Wildflowers are in bloom at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, making it the perfect venue for the inaugural “Art in the Pines Festival and Sale,” sponsored by the Torrey Pines Association and the Torrey Pines Docent Society. The event will be held outside the reserve’s visitor center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 2. More than 100 artists from across San Diego County will sell their nature-inspired paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and photography at the event, and each will donate a portion of their proceeds to fund the reserve’s children’s education program, which is in jeopardy because of statewide budget cuts. “It’s an extremely effective program,” said Connie Beardsley, the chairperson for the event. “They serve hundreds and hundreds of children in San Diego County.” As part of the program, park aides lead students in second through fifth grade on tours of the reserve and discuss its geology, history and ecology as it relates to what children are learning in the classroom. Proceeds from the art sale will be used to ensure that the program remains viable, said organizers. In addition to the sale, the festival will include a professionally judged plein-air competition with works that feature the reserve. Guests who visit the park in the week preceding the event may see plein-air artists painting along the trails. The event will also feature art demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, food and guided nature walks. Beardsley said “Art in the Pines” is unique to other festivals because the art on display is entirely inspired by nature. “We wanted to do an art event where people can look at the reserve through the painters’ eyes and see what they see and how they observe what’s going on,” Beardsley said. The festival is free and a no-cost shuttle service will be available to transport visitors from the South Beach parking lot to the visitor center. A day-use fee or valid annual pass is required for all vehicles entering the reserve.