Santa Barbara Artists Invited to Transform Empty Storefronts Into Public Art
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – As you stroll through downtown Santa Barbara, you might spot rows of empty storefront windows.
“It’s pretty empty … if an artist came and decorated it … brighten it up a little bit,” said student Joe Brama of UCSB.
But a new program it’s about to turn these vacant windows into works of art.
“We have a new vacant window beautification program in downtown Santa Barbara and we are doing a call for Art to showcase the talented artist in our area,” said executive director Robin Elander of the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association.
Artists, photographers, and designers are invited to submit original pieces.
“We’re encouraging our local artist to submit scanned or digital copies of their work to be enlarged and put in local windows and vacant storefronts,” said executive director Sarah York Rubin of the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture.
Organizers of the program hope the blank windows will soon been filled with color and creativity.
“My hope is to have this be part by a long time effort to ultimately support and elevate the conditions for businesses downtown,” said Elander.
Selected artists will get $250 and their name credited on each display.
The project is part of a broader revitalization effort led by the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association, aiming to make unused spaces more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
More details and guidelines are available at www.downtownsb.org/discover/windows.
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