Throughout September, the Atelier Gallery at Art & Soul becomes part studio, part exhibition as Sylvan Butera Rich creates a monumental 7' × 7' painting on canvas over the course of the month. Experience the artwork as it takes shape, return throughout the month to see its evolution, and watch a blank canvas gradually become a finished piece.

The painting will be offered through a month-long auction, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Unity Shoppe, Art & Soul’s nonprofit partner for September. Bidding will remain open as the work evolves, giving collectors the unusual opportunity to bid on a piece before its final form is revealed.

At the conclusion of the month, the winning bidder may either add the finished work to their own collection or donate it to Unity Shoppe, creating a lasting work of art for the organization and the community it serves.

For more than a century, Unity Shoppe has supported Santa Barbara County residents facing difficult circumstances, providing food, clothing, school supplies, holiday assistance, job support, and other essential resources. At the heart of its work is a simple philosophy: every person who walks through its doors should be met with dignity, respect, and choice.

The connection is especially meaningful for Sylvie, whose commitment to community extends well beyond her studio. She supports Unity Shoppe through grant writing, helping the organization secure resources to continue its work throughout Santa Barbara County.

That same sense of connection runs through Colors of the Coast. Rooted in the landscapes of the Central Coast, Sylvie’s paintings reflect on place, abundance, and our relationship to the world around us. This month-long project extends those ideas beyond the canvas—bringing art, artist, gallery, and community together in support of our neighbors.