Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Events

Thursday April 9 10:00am - Sunday July 26 5:00pm PDT

SBMM Presents Aquean: Photographs, Paintings, and Prints

Aquean is an evocative new exhibition exploring time, tides, and transformation through the multimedia works of artists David Ellis and Larry Vigon. Featuring photographs, paintings, prints, video, and mixed media, the show invites visitors to consider the sea as both subject and metaphor—revealing the delicate balance between permanence and loss along California’s coastlines, where what endures and what vanishes are bound together by the ocean’s rhythms. Highlights include Ellis’s Lobospheres: The Lost Souls of Point Lobos, a 20-year photographic exploration of wave-carved forms at Point Lobos, and Vigon’s Flotsam & Jetsam, an immersive collection of paintings, large-scale prints, found objects, linocuts, video, and dimensional collages. Together, their work captures the power and fragility of an ever-changing shoreline. AqueanImpressions of the Sea & Shore Aquean explores the sea as both subject and metaphor, reflecting on the delicate balance between permanence and loss along California’s coastlines. What endures and what vanishes are inseparable, bound together by the rhythms of the ocean. The sea is more than a physical presence. It is a lens through which to consider time, change and the fragile continuity of our coastal world. “Aquean is a collaboration that captures the constant movement of the sea as it recreates itself and everything it touches,” said David Ellis. “It expresses the tension between the found beauty and powerful uncertainty of a relentless ecosystem. Many thanks to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum for bringing Aquean to the public.” Exhibition highlights focus on two major bodies of work by the artists: David Ellis’s Lobospheres: The Lost Souls of Point Lobos is a 20-year exploration that consists of abstract, impressionistic photographs of textures, silhouettes, and mythical figures discovered in the wave-carved rock forms of Point Lobos, California. It is a celebration, an elegy, and a cautionary tale—an interpretive archive that captures its sheer, subliminal beauty, while also preserving and documenting an extraordinary landmark that may be changing with time. Last June, selected photographs from Lobospheres received top honors at the 24th Annual International Art Exchange exhibited at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Larry Vigon’s Flotsam & Jetsam is an expansive impression of the sea that includes paintings, large-scale prints, found objects, linocuts, video, and dimensional collages. Larry recalled that once, Picasso was asked what his paintings meant. Picasso said, “Do you ever know what the birds are singing? You don’t. But you listen to them anyway. So, sometimes with art, it is important just to look.” Flotsam & Jetsam extends Vigon’s world-class artistic sensibilities. His decades of album cover design for artists like Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, and Bonnie Raitt—seen by hundreds of millions of people worldwide—landed him in the Album Cover Hall of Fame. His commercial and logo identity work has helped build leadership brands for DreamWorks, Fandango, Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, and Epson. His work also spans Broadway posters, advertising campaigns, magazines, and books—including his design for The Red Book by C.G. Jung, considered one of the most significant psychoanalytic publications of the last century. “We are thrilled to bring together the vivid visions of David Ellis and Larry Vigon in Aquean,” said SBMM Curator/Director of Collections & Exhibits Emily Falke. “Their work captures the power and fragility of the ever-changing California coastline. In Aquean, the sea is more than a physical presence—it becomes a lens for time and change, reminding us that what endures and what vanishes are forever intertwined by the rhythms of the ocean.”

Saturday May 16 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Aquean Artist’s Gallery Walkthrough and Book Signing

