Enjoy the Holidays at Loquita

Posted on December 19, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Paella from Loquita, photo by Laura Ray.

Executive Chef Peter Lee of LOQUITA and POQUITA—the new hot spots Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone—has special celebratory menus for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. If you haven’t had the pleasure of checking these restaurants out yet, the holidays are a perfect time to do so.

In addition to the complete menu that Loquita has made popular with bold flavored Mediterranean dishes of olives, lemons, tomatoes, peppers, vinegars, Jamon and Sherries, simply executed and beautifully plated, on Christmas Eve, Chef Lee’s specials feature Bunuelo de Bacalao—Salt Cod, Potato, Lemon & Nora Chili Aïoli; and Cannelloni with Mushroom, Foie Gras; Bechamel & Manchego. Reservations are recommended and are available from 5–8:30 p.m.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

Then, on New Year’s Eve, Loquita presents elegant New Year’s Eve specials, in addition to their acclaimed menu, perfect for an end of year celebration. Selections include Foie Gras with Figs, Dandelion Greens & Celery Root; Paella con Costilla – Iberico Pork Ribs with Artichokes, Mushrooms, Iberico Soffrito, Grilled Lemon & Herb Aïoli; and Cochinillo Asado – Suckling Pig with Asparagus, Mushrooms & Mojo Verde. Loquita’s chefs will display a live “performance art,” preparing the Paella con Costilla outdoors on the patio in a huge paella pan for all guests to experience. Reservations are recommended and are available from 5–10:45 p.m.

Also now open is Poquita, the little sister of Loquita, a perfect choice for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve for those seeking a spontaneous evening. Drop in while exploring the Urban Wine Trail, drinking in the colorful ambiance of the Funk Zone.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

Poquita serves many of the same delicious pintxos, tapas, cheeses and charcuterie as Loquita at their artful, standing-room-only pintxos bar, ideal for casual small bites without the structure of a reservation. Hours are 5 p.m. – midnight.

Also starting on New Year’s Day, Loquita begins serving Sunday Brunch. Chef Lee introduces his inspired daytime menu of exquisite Spanish specialties created with a Santa Barbara sensibility—a Paella Pan Skillet with either Mushroom, Tomato, Spinach, Potato, Eggplant, Chermoula & Eggs; or Chorizo with Bell Pepper, Tomato, Potato, Broccolini, Parsley & Eggs; Benedicts on Pan De Cristal in two versions – Jamon Serrano, Spinach, Eggs & Chorizo Hollandaise; or Cured Salmon, Pickled Red Onion, Eggs & Lemon Hollandaise. Try Lee’s two spins on the Tortilla Espanola – Traditional with Potato, Onion, Frisee & Herb Aïoli; or Especial with Avocado, Piquillo, Potato, Onion, Mushroom & Chorizo. Loquita brunch hours are 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and will continue every Sunday after the new year.

To view all holiday menus visit Holiday Menus or www.loquitasb.com/nye.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

Loquita, “an endearing Spanish colloquial term for a wild, fun loving young girl, is a playful love letter to the Spanish origins and history of Santa Barbara.” The space is designed by San Francisco restaurateur and designer Doug Washington, who created the distinctive styling at The Lark, Lucky Penny, Les Marchands, Santa Barbara Wine Collective and Helena Avenue Bakery. Architect Joe Andrulaitis and the Young Construction team led by Rick Musmecci completely restored the historic building that has served as numerous restaurants and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission over the past century. Interior finishing touches by Stephanie Greene Fuller incorporated handsome furnishings fabricated by Brothers of Industry of Carpinteria.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

“I was inspired by a quote I read in a recent issue of Food & Wine magazine that said ‘Spain is a country with a big heart, a big thirst for wine, a big appetite for great food and a big affinity for art, music and sports.’ Those who live, work and play in Santa Barbara share these values,” says Sherry Villanueva, Managing Partner for Acme Hospitality, the group behind the restaurant. Bringing a Spanish restaurant to the Funk Zone has been something she has envisioned since the space first became available more than two years ago.

