Create Your Own Magnificent Magnolia Field Guide

Sunday, February 8, 2026
10am-12pm
San Francisco Botanical Garden — Meet at Main Gate

About the Program

Come experience the Magnificent Magnolias in the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. These beautiful blooms offer us a powerful reminder to slow down and notice what’s here right now. In this guided workshop, local artist Hollis Callas will lead participants through a mindful exploration of magnolia trees in bloom. 

Through observation, sketching, and gentle reflection prompts, participants will learn how to observe a plant deeply and transform those observations into a mini illustrated field guide. We’ll study the shapes, textures, and fleeting moments of these iconic flowers. No prior drawing experience required—this workshop is about noticing, not perfection.

All skill levels welcome! This workshop is for you if you:

• Have a curiosity for nature and art
• Enjoy creative play
• Have a creative practice or want to start one
• Are curious about ways to bring nature into your art
• Want to learn more about the nature we live amongst in our urban home.

Materials Needed

We will provide sketchbooks for all participants, but please bring the following:

• Pencils & pens
• Good walking shoes
• A blanket to sit on
• (Optional) Any additional art materials you have (colored pencils, watercolor, etc.)

About the Instructor

Hollis Callas is an illustrator & designer living, working and creating in the Inner Richmond of San Francisco. Her work is inspired by a boundless curiosity for nature and an appreciation of the beautiful subtleties spotted in her daily life. With a focus on flora & fauna, she hopes her work sparks a similar awe and admiration in others, and encourages them to become more thoughtful stewards of the wild things that make our Earth so special.

—

Gardens of Golden Gate Park Members may attend this event at a 20% discount. Contact membership@gggp.org to receive the Member Discount Code, then enter the Member Discount Code in the “Promo Code” field when checking out. Discount codes do not apply to the “Pay What You Will” price level.  

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.