ON View FEBRUARY 5th – MARCH 1st, 2026
LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence
LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence opens 1st Thursday at Art & Soul, just in time for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival!
Drawing on more than 45 years as a storyteller in the theatre, Rod Lathim presents an immersive body of work that explores light as both medium and metaphor. Long engaged in creating works that reflect the human condition, spirituality, and the fragile beauty of life, Lathim turns to sculpting with light as a way to bring illumination, hope, and presence into an increasingly complex world. His artistic practice is deeply intertwined with his spiritual journey, a connection also explored in his book Finding the Divine Child: A Journey of Spirit, Light, and Art.
Rooted in themes of love, illumination, and transcendence, the exhibition draws inspiration from the ethereal qualities of both light and music—forces Lathim views as restorative and healing. With a background in music therapy and decades of experience witnessing the transformative power of the arts, he creates works that give visual form to music’s intangible energy.
Repurposed vintage instruments and found objects, rich with history, are reimagined as vessels of light, offering moments of reflection, peace, and renewal for the viewer. Rod is honored to have collaborated closely with Don Scott, Russ Carter, and Ricardo Duarte in the construction of these works, and to have partnered with Miguel Lee Leon and Clark James on numerous pieces featured in the exhibition.
The Atelier Collective
Art & Soul is pleased to present five unique and inspiring creative spaces, telling the stories of individual artists within the collective spirit of the gallery. From familiar names to emerging talents, these intimate galleries deliver art with commanding presence. Come experience these galleries within the gallery—curated for closer connection to the art.
Art With Heart -February
Marjorie Luke Theatre
Art has the power to inspire, connect, and give back. Each month at Art & Soul, we donate a portion of our proceeds to a charitable organization that reflects our current exhibition or the passions of the featured artist. It's our way of honoring the deeper connections between creativity, community, and compassion.
By supporting Art & Soul, you’re not only investing in meaningful art—you’re also helping to make a positive impact, one exhibition at a time.
This month, we are pleased to support The Marjorie Luke Theatre. Dubbed “The People’s Theatre” by Santa Barbara Magazine, it has earned this title by welcoming the most diverse array of artists and audiences of any theatre in Santa Barbara. In addition to the rich and diverse events and performances by area arts organizations, The Marjorie Luke Theatre is proud to produce high quality events that educate, enlighten, and entertain.
Wines with Soul — January
Lavender Oak Vineyard
At Art & Soul, we believe that great art deserves a perfect pairing. Each month, we feature a wine that complements the spirit and style of our current exhibition.
This month, we are delighted to feature Lavender Oak Vineyard. A long time dream of Dean and Christi Heck, Lavender Oak Vineyard was established in 2010 as a family run operation, with Christi Heck as head wine maker since 2020. All wine is produced on site and made in small batches. All grapes are grown on their estate, with special attention to organic methods; no pesticides, herbicides or harmful chemicals. Applying techniques such as dry farming, using cover crop and regenerative (no till) farming methods since 2019, the winery is also 100% solar powered.
Lavender Oak Vineyard sits on a bucolic property filled with fragrant lavender and ancient oaks. The grounds stretch along the winding Santa Rosa Road in the west end of Santa Ynez Valley. Taste their wines with us at Art & Soul this month, or at the winery in their many lovely outdoor spaces surrounding the vineyard.
