Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Celebrating Nature: Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore’ on view through Nov. 9, more upcoming events

“Springtime, Malibu Creek” by Karen Fedderson, 2023, Oil on canvas, 30″ x 30″, Available for purchase.

Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore

On view now through November 9, 2025

Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore was founded in the early 1990s to support and promote the hard-fought conservation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, established in 1978. The SMMNRA encompasses over 156,000 acres that stretch east to west from Griffith Park in Los Angeles County to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. With 46 miles of scenic coastline, over 500 miles of trails, and a vast array of native flora, fauna, and culturally significant sites, the SMMNRA is the largest urban national recreation are in the world, bordering the second-largest city in the United States.

For over 25 years, the Allied Artists have united to celebrate and preserve the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains through plein air (outdoor) painting. Comprising over 60 artists, the group gathers monthly to paint on location across the park’s vast and scenic landscapes. Through exhibitions, art sales, and community engagement, the Allied Artists raise awareness about environmental conservation, often donating proceeds to support related causes. Working primarily in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel, their paintings reflect a shared appreciation for art and open space.

The work of the Allied Artists serves as an ongoing record of the iconic parkland, with some scenes now lost to history. In 2018, the Woolsey Fire burned nearly 100,000 acres of the SMMNRA, and the 2025 Palisades Fire burned over 23,000 acres, including 5,500 homes. Several members of the alliance lost or sustained damage to their homes. Rather than feeling deterred, the recent wildfire events have reinforced the Allied Artists’ mission to paint to preserve, protect, and restore the Santa Monica Mountains and seashore.

While we recommend visiting “Celebrating Nature” in person, please enjoy this abbreviated look at the exhibition in your inbox.

Don’t miss our final program in conjunction with the exhibit!

“Turning Time” by Nora Koerber, 2025, Oil on panel, 12″ x 24″, Available for purchase.

Oil Painting Demonstration: Nora Koerber

Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2 PM to 3 PM

Included with regular museum admission

MORE INFO

“Ridin’ High” by Sharon Weaver, 2024, Oil on panel, 20″ x 24″, Available.

“Ocean Breeze” by Jessica Falcone, 2024, Oil on canvas, 11″ x 14″, Sold.

“California Sunset” by Carole Garland, 2025, Oil on panel, 30″ x 30″, Available for purchase.

“Elysian North” by Timothy Kitz, 2022, Watercolor on paper, 19″ x 13″, Available.

“Zonata En Situ” by Steve Brown, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 16″ x 12″, Available.

Watch our short video of a recent paint-out with Allied Artists.

“El Matador Morning Light” by Susan Flanigan, 2023, Oil on panel, 16″ x 20″, Available.

“Happy Bathers” by Carole Garland, 2025, Oil on panel, 20″ x 24″, Available.

“The Goose Rests” by Liz Blum, 2020, Oil on canvas, 18″ x 36″, Sold.

“Children in the Park” by Carole Garland, 2024, Oil on panel, 16″ x 20″, Available.

“May Flowers” by Rachel Sylvers, 2025, Soft pastel on paper, 16″ x 20″, Available.

“We Don’t Deserve All This Beauty” by Bonnie Taylor, 2024, Oil on panel, 30″ x 30″, Available.

Embrace Your Inner Artist!

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Santa Paula Art Museum & Gift Shop Hours

Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Cost of Admission

Adults $4.00 • Seniors $3.00

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Cole Creativity Center Gallery

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