Aquean Artist’s Gallery Walkthrough and Book Signingat the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Saturday, May 16, 12:30PM-2:30PM SBMM announces an artist walkthrough for Aquean, an evocative new exhibition exploring time, tides, and transformation. Artists David Ellis and Larry Vigon will take visitors though the exhibit’s multimedia experience which consists of paintings, photographs, videos and other art forms. Aquean examines the sea as both subject and metaphor, revealing cycles of renewal and impermanence that shape our coastal world. The artist walkthrough is scheduled for 12:30PM on May 16, 2026. It will be followed by book signings from both artists. “Aquean is a collaboration that captures the constant movement of the sea as it recreates itself and everything it touches,” said David Ellis. “It expresses the tension between the found beauty and powerful uncertainty of a relentless ecosystem.” Exhibition highlights focus on two major bodies of work by the artists: David Ellis’s Lobospheres: The Lost Souls of Point Lobos, a 20-year exploration that consists of abstract impressionistic photographs of textures, silhouettes and mythical figures discovered in the wave-carved rock forms of Point Lobos, California. It is an interpretive archive that captures its sheer, subliminal beauty, as well as preserving and documenting an extraordinary landmark that has an expiration date. Larry Vigon’s Flotsam & Jetsam is just that. It is an extensive impression of the sea that consists of paintings, large-scale prints, found objects, linocuts, video and dimensional collages. Flotsam & Jetsam extends Larry’s world-class artistic sensibilities. His decades of album cover design for artists like Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, and Bonnie Raitt, seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world has landed him in the Album Cover Hall of Fame, while his commercial and logo identity work has built leadership brands for DreamWorks, Fandango, Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, and Epson. His work also spans Broadway posters, advertising campaigns, magazines, and books—including his design for The Red Book by C.G. Jung, considered the most significant psychoanalytic publication of the last century. “We are thrilled to bring together the vivid visions of David Ellis and Larry Vigon in Aquean,” said SBMM Curator/Director of Collections & Exhibits Emily Falke. “Their work captures the power and fragility of the ever-changing California coastline. Together, the works of David Ellis and Larry Vigon remind viewers that what endures and what vanishes are forever intertwined by the sea.” Admission is free for book signing guests — just mention “Book Signing” at the museum kiosk.

Thursday May 21 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT

Join us for “How Our Skeletons Can Save Our Reefs” with Dr. Marley Dewey

Bone to Reef: UC Santa Barbara Bioengineer Dr. Marley Dewey Shares Breakthrough Path for Coral Recovery at SBMM SBMM is proud to present the May installment of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, “How Our Skeletons Can Save Our Reefs,” featuring Dr. Marley Dewey, assistant professor of bioengineering at UC Santa Barbara. The lecture will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. SBMM members are invited to a pre-lecture reception from 6:15–6:45 p.m. Tickets are free for Navigators Circle members, $10 for SBMM members, $20 for the general public, and $5 for students and educators with a valid school ID or email. Reserve online below, email [email protected], or call (805) 456-8750. Register Today Coral reefs are built by living animals that create calcium-based skeletons—structures that support entire ecosystems, protect coastlines, and provide food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. However, due to ocean warming and acidification, coral reefs have declined by more than 50 percent since 1950. Traditional restoration efforts have struggled to keep pace with this rapid loss, prompting scientists to explore innovative new solutions. Dr. Dewey’s research offers a groundbreaking perspective by applying advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering—originally developed to repair human bone—to coral reef restoration. While coral skeletons have historically been used to repair human bones, Dr. Dewey’s lab reverses this approach, using lessons from bone repair technologies to design materials that can help accelerate coral growth and rebuild damaged reef structures. Her presentation will explore the scientific connections between human and coral skeletons, the history of biomaterials research, and the emerging field of coral tissue engineering. This work has significant implications for coastal ecosystems worldwide, including those that influence ocean health and biodiversity along the California coast and within the Santa Barbara Channel. “SBMM is honored to host researchers like Dr. Dewey, whose work demonstrates how innovation and science can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans,” said Dean Noble, executive director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. “Her research reflects the kind of forward-thinking solutions that inspire hope and deepen our community’s connection to ocean stewardship.” SBMM Director of Education Lis Perry added, “Our Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series brings leading voices in ocean science and conservation directly to our community. Dr. Dewey’s presentation highlights how interdisciplinary research can help protect marine ecosystems and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.” Dr. Marley Dewey is an assistant professor of bioengineering at UC Santa Barbara. She earned her BS in chemical engineering from the University of Maine and her PhD in materials science and engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and recipient of the Annual Innovation Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis. She later served as an NIH Clinical and Translational Science Fellow at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on developing biomaterials and nanoparticles to improve human bone repair, treat disease, and restore coral reef ecosystems. “Corals and humans both rely on skeletons to provide structure and support,” said Dr. Dewey. “By applying what we’ve learned from repairing human bone, we can develop new tools that may help coral reefs recover and strengthen in the face of environmental change.” This presentation reflects SBMM’s mission to explore and interpret the rich maritime and marine ecosystem history of the Santa Barbara Channel while connecting the public with contemporary research that shapes the future of our oceans.

