Tag Archive for 'downtown santa barbara'

Critically Acclaimed Artist Showcases First Western-U.S. Solo Exhibit at SBMA

Published on May 15, 2012 in Galleries.

Family (Devin, John, Jason, Lewis)

The local art scene will acquire a wacky new counterpart with the ingenious works of contemporary artist Brian Bress, who will make his solo exhibition debut in the Western United States in July at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The multimedia pieces of Interventions: Brian Bress will be on display at the museum from July 15 through September 20, 2012. Bress will also present a special additional piece based on SBMA’s 19th-century European collection that will hang in Ridley-Tree Gallery.

Interventions: Brian Bress showcases five video portraits, each with a distinctive palette and visual appeal. His works, made using flat-screen monitors, initially seem comparable to the typical photograph or illustration that depicts abstract figures. Yet Bress’s costumed figures move at a virtually indiscernible pace, intentionally created by the artist to both unsettle and intrigue viewers.

Bress hand-constructed each element for his works, using wigs, collage masks, foam rubber suits and painted costumes to adorn his masterpieces. The resulting portraits at times blend in or visibly differ, mimicking the “where’s Waldo” effect and prompting spectators to ponder about individual identity and social representation.

Cowboy (Brian led by Peter Kirby)

Bress, an up-and-coming artist known for his uniquely crafted art, received his MFA from UCLA and BFA from Rhode Island School of Design. He has exhibited his work at prestigious museums around the country, including the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia and Arthouse in Texas. His 2007 video Under Cover was part of the California Video exhibition at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. His work has been reviewed in numerous publications, such as The New York Times and Artforum.

This exhibition speaks to the museum’s major summer exhibition, Portrayal/Betrayal, which features portraits by George Hoyningen-Huene, Richard Gordon, Steve Davis, Lola Alvarez Bravo and Natan Dvir.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the exhibit, visit www.sbma.net or call 805/963-4364.

–Kristin Crosier

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Dan Levin Exhibit at Lola Extended

Published on May 10, 2012 in Uncategorized.

"3 Alarm Hairdo"

Are you bummed that you weren’t able to check out Dan Levin’s innovative Mischievous Allegory II works of art? Well now you can rejoice, because the show at Lola Boutique, 1221 State St., has been extended to May 31.

Mischievous Allegory II features recent and past work by Levin, who is known for incorporating discarded man-made artifacts (or, what many of us know as trash) into his pieces. He primarily uses items collected from beaches, streams, mountains and deserts, then redesigns them as an artwork with materials that otherwise would not have interacted.

Lola Boutique is a high-end re-sale clothing store that sells highly selective merchandise, affordable basics, accessories and jewelry to match the signature Santa Barbara style. In addition to the recently opened location at the back of Victoria Court, there is a second Lola Boutique in Carpinteria.

For more information about Dan Levin’s work, visit www.danlevin.com. To learn more about the show, call 805/845-5322.

–Kristin Crosier

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SING IT OUT! Event Celebrates Local Character-Building Nonprofit

Published on May 3, 2012 in Uncategorized.

Looking for an opportunity to take the entire family out for an evening of fun? This year’s SING IT OUT! teen performance at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club on May 20 will be sure to attract community members of all ages. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., SING IT OUT! features 15 youth singers, a band led by soul singer Tina Schlieske of Tina & the B-Sides, as well as a secret special guest.

The event marks the 12th year anniversary for the Academy of Healing Arts for Teens (AHA!), an organization devoted to helping the community’s youth build character and develop a social conscience. AHA! works to teach teens to set goals, stop bullying, support their peers and be active in their community.

AHA! serves teenagers and their families through in-school and after-school programs in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria. The nonprofit organization also hosts a summer program in Santa Barbara, as well as an outdoor program that takes place throughout the year.

Ticket holders with SOhO dinner reservations will receive priority seating. A buffet dinner prior to the performance begins at 5:30 p.m. For reservations, call 805/962-7776.

To learn more about SING IT OUT or to purchase tickets, visit www.ahasb.com.

–Kristin Crosier

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CycleMAYnia Month-Long Event Invites the Community to Keep Our Air Clean

Published on May 1, 2012 in Uncategorized.

Interested in cleaning off that old bike of yours and taking it for a spin? Well now you have a reason to with CycleMAYnia! On May 1, Santa Barbara will kick off its month-long celebration of bike events for all community members, including the 8th annual Bike Challenge. In the Bike Challenge, teams and businesses compete to use their bikes the most throughout May and win up to $3,000 for local charities. Teams of five members will log each day that they make round-trips to work by bike instead of by car.

