Obi Kaufmann is painter, poet, and the author of six books that beautifully extoll the natural wonders of California – from the forests, deserts, and ocean, to the state of water and now, the state of fire. He speaks with passion and deep knowledge based on years of exploration and documentation. 

His new book, The State of Fire: Why California Burns considers our complex relationship with one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. It examines the ways fire behaves across the state and what we can learn from the fires of recent decades. While we have come to fear fire and its human, economic, and environmental toll, Obi offers an alternative viewpoint. One of regeneration and hope.

Join us for this very special event as Obi Kaufmann visits Western Hills Garden for the first time to share his wisdom, perspective, and solutions-based conclusions.

He will be in conversation with Janelle Kellman, former Mayor of Sausalito and founder of a global nonprofit focused on ocean health and resilience.

Come early to explore the Garden’s fall display. We will open the gates at 4:30pm.

$50 per person. One book is included in the price of admission. Additional copies can be purchased onsite

Scroll down to see two special add-on options for this event.

ADD ONS

SIMPLE DINNER
Add on a pick-up meal to your ticket and eat while you listen, prepared by local chef, Andrea Blum. $30

MENU: Winter squash soup with herbs and burn morels (collected and dried from a burn zone), herby chicory salad, gorgeous bread and nasturtium butter, and gluten free chocolate chip cookies. Tea, coffee, and water served.

PRE-EVENT RECEPTION
If you are an Obi Kaufmann superfan like us and would love to spend some time in direct conversation with him please join us from 3:30-4:30 for a pre-event reception (Space very limited.) $50