“Santa Barbara’s rich Spanish colonial history has defined our city in ways that span architecture, food, wine and even informs our community celebrations. It’s the right time to dedicate our next restaurant to the incredible culture and food that Spain is known for, but interpreted by a contemporary California sensibility that is our company’s signature,” says Villanueva. “It’s no wonder that Spain is recognized as one of the greatest countries for food and dining today.

The restaurant is located at 202 State St., 805/880-3380.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 19, 2016.

“Abstractions, Contractions, Intersections”

Posted on September 23, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Painting/Sculpture collaboration by Joan Rosenberg-Dent and Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo.

A Magical Collaboration Between a Painter (Fran Scorzelli) and a Sculptor (Joan Rosenberg-Dent) will be on view at GraySpace Gallery (219 Gray Ave.) from Sept. 23– Nov. 20.

Rosenberg-Dent and Scorzelli have collaborated in a series of pieces inspired by Santa Barbara’s urban landscape. The driving force behind their collaboration stems from elements of the city as seen through the eyes of two artists working in contrasting media and separate studios.

Each work has been molded by both artists simultaneously, yet independently in each artist’s respective studio. In some instances, individual elements or entire pieces were created in Joan’s studio and then painted in Fran’s. In others, the painting and sculpture were created separately then joined together for completion.

Painting/Sculpture collaboration by Joan Rosenberg-Dent and Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo.

This collaboration began when Joan’s sculpture was placed next to Fran’s painting in a juried show. It was obvious to the artists that there was a connection, as the forms in Joan’s sculptures mimicked the painted shapes on Fran’s canvas. The artists had never before met, yet recognized creative potential as they contemplated this collaboration.

This series opens at GraySpace in Santa Barbara’s’ Funk Zone Arts District, where the entirety of the gallery will be transformed into one of Santa Barbara’s city streets.

An opening reception will be held on Sept. 23 from 5-8 p.m. and the work will remain on view through Nov. 20.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 22, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Tasty Tidbits

Posted on September 2, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

The Lark, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I can’t believe that summer is almost over. There’s been a lot of news on the bar beat the last few months. Here are some highlights:

One of Santa’s Barbara’s favorite dining destinations, The Lark (131 Anacapa St.), was recognized by Wine Enthusiast in their sixth annual issue of the “Best Places to Drink Up In While Dining Out.” As a winner of the “Not to be Missed” category, The Lark was recognized for their outstanding wine program curated by Wine Directors Chris Robles and Vern Kettler. The wine list at the Lark focuses on smaller production wines made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, and which reflect a sense of place. Grape varieties for which the Santa Barbara area is known and their international counterparts are the focus. With few exceptions, all American wines are from Santa Barbara County. Wine Enthusiast editors state that “Chef Jason Paluska’s wine friendly foods are inspired by farmers’ markets—smoked pork belly, for example, might come with roasted berries, pickled summer peppers and candied brittle of fat local almonds.” The Lark is the only recipient from Santa Barbara this year, and one of 22 restaurants awarded in California. See the full list here.

J. Wilkes Wines, courtesy photo.

J. Wilkes Wines has opened a new tasting room in downtown Los Olivos at 2963 Grand Ave. The space highlights a distinct wine tasting experience including educational aspects focusing on the region’s unique AVA’s, an entertaining quiz and private Winemaker Office Hours with winemaker Wes Hagen.

The J.Wilkes brand was launched in 2001 by wine industry veteran Jefferson Wilkes and after his passing in 2010, the label was relaunched by the Miller Family, a fifth-generation California farming family, as a tribute to Jefferson’s unwavering love of the region. J. Wilkes, under the guidance of accomplished winemaker Hagen, is dedicated to producing wines from the greatest American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s) on the Central Coast. Their new tasting room and education center in Los Olivos boasts an experience that gives insight into these regions and their wines and provides visitors with information about the area’s AVA’s including Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Paso Robles.

