Above Your Dreams - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Kevin A. Short

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition Above Your Dreams, a captivating collection of original oil paintings by renowned artist Kevin A. Short. The exhibit, running from February 6, 2025 to May 11, 2025, will showcase Sho......More

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition Above Your Dreams, a captivating collection of original oil paintings by renowned artist Kevin A. Short. The exhibit, running from February 6, 2025 to May 11, 2025, will showcase Shortâs ability to capture the fleeting beauty and power of sunlight through vibrant, impressionist brushstrokes and rich color palettes. Each piece in Above Your Dreams reflects poignant moments in time that shape and inspire us. Shortâs masterful use of light and color brings life to everyday moments, creating a deep connection between viewers and the natural world. This exhibition invites art enthusiasts to explore how the magnetism of light transforms ordinary experiences into extraordinary memories. âKevin Shortâs work beautifully captures the essence of light in a way that evokes emotion and reflection. His paintings remind us of the simple yet profound beauty in the world around us,â said SBMM Curator Emily Falke. âWe are thrilled to showcase his collection, and we know visitors will find a deep connection to these scenes, especially those familiar with the Pacific Coast.â Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Short began his artistic journey with a toy watercolor set and crayons, sketching on butcher paper spread across the kitchen floor. His passion led him to formally study oil painting at the University of New Mexico, Pepperdine University, and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His connection to the Pacific Ocean, fostered through long days spent sailing, fishing, and surfing, profoundly influences his work. âAbove Your dreams is my invitation to all that flashes in the moment â that spectacular dazzling of light and color, which slakes our imagination long after the instant of experience,â said Kevin Short. Now an internationally recognized artist, Short is celebrated for his contemporary landscapes of the Pacific Coast. He is known for his ability to capture the dynamic beauty of the ocean and its surrounding environment. His paintings celebrate the coastal subcultures and the many hues of the sea, conjuring moments that feel both imagined and deeply personal. Above Your Dreams promises to be a visual journey that reveals the intimate interplay between sunlight, the ocean, and the emotions they evoke. The exhibit is generously sponsored by George H. and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation Mimi Michaelis The June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust and Wood-Claeyssens Foundation Jesse D. Baker-Lorelli, Ed.D. and Donald C. Rizzo, Ph.D. Exhibition Details: Dates: February 6, 2025 â May 11, 2025Location: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CAAdmission: Included with general museum admissionJoin us at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to experience the transformative power of light and the Pacific Coast through the eyes of Kevin A. Short.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109, United States

SBMM Monthly Book Club

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museumâs Monthly Book Club! Monthly selections are (of course!) related to maritime adventures, history, marine science, ships, and sailing. Members meet the second Thursday of each month in the Harbor Community Room in the museum buildin......More

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museumâs Monthly Book Club! Monthly selections are (of course!) related to maritime adventures, history, marine science, ships, and sailing. Members meet the second Thursday of each month in the Harbor Community Room in the museum building. For more information or to find out the current monthly book being read, please contact John Jeffryes at [email protected].

Curated Cocktails

Summertime Series Returns!Thursday, May 8, 20255:00 p.m. â 7:00 p.m.Join us for the kickoff of our summertime Curated Cocktails series, this vibrant after-hours event blends history, art, and community, featuring blood orange margaritas as the signature cocktail, a sele......More

Summertime Series Returns!Thursday, May 8, 20255:00 p.m. â 7:00 p.m.Join us for the kickoff of our summertime Curated Cocktails series, this vibrant after-hours event blends history, art, and community, featuring blood orange margaritas as the signature cocktail, a selection of mixed hors dâoeuvres, and live acoustic music by Michael Holland. Featured Guest: Kevin A. ShortSBMM proudly presents Above Your Dreams, a stunning collection of original oil paintings by acclaimed artist Kevin A. Short, on view through May 11, 2025. Known for his vibrant brushwork and rich color palettes, Short captures the fleeting beauty of sunlight and everyday moments that inspire and transform. Join Short inside the museum for a gallery walk through. Donât miss this breathtaking exhibitionâand the opportunity to purchase one of these extraordinary works of art! This event will sell out! Navigators Circle members get the first opportunity to attend Curated Cocktails, which is  free-of-charge. Please contact [email protected] to make a reservation. For questions, please contact SBMM by calling (805) 456-8750 or emailing [email protected].   We invite you to become a Curated Cocktail Sponsor and help us make this event extra special. If youâre interested in sponsoring or learning more, please reach out to Emily Duncan [email protected].

