The funds raised by this exhibition will go toward SMD open space acquisition.  However, the current fiscal crisis threatens to undermine some of their programs, and the hope is that the public will respond!

MOUNT DIABLO: AS WE SEE IT BayWood Artists Paint for Preservation opens October 24, 2009, with a public reception from 4 pm to 6 pm and runs through November 21, 2009 in the Bay Model, Marinship Park, Sausalito.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.

In 2009 the artists join forces with Save Mount Diablo.  "Save Mount Diablo works to preserve the land on and around Mount Diablo, one of the most significant landscapes in our region.    Before its founding in 1971 less than 7,000 acres around Mt. Diablo's summit had been preserved.  Since then, working with its partners, open space has grown to more than 90,000 acres in 38 parks.  But another 90,000 acres of beautiful natural lands are still at risk of being lost to development.  Preserving it takes the passion, skill and influence of an organization like SMD and the support of people like the BayWood Artists and you," says Julie Seelen, of Save Mount Diablo.

BayWood Artists is a group of professional landscape painters who are dedicated to preserving the environment for future generations to enjoy.  Through exhibits and painting sales these enthusiastic artists focus public attention on, and raise funds for, environmentally sensitive projects.   Fifty percent of the proceeds of each show are donated to an organization committed to preserving the lands that inspire their art.  The annual shows are held each October in Sausalito's Bay Model Exhibition Gallery.