happenings
ON VIEW | October 1 – November 1
Salt + Light
Introducing New Works by Hilary Brock
Santa Barbara native Hilary Brock is a contemporary oil painter known for serene, light-filled landscapes inspired by the California coast and inland valleys.
In SALT + LIGHT, Brock turns her attention toward the water, introducing a new body of work inspired by a lifelong fascination with the way light moves across its surface. Sunlight sparkles and shifts; dusk softens the horizon; moonlight catches the waves. These fleeting moments become both subject and metaphor. SALT + LIGHT is ultimately about more than water or light. It is about connection: to place, to one another, and to ourselves.
Can’t make it in to the gallery? The full collection is available to view online, and all artwork can be purchased HERE.
Thursdays | 12-2 PM
Afternoons with Artists
Join us on Thursdays this month from 12–2PM for an informal afternoon with our featured artist, Hilary Brock. Spend some time with the exhibition, and meet the artist behind the work. This is a great opportunity to see the paintings in a quieter setting, away from openings and events, and to hear more about the inspiration and stories that surround each piece of art.
Monday | October 26 | 5:30–8PM
Dinner with an Artist
You are invited to an intimate private gallery tour, dinner, and conversation with local artist Hilary Brock, and restauranteur and artist Jane Chapman. We will begin our evening at the gallery, exploring Hilary's latest exhibition, SALT + LIGHT, then walk a few doors down to Jane Restaurant for a curated dinner together.
Santa Barbara native Hilary Brock is a contemporary oil painter known for serene, light-filled landscapes inspired by the California coast and inland valleys. In SALT + LIGHT, Brock turns her attention toward the water, introducing a new body of work inspired by a lifelong fascination with the way light moves across its surface. Sunlight sparkles and shifts; dusk softens the horizon; moonlight catches the waves. These fleeting moments become both subject and metaphor.
Jane Chapman is the granddaughter of Jane, the namesake of Santa Barbara’s beloved Jane Restaurant. Carrying forward her family’s tradition of hospitality, Jane brings a genuine love of food, gathering, and community to the table—creating experiences centered around the simple pleasure of bringing people together.
Space is limited, please purchase your tickets HERE.
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 30 | 8:30 – 10AM
Creative Mornings
Everyone is Creative!
On Friday, October 30th, Art & Soul is delighted to welcome CreativeMornings Santa Barbara to the gallery for a morning of creativity, conversation, and community.
CreativeMornings is the world’s largest face-to-face creative community, bringing people together each month in more than 260 cities across 73 countries. Built around the belief that everyone is creative and everyone is welcome, these free gatherings offer a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and hear from inspiring local voices.
This month’s theme, ALTITUDE, features Meg Cramer, a Santa Barbara–based designer at Adobe. Together, we’ll explore the idea of shifting perspective—looking beyond what’s immediately in front of us and considering what becomes possible from a different vantage point.
Join us for conversation, connection, and a Friday morning surrounded by art, ideas, and creative energy.
This event is free; registration is required through CreativeMornings.
SUNDAY | NOVEMBER 1 | 10–12PM
Creative Alchemy
An Analog Journaling and Art Workshop for Busy Minds
Step away from the screens and spend a morning slowing down, making, and reconnecting with your creativity at Art & Soul.
Led by Carol Adler, coach and facilitator of Your Next Chapter, Creative Alchemy is a hands-on workshop combining watercolor, journaling, and collage with mindful creative expression. Designed especially for busy minds, the morning offers an opportunity to quiet the noise, experiment without pressure, and make something simply for the joy of creating.
No artistic or writing experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to play. All materials are provided.
Space is limited; advance registration is required through CREATIVE ALCHEMY.
SUNDAY | NOVEMBER 1 | 6–8PM
FARM-TO-TABLE CELEBRATION
Join Sacred Sisters and Emma Moore of Heritage Goods & Supply for an intimate farm-to-table dinner inspired by Día de los Muertos—a time to remember those who came before us, honor the people we love today, and celebrate the connections that shape our lives.
Together, we’ll gather around the table at the gallery for a seasonal farm-to-table dinner inspired by the flavors and abundance of fall. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and a thoughtfully prepared meal, the evening is an invitation to slow down, share good food, and make space for remembrance, gratitude, and connection.
A special altar will be created for the evening, and guests are invited to bring a small photo, memento, flower, or offering in remembrance of someone meaningful in their lives.
Seasonal farm-to-table dinner, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Space is limited; advanced registration is required through SACRED SISTERS.
MONDAY | NOVEMBER 2 | 12–1PM
SANGHA with Dr. Diana Hill
A Wise Effort Community
Sangha means community. This is a virtual global community, and a monthly Santa Barbara in-person gathering.
We will focus on one word a week, through the lens of psychological science, contemplative practice, and shared experience.
When we meditate and practice together, we grow stronger in our ability to navigate uncertainty, remain centered, and stay focused on what is most important to us. You will leave with a practice to meet the week ahead with Wise Effort, and a community to support you.
Focus for the Week: A live talk with Diana exploring a timely idea through psychology, contemplative wisdom, and lived experience.
Guided Meditation: An experiential practice to slow down, integrate the exploration, and bring it into your life.
Mondays, 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM (Pacific)
Live streamed weekly on Diana’s community platform.
In-person monthly at Art & Soul Gallery in Santa Barbara.
Can’t make it live? Join Diana’s free community to access weekly recordings and practice on demand.
Sangha with Dr. Diana Hill is offered freely, at no charge.
Thursday | November 5 | 5–8PM
1st Thursday Artwalk
1st Thursday is more than an art walk—it’s a monthly celebration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant arts community, bringing galleries, artists, and visitors together for an evening of creativity and connection.
This 1st Thursday, we invite you to experience The Willard Suitcases, a moving photographic exhibition by acclaimed photographer Jon Crispin, presented in partnership with New Beginnings Counseling Center. Art & Soul is honored to host New Beginnings' 2026 Annual Benefit Gala in conjunction with this exhibition, bringing art and community together in support of mental health awareness and compassionate care.
When the Willard Psychiatric Center in upstate New York closed in 1995, more than 400 suitcases belonging to former patients were discovered in its attic. Filled with clothing, photographs, letters, and personal belongings, these extraordinary artifacts offer intimate glimpses into lives largely forgotten.
Since 2011, Crispin has carefully documented this collection, revealing the individuality and humanity of those who once called Willard home. His photographs invite us to look beyond the stigma of mental illness and recognize the personal stories, memories, and identities behind each suitcase.
Through this powerful exhibition and our partnership with New Beginnings, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations about mental health, dignity, compassion, and our shared humanity.
