Join us Thursday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. for the opening reception of “Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century” at Betteravia Art Gallery (511 E. Lakeside Pkwy.) in Santa Maria.
We’re excited to share this exhibition because it brings together work from 34 artists living and creating across Santa Barbara County — from emerging artists to longtime members of the local arts community. Seeing this many local artists represented together in one show is something special.
Featuring 54 works across painting, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media, “Post-Wild” explores nature, environmental change, urbanization, and humanity’s evolving relationship with the world around us.
Come meet featured artists, explore the exhibition, and celebrate the incredible creative talent here on the Central Coast. The reception is free and open to all community members.
Learn more at sbac.ca.gov/current-gallery-exhibitions.
#SantaBarbaraCreatives #sbcoac #SantaBarbaraArts #SBCountyArts #cityofsantamaria
ENG/SPA - Join us on Sunday, May 17, for a ribbon-cutting and opening event for Santa Barbara’s newest public art installation, with light refreshments provided! This vibrant project is part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative—a global program helping cities transform streets with art to improve safety, activate public spaces, and bring communities together. Celebrate Oaxacan culture and Santa Barbara’s Mixtec and Zapotec communities. Free and open to all—bring your friends and family
Opening Celebration of Bloomberg Public Asphalt Art Installation
Sunday, May 17, 2026
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
State Street & Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara
Performances by:
-Live music and dance performances
-Danza Flor Bonita
-Grupo Folklórico Hauxyacac
-Banda Filarmónica Narciso Lico Carrillo LA
-Oaxacreation Monos de Calenda (artisan puppets)
For more information, go to the link in our bio or visit Calendar.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/AsphaltArtCelebration
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Acompáñanos el domingo, 17 de mayo, a la ceremonia de corte de listón e inauguración de la más reciente instalación de arte público en Santa Bárbara, con refrigerios ligeros disponibles. Este vibrante proyecto forma parte de la iniciativa Asphalt Art de Bloomberg Philanthropies, un programa global que ayuda a las ciudades a transformar sus calles con arte para mejorar la seguridad, activar los espacios públicos y fortalecer la comunidad. Celebra la cultura oaxaqueña y a las comunidades mixteca y zapoteca de Santa Bárbara. Evento gratuito y abierto a todas las personas—¡trae a tus amistades y familia!
Celebración de inauguración de Arte en el Asfalto
Domingo, 17 de mayo de 2026
De 2:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m.
Intersección de State Street y Carrillo Street
Presentaciones:
-Música y danza en vivo
-Danza Flor Bonita
-Grupo Folklórico Hauxyacac
-Banda Filarmónica Narciso Lico Carrillo LA
-Oaxacreation Monos de Calenda (títeres artesanales)
Para más información, ve al enlace en nuestra biografía o visita Calendar.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/AsphaltArtCelebration
Funding for local musicians, writers, dancers, and artists and culture bearers across disciplines! Apply by June 1! ⏰
The California Arts Council’s Individual Artist Fellowship program is now accepting applications, with unrestricted awards available for artists at different career stages:
• Emerging Artists — $5,000
• Established Artists — $10,000
• Legacy Artists — $50,000
The application deadline is Monday, June 1 at 5 p.m.
Eligible artists and culture bearers living in Santa Barbara County and the following Central Coast counties should apply through the regional administrator- Arts Council Santa Cruz County:
Santa Cruz @artscouncilsc
Monterey County @arts4mc
San Benito @sanbenitoarts_
San Luis Obispo @slocounty_arts
Ventura County @vcartscouncil
Santa Barbara @sbcoac
Scan the QR code for program guidelines, eligibility information, and application details.
#SBCountyArts #CentralCoastArts #CaliforniaArtsCouncil #ArtistFellowship
What does unrestricted artist funding make possible?
For Samantha Bounkeua, @rogueviolin receiving an Emerging Artist Fellowship from the @calartscouncil Individual Artists Fellowship created a critical bridge during her transition from day job to full-time artist.
The support helped her invest in essential studio equipment, build confidence in her creative path, and continue developing a sustainable arts practice.
Stories like Samantha’s remind us why direct investment in artists matters. When artists are trusted with resources, they gain the space to take risks, deepen their practice, and contribute meaningful work to their communities.
Bold Support. Unlimited Creativity.
Application link in bio
Deadline: June 1
💻 Santa Cruz County Weekly Zoom Office Hours
Mondays, 4–5pm
• additional regional support available (see website for hours and links)
Open to artists and culture bearers living in:
📍 Monterey @arts4mc
📍 San Benito @sanbenitoarts_
📍 San Luis Obispo @slocounty_arts
📍 Santa Barbara @sbcoac
📍 Santa Cruz @artscouncilsc
📍 Ventura @vcartscouncil
A program of the California Arts Council, @calartscouncil - administered on the Central Coast by Arts Council Santa Cruz County in partnership with regional arts agencies.
