Sacramento, California – A Saturday morning trip to the farmers’ market will come with more than fresh produce in North Natomas this weekend. Residents will also get a chance to turn local birds, plants and their own ideas into a piece of wearable art.
The free workshop offers a creative morning for families, neighbors and artists of any experience level. More importantly, the designs made there could help influence public art that will remain in the community for years.
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan is inviting residents to the “Birds on the Go! Zippered Totebag Printing Workshop” on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the One Natomas Farmers’ Market, located at 2501 New Market Drive in Sacramento. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m.
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“Join us for another fun Birds & Benches community workshop!” Kaplan wrote in her announcement. “Come create your own Birds on the Go! zippered tote bag while enjoying a creative morning with neighbors, friends, and family.”
The event is being organized in partnership with the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture and North Natomas JIBE. Sacramento artist and North Natomas JIBE Artist Ambassador Heather Hogan will lead the hands-on “Make n’ Take” session.
Participants will learn about birds and native plants found throughout the Natomas Basin before creating a colorful collage showing a bird habitat or personalized sanctuary. Each finished design will then be heat-pressed onto a durable, reusable zippered fabric tote bag that participants can take home.
No previous art experience is needed, and materials will be provided while supplies last. Children younger than 16 must attend with a parent or legal guardian. Free parking will be available at the market.
The workshop is part of the larger Birds and Benches public art initiative planned for North Natomas Regional Park and the Jackrabbit Trail. Community artwork and ideas gathered during these sessions will help guide the creation of 10 new art benches expected to be installed in 2027.
“Birds and Benches is about celebrating the natural environment of North Natomas while inviting the community to help shape a public art project that reflects the neighborhood,” said Amie Tokuhama-Chapman of the Office of Arts and Culture.
Additional workshops are scheduled for July 25, September 27 and October 24, followed by a community exhibition planned for January 2027.
Space for Saturday’s workshop is limited. Residents can register through the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture’s Eventbrite page