You're invited to join us for the 12th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale on Sunday, October 23. Art aficionados near and far are welcome to attend this hybrid virtual and in-person event. This unique show features more than 80 paintings painted both en plein air and in the studio that exclusively highlight Catalina Island’s wildlands, Avalon and Two Harbors, with an emphasis on lands stewarded by Catalina Island Conservancy.

This year’s artists with works on display and available for purchase are Cindy Baron, Carl Bretzke, John Budicin, Aimee Erickson, Terri Ford, Wyllis Heaton, Debra Huse, Shanna KunzMichael Obermeyer.

Registered attendees will receive a copy of the digital exhibition catalog to see all paintings and listen to the artists share their stories approximately one week prior to the show. General admission, both online and in person, is free this year. Sponsorship and priority ticket options are available that provide early access to purchase paintings while also supporting Conservancy programs.



Catalina Island Conservancy is very appreciative of the support of our Corporate Partners, especially Artist Partner, Capital Group, and Media Partners, Plein Air Magazine and American Art Collector.

Register today to participate and receive our digital preview catalog!

Moonstone Morning Glow by Debra Huse

Goodnight Avalon by John Budicin

Emerald Overlook by Michael Obermeyer

Protecting the World's Rarest Oak

Island oak (Quercus tomentella) is one of three confirmed species of oaks on Catalina Island. It is a rare oak, only found on the Channel Islands (Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Catalina, and San Clemente, and on Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Island oak is larger than our island scrub oak (Quercus pacifica) and has hairy or tomentose leaves – which is where its scientific name is derived from. The Channel Islands serve a refugium for the oak since temperatures are not as extreme and fog provides a more consistent source of moisture.

Reproduction of Q. tomentella through acorns is difficult on Catalina due to herbivory from non-native deer and seed predation from ground squirrels. Q. tomentella is found in some of our steepest, hard-to-access terrain. There are only two large stands of Q. tomentella found on Catalina, Fern Canyon, and Gallaghers Canyon. At Fern Canyon, our conservation crew used mesh metal bags to protect the emerging acorns until they are fully formed and ready to be harvested. Once collected, the acorns will be taken back to the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery where they will be germinated and used in future restoration plantings. Learn all about our Conservation programs on Catalina.

Outreach in the Field

This summer presented opportunities for Conservancy staff to get into the field to talk to members and create new connections. For the Conservancy 50th Anniversary Member Weekend, staff across departments came together to represent the Conservancy’s three mission areas of Conservation, Education and Recreation. At the REI store in Tustin, Development staff was able to reach excited hikers and prospective members. It was a great chance for people to get their questions answered about hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail. Education and Development staff joined over 50 other area environmental organizations at the LA County Day in Nature Event in San Pedro to get regional nature enthusiasts involved in the Naturalist Training program and Last Friday Lecture Series. Education and Development staff teamed up again and headed out to join Cherry Cove Yacht Club for their Labor Day festivities to share exciting opportunities to get involved. View our calendar for more information about upcoming events!

Experience the Island as a Marinero

The Marineros are a Conservancy member support group of boating enthusiasts who participate in unique Island experiences. On November 5th, Marineros are invited to tour the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery and participate in planting of native species for Island restoration, followed by lunch with Conservation staff. We also invite you to save the date for the Thad and BZ Jones Hikes the weekend of March 17th.To learn more about participating in these events and becoming a Marinero, click here. Learn more about joining the Marineros.

562.437.8555 • www.catalinaconservancy.org

CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY • P.O. Box 2739 • Avalon, CA 90704