Telling Stories of Mexican American

On Display: June 26-August 31

Though it lasted less than three decades, California’s Mexican period (1822–1846) helped shape the distribution of land, wealth, and power after California officially entered the union in 1850. Telling Stories of Mexican California reflects on this past, and how romanticized retellings made lasting impacts on the state’s culture and popular understandings of its history.  

Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life & Myth Making broadly outlines California’s history leading up to statehood as a backdrop to the factual and fictional stories that emerged after the US takeover. It considers nineteenth-century Mexican American individuals and families who told their stories and looks at some of the early narratives that helped create an enduring California mythos, as well as the stories that were ignored in favor of this new, often exaggerated or fictionalized lore. 

Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life & Myth Making was organized by the California Historical Society, features the CHS Collection at Stanford, and tours through Exhibit Envoy. 

Slice of Light Gallery 2-Year Anniversary Event

Thursday, July 3, 5:00 PM

Join us for a fantastic celebration at Slice of Light Gallery® on July 3rd!

We're marking our anniversary with an evening of art, wine, and community. Enjoy wine courtesy of our friends at Laurel Glen Vineyard and enter a free drawing—just sign up for our newsletter at the door to participate.

Slice of Light Gallery® first opened in July of 2023. Since then, we've experienced incredible growth, participated in numerous Arts District events, and have welcomed visitors from all over the world. Guests have shared stories of their travels around the United States, while those visiting from outside the country are happy to experience snapshots of the Earth's beauty as seen through the lens of our talented photographers. And those looking to the stars can see even further than the moon through our deep space photography. It's no wonder why people share their slices of light with us, but what's yours? We'd love to hear it!

Our July exhibit features a stunning selection of fine art landscape and deep sky prints by Santa Barbara native, J K Lovelace; fine art landscapes by Oregon-based photographer, Ben Coffman; and bespoke, hand-ground steel art by Goleta-based artist and metal-printmaker, Eric States.

Brayell Pre-Release Party

Friday, July 4, 9:00 PM

The Melt Down EP Release Party with Brayell, Saush, K.V.N., and F!NE$$E

Firework watch party and drink specials!

Doors: 8 PM

Show: 9 PM

Ages: 21+

$10 pre-sale / $15 cash at the door

Club Canary

Saturday, July 5, 6:00 PM

Presented by More Energy, Club Canary is back on the Kimpton Canary Hotel rooftop for their second party of the summer on July 5th from 4pm-10pm! Keep the 4th of July celebrations rolling with this unforgettable rooftop party, featuring tunes by resident DJs Jack Roy & Larry Dance Jr, plus a special guest DJ. These high-energy sets will keep the good vibes going all night. Sunset, city views, and great music - what’s better than that? Don’t miss out on this epic night, reserve your spot today for just $20! This is a 21+ Event.

Summer Sets/Summer Steps

Sunday, July 6, 5:00 PM

Come early and enjoy the galleries then step outside for a summer night of jazz and dance on the Museum’s Front Terrace. Inspired by the exhibition Modern Life: A Global Artworld, 1850 – 1950 and performed by two-time Grammy Award winner Ted Nash and internationally known choreographer and dancer Vanessa Isaac, responding with music and motion to works by Wifredo Lam, Georgia O’Keeffe and other muses of the modern.

Local drummer Ed Smith, Los Angeles-based bassist Trey Henry, and guitarist Anthony Wilson will perform with saxophonist and composer Ted Nash.

This performance has been made possible through the generosity of Starr Siegele.

Blue Skies, Shimmering Seas

On Display: June 20-July 20

After a brief pause, Brad Betts’ Blue Skies, Shimmering Seas returns Friday, June 20 with a special offering of his most recent en plein air paintings inspired by the Preview Weekend that was held June 5 – 8th.

