Into the Forest is the theme meant to inspire local artists as they create work for Buellton’s newest community banner project.
The nonprofit Hearting Arts, led by Kristin Neperud Merz, helps boost art programs in the city. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit their pieces before April 19 to be considered for one of the banners. Drawings need to be original (no AI) and showcase imagination related to the Into the Forest theme.
Submitted drawings will be converted into digital illustrations and printed on banners that’ll hang on light posts around Buellton. Driving down main streets in the city, people should see the colorful flags on display starting in July. They’ll be hung on Avenue of Flags, Highway 246, and Industrial Way, like the Up in the Air themed banners from the nonprofit’s last project, Neperud Merz said in an email to the Sun.
To submit artwork, fill out the online form by visiting buellton.art/submit-art. Artists don’t need to live in Buellton to participate.
Grants from the city and the Arts and Culture Committee support this community art project. For more information about the committee and starting new initiatives in the community, email Allison Firey at allison@cityofbuellton.com.
This article appears in March 5 – March 12, 2026.