Buddha Abides Returns to Frameworks

For the ninth year in a row, the folks at Frameworks & Caruso-Woods Gallery (813 Anacapa St.) are offering up their space-and opening up their doors-for the annual Buddha Abides exhibit. Like years past, the show will feature multiple artists from a bevy of different mediums, all waxing artistic on the images and ideas behind the Buddhist way of life. The brainchild of longtime Frameworks associate Lark Batteau Bailey, Buddha Abides has grown to become one of the gallery’s most popular exhibits, and it’s no wonder why. Below, you’ll find just a few reasons why you should swing by and check out the show, which kicks off this Saturday, May 2, with an opening reception at 5 p.m. For additional information, call 965-1812 or visit carusowoods.com.

1) The Suspense: Perhaps one reason Bailey’s show has become such a hit is because its exhibiting spaces are open to the public. “It’s a juried art show and we chose the ones that obviously fit the theme,” explained Frameworks owner Christi Westerhouse. “It’s a very fun event that generates a lot of energy and a lot excitement.” Artists can submit up to three works to Bailey and her cocurator, Thomas Tarleton, and from those entries roughly 80 pieces will be selected as part of the show. The catch? The short turnaround between submission and opening night means no one really knows what’s going to show up on the Framework walls.

2) The Good Cause: As always, 20 percent of the proceeds from 2009’s Buddha Abides exhibit will be donated to two charities, the Tibetan Children’s Village in India and Santa Barbara’s own Solutions for Domestic Violence. “This year we’re also doing a fun little thing where artists can submit as many five-by-five pieces as they want,” said Westerhouse. “They’re all going to sell for $50, for people who want a fun, affordable thing to bring home from the show.” On top of that, it’s a great cause made all the more timely thanks to the Dalai Lama’s upcoming visit to UCSB. Talk about karma.

3) The Live Entertainment: While Buddha Abides will hang through the end of May (and be a stop for both 1st Thursday and the upcoming Downtown Organization’s Art and Wine Tour), this Saturday’s grand unveiling promises a little something extra. On hand for the event will be S.B. alt-gamelan band Monkey C. Though the six-piece rarely plays in public, Westerhouse promises that they’re a definite aural treat. “They’re a very artistically interesting band-lots of gongs. We had them play [the show] last year and people loved it.”