A Day Trip to Santa Barbara

Artwork made of sands from Nepal

Since last fall, we really get hooked with a day visit to Santa Barbara.  A typical day in the American Riviera city for us would be enjoying fresh brewed decaffeinated latte at the Santa Barbara Coffee Roasting Company, strolling down the State Street in downtown, having fresh sea food at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company for lunch then heading back home after a quick peak at the pier.

Bent Nude - Francisco Zuniga

On yesterday's visit, we added a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to our routine. The museum is on the small side with a nice lay-out and flow. It doesn't feel crowded at all.  It featured the works of acclaimed Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo and an exhibit of Ansel Adam's photographs. I was especially captured by Adam's photos of Yosemite National Park and the beauty of images he created.   Unfortunately, due to the vulnerability of Tamayo's works and Ansel's photos, no photograph is allowed.  But, I am happy with a picture of Rodin's sculpture -even though it was not "The Thinker", it's still Rodin's - and a neat sculpture by Zuniga.  

The inside part of the gallery are displayed a few paintings from Monet, Van Gogh and other artists whose names I cannot remember. On the upper level of the museum we found some art works from Asian countries, mostly Japanese sculptures and cute jars. We are intrigued by one artwork from Nepal that was made of sands! At the first glance it looked like a colorful painting. It's so detailed.   It must be a great  challenge to transport this piece to the Museum.


Santa Barbara Museum of Art

1130 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-4364

Admission: $9