Art submissions for the Fifth Annual Creek Week Art Contest are on display through Sept. 30 at the Goleta Community Center (GCC), 5679 Hollister Ave.

Visitors can stop by during regular hours, 9-a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to see the 56 submissions that came in from people of all ages.

This year’s theme is the Story Beneath the Surface: Art Inspired by Our Creeks, Oceans, and Watersheds.

The community is also invited to the free Creek Week Art Reception, 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at the GCC, where the winning artwork will be revealed. There will be live music from The Swing Along Band, and light refreshments will be served.  

“We can’t wait for you to see the beautiful pieces of local art on display at the Goleta Community Center and to enjoy the stories that inspired them,” said Sharon Nigh, library assistant and Creek Week Art Contest coordinator.

“This year’s participants embraced the theme, and we are excited for you to experience the talent and creativity that exists right here in Goleta,” she said.
 
New this year, artists submitted a story of their art or what inspired them to create it. The corresponding write-up will be posted next to their piece for the art reception.
 
At the reception, the artists will be recognized for their work. Mayor Paula Perotte and guest judge Elizabeth Flanagan, former Goleta Valley Art Association president, will have selected a handful of winners based on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality, and the winners will be announced that evening.

First, second and third place, plus honorable mention will be awarded for each age category: adults (18+), teens (7th-12th grades), and children (6th grade and below).
 
Attendees will also hear about the importance of Creek Week and local waterways from Goleta’s Environmental Services team. Visitors can find information at the Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Collective’s table, where they can pick up a Goleta creeks scavenger hunt.

The Creek Week Art Contest is held in conjunction with Creek Week, Sept. 19-26. The contest is a partnership between Goleta Valley Library and the city of Goleta’s Environmental Services and Parks & Recreation Divisions.