At long last, bottles of Cutler’s spirits are now available for purchase in the tasting room.

Ian Cutler, courtesy photo

You can now come directly to the distillery to purchase your local favorite spirits. Personally, I’m partial to the spicy, cinnamon-tastic, delicious Grandma Tommie’s Apple Pie Liqueur, but Cutler’s Artisan Spirits also has its own Gin, Vodka and 33 Bourbon Whiskey, all of which are high quality and locally produced. (the tasting room and distillery is at 137 Anacapa St., Suite D, in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone).

Some of the fare at Lama Dog and the Nook, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The first two tenants at The Waterline, a commercial mixed-use project at 116-122 Santa Barbara St. in the Funk Zone, have opened for business and both have quickly become local favorites: the Nook by Master Chef Norbert Schulz, and Lama Dog Tap Room and Bottle Shop. Craft beers (and a few wines) paired with fabulous, high quality food is a win-win for the area. Try the House-Made Bratwurst or the Rock Fish Tacos with one of 20 interesting rotating beers on tap.

Ah … it’s a great way to keep that summer feeling going all year long!

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 2, 2016.

Local Dish: Les Marchands Expands Food Offerings

Posted on August 22, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Clockwise: Cheddar- Herb Fries with Dill Crème Fraiche, Couscous Salad, Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad
Photo credit Laura Ray

Best known for having an impressive variety of wines and exceptional wine education classes and special events, Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant has expanded its menu options to include an everyday lunch menu created by Chef Weston Richards.

The lunch menu includes snacks like Pastrami Fries and Cheddar-Herb Fries with Dill Crème Fraiche.

Also available is a Couscous and Tomato Salad with feta, olives, avocado and Moroccan spice, the Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad, and a Cold Fried Chicken Sandwich with blue cheese dressing and house-made pickles served on Helena Avenue Bakery brioche. Chef Weston’s Weekly Cheese and Charcuterie Selections are available for lunch and throughout the day.

Oven Roasted Porchetta, Rosemary Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts and Salsa Verde | Photo Credit Laura Ray

In addition, Les Marchands has added Porchetta Thursdays, featuring a new Porchetta Dinner in addition to the regular menu options.

Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant is located at 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0380.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 21, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Jamming at The Lark

Posted on November 22, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Fall Jams at The Lark, sourced from Chapala Farms, include, L-R, Star Ghost Chili Vodka, Cutler Stagecoach Whiskey and Wilder Gin. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

It takes an awfully inventive mind to look at a jar of jam or marmalade and envision a cocktail, but that’s exactly what those clever folks at The Lark have done, in partnership with Chapala Farms, and the results are quite unique—and delicious!

I tried my first “Jam” over the summer, a delightful concoction of Star Ghost Chili Vodka (made locally by Ascendant Spirits in Buellton) and Chapala Farms Plum Jam. Not only was it yummy, with a nice kick of sweet and spice, I also loved the fact that Chapala Farms is an urban backyard farm venture from locals Jason Banks and Michelle Decaris, located right down the road on Chapala Street.

The Lark’s “Fall Jams” have kicked up the fun even further.

Local “Jam Cocktail” ingredients at The Lark, photo by Macy Kremzar.

You really have to try these cocktails to fully appreciate the unique flavors and textures.

For fall, Star Ghost Chili Vodka is now combined with Chapala Farms Strawberry Passion Fruit Jam for a spicy glass of sweet deliciousness that’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.

We also liked the Cutler Stagecoach Whiskey (from Funk Zone local Ian Cutler‘s Cutler’s Artisan Spirits) with Chapala Farms Cinnamon, Mint, Fig Jam, a perfect holiday libation, as well as the Wilder Gin (from Ventura Spirits Company) and Chapala Farms Tangelo Jam combo.

