ambitious, fun. Every time we do it, I learn something. And as an artist, my goal is to always be learning and practicing.”