The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival has announced its 2019 Giving Back Partner is the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Both nonprofit organizations feel strongly about their coastal community and are committed to its maritime culture.
“Each year, we look forward to selecting a Giving Back Partner that fits with the festival’s mission,” said Louise Sciutto, Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival co-chair. “We feel that the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is a perfect fit because we both share a love of the ocean and work toward the goal of preserving our coastal community.”
The Maritime Museum provides hands-on learning opportunities that delve into the rich history of the Santa Barbara Harbor and the Santa Barbara Channel. Through engaging exhibits, as well as films, lectures and panel discussions, the museum preserves maritime history and fosters connections to the natural world.
A portion of every Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival ticket sold will benefit the Maritime Museum. This year’s festival will be Sept. 14-15 at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real.
“We’re thrilled to have been chosen as the Giving Back Partner for this year’s Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival,” said Greg Gorga, Maritime Museum executive director. “This support will go a long way in our efforts to create educational experiences that celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel and illuminate our rich connections with the sea.”
The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival is the only event of its kind in Southern California. In addition to a diverse selection of handmade sea-glass jewelry and ocean-themed art, the festival will feature live music, a treasure contest, workshops, and speakers throughout the weekend.
Maritime Museum Director Greg Gorga will give a presentation on the Point Conception Lighthouse at 2 p.m. Saturday, and one on the Honda Naval Disaster at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Showcasing a small sampling of what the September festival will hold, a pop-up festival preview will be hosted by the Maritime Museum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190 at Santa Barbara Harbor.
Highlights of the September event will include sea glass expert Mary T. McCarthy identifying attendees’ special finds and helping to judge the annual Treasure Contest.
In the festival’s expanded workshop schedule, festival-goers can learn how to make cyanotypes (photographic prints), sea glass charm bracelets, and wire-wrapped sea glass necklaces.
Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 for Sunday admission, $7 for Saturday admission, $10 for a two-day pass, and $15 for Saturday early bird admission. Tickets can be bought at the door or online at https://www.santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com/buy-tickets-2019.
Parking at the venue is a $5 charge, cash only. For more about ticket purchases and workshop registration, visit www.santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com.
— Lea Boyd for Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival.