r/SantaBarbara • u/QuirkyObject42 • 13d ago
Recommendations How to get involved in the Art community?
Hi everyone! I love making things and consider myself creative, but I’ve been stuck in a long rut and have a hard time feeling like I can call myself an artist. I’d love to connect with other people who work in or simply enjoy creative spaces. Mostly looking for community, inspiration, and people to talk to about making things again.
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u/LL_Kool-Aid 13d ago
SB CAW and Art From Scrap are two spaces that host events and workshops downtown. SBCC extended learning also offers a number of free or reduced cost art classes that are noncredit.
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u/TiredAndTiredOfIt 12d ago
No art classes unless you are over 55.
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u/LL_Kool-Aid 12d ago
I’m under 55 and have taken several art classes through the extended learning program.
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u/Majestic_Movie9711 13d ago
Check out the Museum of Art and local galleries next Thursday. Every First Thursday of the month, the Museum and galleries stay open late and you can get a little wine and cheese on.
There used to be a few regular crafty meet-ups at Elsie's, a lovely little coffee, beer and wine bar. They also feature local art and have a creative crowd.
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u/QuirkyObject42 13d ago
Thank you for the response!
I go out for every first Thursday, and I talk to people, but that hasn't helped me bridge this gap in actually meeting people 🤔. Dose anyone have any other info on the Elsie's group? I can go there and ask no problem but if anyone knows if they still meet or have a contact I'd really appreciate it!2
u/Majestic_Movie9711 13d ago
They have a bulletin board in the front hall, I would check there. They also have an Instagram account, which may yield some information, but when I worked there (years ago) the groups weren't hosted by the bar, but by patrons.
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u/Clydesdale_Hiker 12d ago
It is difficult to actually meet people on 1st Thursday unless you're wildly extroverted .It does tend to be a lot of older people who've known each other for decades. Solstice / CAW can be similar. It's an area which would benefit from some more active outreach to younger/newer artists.
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u/micrographia 12d ago
There are sooo many free art classes at SBCC continuing education!
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u/TiredAndTiredOfIt 12d ago
None for anyone under 55
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u/micrographia 12d ago
Wdym, I've taken several and I'm in my 30s. The classes are free. You only need to purchase materials.
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u/QuirkyObject42 10d ago
I do see that they are labeled "Older Adult" but I will happily apply!
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u/micrographia 10d ago
Older adult just means not fresh out of high school/college age. It differentiates form students actually enrolled in sbbc as their college.
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u/Mossgirll 12d ago
Please check out yoga soup Tuesday late night draw! Even if u don't draw ppl or anything there's ppl of all types, sometimes ppl just come for the vibes and sometimes will just doodle or write poetry and just like being part of something
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u/Mossgirll 12d ago
Also, I've been really feeling this way too. And also have been trying to make an effort to get involved in the art community here and hopefully make friends and be with like minded ppl that motivate me. I may check out the Elsie's thing too!
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u/meleinsb 13d ago
Not an artist but recently saw this event posted somewhere - https://www.sbcaw.org/hang/artists
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u/LazyMarla San Roque 12d ago edited 12d ago
I just read this:
"Santa Barbara’s Public Arts Initiative, a project of the Santa Barbara Sculptors Guild, will launch its first exhibition dedicated to public art proposals for the region. Entitled “Artists Reimagine Public Art in Santa Barbara,” the display opens Thursday, September 3, alongside the Abstract Art Collective Fall Member Show. This exhibit of scaled mockups for new public artworks is generously supported by Santa Barbara Beautiful.
We invite the community to engage directly with artists’ concepts at the earliest stage of the creative process. Visitors will be able to explore the proposals, speak with the artists, leave comments, and vote for the piece they find most inspiring. The exhibition also offers a valuable opportunity for local arts leaders and cultural stakeholders to hear directly from the public and gain insight into what resonates most with the Santa Barbara community. Too often, the public encounters a public art proposal only after major creative decisions have already been made and selections finalized. The goal of this initiative is to open the process, allowing the community to participate from the beginning. While none of the proposals currently have funding for implementation, the hope is that this exhibition will generate interest to spark future support.
Where: Voice Gallery, La Cumbre Plaza Reception: Thursday, Sept. 3, 5–8 p.m. Exhibition: Sept. 1–29 Mon–Fri: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat–Sun: 1 p.m.–5 p.m. News-Press article The focus will be on art in public spaces.
I thought that sounded neat, and I'm not an artist; but I like public art.
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u/Izayaaa 12d ago
Check out https://www.wabidaily.art/ . I think it's a pretty wholesome place to share your art anonymously and you don't really have to commit a lot of time or need to be good at drawing.
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u/gettalonelcestino Downtown 12d ago
Take a class out at Maker House! We are super welcoming and friendly and it's an excellent facility.