happenings
Saturdays 10–11:30AM | March 14 – April 18
Creative Intention
This six-week creative workshop series offers a space for young artists to come together, share ideas, and grow alongside one another. Led by emerging artists Jada Harper and Bella DiBernardo, the program is designed to inspire participants to create, connect, and begin building the foundations of a creative practice.
Through collaboration, discussion, and hands-on work time, participants will explore what it means to pursue creativity as a career while supporting each other’s artistic journeys. The workshop creates a welcoming environment where young creatives can exchange ideas, gain inspiration, and build a community that helps everyone move closer to reaching their full potential.
For more information, follow @crea.tiveintention – to reserve your spot, please email: harperjada7@gmail.com
Wednesday | March 18th | 5–7PM
Conversations with Artists
We are honored to welcome Jane Chapman for a special artist talk at Art & Soul on Wednesday, March 18th from 5–7PM.
A Santa Barbara–born painter working in oil, mixed media, and collage, Jane draws inspiration from the California coastline, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains, creating expressive works that explore abstraction, nature, and human connection.
Beyond her studio practice, she is deeply rooted in the local community as part of the family behind Jane’s Restaurant and as the founder of Communal Table, a gathering series that brings people together through thoughtfully prepared meals and meaningful conversation. Join us as Jane shares insights into her creative process and the powerful intersections of art, food, and community that shape her work.
Joining her in conversation will be Dr. Diana Hill, licensed clinical psychologist, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trainer, and sought-out speaker and leadership consultant on Wise Effort.
The doors open at 5p, and the conversation starts promptly at 5:30p. Come early, enjoy a glass of Longoria wine, and grab a seat - space is limited.
Space is limited. Please RSVP today!
Tuesday | March 24th | 6–8PM
Kalani - An Evening of Hawaiian Music
Aloha! We are excited to share an evening of Hawaiian music with multi recording artist/singer Leokāne Pryor and Grammy winning Hawaiian slack key guitarist Jim Kimo West. Pryor and West will showcase songs off their Hōkū nominated duet album “Lanihuli” and West’s Slack Key Album “Nā Lani O Maui” (Skies of Maui).
This will be a curated performance of Hawaiian AND Western music reflecting Jane Chapman's exhibition "Echoes of the Earth and Sky". Tickets are $25 (by reservation only) with limited seating. Come early to grab a chair – the show will run from 6:30-7:30pm (with light refreshments).
For more information and to reserve your ticket, please contact Leokāne Pryor at leokanepryor@gmail.com
Thursday | April 2nd | 5–8PM
1st Thursday Art Walk
PENTIMENTO: Layered Meanings Brought to Life
On view April 2nd - May 3rd, 2026
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
Saturday | April 4th | 5–7PM
Music and Wine
Join us for an evening of Music and Wine in the gallery as guitarist and composer Chris Fossek returns to Art & Soul.
Known for his exciting blend of flamenco motifs, Balkan folk music, classical composition, and improvisation, Fossek creates music that is both virtuosic and deeply atmospheric. His work has been described as a “fascinating pan-cultural aesthetic,” combining diverse traditions into a distinctive and expressive musical voice. His travels and studies throughout Italy, Spain, and the Mediterranean have deeply shaped his music, which blends classical technique with world music influences and improvisation.
Saturday | April 11th | 5–7PM
Book LAUNCH
Join us Saturday evening for the much anticipated launch of Pentimento with Michael Vilkin and Steven Wright.
Pentimento is a visual and narrative exploration of a remarkable Santa Barbara home inspired by the romance and craftsmanship of a Venetian palazzo. Through richly layered photography, it captures the beauty of its interiors and gardens alongside a philosophy of intentional hospitality—celebrating gathering, table setting, and gracious hosting.
Structured as immersive chapters that move through the house like a welcomed visit, the book also includes favorite recipes, cocktails, and reflections on creating meaningful, effortless moments. At its core is the story of the homeowners’ restoration and resilience, as the house—rebuilt after the Jesusita Wildfire—becomes a sanctuary. The name Pentimento reflects how traces of the past remain visible, deepening and enriching the present.
The book is photographed by Amy Barnard, an internationally published interiors photographer, with an established career and a strong visual and editorial sensibility.
Photo by: Amy Barnard Photography
Friday | April 17th | 5–7PM
Conversations with Artists
Join us for an evening of conversation in the gallery on Friday, April 17, as featured artist Michael Vilkin discusses the ideas behind his solo exhibition, Pentimento, with special guests Peter Schlueer and Joel Chauran.
Peter Schlueer is a trained classical pianist and music journalist who served for eight years on the board of the Santa Barbara Symphony. In 2002 he founded WorldViz, a technology company that develops immersive virtual reality software. Working at the intersection of perception, technology, and human experience, Peter brings a distinctive perspective to art—exploring not only what we respond to visually, but why certain works move us at a deeper level.
Award-winning designer and world champion equestrian Joel Chauran is the founder of the URBAN-EQUESTRIAN fashion accessories brand and CHAURAN home textiles. With a background in Fine Arts and Industrial Design, Joel has developed products for leading retailers in the U.S. and abroad and brings both a deep appreciation for fine art and a sharp eye for evaluation.
Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the conversation begins promptly at 5:30 PM. Arrive early to grab a seat—space is limited.
Saturday | April 18th | 8PM
Wendy Liebman Comedy Show
Opal Restaurant, Michael Vilkin and Art & Soul are excited to host a very special evening of food, drinks and laughs with comedian Wendy Liebman! With her specials on HBO, Comedy Central, her interviews on Fallon and Leno, and shows to huge crowds, Santa Barbara is lucky to have so talented a comedian perform in such an intimate setting. Dining and cocktails available beforehand at Opal Restaurant, followed by Opal's signature cocktails at the show - for dinner reservations, please contact Opal Restaurant directly at (805) 966 9676 and be sure to mention Art & Soul. The laughs start at 8PM.
All ticket revenue and a portion of Opal's receipts will be donated to the Children's Creative Project, bringing art to our youngsters. Seating is limited - reserve yours today!
