Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Celebrating 75 Years

When one searches the internet for Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the first things one notices are its well-deserved high ratings. There are surprises as well, such as the headline “Greek and Roman Sculpture from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art” appearing on the website of the internationally-renowned Getty Museum.
In this, its 75th anniversary year, SBMA is pulling out all the stops by displaying some of the most celebrated works of art from its permanent collection, along with several gifts, acquisitions and exhibits in the areas of modern and contemporary art, photography, and the arts of Asia.
Exhibits
Portrait of Mexico Today is one of the only intact murals painted by David Alfaro Siqueiros while he was a political exile in Los Angeles in 1932. It is also part of the permanent collection. Puja and Piety, on display through the end of August, celebrates the complexity of South Asian art by examining the relationship between aesthetic expression and the devotional practice. And Lewis deSoto: Paranirvana (Self-Portrait) reflects the artist’s interest in religion, mythology, anthropology and history.
Events
Be sure to check out the many interesting events at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, such as this Sunday’s Warrior Chorus, a national initiative that trains veterans to present innovative public programs based on ancient literature. Based on the Ancient Greek chorus, this event features videos of veterans from different eras discussing the ethics, idea of heroism, and the impetus and justification of war.
Family Programs
Kid and family programs include Studio Sundays on the Front Steps. This free family event takes place on the 1st Thursday of each month in SBMA’s Family Resource Center. Museum Teaching Artists are available to assist families in creating special exhibition-based art projects. Afterwards, families are invited to enjoy the galleries.
Classes
There are also adult classes offered at the SBMA including the upcoming Fall Adult Ceramics Class. This 12-week series introduces participants to the techniques of ceramics, including hand building and throwing on the wheel through small group instruction and individual attention. Course includes all materials, firings, and a complimentary docent-led tour of the Museum.
Travel
Located at 1130 State Street, SBMA also offers an array of cultural travel opportunities with a special focus on art, architecture, and gardens to share with you the unique pleasure of art in its broadest sense. Upcoming trips include traveling to Asia, India, Europe and Mexico and patrons can also sign up for the many cruises offered.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art is just one of the many cultural opportunities residents and visitors enjoy. (I discussed the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in a previous post.) If you would like to count yourself as a resident and become a member, take a look at my current listings. I’m sure you’ll see something you like there. Selling your home? Call me at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com to discuss your situation. With my 25-plus years of experience, I am happy to come up with a winning strategy to sell your home.