Santa Barbara Channelkeeper will present its 17th annual juried student art show on March 5. Themed What the Channel Means to Me, the exhibit aims to inspire local students to reflect on their connection to the Santa Barbara Channel and to create art that celebrates the area’s natural beauty and diversity, while inspiring others in the community.
“Channelkeeper is honored to present our 17th annual student art show,” said Penny Owens, Channelkeeper education director. “Every year we are so impressed with and inspired by the caliber of the student artwork.
“Channelkeeper is dedicated to protecting our local waterways and also to fostering environmental awareness and stewardship in today’s youth to ensure that they join us in our efforts. Seeing the artwork celebrating the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel and the messages and artist statements by the students gives me hope that our future is in good hands.”
The contest is open to high school students from Carpinteria to Goleta, and this year will include work from students at Bishop Diego, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara high schools. Local artist Jeremy Harper will jury the show and judge pieces based on creativity, technical skill, sense of style, and interpretation of the theme.
The artwork will be on display at a public exhibit and reception, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Jodi House Gallery, 625 Chapala St., and will remain on display there throughout March. In an awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m., State Sen. Hannah Beth Jackson will present the winning artists with prizes donated by Trillium Enterprises, Inc. and the city of Goleta.
“Channelkeeper is an indispensable part of our community in protecting the coast and waterways,” Jackson said. “Their student art show is a beautiful way to encourage young people to express their connection to the channel and to use their artwork as a tool to raise awareness about the beauty and importance of protecting it, which is why I’ve looked forward to presenting the student awards at this event over the past several years.”
Cash awards will be given to the winners. First place will receive $200 and two tickets to the concert of his or her choice at the Santa Barbara Bowl; second place will be awarded $125; third place, $75; and juror’s choice/honorable mentions will receive $25.
A special $100 environmental ethic prize will be presented to the piece that best embodies the ethical and moral relationship between humans and the natural environment.
For more information, call Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, 805-563-3377 ext. 4 or visit www.sbck.org.