2008 Spring Visual Arts Preview

Stephanie Dotson: Prints

Stephanie Dotson’s illustrative, design-oriented style challenges the static quality of the graphic image with visual punch and slightly dark humor. Through Fri., Mar. 28; open Mon.-Thu., 10am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-4pm. Atkinson Gallery, Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Dr. Call 965-0895 x3484 or visit gallery.sbcc.edu.

Critic’s Pick : Michael Moon: Inner Spaces

In his newest meditative paintings, Michael Moon introduces a variety of softly toned colors after nearly two years of reducing his work to black and white. As with all of his offerings, the pentimenti reveal traces of the under-painting, like shadows of the painting’s history and the creative process. Each mark on the canvas has its own purpose and should never be considered insignificant or unimportant. Even if covered, it was-and is-a vital part of the work. Through Sun., Mar. 30; open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm. Artamo Gallery, 11 W. Anapamu St. Call 568-1400 or visit artamogallery.com.

Individual Artist Award

Group Exhibition

This group show of contemporary abstract painting and printmaking spotlights winners and honorable mention recipients of the 2007 Individual Artist Awards. Through Fri., Apr. 11; open Tue.-Fri., 1-5pm. The Arts Fund, 205-C Santa Barbara St. Call 965-7321 or visit artsfundsb.org.

Portrait of an Archive

Artifacts from UAM’s Architecture & Design Collection highlight the contributions, from prefabricated housing to roadside service stations, of 10 noted designers who influenced the face of 20th-century California. Through Sun., May 11; open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm. University Art Museum, UCSB. Call 893-7564 or visit www.uam.ucsb.edu.

Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes: The Art of Children’s Books

This exhibition of children’s picture book art includes such classics as The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but focuses primarily on post-WWII illustrators. Through Sun., June 15; open Tue.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Call 963-4364 or visit sbmuseart.org.

The Essential Worker

Ten regional photographers pay homage to trade and service workers, illuminating the significant contribution these individuals make to the community. Through Fri., June 27; open Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm. Channing Peake Gallery, County Administration Building, 1st Floor, 105 E. Anapamu St. Call 568-3994.

Blossom and Eternal Line

A selection of works by internationally acclaimed Minimal Abstract Expressionist Stephan Spicher. Thu., Apr. 3-Sat., May 31; open Tue.-Sat., noon-5pm. Patty Look Lewis Gallery, 25 E. De la Guerra St. Call 965-2525 or visit pattylooklewis.com.

Buddha Abides

This annual exhibition of Buddha-inspired art benefits Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County and Tibetan Children’s Village. Sat., Apr. 5-Wed., Apr. 30; open Tue.-Fri., 10am-5pm; Sat. 11am-3pm. The Frameworks-Caruso Woods Gallery, 813 Anacapa St. Call 965-1812 or visit carusowoods.com.

Is Green the New Black? (RE)cycled + The Natural World

Original work from Dianna Cohen, made entirely from recycled materials, and photographs from several artists investigate our impact on the world in which we live. Sat., Apr. 5-Sat., May 31; open Tue.-Sat., 10am-6pm, by appointment. East/West Gallery, 714 Bond Ave. Call 963-4041 or visit eastwestgallery.com.

Abbrescia’s Passion: Plein Air Paintings of Glacier National Park

These paintings are Joseph Leonard Abbrescia’s personal tour through his beloved Glacier National Park, where he was named Artist in Residence seven years prior to his death. Wed., Apr. 9-Sun., June 15; open Wed.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Wildling Art Museum, 2329 Jonata St., Los Olivos. Call 688-1082 or visit wildlingmuseum.org.

Warren Schultheis

Santa Barbara-based artist Warren Schultheis mixes digital technique and symbolism with fine art painting to create a new approach to the traditional landscape. Sat., Apr. 19-Thu., May 29; open Tue.-Fri., noon-5pm; Sat., 11am-4pm. Gallery Ocho, 1221 State St., Ste. 8. Call 965-3054 or visit galleryocho.com.

Glam: Vintage Fashion Photography

Images by photographers such as Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Nan Goldin, Irving Penn, and Annie Leibovitz illuminate the history of glamour and fashion photography. Thu., Apr. 24-Sun., June 1; open Tue.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Edward Cella Art+Architecture, 10 E. Figueroa St. Call 962-5900 or visit edwardcella.com.

Forum Lounge: Animation Festival

A selection of films from the Platform International Animation Festival showcases innovative and daring new animation by acclaimed filmmakers such as Don Hertzfeldt and Miwa Matreyek. Thu., May 1, 7-9pm. Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo. Call 966-5373 or visit sbcaf.org.

Views and Visions: The Shoe

Tri-county artists celebrate fanciful footwear through painting, drawing, collage, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Thu., May 15-Thu., June 19; open Mon.-Fri., 10am-4pm; Sat., 11am-5pm. Reynolds Gallery, Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd. Call 565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/reynolds_gallery.