Sangeetha Gopalakrishnan was prepared for a peaceful, solo hike with her dog this spring in the Sierra Nevada. She set up her easel and started painting at an elevation of 10,000 feet. As skies darkened and snow began to fall, Gopalakrishnan noticed that her 5-year-old labradoodle—a “strong hiker” who carries her own pack—was interested in […]
nature
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California grants $2 million to the future Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum
Dave Bemis has volunteered with many nonprofits in his life, but never at a start-up like the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum. He experienced new challenges in his role as the president of the board. “It’s hard to recruit people and to raise money for something that doesn’t exist yet. It’s hard to explain to […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Angelina LaPointe crowdfunds for her 2027 wildlife calendar
Lompoc block printer Angelina LaPointe is hoping to carry on a 10-year tradition of making her annual calendar of California flora and fauna. But first, her project needs to reach its financial goal. Her Kickstarter campaign must raise $3,500 before Oct. 16 or it’s a no-go. Crowdfunders will only be charged if the project reaches […]
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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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Joe McFadden brings his dramatic landscapes to Gallery Los Olivos
Though he now calls himself an artist, Joe McFadden spent his career in the tech industry. While he was advising software companies by day, McFadden found balance by slathering oil paints on canvases in his free time. “I wanted something I could develop over many years and maybe develop someday into a real skill and […]
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CalNAM ramps up holiday cheer with annual vendor market
Solvang visitors have the chance to gain free admission to the California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) and meander through its annual holiday marketplace on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a free family craft from 10 a.m. to noon. “If you’re looking for unique gifts for your loved ones […]