Saturday May 23 10:00am - Monday May 25 6:00pm PDT

SBMM at the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

Come visit Ernie Merlan, Founder and Executive Director of Muralism, as he creates a mural for SBMM at the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival May 23 – 25, 2026 recurring daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Mission, bringing decades of creative leadersh......More

Saturday May 23 11:00am - 3:00pm PDT

Port, Starboard & Sails: A Hands-On Boating Adventure

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Celebrates World Boating Day with Sail to Shelter: Port, Starboard & Sails: A Hands-On Boating Adventure Families invited to build boats from reclaimed materials and explore boating basics at the harbor SBMM in collaboration with Sail to Shelter, is pleased to celebrate World Boating Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a hands-on family activity on the museum patio in the Santa Barbara Harbor. As part of the celebration, children will be invited to design and build their own boats from reclaimed materials, complete with handmade sails. Port, Starboard & Sails: A Hands-On Boating Adventure will offer a fun and creative way to introduce young participants to the world of boating while sparking conversations about boat design, reuse, and life on the water. Families will also have a chance to learn basic maritime vocabulary and concepts, including the difference between port and starboard, the parts of a boat, and the characteristics of various types of vessels, such as sloops, cutters, and keelboats. Held on the patio of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum in the heart of the harbor, the event will welcome visitors of all ages to stop by and participate. SBMM has generously offered free family day passes for those wishing to take part, creating an added opportunity for families to enjoy the museum’s exhibits and spend time together exploring Santa Barbara’s maritime heritage. This collaboration with Sail to Shelter reflects a shared commitment to community engagement, creativity, and the educational value of connecting people to the water. By combining hands-on artmaking with boating knowledge, the event aims to make maritime learning approachable, memorable, and fun. “World Boating Day is a wonderful opportunity to inspire curiosity and creativity in young visitors,” said SBMM Executive Director Dean Noble. “We are delighted to partner with Sail to Shelter on an activity that invites families to build, learn, and celebrate the boating spirit of Santa Barbara Harbor.” About World Boating Day The boating industry has extraordinary stories to tell, and World Boating Day — an initiative by the Superyacht Life Foundation — was created to bring those stories to a wider audience. This global, nonprofit initiative invites marinas, shipyards, brands, training centers, and other boating companies to open their doors and offer the public a behind-the-scenes look at the people, skills, and innovation shaping the world of leisure boating. World Boating Day is celebrated globally each year. In 2026, the official day will take place on May 23, with events held throughout the week from May 18–24. Participation can take many forms, from open days and guided tours to talks, workshops, and on-water experiences. By hosting an activity, organizations become part of an international celebration and are featured on the World Boating Day global map. About Sail to Shelter Sail to Shelter is a mission-driven organization working at the intersection of sustainability, sailing, and community impact. Founded to address the growing volume of high-performance sails entering the waste stream, the organization partners with sailing programs, race events, and industry leaders to intercept retired sails and transform them into purposeful, durable goods. From bags and gear to shade structures and emergency shelter solutions, Sail to Shelter extends the life of these technically advanced materials while reducing landfill waste. Through local manufacturing and collaborative partnerships, the organization also supports community-based initiatives and creates opportunities for meaningful reuse. In alignment with the spirit of World Boating Day, Sail to Shelter celebrates the global boating community by turning its legacy materials into products that serve people, protect the environment, and carry the story of the water forward.

