Arts

Prior to the unveiling of the Lompoc Photographers Guild’s first exhibition, pictures covered in brown paper hung on the walls of the Southside Coffee Company in Lompoc. Suspense built. The obscured works were marked simply “Lompoc Photography Guild.” Growing curiosity ultimately prompted dozens of curious patrons to show up for the unveiling. “We were amazed […]

Sometimes a place to show art is as important as the use of a particular medium or style used to create a piece. Without an appropriate venue, after all, art has a difficult time finding an audience. The Betteravia Gallery is different than most show spaces. It’s tucked between the county clerk recorder-assessor’s office and […]

Most educators know that when times are tough, budget cuts tend to target the arts. Yet time and again, evidence has suggested that arts education actually helps students by building self-esteem, encouraging self-expression and cooperation with others, and developing critical thinking skills. Fortunately for students in the Orcutt School District, one organization is committed to […]

Like all the best dreams, PCPA’s presentation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is filled with magic, divine characters, and a whimsical plot. Fantasy, laughter, and love mix to create a bewitching tale of love sought, love lost, and love found. With so much love flowing, it was fitting that PCPA would present its […]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Who doesn’t want to hear those words, accompanied by a heart-shaped box of chocolate, a bouquet of flowers (preferably roses), and a card covered in hearts and flowers (preferably roses)? I know that men, in particular, go nuts this time of year, trying to figure out what the perfect Valentine’s Day gift […]

The work of beloved playwright Neil Simon returns to the Santa Maria Civic Theatre with God’s Favorite. Simon’s small-ensemble casts and intimate settings are perfectly suited to the civic theater stage, and SMCT’s list of past productions is full of them. Simon penned such hit Broadway comedies as Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, […]