Artists Supporting Artists Photo Show Kicks Off
Brooks Alum Combines Rock Concert, Art Exhibit at Velvet Jones
Santa Barbara is many things to many people, but it is undeniably a hotbed of artistic activity. And nowhere is that more apparent than at Artists Supporting Artists, next Wednesday’s combo photo show and rock concert at Velvet Jones.
Organized by Brooks Institute grad Bethany Burns (b-burnsphotography.smugmug.com), the evening marks Burns’s first solo exhibit, and she’s pulling out all the stops. Of the 30 prints she’s showing, half are part of a portrait series titled Body Art, while the other shots are of bands ranging from KRS-One to Against Me! to Blazing Haley. With an eye for concise lighting and a knack for capturing the excitement of a live show, Burns’s work is disarmingly intimate but equally inviting, compelling the viewer to look closer and discover her photos’ many layers and intricacies. And although Burns’s shots certainly are enough incentive to attend the show, the promise of sweet tunes from Santa Barbara’s own The Hero and The Victor, Springtime Is Wartime, and The Youth and Beauty Brigade means absolutely everyone should be there.
Artists Supporting Artists takes place Wednesday, May 27, at 8 p.m. (concert at 10:30) at Velvet Jones (423 State St.). It’s free before 10 p.m.; after that there’s a $5 cover. Call 965-8676.
1) Pedal to the Metal: Bethany Burns is nothing if not a compact bundle of energy, and every ounce of that vigor for the past two months has been working toward getting this event together. “This gallery is the pinnacle of my career as a photographer thus far, so the show is a really big deal for me,” she explained.
2) Feel the Love: This is one of those exhibits where the title perfectly explains the featured artist’s ethos. “I could not be where I am without all of the artists involved,” Burns said. “They allow me to express my passion because they are so passionate.” As a means of supporting these folks, the info tags for her portrait series include the names of the models, as well as the people who did their tattoos and the shops where they work.
3) Consummate Santa Barbara: Artists Supporting Artists is what this beachside town is all about-coming together in support and appreciation of our fair city’s many and varied artists. Don’t miss your opportunity to take part.
