Environmental Partners
Displays, Art Activities & More

The Festival of the Arts began in 2009 with a vision to celebrate the beauty of the Salinas River Corridor through the eyes of artists. That spirit continues to flow through the Festival to this day.

While our participating artists interpret and express the beauty of our natural environment, these local organizations seek to preserve and protect if for future generations.

Each organization will interpret their mission through a hands-on art project or provide information about their current efforts.

1. REC Foundation & River Vision Exhibit

Art Activity: “In a Word – River Reflections”
Create poetry or thoughts about the river and see how the collected thoughts from the day come together to form a whole. Progress report on status of river enhancement projects accomplished to date and planned for the future.

River Sculpture
A work in progress, "Circle of Life" by Ojai artist Robert Roemisch, is the river inspired environmental sculpture funded and commissioned by the REC Foundation with their River Enhancement Funds.  Remember Festival proceeds support the River fund, that can in turn support river focused public art.

2. Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Art Activity: "Playful Pinwheels"
Sun and wind can help power our world! Capture the power of the wind for yourself with this pinwheel art project. And, don’t miss the Sand Sculpture & Sand Play, sponsored by PG&E. Just follow the "fish print" trail to the fantasy fish castle built by the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters!

3. Upper Salinas -  Las Tablas Resource Conservation District

Art Activity: "Native Soil Painting"
The diversity of our California soils will provide the color palette for this art project.  Learn how to help keep our rivers and open space healthy for plants and animals as part of this art activity.  

4. Amigos De Anza North County Trail Association

Art Activity: "Sand Painting"
In 1776 Juan Bautista de Anza created the first overland route through California and his trail followed the Salinas River through northern San Luis Obispo County. Enjoy sand painting of historic prints that celebrate his adventures.

5. Falconer

Falconry is reportedly the oldest sport in history and is now being used as a natural and sustainable pest control method in farming and viticulture. Brad Felger will be on hand with working birds of prey to answer questions about sustainable farming with falconry.

6. City’s Watershed and Conservation

Art Activity: "Butterfly Wands"
What do butterflies and water have in common? They are both precious! Learn how water saving native plants can attract and nourish butterflies, enhancing the balance of our natural habitats. Use watercolors and simple household items to create an enchanted butterfly wand.

7. Transition Paso Robles

Art Activity: "Vegetable Printing"
Get ready to use vegetables in a new and creative way! The Food Group of Transition Paso Robles will lead kids through the print stamping process to compose a community banner.

8. Pacific Wildlife Care

Activity:
Kids and adults will both enjoy interactive wildlife demonstrations and discussions in the park. Meet the spokesanimals, including hawks, opossums, owls and more.

9. California Native Plant Society

Art Activity: "Leaf Art"
The California Native Plant Society helps children and adults recognize and memorialize native plant species with this hands-on art technique.

10. Sand Sculpture and Sand Play – Travel Channel’s Sand Masters

Follow the "fish prints" to the Fantasy Fish Castle! The fragile and fantastic art of sand sculpture will stop you in your tracks, ignite your imagination and leave you breathless. You can see the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters perform this fantastic art on festival day with their interpretation of a "Fish Castle" theme.

Sammy Steelhead

A favorite of the kiddos, Sammy will once again be roaming the park for photo ops at roaming the park at 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm.

Mother Nature Photo Booth

Festival-goers can pose with beautiful and artistic Mother Nature or step into her amazing garb and snap a photo to memorialize their day at the 2012 Festival of the Arts.

Follow the River, Follow the Dream

“Follow the River, Follow the Dream” is a vision conceived by the Paso Robles community for the Salinas River Corridor. The vision includes preservation of river habitat and key vistas, enhanced recreational trail systems and public access, improved educational opportunities to learn of the Salinas River’s habitat and history, a redeveloped urban edge at Paso Robles Street, and new connections to the downtown core.