New art shows, new and returning vendors, and a children’s egg hunt will all help herald the arrival of Spring at the March 30 San Mercado in downtown San Marcos. Activities are slated to take place in the garden and inside the Price Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Local artist and author Veronique Hahn’s new solo show, titled “Natural Beauty,” covers a 20-year span of multi-media works inspired by some of nature’s finest forms, including roses, shells, and the human face. Visitors can meet and talk with Veronique during her Artist’s Reception from 10 a.m. – Noon in the Tea Room. Additional art on display during this month’s Mercado include more than two-dozen artworks showcasing the best of SMC

Local mosaic artist Marnie Silcocks is bringing her talents and a variety of materials and supplies to a new creative, two-day, abstract mosaic workshop at the Price Center March 18 and 25 from 1-4 p.m. A $50 advance registration fee covers the cost of workshop and the majority of the materials needed to complete a project. “This latest creative workshop is a nice compliment to the ongoing heritage arts practiced monthly at the Center as well as ongoing workshops we’ve hosted with the LifeLong Learning Organization,” said Clay DeStefano, executive director. “Folks seem to like the short-term commitment mixed with ability to learn a new creative skill and walk away with a finished product.” I