Art in the Park: A Day of Gratitude, Friendship, and Hummingbird Stories

What a wonderful day at Art in the Park, where art, friendship, community, and a shared love of hummingbirds brought so many people together at The Lakes at Hemet West.

I want to begin with a very special thank you to Linda Baranek, who went above and beyond to make this event possible and ensure everyone was taken care of.

Anyone who lives in Southern California knows that the Santa Ana winds are no joke. With high wind alerts throughout the week and gusts expected to reach 35 miles per hour, there was real concern about holding an outdoor art event. Linda didn't take any chances. She made the difficult decision to move the event indoors and somehow managed to accommodate 35 artists in the available space.

That was no small undertaking. Behind every successful event are people who give their time, energy, and heart to make things happen. Linda, I truly appreciate not only everything you did to organize this event, but also the care and thoughtfulness you showed in keeping us all safe. Thank you for looking out for us.

One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing so many of my fellow Hemet Valley Art Association members displaying their incredible talents. There was such a wonderful variety of artwork, so many smiling faces, and a genuine sense of friendship throughout the day. Being surrounded by people who share their creativity so generously reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of this community.

I also owe a heartfelt thank you to my sister Julia, who came to my rescue and helped me at my booth. From lending an extra pair of hands to making sure I had breakfast and something to drink, she took care of the little things that made a big difference. Julia, having you there meant more to me than you know. Thank you for giving up part of your day to support me and what I love doing.

And then there were the conversations.

To everyone who stopped by my booth, whether you purchased a book, admired my photography, picked up a hummingbird-inspired gift, or simply wanted to talk, thank you for sharing a little part of your day with me.

I heard so many wonderful stories. We talked about backyard feeders, the sometimes rowdy personalities of hummingbirds, their territorial battles, and the joy of watching these tiny birds become familiar visitors in our lives.

Some conversations were especially touching. People shared stories about loved ones who have passed and the comfort they feel when a hummingbird appears, sometimes at just the right moment. Those personal experiences remind me that hummingbirds hold a special place in people's hearts for reasons that go far beyond their beauty.

I never take those conversations for granted. I may spend much of my time traveling and photographing hummingbirds, but hearing what these birds mean to others gives me an entirely different perspective on why I do what I do.

My sincere thanks to The Lakes at Hemet West, the Hemet Valley Art Association, the participating artists, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event possible. And to everyone who came out to support local artists and the HVAA Gallery and its Tender Loving Care Team, your support truly matters.

For me, events like Art in the Park are about much more than selling books, photography, or hummingbird merchandise. They are opportunities to connect with people, share a passion for nature, and hopefully inspire a greater appreciation for hummingbirds and the challenges some species face in the wild.

Every conversation, every expression of encouragement, and every purchase helps me continue sharing their stories and supporting hummingbird conservation.

I left the event feeling grateful, not just for the support, but for the people who made the day so meaningful.

Thank you for being part of it. I look forward to seeing many of you again.

Event Details

📍 Art in the Park, The Lakes at Hemet West
Hemet, California

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🎨 Presented in collaboration with The Lakes at Hemet West and the Hemet Valley Art Association

📚 Featured: Endangered Hummingbirds: Seeing the Crisis Through My Lens, hummingbird photography, books, note cards, enamel pins, and hummingbird-inspired merchandise.