Shannon Lee, Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves, event coordinator 

NEW TIMES How did Art in the Park start at the Dinosaur Caves?

LEE It started seven years ago, when I just returned from Australia. I was involved with jewelry design, and I wanted to expand the art scene and community when I got back. My fellow artists and friends wanted to showcase their work, so we started with about 15 artists, and it grew into 150 artists from all over California.

NEW TIMES What kind of art venues and activities do you offer?

LEE We offer painting, sculpture, ceramic, and textiles, just to name a few. We feature artists who visit from all parts of California; some are consistent artists that are from the Central Coast, as well as artists who are new and offer exciting new things. We have artists performing onsite with weaving, jewelry making, painting, and it provides a great chance to interact with the artists.

NEW TIMES: Do you host other events or activities at Art in the Park?

LEE We have live music at each event, one band in the morning and one in the afternoon. Barbecues, as well as a variety of different food vendors, are available. We have these shows every first Sunday of each month; however, this will be our last show for the year until May of 2011. We do have an Art in the Vineyard on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tolosa winery, which offers wine tasting, gourmet cheeses, and food, and gives the artists time to show their work during the winter holidays. Admission for both the Art in the Park and Art in the Vineyard is free, so visit our website for more information: artintheparkshell beach.com.