Channelkeeper’s 2026 Student Art Show

Channelkeeper is pleased to present its 23rd annual student art show on May 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Jodi House Gallery, 625 Chapala Street in Santa Barbara.

The show, themed “What the Channel Means to Me,” inspires local students to reflect on their personal connection to the Santa Barbara Channel and to create art that celebrates the area’s natural beauty and diversity, while inspiring others in our community.
The contest is open to high school students from Carpinteria to Goleta and in the past has included work from students attending Bishop Diego, Carpinteria, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara high schools. Artist, Associate Professor of Art, and Art Department Chair at Westmont College, Meagan Stirling will juror the show and select pieces based on creativity, technical skill, sense of style, and interpretation of the theme.

The student award winners will be announced at the artist reception and award ceremony. The awards include generous cash prizes donated by long-time student art show sponsor Trillium Enterprises, Inc. and the City of Goleta Grant Program. The show also receives in-kind support from The Frame-Up. With their generous support, Channelkeeper hopes to reward these young artists and help them develop their talents, while inspiring others to care for the marine environment through their art.

Artwork is due on Monday, April 20th by 5pm at the Channelkeeper office (714 Bond Ave). Our team coordinates with participating teachers to pick up artwork from the schools. Students, please check with your art teacher about art pickup. Students may also submit work independently. All artwork must be ready to hang.

Over the past two decades, more than 4,500 students have created artwork for Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show.

For more info, visit: https://www.sbck.org/student-art-show/