An artist for over 25 years and a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA), Brad Betts splits his time between Maine, where he paints and operates Downeast Gallery in Boothbay Harbor with his wife, Danielle; and Santa Barbara, where his son Ben is a beloved local musician. His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, and were first featured at Art & Soul in the Funk Zone and later in our inaugural exhibition on State Street, Santa Barbara: The Art of Place, along side the works of John Baron, Sylvan Butera Rich, and Pedro De La Cruz. 

Blue Skies, Shimmering Seas, a five-year retrospective of Santa Barbara paintings, traces the evolution of Brad's painting style from his early sun-drenched harbor scenes to more expressive, light-filled interpretations of familiar landmarks such as Joe's, the Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, and Butterfly Beach. Anchored in discipline but led by intuition, Brad’s work reveals the dynamic interplay between artist and place over time.

Open Knit + Crochet at The Knit Shop

Tuesday, July 8, 2:30 PM

Come knit and crochet with us! be inspired by other fiber artists, and join us for some lovely community and conversation while we create beautiful things!

Toddler Craft Time: Symmetry Butterflies

Sunday, July 6, 10:00 AM

Our youngest crafters, ages 18 months -4 years old, are invited to join us along with their grown-ups to create painted butterflies using symmetry skills! Working with their grown up and Dr. Devon Christman (Ph.D. in Childhood Education) young crafters will paint one half of a pre-cut butterfly, then fold the butterfly to transfer the paint to the second half!

This is a fun way to practice painting and learn more about symmetry!

4th of July Concert at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens

Friday, July 4, 5:00 PM

Join the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation for a festive concert featuring Santa Barbara’s beloved 80-member Prime Time Band on Friday, July 4th at 5:00 PM, located at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens (1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).

Delight in an afternoon of lively music, celebrating freedom and the heroes who inspire us. Join in the musical joy with tributes to military heroism (with themes from Band of Brothers and Top Gun), favorite stage and screen heroes (Wicked, How to Train Your Dragon, The Magnificent Seven), and patriotic sing-along classics.

Arrive early to secure a spot on the grass; bring your picnic, blanket, and low beach chairs for this free annual celebration.

July 4th Cookout at the Canary

Friday, July 4, 6:00 PM

Celebrate Independence Day in style on the Canary Rooftop! This July 4th from 4pm-10pm, join the Kimpton Canary Hotel for an unforgettable evening under the stars as Executive Chef John Vasquez brings the bold, soulful flavors of his Southern heritage to the rooftop. Early bird tickets are on sale now for $30 and include rooftop access to the exclusive celebration, a delectable BBQ tasting experience, complimentary cider tasting, a live DJ set by the one and only DJ Dansauce and a festive photo booth to capture the night’s memories. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening with handcrafted cocktails and more. With the best view in town to watch the fireworks, let the Kimpton Canary rooftop be your backdrop for an elevated Fourth of July experience filled with flavor, music, and celebration!

1st Thursday Art Walk

Thursday, July 3, 5:00 PM

1st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer!

Hollywood Animator, Rich Wilkie, Talks Art & Animation

Friday, July 11, 6:00 PM

Rich's animation career began at Walt Disney Feature Animation, animating on Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules. He also worked on Stuart Little, Spider-Man, Scooby-Doo, Curious George, King of the Hill and was supervising director for Netflix on Bill Burr's animated series F is for Family.

Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience"

Saturday, July 12, 7:30 PM

Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends will be at Lobero Theatre on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 7:30pm.

Liverpool Legends are four talented musicians and actors, handpicked by Louise Harrison – sister of George Harrison, to honor her brother’s legacy and re-create the band that changed the world forever. Experience the complete history of The Beatles, starting with the early mop-top hits, such as I Want To Hold Your Hand, She Loves You and Twist and Shout. You’ll then take a Magical Mystery Tour down Penny Lane, through the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper. And in The End, Come Together and sing and dance to classics like Get Back, Here Comes the Sun and Hey Jude.

This one-of-a-kind Beatles show is narrated by Louise Harrison, and she was an instrumental part of the promotion of The Beatles in the early years. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are watching the real thing! Together, these four lads will bring you “The Complete Beatles Experience.”

