Braille Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. We offer a broad range of free programs, classes and services serving thousands of students of all ages helping to demonstrate that vision rehabilitation is a beginning, not an end.

We serve the community from seven centers, and hundreds of community outreach locations throughout Southern California, and lead popular national programs like Braille Challenge and Cane Quest. Our staff and volunteers understand losing your vision can be scary, but we believe it is not the end of independence, but a new way of living.

A variety of free classes, workshops and support groups are available to help you or a loved one stay active, remain independent and enjoy connections with others.

Sign up for individual events, workshops and seminars – free and open to everyone. Register online or call our Educational Programs Manager, Tracy Alfino, at (805) 898-8312 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Alicia Boswell
Assistant Professor, History of Art and Architecture, University of California, Santa Barbara

In the ancient Andes, metallurgical technology was driven by an ideological system that imbued metals with sacred properties.

Alicia Boswell
Assistant Professor, History of Art and Architecture, University of California, Santa Barbara

In the ancient Andes, metallurgical technology was driven by an ideological system that imbued metals with sacred properties.

Art Matters Lecture with Alicia Boswell (in person)
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Mary Craig Auditorium

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Museum Galleries

Bring the whole family to enjoy Teaching Artist-led activities in the Museum’s Family Resource Center. In December, reimagine Petra Cortright’s digital painting by drawing sea creatures onto foam printing plates, applying ink in vibrant hues to the plates, then layering their “swimming” forms onto a still-life image to give the artwork a sense of movement and energy. Afterward, enjoy the galleries until 8 pm.

As the community celebrates the return to live performance, the UCSB Ensemble for Contemporary Music (ECM) will present a concert of chamber and ensemble works by Andy Akiho, Katherine Balch, Caroline Shaw, Julius Eastman, and others, which will make use of indoor and outdoor performance spaces. Directed by Dr. Sarah Gibson, the performance will take place on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT in Karl Geiringer Hall on the UC Santa Barbara campus.

Santa Barbara’s most unique holiday shopping experience is back! From December 3–5, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will once again host its popular three-day indoor/outdoor shopping extravaganza, Folk & Tribal Arts Marketplace.

Lights, Love & Community returns for its second year to provide Isla Vista residents an opportunity to come together and celebrate the holidays. On Friday, December 3rd from 6-8pm the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District (IVRPD) will host a one-night event to kick-off the month-long lighting (December 3rd - January 3rd) of the St.

Santa Barbara-based singer and songwriter Zach Gill, lead vocalist of the rock band ALO, and a longtime member of Jack Johnson's band, will host a live, virtual musical performance Friday, December 3 at 7pm on the online performance venue, StageIt in support of Goleta-based, non-profit, Montessori Center School. 

Lift your holiday spirits with the Philharmonic’s annual all-Baroque concert in the warm sanctuary of the
Pacific Christian Center on Friday, December 3rd! This year’s program offers music by Handel, Bach, Purcell, and Telemann.

The 3rd Annual ELKS Lodge #613 HOLIDAY BAZAAR will be held Friday, December 3rd, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM