In the Arts District: February 6th - March 2nd
Medicine Woman
"Through the art that is created, spirit channels a surge of emotions, sensations, colors and retrieval.” Embark on a spiritual journey with Santa Barbara artist and healer, Nika Vaeshun, and her latest exhibition, “Medicine Woman”, where each piece invites the viewer into a space of reflection, awakening, and communion with the transcendent.
Nika Vaeshun, a Greek American artist from California’s central coast, draws profound inspiration from her spiritual journey and connection to the natural and metaphysical realms. Her work has been featured along the Pacific Coast and in cultural hubs like Lake Tahoe and Nevada City. Guided by a deep devotion to higher consciousness and illuminated awareness, Nika’s art embodies a sacred exploration of light, spirit, and transformation.
Influenced by her experiences with plant teachers, spiritual guides, angelic energies, and the elemental and animal kingdoms, Nika weaves these connections into her creative process. Her journeys with healers and wisdom keepers from diverse traditions further inform her visionary practice. Through her work, she channels a deeply personal and universal narrative of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Each piece invites the viewer into a space of reflection, awakening, and communion with the transcendent.
On View in the ARTS District February 6th - March 2nd
Friday, February 21st 5-7pm: Artist Talk with Nika Vaeshun and Belle Hahn
Saturday, February 22nd 4-6pm: Kava+ Yoga Nidra
IN THE ARTS DISTRICT - 1323 State Street
In the Funk Zone
Hearts for Arts
Announcing Hearts for Arts, a special collaborative exhibition honoring the artists who have filled our Funk Zone gallery with creativity and inspiration over the past year and a half.
Heart for Arts features works from the 19 artists who have exhibited with us, offering a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant talent that has shaped our gallery. Proceeds from this exhibition will go directly to the artists and to support various artist funds in Santa Barbara, continuing our commitment to this creative community. Artists include:
John Baran - Brad Betts - Brice Ciabatti - Christopher Colvin - Colette Cosentino - Pedro De La Cruz - Mike Demavivas - Eric Dover - Cecily Firestein - Belle Hahn - Lillian Hahn Shining - Robert Heckes - Barry Hollis - Mark Russell Jones - Ethan Lowry - Kellen Meyer - Lori Moore - Diana Postel - Betzhi Walton
Although we’re closing this chapter in the Funk Zone, our ARTS District gallery on State Street will continue to host monthly exhibitions, First Thursdays, workshops, art talks, community and private events. As we actively seek a new Funk Zone location to build an inclusive community arts space, our neighbors at Lama Dog will be taking over the Funk Zone gallery, expanding their business and bringing new energy to 116 Santa Barbara Street.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our artists, patrons, neighbors, and the Santa Barbara community. Join us as we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to an inspiring future for the arts.
On view Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-6pm with our closing day on Sunday, February 23rd.
IN THE FUNK ZONE - 116 Santa Barbara Street
Hearts in Hands by Pedro De La Cruz
IN THE Arts District: March 6th - March 30th
The RePurpose of Life
Art & Soul is thrilled to present The RePurpose of Life, a solo exhibition by visionary artist Talia Van-Son, opening on Thursday, March 6, in conjunction with Santa Barbara’s First Thursday Art Walk.
THE REPURPOSE OF LIFE is an expression of the power of reinvention. Van-Son’s art is full of possibility and playfulness. Attuned to the magic of serendipity, she finds beauty in vintage and overlooked objects, transforming them into something new and extraordinary.
Opening just ahead of International Women’s Day, The RePurpose of Life also reminds us that transformation lies at the heart of both art and life. Van-Son’s work reflects the fearless creativity that has long driven women to reimagine, rebuild and reshape the world around them.
From the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv to the cultural landscapes of New York and Los Angeles, artist and creative producer Van-Son life is one of bold self-expression and reinvention. Her work on display at Art & Soul reflects an unstoppable childlike curiosity. It is engaging, thought-provoking, by turns whimsical and glamorous and — always — utterly original.
“This show, this art of mine, is really personal and it’s raw,” she says, “drawing on a journey that has not always been the easiest way. But — without sounding too Sinatra-like — it’s my way. I’m no good at roadmaps. I go by intuition.”
Van-Son’s use of repurposed materials comes from a deep, powerful place. “At its core, my work is about freedom,” she says. “It’s a testament to the resilience of creativity, the ability to see beyond the expected, and the joy of making something entirely new. My art allows me to go to a place where imagination knows no boundaries, and where the past finds new meaning. For me, every creation is an act of love for life itself."
A portion of the proceeds from this exhibition will benefit AHA! Santa Barbara. AHA! gives teens tools to access their natural creativity, empowering them to feel safe, seen and emotionally connected.
On View on State Street March 6th - March 30th
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 6th from 5-8pm
Artist Talk: Friday, March 14th, from 5-7pm
IN THE ARTS DISTRICT - 1323 State Street