The Deepwater Diving Monument: How Santa Barbara Became the Birthplace of Deepwater Diving Technology

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Presents:âThe Deepwater Diving Monument: How Santa Barbara Became the Birthplace of Deepwater Diving Technologyâwith Theodore K. Roche IV Join SBMM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for a powerful evening highlighting Santa Barbaraâs ......More

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Presents:âThe Deepwater Diving Monument: How Santa Barbara Became the Birthplace of Deepwater Diving Technologyâwith Theodore K. Roche IV Join SBMM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for a powerful evening highlighting Santa Barbaraâs legacy in deepwater diving innovation. Theodore K. Roche IV, founder and former CEO of Aqueos Corporation, will explore Santa Barbaraâs pivotal role in the evolution of commercial diving, detailing how local innovation and leadership helped transform the city into a global center for deepwater diving technology. Register Today đ Free for Navigators Circle | $10 members | $20 publicđ SBMM, 113 Harbor Wayđ Tickets: sbmm.org | âď¸ (805) 456-8750

The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles - Photography by Chuck Graham

Coming Soon!SBMM is proud to present The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles â Photography by Chuck Graham taking place from May 22, 2025 to August 24, 2025. The island foxâs recovery is the fastest of any terrestrial mammal under the Endangered Species Act, making......More

Coming Soon!SBMM is proud to present The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles â Photography by Chuck Graham taking place from May 22, 2025 to August 24, 2025. The island foxâs recovery is the fastest of any terrestrial mammal under the Endangered Species Act, making it a powerful symbol of successful conservation efforts. The exhibition will feature captivating images taken by Graham paddling across the Santa Barbara Channel and around the Northern Chain of the Channel Islands National Park. Each photograph offers a glimpse into the resilience and beauty of these unique creatures and the critical role they play in the islandâs ecosystem. âThis collection of photographs is not just about the island foxes itâs about the incredible story of conservation and collaboration that brought these animals back from the brink of extinction,â said SBMM Curator Emily Falke. âVisitors will walk away with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the island foxes and the importance of protecting our natural world.â Chuck Grahamâs distinctive photographic style combines quiet observation with an immersive presence in nature. Whether shooting from a kayak, hiking through remote terrain, or quietly waiting in the brush, Graham uses natural light, patience, and perspective to capture the intimate, unscripted moments of wildlife in their natural environments. His images are rich with texture, emotion, and a deep reverence for wild places. âI wanted to document not just the island fox, but its environment and the urgency of preserving it,â said Chuck Graham. âThese photos are about presenceâbeing in the foxâs world without disturbing it. The more time I spent with them, the more I realized their story is one of survival, interdependence, and the quiet strength of nature when we step back and let it heal.â Exhibition Details: Title: The Swiftest Recovery: Island Fox ChroniclesPhotographer: Chuck GrahamDates: May 22, 2025 â August 24, 2025Location: Santa Barbara Maritime MuseumExhibition Features: stunning photographs of island foxes captured on Santa Cruz IslandAbout the Photographer: Chuck Graham is a seasoned environmentalist, outdoor guide, and photographer with a deep connection to the natural world. His work has been featured in various national publications and he is known for his ability to capture the spirit of wild places and the creatures that inhabit them. Through his lens, Graham brings the story of the island fox to life, showcasing the significance of preserving such a delicate ecosystem. Conservation Triumph: The exhibition not only celebrates the island fox but also highlights the collaborative efforts between multiple conservation entities that ensured the survival of this species. The restoration of habitat across the Channel Islands National Park, where these foxes reside, represents a monumental achievement in wildlife conservation. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of nature when given a chance to heal. The exhibition is generously supported by: Mimi Michaelis, George H. and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation, June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation and the American Riviera Bank.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109, United States

