Last year’s epic crop of wild California poppies was beautifully documented by Press-Enterprise readers. The photos taken during 2015’s bloom will be featured in The Diamond Valley Arts Center’s newest gallery show, “Poppies” Photo Art, running Wednesday, March 9, through Saturday, April 23.

The California poppy was designated the state flower of California in 1903. Also known as the flame flower, the California poppy grows wild throughout the state. Native Americans in California valued the poppy as a food source and for the oil extracted from the plant.

At the peak of the blooming season, orange petals pepper the San Jacinto Valley hillsides. Other prominent locations of California poppy meadows are in Bear Valley (California, Colusa County), Point Buchon and numerous other locations.

A reception honoring the photographers and their stunning 2015 poppy photos will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at the Diamond Valley Arts Center, 123 N. Harvard St., Hemet. The show, which was curated by Press-Enterprise columnist Bob Pratte, represents the work of many photographers that have never been exhibited before. This unique and beautiful exhibit is expected to draw visitors from all over Southern California.

Most shots are from Diamond Valley Lake by Hemet and the surrounding area. The sale of the photos will benefit the Diamond Valley Arts Council and it’s many Community Arts Programs. The Diamond Valley Art Center is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. The Center is also open during special engagements such as the Music At The Center evenings. Check www.thedvac.org for upcoming events.