Asian American Film Series

Friday, July 11, 18, 25

Please join us on three Friday evenings in July for our sixteenth-annual Asian American Film Series at the historic Alhecama Theatre.

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2025 Asian American Film Series (AAFS) features four recently released, captivating documentary films that were carefully selected by SBTHP’s Asian American Affinity Group. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a supporter of lifting AAPI perspectives and voices, or just looking for an inspiring and entertaining cinematic experience, this year’s AAFS will not disappoint!

2025 AAFS OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

JULY 11

HOME COURT (6:00pm)

JULY 18

NOBUKO MIYAMOTO: A SONG IN MOVEMENT (6:00pm)

THIRD ACT (7:30pm)

JULY 25

STARRING JERRY AS HIMSELF (6:00pm)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where: Alhecama Theatre (215 A East Canon Perdido Street)

$5 Suggested donation / Free for SBTHP members

Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis (No RSVP required)

SBTHP’s Asian American Film Series is made possible by the generous support of the George H. Griffiths and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation and brings AAPI-centered stories and filmmakers to the Santa Barbara community each July.

Sunken Garden Summer Cinema Series

Fridays, 8:30 PM

Enjoy Friday nights under the stars with the Summer Film Series! The 2025 theme is Dog Days of Summer and will take place weekly from July 11- August 29, excluding August 1.

The film titles and dates are listed below:

July 11: 101 Dalmatians (1961)

July 18: The Sandlot (1993)

July 25: Best in Show (2000)

August 8: My Dog Skip (2000)

August 15: Isle of Dogs (2018)

August 22: Marley and Me (2008)

August 29: Dog (2022)

Screenings take place on Friday evenings in July and August in the iconic courthouse Sunken Garden at 8:30 p.m. The series is made possible by a collaboration between the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, Arts & Lectures, and Santa Barbara County Parks as well as many generous sponsors.

Pianos on State Call for Design Entries

Applications Open June 1

PIANOS ON STATE is an interactive public art and music experience that takes place every October in downtown Santa Barbara. Each piano, painted by local artists, becomes its own interactive piece placed in public space for the community to play, listen, and enjoy.

The pianos will be displayed from September 29 - October 19th, 2025 on designated pads along State Street with additional placements at MOXI and the Santa Barbara Airport. The Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative has officially opened the call for artist piano designs with 12 design slots available. The application period is June 1 - July 10th with guidelines and application link found at pianosonstate.com/apply. This year, the Arts Collaborative has decided to challenge artists to create designs using the theme of Time. Piano-painting takes place at the Community Arts Workshop gathering artists of all styles, trading tips and information, and making art together.

Important Dates

The Pianos will be delivered to set locations on September 29th and will stay in their designated spots until Oct 19th. A map of the piano placement will be updated in July.

As a public art program, this is an opportunity for emerging and professional artists alike to showcase their work through a unique project.

PIANOS ON STATE is collaboratively organized by:

The Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative, The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, City of Santa Barbara, and The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, Downtown Santa Barbara

Non-Profit Office Space: Available June 1

Located at 1219 State Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this 118-square-foot furnished ground-floor office in the Community Environmental Council's Environmental Hub is a vibrant, inspiring space for work and collaboration. As a tenant, you’ll enjoy state-of-the-art green amenities, including access to a virtual meeting-ready conference room, shared kitchen, patio, and event space at a special tenant rate. Work alongside CEC, White Buffalo Land Trust, Human Rights Watch, and other local non-profit tenants in this exciting location. See photos of the space.

Non-profit tenant required. Competitive rates.

To learn more and view the space, contact:

The Miramar Group

Geoffrey Carter

geoffrey@miramarsb.com

(805) 233-7988

Karaoke Fridays on State at Longoria Wines

Every Friday, 6:30 PM

Join us every Friday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at our State St. location and sing your heart out! Glass specials and bottle discounts every week. Hosted by El Karaoke.

State Street Flag Program

American flags will be flying on State Street from

07/02 - 07/09 for Independence Day.