Ready to Hang, a one-day pop-up show open to all local artists for creations 12-inches-by-12-inches in size, will be held 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Community Arts Workshop (CAW), 631 Garden St., Santa Barbara.

Three people look at gallery of artwork at Ready to Hang display.
Ready to Hang show and sale will be Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Community Arts Workshop. Credit: Courtesy photo

This year is the fourth iteration of Ready to Hang, which is free to attend, presents an opportunity to see new works by the entire community of artists in one show.

“Ready to Hang is both a public display and an intimate glimpse into the creative practices of our incredible art community,” said Michael Long, the show’s curator. “It offers artists a chance to come out of the studio and share their work with one another.”

Tony Askew, longtime Santa Barbara resident, established local artist, and former art professor, said, “This is a great opportunity for artists of Santa Barbara to explore size constraints in their work in a great art space.” 

Ready to Hang typifies the spirit of the CAW as space for everyone to create and share. The show is one of the region’s largest showcases of local art.

In 2022 there were 408 pieces of art by more than 200 artists; and over two nights, more than 800 people visited. Submissions this year are nearing the 300 mark, and entries are still coming in.

“Ready to Hang has quickly become one of the most beloved events of the entire year, and it’s a personal favorite of mine,” said Nathan Vonk, owner of Sullivan Goss Gallery and Presenting Sponsor of Ready to Hang. “It’s one of the biggest art shows of the year, but also one of the most intimate, a real celebration of our community’s creative diversity.”
 
Ready to Hang features works for sale by dozens of area painters, photographers, assemblage makers, tattoo artists, fabric artists, and printmakers. Prices set by the artists run from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.

Music for the sale will be provided by Tripform, the duo of Pablo Manzarek and Norm Reed. Video projections are by the Environment Makers.

Artists interested in participating can visit sbcaw.org/hang, contact show organizer Michael Long, 805-729-2425 or michaelevanlong@gmail.com, or visit sbcaw.org/hang for entry information.