Alma Rosa Winery, a leading Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône variety wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, announced today that the winery’s sixth annual Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraising walk raised a total of $256,285, surpassing previous walks in both attendance and funds raised, and bringing the total amount raised to date to over $1.2 million. All proceeds raised benefit One Mind and Santa Barbara County’s Mental Wellness Center.

Alma Rosa Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich launched the annual Peace of Mind fundraising walk in 2020 to support community services for mental health, as well as research on the causes, treatment, and potential cures for mental health diseases. On Saturday, May 17, around 275 participants gathered at the base of Alma Rosa’s 628-acre estate to participate in this year’s 10,000-step, approximately 4.5-mile walk across the hillside vineyards. Participants were greeted at registration with juice from Pressed Juicery, coffee from Starbucks in Buellton, and brain booster performance shots from Magic Mind, three of Peace of Mind’s official event sponsors.

Adding to the excitement, the Santa Barbara Rotary Club hosted a raffle offering attendees who registered as a group of five or more people the opportunity to win two free wine-tasting parties at Alma Rosa Winery. The event began with personal and inspiring speeches about the importance of mental health awareness and support from Alma Rosa General Manager Emeritus Debra Eagle, One Mind’s co-founder and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Brandon Staglin and Mental Wellness Center’s CEO Annmarie Cameron.

“Each year, we’re moved by the growing support for Peace of Mind and its meaningful impact on mental health awareness and care in the Santa Barbara County community,” said Bob Zorich. “To surpass $1 million raised is an important milestone for this 6-year-old effort. Thanks to the compassion, generosity, and unwavering spirit of our participants, partners, and sponsors, we are growing awareness and reducing the stigma while supporting mental health research and care in our community.”

While completing the course, walkers were fueled by complimentary snacks and beverages from Peace of Mind sponsors, including bars from David Protein, LMNT’s electrolyte drink mix packets, Leisure Project’s non-carbonated electrolyte refreshers, Culture POP’s probiotic sodas and water provided by Suzy Zimmerman State Farm Insurance. Sunscreen was provided by Vacation Sunscreen. At the summit of the Attente block, the highest point of the estate, participants enjoyed a splash of the Alma Rosa Brut Rosé before returning to the winery’s historic Ranch House nestled amid ancient oak trees for an intimate reception featuring a tasting of the latest releases from Alma Rosa’s Winemaker Samra Morris, as well as from other local wineries including The Hilt Estate, Peake Ranch Winery, Sanford Winery and Clementine Carter Wines. The reception also featured live music by local Santa Barbara duo Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, along with food available for purchase from Santa Barbara Food Connection. Richard Sanford, Alma Rosa Winery’s original founder, current winery ambassador and pioneering Central Coast vintner, was also present during the reception to mingle with guests.

The Zorich’s support of the walk is a part of their ongoing efforts to support mental health research, awareness and care in Houston and across the country. The winery is grateful to have received generous corporate donations from Rio Vista Chevrolet in Buellton, Wine Direct, The Towbes Group, CenCal Health, Acme Hospitality, Montecito Bank & Trust, SCI Specialty Construction, Garcia Architects, 1st Century Bank, C&D, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Sister Cities/Rotary Club. Over the last six years, the winery has raised over $1.2 million for One Mind and Santa Barbara County’s Mental Wellness Center.

For more information about Alma Rosa’s commitment to mental health awareness and support, please visit www.almarosawinery.com/peace-of-mind.

About Alma Rosa Winery

Alma Rosa Winery, a leading wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills, is dedicated to making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône variety wines that express the unique terroir of the appellation. Alma Rosa’s wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, reflecting the cool climate impact of the Pacific Ocean breezes that are funneled through the east-west transverse mountain range of the region. The winery was founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, who was the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971. Today, the winery is owned by Bob and Barb Zorich, who purchased the winery in 2014. In 2019, Samra Morris took the helm as winemaker and redirected the trajectory of the wines to be amongst the best in California.

For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit almarosawinery.com.

About One Mind™

One Mind is at the forefront of a transformative movement in mental health, delivering innovative solutions to address critical gaps in mental health research, care, workplace wellness, and public perception. Guided by science and lived experience, we fund groundbreaking research, accelerate innovation, enhance workplace wellness, and engage the public to reshape mental health care and awareness. With science as our cornerstone, and people at the heart of what we do, our programs are setting new standards for effective interventions and redefining the future of mental health.

About Mental Wellness Center

With 78 years of service to the Santa Barbara community, Mental Wellness Center has been the leading provider of mental health support to adults, families, and youth. The organization instructs in mental health education to nearly 5,000 local students, operates a residential services program which is home to community members in seven residential sites, and serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness through support groups and social connection programs like its onsite recovery day program that sees hundreds of individuals, both housed and unhoused, living with severe mental illness.

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Fossemalle Dance Studio welcomes Hannah McNany as a new ballet teacher to their staff of dance teachers and choreographers. McNany has been dancing since she was 3 years old, ultimately receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance and completing a four-year satellite program with the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England.

Additionally, McNany’s ballet background includes training with the Santa Clarita Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Ballet Met, performing with Peter & Co., and Quicksilver Dance, along with many others. She is also a SAG/AFTRA member and has appeared in many commercials, movies, and TV series.

McNany initially reached out to Christine Fossemalle, the owner of Fossemalle Dance Studio, about taking an adult ballet class. She took her class, and Fossemalle immediately recognized McNany’s technique and skills and ultimately asked if she would be interested in teaching ballet at her studio.

“With my 40-plus years of experience observing dancers along with my extensive training, I could tell
that Miss Hannah’s technique and skills were there from the very first barre exercises; then moving to
the center, as we say in ballet terminology, her knowledge and artistry continued to please and
encourage my thoughts towards having her watch my classes first and then come and teach for me,”
said Fossemalle. “That was our evolution, and the outcome was positive, and I am delighted
she is joining our team of dedicated teachers.”

Dance has been a part of McNany’s DNA from childhood.

“I started dance lessons at the age of 3 in Alabama, where I was born,” said McNany. “Both my parents are from the United Kingdom and immigrated to the United States in 1981. My dad is a rocket scientist and was the head of propulsion for JPL, which is what brought us to California when I was 7 years old. My mother is retired from Cunard Cruise Lines, so as a youth I was able to do a lot of traveling.”

After arriving in California, McNany continued her dance by taking classes at the Santa Clarita Ballet Academy and studied there through her grade school and high school years.

“I knew I wanted to get a degree, so I attended San Jose State and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance,” she said. “In my last year of college, one of my professors, Gary Masters, offered me a place in the Limón technique-based dance company, San Jose Dance Company. I stayed with them for quite a few years, then moved to San Francisco and started freelancing as a dancer.”

McNany toured with a number of different companies in San Francisco while continuing to teach ballet.

“I wanted to become a teacher in classical ballet teaching studies, so I enrolled in the Royal Academy of
Dance (R.A.D.) in London, England, and completed their four-year satellite program,” she said.

In the meantime, she continued teaching, got married to her husband, Colin, who was a winemaker in the Santa Cruz Mountains, moved to Manhattan Beach, and had two children.

“Since my husband was originally from Southern California, we used to visit his cousin in the Santa Ynez
Valley for family celebrations, and we fell in love with the region,” said McNany. “In 2019, we started our own wine brand, Marbeso, in Buellton. After years of commuting, we decided to move the family to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2023.”

She said they found the perfect house, built in 1883, in Los Alamos. The building originally sat on the Alisal and was moved to Los Alamos, the home being the second oldest in the town.

“Now that my son is almost school age, I was ready to get back to teaching ballet, and I look forward to
working with Christine in the fall,” McNany said. “I will be teaching six classes of various ages, groups, and levels.”

Fossemalle said McNany will be teaching some of her longtime students at the studio.

“For ballet, it is important and beneficial to have another set of eyes that compliments and broadens the training, both technically and artistically,” said Fossemalle. “Miss Hannah will bring our students her ballet expertise, her extended experience as a teacher and performer, and her desire to share her knowledge with the next generation.”

“I am very happy to share my students, both newcomers and current, with Miss Hannah, as she seems as passionate as I am about dance. Hannah will provide and ensure excellence in the field of ballet for newcomers as well as experienced dancers.”

McNany is equally pleased to be instructing at the studio.

“I am very much looking forward to teaching at the Fossemalle Dance Studio and passing along my
passion and knowledge of ballet with the students of the Valley,” she said.

Classes start on Sept. 2. They encourage early fall registration as their enrollment is limited to 10 to 12 students per class to provide the best possible attention to detail required for the Art of Dance.

Fossemalle Dance Studio is at 3595 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. For more information, call (805) 688-8494 or visit www.fossemalledancestudio.com

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Susan Farber, the owner of Sol Aromatics, is a natural perfumer and certified aroma therapist as well as a licensed marriage family therapist.

She has been making natural perfumes with ingredients and distillers sourced from all over the world, along with materials she grows in her own aromatic garden. She has been teaching workshops since 2016, but she has been making perfumes since she was 8 years old.

“My mother gave me a perfume kit, and as an only child, I played with it for hours,” she said. “That’s when I got really obsessed with the smell of violets.”

Among the variety of flowers and herbs she grows in her garden at home, she says that her favorite scent is still violets.

“I’ve always been a creative person and was always encouraged by my parents,” she said. “My father was a professional studio singer and my mother owned a plant store and had a green thumb.”

Farber’s studio is filled with an amazing number of bottled scents sitting on shelves, in closets, and in other areas around her home.

“I do my own extractions, bottle them, and use them in my natural perfume workshops,” said Farber, displaying her collection.

She says her passion blossomed when she moved to the Valley 11 years ago. She attended an event at the former C Gallery in Los Alamos to have a custom perfume made by perfumer Sarah Horowitz. She fell in love with the process and asked Horowitz where she could learn how to make perfume.

“Her studio was in Thousand Oaks, which I attended, and I asked her where I could learn how to make natural perfumes, not synthetic, and she recommended Mandy Aftel, who interestingly enough was a psychotherapist as well,” she said. “I went to her workshops in Berkeley and started teaching a modification of her workshop, which has evolved over the years. During the pandemic, I studied over the internet under an Israeli perfumer, Ayala Moriel. I studied with her for three years, with people from all over the world. In her workshops, I learned about tincturing, old-world perfume practices, and fragrance families. I learned how to make perfumes of different fragrance families. She also taught me how to create a natural version match of a famous perfume. This is one way perfumers learn to improve and develop their skills.”

She soon became passionate about obtaining essences from distillers from all over the world and also finding new materials to tincture.

“I also make natural incense,” Farber said. “I made one called ‘Open Your Heart’ after a breakup to open my heart again. I use incense and essences to create a positive mind and healing space in my psychotherapy practice.”

Farber is now passing her expertise to others.

“I’ve been doing workshops since 2016,” she said. “The experience of making your own perfume is designed to awaken your sensorial creativity and to stir olfactory memory. Our sense of smell is deeply connected to emotion and memory, making scent a powerful way to honor meaningful bonds. You work with a curated palette of natural essences to craft a personalized perfume — one that reflects your memories, inspirations, and connections.”

Describing a fulfilling experience she had in one of her workshops, Farber related a Mother’s Day story.

“In one of my previous Mother’s Day workshops, I had three generations of women from one family attend,” she said. “They co-created a single perfume together, not three individual scents. It was a moment when all three generations came together as a unit and created something that each of them loved and shared. That is such a powerful experience as a psychotherapist.”

Farber has workshops at different locations around the Santa Ynez Valley.

“I’ve held yearly workshops at the California Nature Museum since 2017. At one of these workshops, which was in conjunction with a Yosemite photographic exhibition, I incorporated conifer oils and found a distiller of Yosemite pine needles and incorporated his oils into the workshop. It brought to life the entire experience,” she said. “I’ve also given workshops at the Windmill Nursery, and I held a Mother’s Day workshop at the Strange Family Tasting Room in Los Olivos. I will be holding a workshop at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm on Saturday, June 21.

“I take special care sourcing high-end oils and I evaluate them. I source exquisite oils to provide the best aromatic experience for attendees. Please don’t wear perfume to the workshops. At these hour-long workshops, the attendees will receive an informative booklet about perfume making, your personal perfume recipe, and a vial of your perfume to take home.”

Last December, Farber opened an e-commerce store to sell her perfume and incenses and for private perfume-making experiences such as birthdays, bridal showers, and bachelorette parties, to name a few. 

“At the heart of Sol Aromatics is an appreciation for the sense of smell and its ability to evoke memory, stir emotion, and foster positive states of being,” she said.

For more information on her upcoming workshop at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm on June 21, or for more information, call (805) 886-5538, email SolAromatics@gmail.com or visit SolAromatics.com

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Solvang Theaterfest kicked off with style on Memorial Day weekend with the iconic sounds of Pablo Cruise heard at the venue during it’s May 24 concert, and there are more shows on the way.

“This Memorial Day weekend concert is a perfect opportunity to kick off the summer with great music and even better company,” said Chantel Green, executive director of Solvang Theaterfest before the Pablo Cruise performance. “It’s one of many highlights in our already packed season.”