SBMM Monthly Book Club

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museumâs Monthly Book Club! Monthly selections are (of course!) related to maritime adventures, history, marine science, ships, and sailing. Members meet the second Thursday of each month in the Harbor Community Room in the museum buildin......More

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museumâs Monthly Book Club! Monthly selections are (of course!) related to maritime adventures, history, marine science, ships, and sailing. Members meet the second Thursday of each month in the Harbor Community Room in the museum building. For more information or to find out the current monthly book being read, please contact John Jeffryes at [email protected].

Museum Closes at 2 p.m.

Early Closure Notice â June 28 The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum will be closing early on June 28 as we prepare for our Yachty by Nature Concert at 6:00 PM inside the museum. Thank you for your understandingâwe hope to see you at this special event!

25th Anniversary Yachty by Nature Concert

SBMM Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Yachty by Nature Concert â June 28, 2025Set Sail for an Evening of Smooth Tunes and CelebrationAs part of its 25th anniversary celebration year, SBMM is proud to present a special 21+ live concert featuring Yachty by Nature on Satur......More

SBMM Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Yachty by Nature Concert â June 28, 2025Set Sail for an Evening of Smooth Tunes and CelebrationAs part of its 25th anniversary celebration year, SBMM is proud to present a special 21+ live concert featuring Yachty by Nature on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 6:00â9:00 p.m. (Concert begins at 7:00 p.m.) Join us for an evening of smooth sailing, groovy tunes, and coastal celebration as we mark this incredible milestone with our community! Buy Tickets Please note: This event is for guests 21 and over only. Valid ID required at entry. Since 2016, Yachty by Nature has been bringing the very best in LIVE Yacht Rock, delivering feel-good hits from the late â70s and early â80s. This high-energy, 6-piece band plays nostalgic favorites from Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Christopher Cross, Toto, and moreâwith expert musicianship, irresistible rhythm, and nonstop fun. With Scotty McYachty and Julie McCoy on vocals, and the rest of the crewâCaptain Carl, Wes Coast, Big Wave Dave, and Pacific Rimâlocking in that signature yacht groove, itâs a musical voyage you wonât want to miss. âTo celebrate our 25th anniversary, weâre throwing a yacht party to remember,â said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga.âThis event celebrates 25 years of SBMM and honors our members, supporters, and the entire Santa Barbara community who have helped shape the museum into what it is today.â Put on your captainâs hat, bring your best dockside style, and come celebrate 25 years of SBMM with live music, food, drinks, and harbor views that canât be beat. Event Details What: Yachty by Nature LIVE â SBMMâs 25th Anniversary ConcertWhen: Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 6PM â 9PM Concert will start at 7PM.Where: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CATickets: General Admission tickets are $125 per person and include (1) drink ticket. đ Ages 21+ only. All tickets include a one-month Crew membership valid 6/28â7/31/25 for the ticket purchaser. Come sail away with us and help celebrate a quarter-century of preserving and sharing the maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel! Buy Tickets Sponsorships Available â Become a âSmooth Sailorâ for $2,500!Help us celebrate in style and support SBMMâs mission by becoming a Smooth Sailor Sponsor. Each $2,500 sponsorship includes: Admission for six (6) guestsVIP access with special seatingOpen bar for sponsors and guests at the exclusive Lido Deck BarCaptain hats for all sponsors and their guestsA (1) year Crew-level family membership to SBMM for each household guest of the sponsorSponsor name recognition in:SBMMâs The Currents newsletterEvent press and social media (1 dedicated recognition post)SBMM websiteOn-site signage at the eventSBMMâs 2025 Annual ReportContact Emily Duncan, [email protected] or 805-456-8744, to become a âSmooth Sailor.â Let your support shine while enjoying the best seats and perks at this unforgettable harbor celebration!