More than 100 original works by local artists will be hidden in stores and throughout surrounding neighborhoods on March 12, 2026
On March 12, California dispensary and gallery chain The Artist Tree, will transform all 12 of its locations into an art treasure hunt in celebration of International Art & Found Day.
For one day only, customers visiting any The Artist Tree location may stumble upon a piece of original art tucked somewhere in-store that is completely free to take home. The experience won’t stop at the storefront doors, though. The Artist Tree team will also be placing original works “out in the wild” in surrounding neighborhoods, on benches, and near their storefronts, offering creative surprises to the local communities. Neighbors should keep an eye out for brown paper wrapped packages marked with a colorful “Free Art” sticker.
The Artist Tree expects to collect and distribute more than 100 original works from local artists, reinforcing its mission to make art approachable, interactive, and woven into everyday life.
Sponsoring International Art & Found Day felt like a seamless extension of The Artist Tree’s ethos. “Art should be approachable, unexpected, and part of everyday life, not tucked away behind a velvet rope,” said Lauren Fontein of The Artist Tree. “Art & Found Day brings creativity into the streets, giving people the chance to discover local artists in a way that feels personal and meaningful. It’s about building community through surprise, delight, and shared moments of inspiration. That’s the kind of movement we’re proud to support.”
“When I created Art & Found Day, it was about more than hiding artwork, it was about removing barriers,” said Courtney Senior, Founder of International Art & Found Day. “I wanted original art in the hands of people who might never walk into a gallery. I wanted artists to feel confident sharing their work boldly and freely. And I wanted communities to experience creativity not as something exclusive, but as something joyful, generous, and shared. What The Artist Tree is doing by activating all 12 locations and turning them into community-wide treasure hunts, they are helping bring that vision to life in a very powerful way.”
Many of the artists contributing to Art & Found Day already have work displayed inside The Artist Tree’s galleries. Guests who have admired a piece on the wall may find themselves discovering a take-home creation by the same artist. Whether encountered in-store or in the neighborhood, each piece is intended to spark joy, surprise, and connection.
In addition to The Artist Tree’s artists, in-house art curator Katie Brightside, the creative force behind the brand’s gallery programming for 10 of their 12 locations, will donate 10 original pieces of her own. Team member Alfonso Juarez, Customer Experience Specialist and artist, will also contribute an original painting to be found by one lucky person.
The Artist Tree will share clues on Instagram (@theartisttree), tagging @artandfoundday and participating artists to help guide the hunt.