#artscouncilsantacruzcounty #cac #iaf #artsfunding
Need support with your California Arts Council grant application? Join virtual drop-in office hours with SBCOAC Grants Manager Hannah Rubalcava for free Zoom-based application assistance.
These sessions are available for all applicants seeking guidance on California Arts Council grants, as well as the California Arts Council’s Independent Artist Fellowship.
Please note: Independent Artist Fellowship applications are due June 1 at 5 p.m.
Register using the QR code to receive your Zoom link and drop in with your questions.
#SantaBarbaraCreatives #sbcoac #SantaBarbaraArts #SBCountyArts #artsgrants
Join us during the 1st Thurs. Art Walk on May 7 from 5-8 p.m. to meet Lead Bloomberg Asphalt Artists Eddy Jimenez and Irene Ramirez! 💜 Also, on Sun., May 17, everyone is invited for a ribbon cutting and celebration of the Oaxacan artisanship that inspired the design.
Funded by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the project utilizes public art as an infrastructure safety measure.
We’re proud to partner with @cityofsb on this project and grateful to @weave4wellness , @orangeladybird and many artists, volunteers, and community partners helping make it possible, including @friendsofstatestreet@delgadosqualitypainting@pip_santabarbara@santabarbarapaintdepot@sbcfma@downtownsantabarbara@oaxacacreations
#SantaBarbaraCreatives #sbcoac #SantaBarbaraArts #cityofsantabarbara
Join us Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. for "The Public Part of Public Art," part of the "Make It: Building a Public Art Practice" workshop series.
Facilitated by public art experts Susan Gray and Pat Gomez, this capstone event at Channing Peake Gallery (105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara) will feature acclaimed local artists Nancy Jo Ward and Iman Djouini. Together, they’ll discuss public art practice, community engagement, youth participation, and the creative possibilities of working in the public realm.
Artists and art lovers of all experience levels are welcome. The event will be followed by a reception.
See link in bio or visit sbac.ca.gov/workshops to register.
#SantaBarbaraCreatives #sbcoac #SantaBarbaraArts #SBCountyArts #professionaldevelopment
@njwarddesign@iman_djouini
Join us Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for "The Heavy Stuff: Contracts, insurance, and legal considerations," part of the "Make It: Building a Public Art Practice" workshop series.
Led by nationally respected public art professionals Susan F. Gray and Pat Gomez, this free Zoom workshop will cover essential professional topics, including contracts, liability, insurance, and the legal frameworks artists should understand when pursuing public art opportunities.
See link in bio or visit sbac.ca.gov/workshops to register.
#SantaBarbaraCreatives #sbcoac #SantaBarbaraArts #SBCountyArts #professionaldevelopment
"Scaling the Walls" opens Thursday, May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. across two downtown locations—Channing Peake Gallery (105 E. Anapamu St.) and Santa Barbara City Hall Gallery (735 Anacapa St.)—as part of the First Thursdays Art Walk.
This free, public reception marks the launch of a single exhibition presented across both spaces, exploring the history and contemporary practice of muralism. The exhibition brings together artists and organizations from across Santa Barbara County.
City Hall Gallery will feature work by members of the Santa Barbara Arts Alliance.
At Channing Peake Gallery, featured contributors include Allan Hancock College, Carpinteria Arts Center, Cheri Owen, Corazon del Pueblo, Helen Yanez, John Khus, and the UCSB College of Creative Studies Social Print Lab, highlighting a range of approaches to mural-making across the region.
Learn more at sbac.ca.gov/current-gallery-exhibitions.
#SantaBarbaraCreatives #sbcoac #SantaBarbaraArts #SBCountyArts #FirstThursdays #cityofsantabarbara
Missed the first one? Don’t sweat it! The second Individual Artists Fellowship orientation is happening tomorrow, Thursday April 23rd, from 6:30 - 8PM. Link in bio to register!
Hear directly from Tamara, @artscouncilsc Grants Manager, as they break down:
💥 Tips on how to approach your application
💥 Eligibility & Guidelines
💥 Live Q&A to get all your specific questions answered
Even if you can’t make the session, register anyway! We’ll send the video recording directly to your inbox 📨
This grant is funded by the California Arts Council @calartscouncil and administered in the Central Coast by Arts Council Santa Cruz County.
Open to artists and culture bearers living in:
Santa Cruz @artscouncilsc
Monterey County @arts4mc
San Benito @sanbenitoarts_
San Luis Obispo @slocounty_arts
Ventura County @vcartscouncil
Santa Barbara @sbcoac