The genesis of these clever cocktails comes from Buffalo, New York, where following a visit to a family wedding, Acme Operations Manager Dan Russo (The Lark, Lucky Penny, Les Marchands and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective) discovered Jam Cocktails, conceived at Ballyhoo, a popular Buffalo bar owned by Tim Stevens and managed by his nephew, Frank Pusateri. Russo was then

Chef Jason Paluska’s Housemade Charcuterie at The Lark, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

inspired to bring the concept to The Lark’s beverage program and teamed with Decaris and Banks of Chapala Farms to design distinctive summer cocktails made exclusively with local spirits— Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Ventura Spirits and Ascendant Spirits—and a rotating menu of Chapala Farm’s premier jams and marmalades. That tradition has now continued into the fall.

“The flavors from the jams produce a subtle sweetness and tartness that is different from muddling fruits and other methods. And when combined with our Central Coast spirits they make a great … cocktail,” says Russo. All Fall Jam cocktails are priced at $11 are subject to change with seasonal harvests.

The Lark is located at 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 20, 2015.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Aline Smithson at wall space gallery

Posted on November 6, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Lucy in Turquoise by Aline Smithson, courtesy wall space gallery

Artist/photographer Aline Smithson, whose beautiful work graced the cover of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine in spring 2015, will be in town Friday night to show her the work and celebrate the release of her long awaited monograph, Self & Others: Portrait as Autobiography.

Smithson’s roots in traditional painting and portraiture are the background for her latest body of work, Revisiting Beauty. “In the footsteps of classical portraiture, her images filled with vibrant rich color and the simple beauty of the young women sitting before her brings to mind Kusakabe Kimbei’s stunning hand painted portraits of young Japanese women. It is the connection to her subject that her standing out from the often overflowing world of portrait photographers,” says wall space gallery owner Crista Dix.

Lexie Turned by Aline Smithson, courtesy wall space gallery

The gallery will show a selection of highlighted works of Alines’ many portrait series. Arrangement in Green & Black (Portrait of the Photographer’s Mother), Revisiting Beauty and hand painted silver gelatin portraits.

Friday night November 6, from 6 – 8 p.m., Smithson will give an artist talk and sign books.

wall space gallery is located at 116 E. Yanonali St. in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. Open hours: Tu-Sa 11-5, Sun 12-5, and by appointment.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Self & Others by Aline Smithson

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on October 4, 2015.

Local Dish: Nuance

Posted on August 7, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy of Nuance

Chef Courtney Ladin‘s new urban bistro Nuance—located at 119 State St., attached to Hotel Indigo—is a welcome addition to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, serving a mouth-watering menu of globally inspired cuisine and cutting edge cocktails.

Hamachi at Nuance, with cucumber, Hass avocado, a French breakfast radish and Persian lime vinaigrette. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

“I love to have a balance of flavors, so that everything that is on the plate is there for a reason,” says Ladin, when I ask about her menu inspiration for the restaurant, which opened in the spring. “I always knew I loved food,” says the chef, who graduated from Santa Ynez High and UCSB before heading to Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco. She spent the next five years training in Maui, Hawaii working for award winning Chefs Cameron Lewark and Lee Hefter at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Restaurant, as well as at Capische Restaurant under renowned Chefs Christopher Kulis and Brian Etheredge, protégés of Thomas Keller at Bouchon, before returning to Santa Barbara, where she worked as both a private and executive corporate chef.

“It’s so amazing that this opportunity came my way. I love being able to do something that brings happiness to people,” she says. “Being a chef is unlike any career you can possibly imagine. It’s unique and it’s wonderful.”

Just like her food.

Loup de Mer on a delicious bed of English peas, spring onions and shaved fennel, from Nuance. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Everything we tried put us into taste bud heaven, especially the light and lovely Hamachi (featuring cucumber, Hass avocado, a French breakfast radish and Persian lime vinaigrette), the mouthwateringly yummy Loup de Mer (on a delicious bed of English peas, spring onions and shaved fennel) and the Grilled Salmon Creek Farms Pork Chop, a gorgeous concoction of Regier Farms peaches, Swiss chard, Anson Mills polenta, and whole grain mustard sauce—which my husband had to talk me into sharing (Yes, dear, that was a very good call!).