The Challenge, which supports a clean environment, will award prizes earned by the top teams to their chosen programs. Participants can also win bike gear and gift certificates from local sponsors like Bicycle Bob’s, FasTrack, Open Air, Velo Pro, Horny Toad Active Wear and REI in weekly prize drawings.

Fashion buffs can check out the latest cycling clothes and accessories trends at the Velo Vogue: Bike Fashion Show on May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Later that night, join in the fun at the CycleMAYnia Kickoff Party, which features music, entertainment, drinks and tasty food at Casa de la Guerra.

Other event highlights include Santa Barbara Tweed Ride on May 6 where bikers can don their finest turn of the century attire for a ride through the city, an overnight bike tour to Ventura on May 12, Bike to Work Day on May 15, a medieval costume family bike ride on May 28 and various other communal bike ride opportunities.

Made possible through the partnership of Traffic Solutions and the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition, CycleMAYnia is an effort to encourage community collaboration and promote environmentally friendly living habits.

To sign up for any of the activities or to view a complete list of the month’s events, visit www.cyclemaynia.ning.com/

–Kristin Crosier

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Annual Art & Wine Tour Showcases Local Wineries and Delectable Restaurants

Published on May 1, 2012 in Uncategorized.

Do you need a relaxing evening, or just an excuse to sip freely on delicious local wines? The 2012 Downtown Art & Wine Tour on May 24 may be just the answer. Stroll through downtown venues on a self-guided tour with a logo wine glass in hand, stopping to sample wines and food and admire local art along the way.

The tour runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and will feature venues north of Carrillo Street. The evening concludes with an array of more food, wine and live music during the final party at the Santa Barbara Club. The party also includes a silent auction and raffle that showcases fantastic prizes, and proceeds benefit the 60th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade.

You can sample tasteful treats from restaurants such as Pascucci, Opal Restaurant and Bar, Coffee Cat and Enterprise Fish Company. Your taste buds will rejoice with complementary wine selections from The Brander Winery, Fiddlehead Cellars, Windrun Vintners and Oreana Winery, among others.

Participating venues include Artamo Gallery, featuring dynamic and thought-provoking pieces; Indigo Interiors, with furnishings that reflect a blend of Eastern and Western design styles; the exquisite diamond and gemstone pieces unique to Churchill Jewelers; and the renowned works of American art at Sullivan Goss.

Tickets for the Art & Wine Tour go on sale May 1 and can be purchased at the Arlington Theatre box office, the Downtown Organization office and guest services at the Paseo Nuevo shopping center. Advance purchase is necessary. To find more out more about the event, visit http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com or call Ashleigh at 805/962-2098 ext. 22.

–Kristin Crosier

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Campbell Bridge Renovation Made Possible by Generous Community Support

Published on April 19, 2012 in Uncategorized.

The Campbell Bridge at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will receive a facelift starting this summer, thanks to generous donations from the local community toward the “Building Bridges” fundraiser. Surpassing hopes of reaching the $80,000 goal, the Botanic Garden raised $80,465 from both a “Building Bridges” event that took place in March and numerous gifts that were received prior to the fundraiser.

The historic bridge, originally built in 1941, tragically burned in the Jesusita fire of 2009. Firefighters and other emergency personnel heroically worked to save the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden during the voracious fire that swept through Mission Canyon, and succeeded in saving much of the plant life. Unfortunately, Campbell Bridge was lost during the natural disaster—and so was an important path connecting the two sides of the Garden.

Plans for the bridge’s renovation seek to reproduce Campbell Bridge’s original appearance, which have almost completed the permit process. Construction on the beloved community landmark is expected to begin in August with a groundbreaking ceremony after the end of the bird-nesting season. The SBBG will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony sometime in October or November, depending on the estimated date of completion.

Campbell Bridge was originally constructed after Ina Therese Campbell donated funds in the hopes that everyone who wanted to could explore the Garden’s entirety, including individuals who were unable to cross the creek by boulders. Designed by Lockwood de Forest, Jr., the bridge has become a beloved local icon and a designated historic landmark by the County of Santa Barbara.

To learn more about the rebuilding of Campbell Bridge or to donate to help preserve the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for future generations, visit www.sbbg.org.

–Kristin Crosier

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Local Bank Recognized For Innovative Thinking

Published on April 19, 2012 in Uncategorized.

Recognized for its innovative and original recapitalization strategy, the Bank of Santa Barbara won the “Under $150 Million in Assets” category of Western Independent Bankers and BDO’s 1st Annual Innovative Community Banks of the Year Awards. The Bank was one of nine finalists from a pool of 256 community banks within the Western United States.

