On view April 2nd - May 3rd, 2026
PENTIMENTO
PENTIMENTO: Layered Meanings Brought to Life
This solo exhibition by Santa Barbara artist Michael Vilkin explores the concept of pentimento—the reappearance of earlier layers in a painting as time reveals what was once hidden. Here it becomes a metaphor for human experience: identity, memory, and meaning existing in layers that shift, fade, and resurface. In his figurative paintings, subtle details—expressions, gestures, shadows, and clothing—hint at inner narratives beneath outward appearances.
The idea continues in abstracted portraits and geometric works where fragments of thoughts, memories, and language surround or partially conceal the figure. The recurring image of a kiosk, layered with posters, graffiti, and declarations, suggests the accumulation of personal and cultural messages that shape us. From intimate portraits to aerial landscapes, the work reflects how life’s meanings change depending on how closely—or how distantly—we look.
1st Thursday Opening Reception, Thursday April 2nd from 5–8PM
The Atelier Collective
Art & Soul is pleased to present unique and inspiring creative spaces that 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 -April
CHILDREN'S CREATIVE PROJECT
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 honored to support Children’s Creative Project works with individual schools and school districts to design and implement programs that meet their needs and budgets. The Resident Artist Workshop program offers students and teachers the unique opportunity to work with local artists in the visual and performing arts.
Their programs place professional artists in PreK-12 schools to conduct and present participatory dance, music, theater, and visual arts workshops that provide opportunities for creative expression, skill development, and joyful discovery. Through these programs and performances, students increase their understanding of artists, the creative process, artistic perception, creative expression, aesthetic valuing, and historical and cultural arts heritage.
Wines with Soul — April
Margerum Wines
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 proud to have Margerum Wine Company in the gallery. Margerum is committed to creating handcrafted wines using only the highest-quality grapes, which enables them to make wines that are indicative of the place where they are grown. They strive to make wines naturally, with individual characteristics and personality. The scale of production is kept at a level where they can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle—the antithesis of mass production—old-world techniques in the new world.
Enjoy a taste in the gallery this month, and visit the Margerum tasting rooms in Santa Barbara (19 East Mason Street) and Buellton (59 Industrial Way) to see all they have to offer.