Nuance’s Grilled Salmon Creek Farms Pork Chop, a gorgeous concoction of Regier Farms peaches, Swiss chard, Anson Mills polenta, and whole grain mustard sauce. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Other menu highlights include: Wood Oven Fired Focaccia with fennel seed, dried Calabrian chili and extra virgin olive oil; Beef Tartare, with pickled hon shemiji mushrooms, Fresno chili, mustard greens and hen egg emulsion; and Mary’s Organic Roasted Chicken, with Harissa honey lacquer, sweet corn pudding, fava beans, pickled Fresno chilies and charred baby leeks.

Then there are the desserts. I’m normally a chocolate or nothing advocate, but Ladin’s Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta, made with Straus Family Dairy, local citrus and Madagascar vanilla is enough to make me change my mind. Of course, the Valrhona Coeur de Guanaja Chocolate Ice Cream with dark chocolate sauce and Twenty Four Blackbirds cocoa nibs was also fabulous!

A trio of desserts from Nuance (l-r): Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta, Strawberry Shortcake and Valrhona Coeur de Guanaja Chocolate Ice Cream. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The bar is also a real treat. Ladin developed the food menu first, then worked with consulting Beverage Directors Julian Cox and Nick Meyer (the bartending team behind some of Los Angeles’ hottest bars) to come up with a cocktail program, led locally by Santa Barbara mixologist George Piperis, “that would be great within that space.

Indeed, the bar menu features handcrafted cocktails and artisan spirits that strike a balance between inventive libations (like the Painkiller, made with Pixie Tangerine, fresh pineapple, Pusser’s Naval rum, housemade coconut creme and grated nutmeg; or A Diving Bell, with micro-climate mescal, Plymouth gin, fresh lime, yuzu, caramelized pineapple and falernum cayenne) and classic favorites, like Harry’s Ramos Fizz and the Nuance Old Fashioned. Watching Piperis attack a giant block of ice to get just the right shape off the block was quite entertaining, as was the “bartender’s choice” cocktail he made me, featuring a Penicillin cocktail (usually made with scotch and honey) with mescal.

Cocktails at Nuance (l-f): Nuance Old Fashioned (Michter’s bourbon, gomme syrup, Abbot’s bitter and orange twist) and A Diving Bell (Mescal, Plymouth gin, fresh lime, yuzu, carmelized pineapple and falernum cayenne). Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

“I think that our bar is a beautiful space,” says Ladin, “but it’s also great when you get to kind of pull up and sit there; it’s almost a show.” The open kitchen also adds to that friendly, entertaining vibe. “It’s always a fun environment … and I’ve gotten a couple of comments about how happy my staff seems, so that’s great,” she says.

Your guests are very happy too, Chef Ladin. We’ll definitely be back!

For more information about Nuance, call 805.845-0989 or visit nuancesb.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 6, 2015.

Don’t Miss MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery’s Big Art Party

Posted on September 12, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Untitled, by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Brad Nack, one of the key figures in the Funk Zone art scene, is moving on from his position as curator at MichaelKate Interiors and Art Gallery to become Executive Director of The Santa Barbara Arts Fund, right across the street. In typical Nack fashion, he’s going out with a splash.

Ian Putnam, “The reconstruction,” courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

The gallery is throwing a big art party this Friday night, September 12, from 5-8 p.m., featuring DJ Zac Pike and moderator Ted Mills, along with an impressive line-up of artists whose work the gallery has shown during Nack’s tenure.

The event is free and the artists include:

“BARCELONA,” by Christine Lyones, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Carly Andrews

Christine Lyons

“Bird on a Field of Mixed Greens” by Philip Koplin, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Brad Nack

Tony Askew

Dan Levin

Monika Molnar-Metzenthin

Wayne Hoffman and more!

MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery is located at 132 Santa Barbara St., 805/963-1411.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 11, 2014.

