Renowned local artist Betsy K. Schulz is the City of Carlsbad’s latest Guest Artist in Residence, bringing her inspiring and collaborative work to a series of “Watch and Learn” Pop Up Art events planned at the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center over the next four weeks.

Schulz is a renowned painter, sculptor and mixed-media artist whose vibrant creations have been featured by municipalities, schools, nonprofit groups, businesses and private individuals across the country.

Several of her public art projects are located throughout San Diego County – from Barrio Logan to Del Mar to Solana Beach to Fallbrook – including two in the City of Carlsbad: depictions of flora and fauna on new iconic Carlsbad Beach Chair installed last week at the Batiquitos Lagoon as part of the city’s Temporary Public Art Program, and a collection of Firefighter Heritage Boxes on permanent display at Fire Station No. 3.

Through the Guest Artist Residency program, Schulz will share her artmaking process, provide some of her inspirational imagery and lead residents in creating their own pieces.

    Pop Up Art: Watch and Learn with Betsy K. Schulz
    Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center
    7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad
    Free, for all ages

• Saturday, April 30, 2-4 p.m.
• Saturday, May 14, 4-6 p.m.
• Sunday, May 15, noon-2 p.m.
• Saturday, May 21, noon-2 p.m.

The City of Carlsbad’s Guest Artist Residency program is focused on heightening the awareness of the city’s public art program and providing a greater awareness of local and regional artists. It heightens the visibility of the arts in Carlsbad, which directly correlates to the city’s Arts & Culture Master Plan.

About the artist

Schulz grew up in Pennsylvania and began painting at a young age, earning a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. After graduation, she opened her owned graphic arts studio, A Design Garden, creating design solutions for corporations, websites, museums and other businesses.

Inspired to do more, she started designing landscapes as “outdoor learning environments” for local schools and private clients. Her reputation and passion for connecting and engaging communities through art has grown from there.

Schulz’s murals and sculptural installations are largely inspired by nature and the history of the community where they’re installed.  Her work is highly detailed, with many layers of words, imagery, and texture. According to Schulz, it’s public art that’s meant to be touched and experienced by the community.

More information

Guest Artist Residencies

City of Carlsbad Public Art

Staff contact

Tonya Rodzach, Public Art Coordinator
Tonya.Rodzach@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2087