March 28, 2026
Whenever mixed-media artist Julia Lucey has a show at Austin’s Wally Workman Gallery, I make time to go. I enjoy Lucey’s colorful, nature-centric collages of plants and animals native to her California home.
Such detail in these layered etchings.
Her current exhibition is called Good Neighbors:
“A deceivingly playful body of work, the eye is drawn to the bright colors and intricate details of Lucey’s craft, but the underlying messages reference the serious issues facing wildlife and the environment today. Living on the wooded edges of the Bay Area, Lucey depicts a crossroads where the wild and domestic meet. Her pieces are bisected with fences, cages and walls, showing how we attempt to enjoy—yet safeguard ourselves from—our native neighbors. This encroachment has repercussions and muddles our conception of what belongs and what does not. Despite the challenges, Lucey’s work evokes a sense of hope that we can learn to be better stewards of what we—and they—call home.”
Here’s a sampling of my faves. I absolutely adore the coyote in the labyrinth (at top of page). Which is your favorite?
Aren’t they wonderful? You can see them at Wally Workman through April 4th.
Book Tour Events
Heads up, Central Texas gardeners: I have ONE more speaking event for the launch of Gardens of Texas. And huzzah — it’s free! Come see me, get gardening inspiration, and if you like, purchase a signed copy of the book. Here are the details:
April 18, 10:00-11:30 am – Cedar Park
Presentation: Cedar Park Parks & Rec event
Register for this free talk (limited seating); select Gardening 101: Gardens of Texas
1435 Main St, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Drawing from the visionary landscapes in Gardens of Texas, I’ll share how resilient gardeners are embracing change, shifting their plant palette, nurturing wildlife, and finding deeper joy in the process. I’ll have books for sale and signing at the talk. Free and open to the public.
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
Learn about garden design and ecology at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. Subscribe to Garden Spark by clicking here to email — subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
