I can’t believe its been a year since the first “From Dusk ’til Drawn” show at the Contemporary Arts Forum. This is easily one of my favorite art events of the entire year. I love the camaraderie that develops as artists collectively embark on a 24 hour art-making marathon. And, I love the opportunity to get some really amazing art for really amazing prices. For those of you who didn’t make it last year, there are four walls in the space marked with four respective price points ($25, $75, $150, and $300). Art hung on each wall can be had for that price. Whoever’s idea that was, let me just say: “Brilliant, really brilliant.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VISUAL IMAGERY CONTACT:  Kimberly Hahn   (805) 403-8108  press@sbcaf.org

CAF is pulling an all-nighter for this 2nd annual, unique 24-hour drawing extravaganza! Artists will draw side by side with dabblers, providing a unique laboratory for sharing, creating, and participating in a community art experience. Register to draw next to local contemporary art luminaries such as Ann Diener, Dane Goodman, Saul Gray-Hildenbrand, Kimberly Hahn, and Keith Pucinelli as well as children, community leaders, and others! All drawings will be sold to the public at one of four prices ($25, $75, $150, and $300 plus tax) and proceeds will be divided among the participants and CAF. Drawing is broadly interpreted and artists of all disciplines, skill levels, and ages are encouraged to join us. There will be a free, closing reception to celebrate the artists’ efforts and show off the remaining artwork on Sunday, July 24, 4-6 pm. Prospective drawers may sign up for any period of time throughout the 24 hours and must contact Nicole Biergiel at nbiergiel@sbcaf.org to register by July 1. For more information visit sbcaf.org or call: (805) 966-5373 x102.

Event Committee: Nicole Biergiel, Karla Blancas, Miki Garcia, Saul Gray-Hildenbrand, Dulce Griego, Kimberly Hahn, Sophie Leddick, and Warren Schultheis.

This Friday there are two great art shows to check out. The best part is that the first one ends before the other one begins, so you don’t have to miss either of them. The first show stars perennial local favorite Rafael Perea de la Cabada. As most of you who read this blog will know, Rafael teaches art at SBCC. His art can be seen all over town, including the recent beautification of the sidewalk along Cabrillo Blvd near West Beach, but this is the first time in a little while that I remember an entire solo show of his work. I’ve also never been to the Architectural Foundation Gallery, so that will be a treat unto it self.

The second show this Friday is called Earth From Space, and it’s almost as though the show was specifically designed with me in mind. As you may have read recently, I am a sucker for the blending of science and art. This show features 40 local artists riffing off the first photo ever taken of the earth rising over the horizon from the surface of the moon. I can’t wait.

The details for both shows are below. I hope to see you out there.

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Rafael Perea de la Cabada
“Spaces We Touch/Espacios Que Tocamos”
Architectural Foundation Gallery: July 15 – August 26, 2011

Opening Reception: July 15, 5 – 7pm
1st Thursday Reception: August 4, 2011

The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara (AFSB) is pleased to announce a new solo exhibition,
“Spaces We Touch/Espacios Que Tocamos,” by Rafael Perea de la Cabada.
The public is invited to attend a festive opening reception for the artist on Friday, July 15 from 5-7 pm.
A 1st Thursday reception will be held on August 4 from 5-8 pm.

Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara
229 East Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, CA  93101
(805)965-6307

Earth From Space Art Show

Opening Reception:

Friday July 15th, 8:30pm – 11:00pm
Show runs thru August 14th

Featuring 40 Artists in a themed exhibit.
The artists have each created a unique piece inspired by the 1968 photo of Earth rising, photographed from the Moon.

MichaelKate Interiors
132 Santa Barbara St.
805 963-1411
Hours: M-Sat 10 to 6. Sunday 11 to 5.
Closed Wednesday.

Don’t miss “SPACES WE TOUCH” before “EARTH FROM SPACE”…

Artists,

A friend of mine, Ethan Turpin is going to Indonesia for the month of April to do a photo project. He and his very cool studio partner, Bill McVicar, have agreed we’ll sublet some space to an artist to offset his cost, and can make it available for May as well.

Perch is a great space to make art with an inspiring history as a gallery and studio. He’s looking for a responsible, creative person to come in while he’s gone. This is a good opportunity to dedicate time to a project and/or hang work for studio visits.

You Get:
• 15 ft white wall – good for painting and hanging work
• 4 ft (currently orange) wall
• Folding work tables
• Adjustable gallery track lighting
• Good indirect natural light
• High ceiling
• Small refrigerator
• Kitchen
• Bathroom/shower
• Stereo
• WiFi
• Storage
• Great downtown location

$250 per month

Conditions:
Access available 10am – 5:30pm Tuesday through Saturday while Bill is at work. (Somewhat negotiable with Bill.)

Perch • 25-C W Cota • Santa Barbara • CA • 93101

If you are interested in this offer please contact me at nathan@sbartsblog.com, and I’ll get you in touch with Ethan.

It’s a bit late notice but there is a really exciting show tomorrow night from 7 – 9 at the Contemporary Arts Forum. Local artists were asked to provide their artistic vision of how Santa Barbara might look in 50 – 100 years. Many of the artist that have been mentioned on this blog will be in the show. It should be wonderful. I’ll be going to the LA Artwalk at the Brewery tomorrow during the day, but I’m going to make sure to get back in time for this show. See this post’s tags below for a list of artists.

See you there.

Make sure to mark your calendars for an exciting show opening this Friday at the Atkinson Gallery on the campus of Santa Barbara City College. The show, entitled “The View From Here” celebrates the college’s 100th year perched upon the bluffs overlooking the ocean. If you haven’t been to the gallery, it really does have some of the best views in the entire city. When you pull yourself away from the view, there should also be lots of exciting art on the walls and on the outdoor patio.  The 10 artists selected for the show are Barry Berkus, Alejandro Casazi, Macduff Everton, Wanye McCall, Barbara Parmet, Hank Pitcher, Richard Ross, Ethan Turpin, Pamela Kendall Schiffer, and Stephanie Washburn.

The Atkinson Gallery

The opening reception for the show is this Friday (tomorrow) evening from 5 – 7. If you can’t make it to the opening, not to worry. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 – 7, and Friday and Saturday from 10 -4. The show will be up until September 25th, so be sure to make time to make a visit.