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Get ready to forage for free art, Humboldt!

On Saturday, mushroom-themed works of art will sprout up in about a dozen locations between McKinleyville and Garberville as a part of the global art scavenger hunt, the Game of Shrooms. The international event, started by artist Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert in 2019, draws thousands of participants every year. 

Photo: Same Sunset Design

How does it work? Starting just after midnight, contributing artists will hide their original, mushroom-themed creations in secret spots all around the world and leave a clue on social media for fungi hunters. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these mushrooms, take a picture and tag or message the artist on social media so they know their piece has been found. Participants are kindly asked to limit themselves to one work per artist.

McKinleyville-based jeweler Alicia Smith, the artist behind Same Sunset Design, will hide a pair of mushroom earrings somewhere on the Arcata Plaza. 

“This is my first year doing Game of Shrooms,” Smith told the Outpost. “I heard about the game through Instagram. It seems like a really fun worldwide event so I’m excited to be a part of it this year … and hopefully for years to come!”

Check out the map above to find hiding spots near you. If you click on the mushroom, it will take you to the artist’s Instagram account where they will post their clue.

Happy hunting!