Formed in 2009, the Bank’s recapitalization strategy concentrated on raising capital through local philanthropists and foundations to help alleviate financial difficulties. Their efforts led to local business leaders and philanthropists purchasing Bank of Santa Barbara from Capitol Bancorp Limited, a Michigan-based bank holding company.

The Bank of Santa Barbara—known as “The Bank”—is now a locally owned and operated community bank that offers the perfect balance of high-tech banking solutions and dedicated customer service.

For additional information about “The Bank” call 805/730-7860 or visit www.bankofsantabarbara.com.

–Kristin Crosier

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“3″ on Exhibit at SBTC

Published on April 12, 2012 in Galleries and Web Exclusives.

The works of Martha Ensign Johnson, Amber O’Neill and Michele Zuzalek will be on display from April 13 through May 5 at the Tennis Club of Santa Barbara. The club, which features new artists on the second Friday of every month, will host an artist reception April 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Martha Ensign Johnson’s featured pieces capture the aftermath of the Tea and Jesusita fires in an area that she wanders through daily. She gathered plants and other natural elements affected by the fire as inspiration for the series. Neutral hues and natural materials draw spectators’ attention toward to the unanticipated splendor of leaves and plants left in the wake of the fires. Johnson grew up around artists in her native state of North Carolina. She started working with printmaking in 1972, and her work has been showcased in galleries across the United States, as well as in the National Gallery of Printmaking in Oslo, Norway.

Amber O’Neill created a collection to reflect the style, colors, and lighting of some of her favorite locations on the California coast. With picturesque visions of sloping coastlines and a natural palette, her works highlight the state’s environmental beauties. She received a BA in Fine Art from the University of Caifornia, Santa Barbara with an emphasis in oil painting.

Michele Zuzalek painted pieces that represent the beginning of a story, one whose entirety is up to the viewer to imagine. She hopes that her collection will be a space for contemplation, a space for both remembering and imagining. Her vibrantly colored paintings construct an undiscovered world for viewers to explore. She graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and has paintings in private collections around the world. She is also a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association and Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment (SCAPE).

Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To learn more about 2nd Fridays Art or the artists being featured, click here.

–Kristin Crosier

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5/K Walk and Run Supports Mental Wellness

Published on April 12, 2012 in Uncategorized.

The Mental Wellness Center (previously the Mental Health Association in Santa Barbara County) welcomes the community to participate in its First Annual Walk for Mental Wellness on Sunday, May 6. Walkers and runners are encouraged to form teams or sign up individually for the 5/K walk and run.

The Opening Ceremony for the Walk/Run begins at 8:30 a.m. at Lower Manning Park in Montecito. Teams and individual participants can earn a variety of prizes and gift certificates from local businesses, including free rounds of golf and cart rentals at Sandpiper Golf Club and Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, a party for 12 at Cos Bar in Santa Barbara, gift certificates from Recipes Bakery and Vuarnet Sunglasses from Occhiali Eyewear. To help awaken and energize walkers and runners for the event, a continental breakfast precedes the Walk/Run. Proceeds from the Walk/Run will support the Recovery Learning Center at the Mental Wellness Center, a rehabilitation and social center for recovering individuals.

The event has been organized by Friends of the Mental Wellness Center, a volunteer-based group of community members helping to mitigate recent cutbacks of some MWC services. The Friends of MWC hope to raise $100,000 to restore and expand services provided by the Recovery Learning Center. Organizers have received sponsorships to help alleviate the costs of the Walk/Run, and all funds raised by the event will go to the Recovery Learning Center.

Community members interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the Walk/Run can call 805/884-8440 or visit the Mental Wellness Center’s website, http://mentalwellnesscenter.org.

–Kristin Crosier

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Film Festival–and Film Feast–Start Tonight

Published on January 26, 2012 in Restaurants and Web Exclusives.

The Film Festival starts tonight and so does the “Film Feast.”

We got a special taste last week of some of the delicious things our local restaurants will be offering for their three-course tasting menus and you are definitely in for a treat!

Bella Vista at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore

Tasting menus will be available for the duration of the film festival at 28 restaurants, bars, lounges and tasting rooms, from farm-to-fork hot spots and fine-dining Italian eateries to eclectic downtown wineries and picturesque Wine-Country vineyards. Restaurants will serve seasonal specialties, bars and lounges will shake up inventive cocktail flights, and renowned wineries will pour tastings in threes. Many establishments will craft their menus around classic and contemporary films, some even screening the inspiration films to heighten the cinematic ambiance.

Here is a list of the articipating restaurants. You can check out the  menu details at SBFilmFeast.com.

