Caleb Wiseblood

Imagine holding an entire art exhibition in the palm of your hand. For Orcutt-based contemporary painter Lori Mole, the concept isn’t far-fetched, especially in the form of a desk calendar for 2021. Mole is one of a handful of local artists showcasing their original works in the form of next year’s calendar.  “It makes a […]

As 2020 gradually comes to a close, multimedia artist Kathy Badrak is using her latest exhibition to reflect on, and hopefully heal from, a turbulent year. Presented by the Lompoc Valley Art Association, Into the Light opened on Dec. 4 at the Cypress Gallery and is scheduled to remain on display through Dec. 27. “Into […]

From the suburbs of Buellton and Santa Maria to the sprawling fields of the Santa Ynez Valley, local filmmaker Shane Ryan never gets tired of shooting on location at destinations throughout the Central Coast—especially when they’re not too far from his hometown of Lompoc. “Shooting in LA can be just the worst, and costly beyond […]

If there’s one thing Kimberly Sutherland is no stranger to, it’s talking to strangers.  While creating the second installment of her ongoing art project and publication series, RURAL, Sutherland’s three-week artist residency at the Cuyama Buckhorn in New Cuyama was full of cold calls and warm conversations.  “It’s the most enjoyable and inspiring project I’ve […]

Last November, I fondly remember sitting in the Marian Theatre watching Yusef Seevers steal the show as Sebastian in PCPA’s production of The Little Mermaid. If anyone had told me that one year from then, Seevers would be singing Christmas carols in my living room, I’d accuse them of losing their barnacles.  But alas, here […]

On Friday, Nov. 20, Solvang City Councilmember Robert Clarke will present a unique, commemorative banner to local bookstore owner Kathy Mullins, who co-founded The Book Loft in 1970 with her late husband, Gary. In celebrating the shop’s 50th year in business, Book Loft lovers and the public are invited  to a weekend of special events, […]

While driving home one evening, Santa Barbara artist Linda Mutti couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop and capture Hendry’s Beach (aka Arroyo Burro Beach) just before sunset, near the peak of golden hour. Mutti had already passed the beach before deciding to turn around, she explained. “I made a U-turn and headed straight for […]

Halloween might be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop watching scary movies. Even if you’re a bit trepidatious about the genre and are an avid knitter like Lompoc artist Joellen Chrones, some casual horror viewing now and then could be a fun way to multitask.  “I enjoy my knitting while watching TV […]

After several months of closure, two of Solvang’s most prolific indoor museums have reopened their doors to the public. The first week of November marked a return for in-person visitations at both the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art and the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, according to IDK Events—Solvang’s tourism marketing arm. “With […]

A diverse selection of after-school performing and visual arts classes awaits participants of the Youth ARTS Alive fall program. While classes officially began on Nov. 2, registration is still open for those who wish to join. The program is open to ages 8 through 18 and runs through Nov. 20 at the Abel Maldonado Community […]