FORT BRAGG, Calif. – The misty sea air and rugged natural beauty of the North Coast beckon.

Make a last-minute summer getaway to the coast for the 26th anniversary of Art in the Gardens.

The day-long event takes place at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Escape the heat and spend a day roaming the 47-acre botanical garden.

More than 70 artists will display their finest work amidst the spectacular background of summer floral displays.

The event includes live art demonstrations and performances by 10 musical acts situated throughout the Gardens.

Sample an array of wines from around Mendocino County. Wine tasting tickets may be purchased on the Gardens’ Web site or at the event.

Craft brews will be available for purchase with complimentary tastings on the event lawn.

Culinary vendors will be spread throughout the Gardens — all accented by miles of natural coastal beauty.

This year’s featured artist is realist painter Sanna M. Koski.

"As a youth, admiring the beautiful realistic landscapes and portrait paintings I saw in galleries, I knew that that was how I wanted to paint: in detailed realism. I worked on my skills through frustration and joy, fascinated by the artistic process, determined to improve,” Koski explained.

Her artwork strives to capture the mood, the unique beauty, and the mystery of a person or place.

General admission tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. The cost is just $5 for children ages 6 to 16 and free for children under 5 years of age.

Wine tasting tickets are an additional $25 each, tickets include a commemorative glass and tastings from some of the best regional wineries.

Advance tickets are available on the Gardens' Web site through Aug. 3.

Proceeds from this spectacular event will directly benefit the nonprofit botanical garden and its mission to engage and enrich lives by displaying and conserving plants in harmony with our Northern California coastal ecosystems.