Catch Me If You Canvas — The Woodlands Becomes an Art-Hidden Treasure Map For a National Scavenger Hunt

16 Texas Artists on the Loose, One Clue at a Time

By Laura Landsbaum // May 20, 2025

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Sixteen boxes representing artwork will be hidden in The Woodlands to celebrate National Scavenger Hunt Day. (Photo courtesy of Ardest Gallery)

A woodworking bowl is one of the prizes for the scavenger hunt. (Photo courtesy of Ardest Gallery)

"Drips" could be yours if you follow the clues on Ardest Gallery’s social media profiles this week. (Photo courtesy of Ardest Gallery)

This mixed media piece is one of 16 that will be available as a prize in Ardest Gallery's scavenger hunt this week. (Photo courtesy of Ardest Gallery)

Get ready to hunt for art all week long in The Woodlands. Ardest Gallery has hidden branded boxes around town, leading up to National Scavenger Hunt Day this Saturday, May 24. Each day this week, new clues will be dropping on Ardest’s Facebook and Instagram profiles, turning The Woodlands into a playful treasure map.

Find a box, bring it to the gallery when it’s open and claim your prize.

National Scavenger Hunt Day honors Elsa Maxwell, the party promoter who popularized the game in the 1930s. Every year, individuals and businesses worldwide send community members out to find items in the name of fun on this day. Ardest Gallery is joining the tradition with its second annual scavenger hunt.

Ardest Scavenger Hunt 2025 — “Drips” could be yours if you follow the clues on Ardest Gallery’s social media profiles this week. (Photo courtesy of Ardest Gallery)

“The gallery’s mission is to connect with the community through art,” Ardest Gallery director Julie Verville tells PaperCity The Woodlands. “This engaging, lighthearted event highlights the works of 16 Texas artists.

“Each day, their pieces are hidden in and around The Woodlands for residents to find.”

This year’s group of participating artists include April DeConick, Lynne Buchanan, Dirigible Designs, Janet Haynes, Erika Alonso, Allan Ginsburg, David Bartell, Francisco Acosta, William Bartlett, Julie Peleaz, Mary Torres and Cindy Brideau, Melanie Wade Leslie, Isabelle Lopez Kotara, Abigail Gomez and Patti Gary. Their art spans a variety of media, including watercolor, fiber, glass, jewelry, photography, mixed media and wood carvings. Gary and Gomez are returning artists from last year’s hunt.