Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard
Since 1965 local artists have assembled on Cabrillo Boulevard East of State Street to set up and sell their art. The colorful canopies and umbrellas used to shield the artists and their wares from the sun creates a visual delight in itself. Santa Barbara is an artists' haven (or should I say heaven) as there is no such thing as too much art. The gorgeous gifts of nature Mother Earth has bestowed upon our community makes for a great subjects to paint, draw, photograph or just be inspired by. For you historians, the show originated in the courtyard by City Hall off De La Guerra Street, known as De La Guerra Plaza until it outgrew that space and moved to it's current location.
This article will be limited to visual arts because of course all the arts thrive in Santa Barbara. In addition to the many art exhibits, galleries, museums and private art collections, the Sabado Domingo Art Show is part of our culture and history. Any one who has tried to move the show, modify it, or mess with it in any way has heard thundering objections from the natives. This truly is one of Santa Barbara's sacred cows!
On Fiesta Sunday, (first week of August) the show is twice as long as it also includes Cabrillo Boulevard West of State Street.
The participants are juried and carry a City Business License, so you will be sure to find this show an excellent source of quality art. For more information, telephone 805 897-1982; http://www.sbaacs.com/
Believe it or not, there is a real Skate Board Park located between the Art Show and the Beach area, called Skater's Point. Featuring Ledges, quarter pipes and rails throughout the 14,600 square foot park. The Park is free, bring your own skate board and protective gear is a must requirement.
Across from the Chase Palm Park is the Children's Park featuring an old fashioned carousel. This is also the side where the Summer Concerts are held in Fess Parker's Park. See my post on Summer Concerts in the Park.
If you get tired or need to rest a while, you will find the grass area along the beach a great resting and picnic spot. There are numerous restaurants along Cabrillo Blvd, from casual to elegant. There is often community "join in the fun" folk dancing going on the grass in the same vicinity. And the bike path between the sand and the grass is shared with bikers and joggers alike. There are several parking lots (fee) along the beach. You can also park in one of the downtown lots and ride the Trolly to the bottom of State Street at Stearns Wharf.
Stearns Wharf is located right at Cabrillo Blvd and State Street. The kids can visit the Natural History Museum's Ty Warner Sea Center with it's wonderful "touch tank." The Great Pacific Ice Cream Company and Mother Stearns Candy Company offer yummy treats for all ages. For more information see my post on Stearns Wharf.
Nearby on Cabrillo Blvd there are rentals available for surreys, bikes, and more....If you'd like to stay overnight in SB or plan to make a longer return trip, the Santa Barbara Visitors' Center is across the street from all this action...filled with good information.
Have fun!
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