A leprechaun sipping beer. Pets piloting an airplane. A slice of pizza riding waves. Jessica Manzanares’ painting résumé is eclectic. Her work isn’t confined to canvas or a sketch pad. It’s been displayed for all to see on the windows of businesses in places like Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, and Santa Maria. “I like to think […]
Arts
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One donor gives millions to Lompoc Theatre Project renovations
A recent $6 million contribution to The Lompoc Theatre Project became the largest private donation in the organization’s history. Now only around $5 million remains before the full $18.9 million is raised. Santa Barbara philanthropist Cheryl Goldberg (pictured on the left) gave the sum, with $5 million going toward restoration and $1 million establishing a […]
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Environmental nonprofit accepts applications for next year’s residency program
White Buffalo Land Trust’s call for artists is open through Aug. 30 for 2027 residencies. The program asks the selected artists to explore how creativity and ecology intersect. “Through this residency, we are creating space for artists to spend meaningful time with the land and the people who steward it and to interpret what they […]
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After gaining decades of experience nationwide, PCPA’s new artistic director heads back to Santa Maria
Full season aheadBuy tickets for upcoming productions at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre online at pcpa.org. Season 63 kicks off with La Comedia of Errors running from Sept. 10 to 27. As Valerie Rachelle prepares for her return to the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA), she can’t help but notice a few coincidences. The actor and director […]
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A photographer’s desert collection hangs at CalNAM
See Paulette Donnellon’s tribute to Southern California’s Anza-Borrego State Park at the California Nature Art Museum in Solvang. Untamed Desert will be up through Jan. 18 at the Valley Oak Gallery. “The desert has always held a special place in my heart,” Donnellon said in press materials. “In my work as a nature and wildlife […]
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Santa Maria commemorates 50 years of public transit with a new mural
A public art installation at the Santa Maria Transit Center celebrates the city’s evolution throughout the past five decades. On July 28, city staff held an unveiling event for the community. “Designed by local artists Loyal and Joan Newville, the mural, The Spirit of Santa Maria: A Journey Through Time, celebrates the community’s transportation history […]
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Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez raises funds for the Artist Advocacy Foundation
At the opening reception for Bridging Worlds at the Indah Gallery, many of the 100-plus gallery visitors asked artist Max Gleason, “What’s going on with this one?” They stood in front of Entering the Arctic, a 6-foot-tall painting blending blues, greens, oranges, and pinks. It’s not just the colors that turn heads, though. Viewers inquired […]
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Seniors star in the latest Orcutt Community Theater production
Fabulous. Fed up. Flippin’ funny. That’s a good description of the protagonists in Orcutt Community Theater’s The Hallelujah Girls, directed by L. Chatel. Join the girl gang at the OASIS Senior Center to watch their trials and tribulations, evoking emotions across the spectrum. “An old flame struts back into town, a surprise proposal turns heads, […]
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Discuss a book with local ties at Bob’s Well Bread Bakery
If you don’t have three hours to spare at your local movie theater watching Christopher Nolan’s rendition of an epic poem from more than 2,000 years ago, perhaps a shorter conversation about a contemporary odyssey will tickle your fancy. Author Irena Smith penned Troika, published in April, about a California road trip with her mother […]
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One Orcutt painter channels her past to make accessible art for all
Less than 1 percent of the global population is an Olympic athlete. Catalina Bertola often compares the achievement with life in the art world. Most people will never reach Olympic status—in athletics or art—but that shouldn’t stop people from giving it a go. In her opinion, physical activity and creativity are part of a balanced […]
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The Solvang Chamber presents another music in the park series
Join the Santa Ynez Valley community on Wednesday evenings for free summertime tunes at Solvang Park. The Susan Williams Summer Music Series, presented by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, will continue through Aug. 26 featuring rock, blues, country, and jazz bands. “While enjoying the music, guests can also indulge in delicious food and beverages available […]
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A local performer hits the road for a Central Coast tour
Hear original pieces and old Broadway tunes from singer Gale McNeeley on his four-stop tour in August called My Life in Song. He’ll be joined by pianist Paul Marszalkowski, a musical director at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. McNeeley will sing original songs and renditions of musical selections from his time on Broadway. He toured with […]
