lauren
By Lauren Bray, edhat staff
The Downtown Santa Barbara Live Art and Wine Tour returned after a pandemic hiatus for its 20th Anniversary on Thursday.
Sponsored by the Towbes Group and produced by the Downtown Organization, attendees started at the entrance to the Arlington Theatre and were given a map, a wine glass, and a plastic plate to enjoy the local purveyors ahead.
There were eight stops north of Carrillo Street to visit before the final shebang back at the Arlington. All included savory bites from local restaurants, samplings of county vineyards, and a live art demonstration for all non-artists to marvel at.
“Attending this event gives guests the opportunity to experience live art at some of the best galleries downtown while enjoying delectable food & drink,” according to the Downtown Organization.
Photo by Fritz Olenberger
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival Education Center hosted Sevtap Winery and Bluewater Grill, Thomas Reynolds Gallery included Soul Bites Restaurant with wine from Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Santa Barbara Fine Art had a massive spread from Chase Restaurant and pours from Silver Wines, Maune Contemporary hosted the crowd favorite of taquitos and churros from Carlitos Cafe y Cantina and wine from Municipal Winemakers/Potek Winery, 10 West Gallery offered pasta from Pascucci’s and pour from Grassini Family Vineyards, Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery hosted bites from Los Arroyos with a unique sample of vermouth from T.W. Hollister & Co., Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery offered treats from Foxtail Kitchen & Bar and La Lieff Wines, and the final destination at The Crafter’s Library included MIZZA Artisan Pizza and Frequency Wine Company.
The dispersed crowds then made their way back to the Arlington Theatre where the entryway and back patio had been transformed into quite the finale party. There were more food offerings from local restaurants, samplings of local beer and wine, and two large tables full of silent auction items.
Photo by Fritz Olenberger
Aerial performances took the metaphorical center stage in front of the theatre’s large doors and on the back patio attendees enjoyed dancing to the music of Mezcal Martini.
This event is the Downtown Organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year with all proceeds benefiting the Downtown Public Art Fund which supports public art events and programs such as Pianos on State, 1st Thursday Art Walk, holiday activities, State Street Promenade Market Concerts, and more future community activations.
