happenings
Friday, February 27th, 5–7PM
Conversations with Artists
Sit down with us as we discuss the extraordinary life and art of Rod Lathim. Currently displaying his neon sculptures in his largest ever solo show at Art & Soul, LIT: love, illumination, transcendence, we are excited to take this opportunity to dive a bit deeper into the making of his artwork and the spirits that guide him.
Joining him for the evening is Christopher Pilafian. Trained from childhood in the visual arts and later a scholarship student at Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, Christopher went on to a distinguished 15-year international career in modern dance before serving as Vice Chair of Theater & Dance at UC Santa Barbara and Artistic Director of the Santa Barbara Dance Theater. Returning to painting with the sensibility of a performer, he creates luminous, movement-driven works that explore color, light, and gesture—bridging the disciplines of visual art and choreography with a deeply embodied approach to abstraction.
Space is limited. Please RSVP today!
Thursday, March 5th 5–8PM
1st Thursday Art Walk
Echoes of Earth and Sky
In Echoes of Earth and Sky, Jane Chapman translates the luminous terrain of Santa Barbara into layered, abstract compositions that reflect our interconnected relationships — to land, to one another, and to ourselves. Through oil, mixed media, and collage, she builds textured landscapes that echo the Channel Island horizon, coastal light, and the rising forms of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Working from her Mission Canyon studio, Chapman explores abstraction as a means of self-inquiry and environmental reflection. Her work invites contemplation, offering viewers a space where nature and the human spirit quietly converge.
Jane Chapman is a Santa Barbara native and graduate of UCLA. Her practice is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a lifelong devotion to connection — both within and beyond the canvas.
1st Thursday Opening Reception, Thursday March 5th from 5–8PM
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.
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!
