The Lompoc Civic Theatre needs adults and teens interested in volunteering. There are openings in acting, set building, costuming, props, stage managing, producing, directing, hospitality, publicity, ticket sales, and more, all awaiting volunteers. If you don’t have the time but still want to help, the theater is continuing its Summer Membership Drive. Meetings are held […]
SHELLY CONE
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
PCPA student gets a scholarship
The Santa Maria Women’s Network recently presented its community scholarships, including the first-ever award to a PCPA Conservatory student. Clare Lopez was among 26 applicants for the scholarship and was selected based on her hard work and enthusiasm in the conservatory, as well as having received her BA in music and theater arts from St. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Gourd Diva tries something new
A Lompoc artist breaks from her usual medium to experiment with art on canvas
Lisa Toth is out of her gourd—at least for the moment. The artist otherwise known as the Gourd Diva has been dabbling with canvas for her latest show at Cypress Gallery in Lompoc. Her gourds will be on display as well, but at the moment, Toth is finding happiness spreading her brightly colored abstracts on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Caffeinated and captured
The Lompoc Photographers Guild presents 90 ways of looking at the world
Photographer Renee D. Miranda is always ready to snap a picture of that interesting character at a parade or a mysterious location that calls out to be captured. But her favorite subject is people—the more interesting, the better. “I like taking pictures of people who wear interesting clothes, have tattoos, or wear their hair in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Art wins at the library
The Santa Maria Public Library will host an artist’s reception and award ceremony for participants in the National Arts Program (NAP) at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 in the Shepard Hall Gallery. Mayor Larry Lavagnino will be speaking and giving out the ribbons to the award winners. NAP Program Coordinator Robyn Raskin and City Librarian […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
PCPA helps Historical Society recover lost funds
Funding for the Santa Maria Historical Society was dramatically impacted by the city’s budget cuts, and the organization is now reaching out to the community for support. The Historical Society is teaming up with PCPA Theaterfest to hold an inaugural “Reception, Silent Auction, and PCPA Performance” on Aug. 14. The reception starts at 12:30 p.m. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Have a seat
The Los Alamos Chair Faire is set to raise funds for Olga Reed Elementary School
Whether you have an antique chair you’re willing to part with for charity or you just want to clean out the garage, your chairs are welcome at the Los Alamos Chair Faire. “People ask me, ‘Should I bring out one or all six?’” said Chair Faire organizer Connie Rohde of C Gallery. “I say bring […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The sky and everything in it
Westmont brings out the big guns for stargazing
There was once a day—when I was much, much younger and Lasik eye surgery hadn’t yet been invented—that I was nearly legally blind. But since I was a teen and looking good was way more important than, well, looking clearly at anything, I refused to wear glasses or contacts. Walking around in this constant state […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Tales of joy and survival
The Santa Maria Library presents an opportunity to learn about the Japanese American experience
Margaret Cooper was eating spaghetti off a paper plate after Sunday School when the church’s organist came out and announced Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Four months later, the 12-year-old Cooper was living behind barbed wire in a Japanese internment camp after the government ordered the evacuation of all Japanese people living along the West […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Summertime fair fun
Sun, sand, and the Beach Boys set to entertain
Brandi and Greg Glenn—owners of Sandscapes, a company that creates sand sculptures—make their living shaping the tiny grains. But it was that very medium that shaped their lives first. Brandi was 19 and managing a store in Santa Monica when she met Greg. He was creating a sand sculpture in front of her store; she […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Get dancing
Warm up your feet: The annual Obon Festival is fast approaching. Dance practice, in preparation for the event, runs Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., culminating with the July 25 festival at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnell, Santa Maria. Send items for consideration to scone@santamariasun.com..
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Shapes and shadows
Karina Puente creates dreamy visions
Branch-like hands reach across fields of light. Silhouetted jellyfish float upward. Tiger-headed women stare at viewers from blue-green forests. Imagine Wine and Art Gallery in Santa Ynez will feature the artwork of Santa Ynez artist Karina Puente, who’s exhibited her artwork around the country and internationally. She’s also part of the artistic directing team that […]