Maxine Helfman at Wall Space Gallery

Posted on September 12, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Maxine Helfman at Wall Space Gallery

Wall Space Gallery features the first solo exhibition of artist Maxine Helfman this week, including two special events: an Artist Reception on Friday September 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. and an Artist Talk – During the Funk Zone Art Walk Saturday September 13, from 2 to 3.30 p.m. The show is titled “Confounding Expectation.”

“In today’s climate of changing cultural and societal shifts, expected norms and ideals are all turned on their head with this extensive body of work challenging us to expand our boundaries of understanding,” says gallery owner Crista Dix. “Maxine Helfman’s work reinterprets classic portraiture, traditional ideas of esthetics and substance. In a collision of the unexpected, these images require the viewer to linger a little longer, to contemplate the ideas behind the work more deeply and question our sensibilities and presumptions of beauty, of our convictions and assumptions of gender, race and class.”

The exhibit, on view through October 26, showcases four unique series:

–Fabrication discusses gender roles and identity. Boys between the ages of 8-12 wearing dresses, in an open display of their unique connection to the frock of their choice.

–Historical Correction takes classic Flemish Portraits and connects us to race, class and gender.

–Geisha talks of expectation, of subservience, where assumptions are made, questioned and left for us to answer.

-The newest series, Summertime, reminds us of the lush southern landscape through incorporated object, yet her portraits engage us in the power and grace inherent of the women who are comfortable in their skin.

Helfman is self-taught, late bloomer. After spending years as a stylist and art director, Helfman realized her vision by getting behind the camera. She has since been shooting commercially for advertising and editorial clients, while pursuing personal projects. Her work has been recognized in PX3, IPA, Foto DC, Flash Forward Boston, Critical Mass, British Journal of Photography, Photo News, as well as the permanent collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Art Houston.

Wall Space Gallery is located at 116 E. Yananoli St. upstairs above AVA Winery.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 11, 2014.

Artist Julie B. Montgomery at MichaelKate

Posted on July 10, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

She’s had her paintings featured on Mad Men, Glee and Scandal, and throughout the U.S. and Europe—now artist Julie B. Montgomery brings her work to MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

Born in Germany and now making her home locally, Montgomery’s paintings are described as “like poetry,” by gallerist Donna Seager. “Her subtle, warm palette of layers added and removed from the canvas, have a power that is felt long before any literal information is taken in. They bring to mind something Jorge Luis Borges said about poetry, ‘I know for a fact that we FEEL the beauty of a poem long before we even begin to think of a meaning.’ These paintings unveil themselves slowly, akin to the work of JMW Turner where the eyes have to adjust before all the subtle detail can be taken in.”

“Encountering Montgomery’s paintings is like staring out across the fog-covered Pacific and seeing the Channel Islands revealed as the ocean mist lifts on a sunny Santa Barbara day. Gazing westward, we know the islands are there, even when they are obscured by haze. Contemplating Montgomery’s art, we know the poetry is there, but the elegant erasures and ellipses force us to look further, to look deeper, to look within, in order to perceive the shifting strata of meaning,” wrote art critic Betty Ann Brown.

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

See the work for yourself. It’s on view at MichaelKate, 132 Santa Barbara St., from July 11 to August 30, with an opening reception on Friday, July 11, from 5-7 p.m. Arts writer Charles Donelan will moderate a discussion that evening with the artist.

The Funk Zone 2nd Saturdays Art Walk is Saturday, July 12 from 1-5 p.m., with art exhibits, live performances and special events all around the Funk Zone. For more information click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 9, 2014.

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Tag Archives: Funk Zone

Enjoy the Holidays at Loquita

“Abstractions, Contractions, Intersections”

Cocktail Corner: Tasty Tidbits

Local Dish: Les Marchands Expands Food Offerings

Cocktail Corner: Jamming at The Lark

Aline Smithson at wall space gallery

Local Dish: Nuance

Don’t Miss MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery’s Big Art Party

Maxine Helfman at Wall Space Gallery

Artist Julie B. Montgomery at MichaelKate

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