Arts

As soon as visitors step out of their cars and through the bustling gates that mark the entrance to the Nipomo Swapmeet & Fleamarket, it’s apparent that there is something special about this place. A safari-inspired train chugs along the perimeter of the swap meet, passing by a tranquil garden and festive, brightly painted buildings. […]

Francis Dawson is the real deal. While some would call him a gardener, most recognize he is far more than that. He calls himself an environmental artist and designer, which scratches deeper under the surface, but it neglects the fact that the young artist and “earthscaper” is truly on a spiritual quest. He has been […]

Santa Maria’s resident fun generator is People for Leisure And Youth, known more colloquially as PLAY Inc. Created in 1997, the group organized for the primary purpose of funding recreational programs in Santa Maria Valley’s parks. Now, PLAY and the city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department are behind what’s sure to be a […]

As soon as I place my fingers on the contact points of a biofeedback reader attached to a computer and monitor at Aura Therapies Gallery in Old Orcutt, colors begin to dance across a still image of my face, captured moments before. Reds, oranges, and violets take turns on the screen, accompanied by text that […]

Right on the westernmost tip of the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East is Iran, the epicenter of Persian people and culture. The region was responsible for many early discoveries and breakthroughs, including algebra, chemistry, and wind power. One local author with Persian roots, Vahid Imani, has penned a children’s novel that tells the story […]

As soon as I was introduced to the quartet of actors portraying the fictional group The Plaids in PCPA Theaterfest’s upcoming production of Forever Plaid, the actors couldn’t keep from singing. “You’re from the Sun?” said Jeff Parker, who plays Frankie. “You mean, like, ‘Here comes the sun!’” As soon as Parker intoned the iconic […]