2025 Year in Review
Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde at CAW
January 18, 2025
The Art Foundation sponsored four Visual Arts and Design (VADA) students from Santa Barbara High School to attend a Community Arts Workshop (“CAW”) Lunch & Learn with legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, supported by a grant from the Coeta & Donald Barker Foundation. Held alongside Rohde’s exhibition Inner Light, his talk explored a 40-year Disney career—from Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Aulani—and his role in founding the Disney Conservation Fund, which has raised over $130 million worldwide. Exhibit proceeds benefited the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative.
Portrait Workshop with Derek Harrison
May 20–21, 2025.
Fifteen VADA seniors immersed themselves in portrait painting during a two-day workshop with acclaimed local artist Derek Harrison. Working from a live model in his downtown El Paseo studio, students honed skills in composition, color, and proportion while gaining insight into the business of art. Guided alongside AP Studio Art teacher Daniel Barnett, the experience offered rare, hands-on learning made possible by the Art Foundation and the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation.
Lunch & Learn: The Art Collection at Santa Barbara Club with Jeremy Tessmer
May 29, 2025
Art historian Jeremy Tessmer, Gallery Director at Sullivan Goss, led a fascinating Lunch & Learn on the historic art collection at the Santa Barbara Club. Tessmer also compiled and published the catalog Art Collection at Santa Barbara Club—funded by the Art Foundation of Santa Barbara—spotlighting nineteenth- and twentieth-century American art and Santa Barbara artists past and present. Tessmer shared insights into the region’s forgotten artist colony and the evolving legacy of the Club’s collection. Ten VADA students attended as special guests and received copies of the catalog; their participation was funded through a grant from the Coeta & Donald Barker Foundation.
Members Art Exhibit & Talk with Derek Harrison
July 11, 2025
The annual Members Art Exhibit was the artistic highlight of the year, transforming the Santa Barbara Club into a gallery adorned with artwork loaned by members from their personal collections or created by members themselves. This beloved tradition celebrates the creativity and sophisticated appreciation of our community.
Guests enjoyed an evening of art and conversation while voting for three Best in Show awards and two Honorable Mentions. The event culminated with an engaging talk by Fiesta Poster artist Derek Harrison, who shared his journey—from tattoo artist to celebrated realist painter, gallery success, and art educator—making for a memorable night of inspiration and connection.
A Gift of the Old West
A core purpose of the Art Foundation is to serve to preserve the culture of early and contemporary Santa Barbara art and artists through select art donation(s), including tax-deductible gifts of art. In 2025, we received a generous donation from George Burtness of four rare watercolor paintings by artist Edward Borein. Borein (1872–1945), known as the “cowpuncher artist,” was also a resident of Santa Barbara. He captured the authentic life of the American West in watercolor, ink, and etchings, drawing on his experiences as a working cowhand. We extend our heartfelt thanks to George for this exceptional contribution.
Support the Arts in Santa Barbara
The Art Foundation of Santa Barbara relies on the generosity of our community to continue celebrating and preserving local art, educating the community and students about Santa Barbara and the Central Coast, and preserving our region’s artistic heritage. Your gift helps us fund exhibitions, workshops and educational programs, while also supporting the restoration and preservation of our historic art collection at the Santa Barbara Club.
Every donation—large or small—makes a difference. By contributing today, you help ensure that Santa Barbara’s rich artistic legacy is protected, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come. Join us in keeping art alive in our community. Donate today! Contribute — Art Foundation of Santa Barbara
TRUSTEE UPDATE
Welcome to our Newest Trustee, Jeremy Tessmer
Mr. Tessmer is Gallery Director at Sullivan Goss, Santa Barbara, over 20 years. As curator of American art and designer of most Sullivan Goss installations, advertising, and publications, Mr. Tessmer recently helped the Art Foundation compile the recent catalogue “Art Collection at Santa Barbara Club”, highlighting historical and contemporary California artists in the collection. He has also given several lectures about Santa Barbara art history and early artists and has been an invaluable resource regarding the care and maintenance of the collection. We are thrilled Jeremy is joining our board and look forward to his continuing involvement!
IN MEMORIAM
Nancy Schlosser, Honorary Trustee
Nancy Schlosser was an avid art collector and former trustee, who passed away in January 2026 following a long and productive life. Moving to Santa Barbara in the 1990’s, she was active in many organizations including the Santa Barbara Club. “The visual arts were always her passion… and she was a conscientious volunteer whenever she became involved.” We are especially grateful for her donations of California art to the Santa Barbara Club and the Art Foundation and her engagement and support over the years. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her immediate family and friends and deep appreciation for all that she did to bring awareness to the arts and help move our mission forward.
April 2026 Newsletter and Updates
Please mark your calendars. We hope you’ll plan to join us by attending these upcoming programs.
SAVE THE DATES:
May 31, 2026 – “An Artful Affair”
Featuring 12 local Santa Barbara artists in the garden of the Santa Barbara Club with “Quick Draw” and auction.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres. 4-6:30pm. All artwork is available for purchase.
July 16 – Members Art Exhibit
An annual highlight, featuring artwork from members’ own collections.
Celebrating 250 years with Speakers Artist Mary Heebner and Macduff Everton – “The Santa Barbara Art Life”.
September 17 - Lunch & Learn - “Treasure or Trouble.”
Ever think about donating art? Explore the “ins & outs” of art donations, best practices and pitfalls to avoid.
With updates on the current art market - Joe Baratta, Senior Vice President, Head of Estates and Trusts, Bonhams, N. America.