The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will host watercolorist Kelly Clause at an Artist Pop-Up, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 17. Clause’s work will be shown on the museum’s patio overlooking the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Spanning land, sea and air, Clause’s whimsical paintings depict marine life such as whales, turtles, fish, dolphins, lobsters; and plant life, including palms, kelp and flowers.

Her work is featured on cards, prints, paintings, and murals of all sizes.

Born in Santa Barbara, Clause was raised to appreciate the outdoors by family members who were naturalists, fishermen, and marine biologists.

With a background in international development and elementary education, she works to meld her passion for creativity, education, and the natural world into her work.

“Nature cannot be contained, captured, or defined, yet I always find myself wanting to touch it, hold it, recreate it,” Clause said. “Saltwater swells and living creatures alike contain a sort of wild mystery that I believe all humanity craves.

“With spontaneous but deliberate brushstrokes, I endeavor to reflect a balance of wild whimsy and intentional design with my art. My work spills from my insatiable fascination with the natural world, and a desire to inspire a similar curiosity and awe in my viewers.”

Clause’s work can be seen in local galleries and boutiques, medical facilities, wineries and restaurants. Her work is published in international dive magazines, Watercolor Artist magazine, and local publications.

Clause has worked with a variety of area businesses and restaurants, as well as nonprofits such as Santa Barbara Channel Keeper and Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute.

For more, visit kellyclause.com/.