Thursday June 11 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Curated Cocktails Summer Celebration June 11, 2026

You’re Invited to a Members-Only Summertime CelebrationThursday, June 11, 20265:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This vibrant after-hours event blends history, art, and community, featuring an TBD as the signature cocktail, a selection of mixed hors d’oeuvres, and live acoustic musi......More

Thursday June 18 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT

SBMM Presents Jill Zachary for Talk on the History and Future of Santa Barbara’s Coastal Parks

Los Baños del Mar – July 2025, Photo Courtesy City of Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Welcomes Jill Zachary for Talk on the History and Future of Santa Barbara’s Coastal Parks Presentation will explore how parks from the Douglas Family Preserve to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge have shaped the city’s shoreline, recreation, and identity SBMM is pleased to welcome Jill Zachary, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Santa Barbara, for a special presentation, “Santa Barbara’s Coastal Parks: Past, Present and Future.” The June talk will explore the remarkable history, cultural importance, and future vision of Santa Barbara’s coastal park system. The talk will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at SBMM. SBMM members are invited to a pre-lecture reception from 6:15–6:45 p.m. Tickets: Free for Navigators Circle members, $10 for SBMM members, $20 for the general public, and $5 for students and educators with a valid school ID or email. Purchase tickets below or by emailing [email protected] or call (805) 456-8750. Register Today Stretching from the Douglas Family Preserve on the city’s western edge to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge in the east, Santa Barbara’s coastal parks encompass 291 acres of open space, 6 linear miles of beach, and a diverse range of recreational facilities. For more than 150 years, these public spaces have contributed to the cultural, recreational, ecological, and economic vitality of Santa Barbara, helping define the community’s enduring relationship with the coast. Zachary’s presentation will provide an overview of the acquisition, development, and evolution of Santa Barbara’s coastal park system over time. The talk will also highlight recent restorations of historically significant community assets, including Plaza del Mar, Thousand Steps, and the Cabrillo Pavilion, along with efforts to honor the heritage of the native Chumash at Ambassador Park, strengthen native habitat and wildfire resilience, and advance renewal plans for Dwight Murphy Field. Attendees will also learn about upcoming community conversations surrounding a citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan. As Santa Barbara continues to grow and adapt, its coastal parks remain central to the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. This presentation offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the past, understand current priorities, and consider the future of these beloved public spaces. Jill Zachary has served as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Santa Barbara since 2015, overseeing an annual operating budget of $30 million and the management of 64 parks, beaches, and recreation facilities, as well as the City’s urban forest program, operations at the Municipal Golf Course, and park and facility capital renovations. She began her career with the City in 1999 as a Regional Planner, later serving as Creeks Restoration and Water Quality Manager and Assistant Parks and Recreation Director. A Santa Barbara resident since 1992, Zachary previously worked for the Community Environmental Council as an environmental program manager. She holds a BA from Oberlin College and a Master of Public Administration from Cal State Northridge. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series brings leading voices in ocean science, maritime history, and environmental stewardship to the Santa Barbara community, reinforcing SBMM’s mission to illuminate our connections to the sea through education and storytelling. The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by Marie L Morrisroe.

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SBMM Presents Aquean: Photographs, Paintings, and Prints

Aquean Artist’s Gallery Walkthrough and Book Signing

Join us for “How Our Skeletons Can Save Our Reefs” with Dr. Marley Dewey

SBMM at the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

Port, Starboard & Sails: A Hands-On Boating Adventure

Curated Cocktails Summer Celebration June 11, 2026

SBMM Presents Jill Zachary for Talk on the History and Future of Santa Barbara’s Coastal Parks

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