Adama Vegan Comfort Cuisine

adamavegan.com 

428 Chapala St.

805.560.1348

Bacara Resort & Spa Bar
bacararesort.com

8301 Hollister Ave.
805.986.0100

Bacara Resort & Spa
bacararesort.com 
8301 Hollister Ave.
805.968.0100

Bella Vista at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
fourseasons.com/santabarbara
1260 Channel Dr.805.565.8323

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn
bestwestern.com/carpinteria 
4558 Carpinteria Ave.
805.684.0473

BEST WESTERN PLUS Encina Lodge & Suites
sbhotels.com 
2220 Bath St.
800.526.2282

BEST WESTERN PLUS Pepper Tree Inn
sbhotels.com 
3850 State St.
800.338.0030

Bistro 1111
santabarbara.hyatt.com
1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
805.730.1111

Blue Agave
blueagavesb.com

20 E. Cota St.
805.899.4694

Blush Restaurant & Lounge
blushsb.com
630 State St.
805.957.1300

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
sbhotels.com 
223 Castillo St.
800.468.1988

Byron Winery

byronwines.com
2367 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA, 93441
805.938.7365

Ca’Dario Ristorante
cadario.net
37 E. Victoria St.
805.884.9419

Cádiz Restaurant and Lounge

cadizsb.com

509 State St.805.770.2760

Cambria Winery
cambriawines.com
5475 Chardonnay Lane
Santa Maria, CA, 93454
805.937.8091

Casa Blanca Restaurant & Cantina

Casa Blanca Restaurant & Catina
casablancasb.com
330 State St.
805.845.8966

Circle Bar B
circlebarb.com 
1800 Refugio Rd.
805.968.1113

Coast Restaurant and Bar
canarysantabarbara.com

31 W. Carrillo Blvd.
805.879.9100

Crocodile Restaurant and Bar
treeinns.com
2819 State St.805.687.6444

Downey's

Downey’s
downeyssb.com
1305 State St.
805.966.5006

Eagle Inn
theeagleinn.com 
232 Notoma Ave.
805.965.3586

Enterprise Fish Co.
enterprisefishco.com/santabarbara
225 State St.805.962.3313

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
fourseasons.com/santabarbara 
1260 Channel Dr.
805.565.8099

The Harbor Restaurant
harborsb.com
210 Stearns Wharf
805.963.3311

Hotel Santa Barbara
hotelsantabarbara.com 
533 State St.
805.957.9300

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Virginia
hotelvirginia.com 
17 W. Haley St.
800.549.1700

Inn at East Beach
innateastbeach.com 
1029 Orilla Del Mar
805.965.0546

Inn by the Harbor
sbhotels.com
433 W. Montecito St.
800.626.1986

Kunin Winery

kuninwines.com
28 Anacapa St.
805.963.9633

Lavender Inn by the Sea
sbhotels.com

206 Castillo St.
800.649.2669

Longboard’s Grill

longboardsgrillsb.com
210 Stearns Wharf805.963.3312

Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop
macssb.com
503 State St.
805.897.1160

Miró at Bacara Resort & Spa
bacararesort.com
8301 Hollister Ave.
805.571.4204

Museum Café at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
sbma.net

1130 State St.
805.884.6487

Oceana Santa Barbara
hoteloceanasantabarbara.com 
202 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
805.965.4577

Old Yacht Club Inn
oldyachtclubinn.com
431 Corona Del Mar
800.549.1676

Olio e Limone Ristorante

olioelimone.com
17 W. Victoria St.
805.899.2699

Opal Restaurant & Bar
opalrestaurantandbar.com
1325 State St.
805.966.9676

Paradise Café
paradisecafe.com
702 Anacapa St.
805.962.4416

Pascucci
pascuccirestaurant.com
729 State St.
805.963.8123

Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro
pierrelafond.com
516 State St.
805.962.1455

Ramada Limited
sbramada.com 
4770 Calle Real
800.654.1965

Rodney’s Steakhouse at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort & Spa

rodneyssteakhouse.com
633 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
805.884.8554

Santa Barbara Inn
santabarbarainn.com 
901 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
800.231.0431

Seagrass

Seagrass Restaurant

seagrassrestaurant.com
30 E. Ortega St.
805.963.1012

Simpson House Inn
simpsonhouseinn.com 
121 E. Arrellaga St.
800.676.1280

 

 

Upham Hotel and Country House
uphamhotel.com 
1404 De La Vina St.
805.962.0058

The Wine Cask

Wine Cask
winecask.com
813 Anacapa St.
805.966.9463
The Wurst

http://blueagavesb.com/2011/08/the-wurst/

20 E. Cota St. (backdoor entrance of Blue Agave) 805.899.4694

 

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