Welcome to the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California

The Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC) is a chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists, dedicated to encouraging the development of botanical art and the promotion of public awareness of this artistic tradition. We strive to illustrate the diversity of plant life, as well as bring attention to those species and ecosystems which are imperiled.

Upcoming Events

BAGSC Fall Quarterly Meeting: September 5, 2026
Sat, Sep 05
BAGSC Zoom Meeting
All BAGSC and ASBA members are invited to our Fall Quarterly Meeting coming up on Saturday, September 5th at 9 am (PST). This time we'll be meeting online via Zoom! Join us for a quick business meeting, followed by time to socialize and share news and recent work.
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Painting Lichen with Maryjo Koch
Sat, Sep 05
BAGSC Zoom
Look beyond traditional botanicals with a focus on another fascinating nature subject: lichen. In this three-hour class, Maryjo Koch will show her watercolor and gouache painting technique, which she uses in her book illustrations and fine art work. (Image © Maryjo Koch)
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BAGSC News

BAGSC booth at the 2026 Plumeria Festival at the LA Arboretum

BAGSC Members Enjoyed Participating in the LA Arboretum’sPlumeria Festival July 17-18, 2026

Outreach to prospective members and to the community was BAGSC’s purpose when the group agreed to participate in the Los Angeles Arboretum’s 2026 Plumeria Festival.

Susan Cumins

5 hours ago3 min read

Bird's Nest, watercolor and gouache painting on paper, ©2026 Maryjo Koch

These Nests Are Anything But Empty

Birds’ nests, an off-the-beaten-track subject for many botanical artists, was the theme of an online seminar by accomplished artist and teacher Maryjo Koch. www.maryjokoch.com

Susan Cumins

Jul 33 min read

Gayle Uyehara with her award-winning "The Deadheads" at Cypress Community Gallery, Cypress, California.

Gayle Uyehara's "The Deadheads" in Vibrant Color Wins Award

Gayle Uyehara with her award-winning "The Deadheads" at Cypress Community Gallery, Cypress, California.

Susan Cumins

Apr 292 min read

A Lovely Day At The Huntington

The Huntington Ranch Garden Saturday, March 14, 2026 was a perfect day at The Huntington for the BAGSC Quarterly meeting. There was a brief account of BAGSC business, open to questions from members who were present. We started the day with a walk through the Ranch Garden where members were able to choose specimens to work from. The friendly staff of the kitchen garden were available to answer questions and cut the specimens for us. The garden is beautiful, an inspiration for

Donnett Vanek

Mar 292 min read

A Warm Close to the Year at BAGSC’s Winter Quarterly Meeting

BAGSC’s Winter Quarterly Meeting was our chance to keep members abreast of the chapter’s happenings. Pat Mark opened the meeting at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Arcadia with the midterm election of Paula Spence as President, filling the vacancy left by Tania Norris, who resigned earlier in the year. Jack Daly was elected to a new term as Treasuer, following his appointment to replace Lindsay Brennan. Susan Cumins has agreed to fill the position of S

Susan Cumins

Jan 143 min read