Following a successful start to the season, Theaterfest’s “Music in the Garden” series continues with intimate Sunday afternoon shows featuring local and touring talent across a variety of genres, including:

• Doublewide Kings – Roadhouse Rock & Roll, June 8
• Jeffrey East – Nashville-Inspired Soul, June 22
• The Storytellers – Americana Roots, July 13
• Left On Tenth – Indie, Funk, Reggae, Rock, July 20
• The Molly Ringwald Project – Totally ’80s, Totally Awesome, July 27
• Doctor Wu – A Steely Dan Tribute, August 10
• Soul Majestic – Soulful Reggae Vibes, August 24

The season continues with exciting fall performances, including Mat Kearney on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen & The Works on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for more exciting shows coming soon, including comedian Orny Adams on Sept. 13 — tickets available June 3.

In addition, PCPA’s summer productions will be lighting up the stage at the Solvang Festival Theater from June 19 to Sept. 7 with performances showcasing the incredible talent of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Be sure to check their schedule at pcpa.org for upcoming shows that are sure to impress!

Solvang Theaterfest is also proud to introduce Lacie Stricklin as its new House Manager. Lacie continues to run the Valley Glee and Junior Theater programs through Arts Outreach, bringing the next generation of theater talent into the community. A proud descendant of one of the original settling families of Lompoc, Lacie’s deep ties to the Santa Ynez Valley are matched by her passion for nurturing young performers and cultivating creative expression. Her ongoing dedication to the youth arts in the area makes her an invaluable member of the Solvang Theaterfest team.

Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Linda Preston, a returning house manager with over 25 years of volunteer service to the theater. This is her second year back in the house manager role after a dedicated history of supporting the theater’s events and operations. Linda’s wealth of experience and ongoing commitment to Solvang Theaterfest make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful to have her continue her work with us. Linda’s involvement is a testament to the dedicated volunteers in our Red Coats program, who help ensure that every show runs smoothly and that our guests enjoy a memorable experience.

For tickets, full calendar details, and volunteer opportunities, visit SolvangTheaterfest.org.

About Solvang Theaterfest

Solvang Theaterfest is a nonprofit organization that celebrates community, creativity, and live performance in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a 700-seat outdoor venue, the theater hosts a variety of performances and events, offering memorable experiences under the stars.

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Interior designer and artist Patti Baldiviez had the idea of bringing a group of fellow artists together with the purpose of setting aside a creative space in which they would make time for their art and encourage each other to improve their skills and share techniques and ideas in a very collaborative setting. 

“Our group was formed almost two years ago out of a need to support other artists’ practices here in the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Baldiviez. “We came together really quickly with this strong intention in mind. I mentioned it to a couple of acquaintances that I knew were artists to see if there was an interest in forming a group, and each of them jumped at the idea. The accountability and support of a group can really create an inspirational and productive environment in which to thrive.”

The group meets on Monday mornings for three hours. They are Baldiviez, Linda Small, Christine DiPego, Susan Buchanan, and Karen Young. They come from different backgrounds and get together to honor their art practice. Each of them brings a different artistic background and style. 

“As in art, there is no uniformity to our individual styles. We can all say we have been artists all of our lives,” said Baldiviez. “Each of us participating in our art group has had a life-long passion of including art in everyday life. One of our members said it best, ‘There was no back up plan for my life. It was art or it was nothing.'”

The group’s meeting is definitely a collaborative effort.

“Each time we meet, we bring what we want to work on that day. Generally, we work on watercolor, small acrylic paintings, and all forms of mixed media. We specifically bring anything that is easy to transport and somewhat quick to dry, so it can be transported back home at the end of our art session,” said Baldiviez. “We discuss ideas and offer each other input, share art books and techniques. We have also worked on collaborative pieces, where one of us starts a piece, usually on watercolor paper, and each week another one of us takes it home to add to it. We pass it along until each one of us has added our unique artistic input, in our own style, using whatever medium we choose, and then we have a completed art piece.

“For our summer project, we have started gathering things that would be conducive to making our own brushes as a group endeavor. This type of brush is considered a mark-making brush, and the beauty of the brush comes from driftwood collected at our Central Coast beaches.  We then create a brush tip that can be used to create different effects in our art.”

Finding a space to meet every week has been difficult, but that has not deterred them.

“It has been difficult to find a space to meet every week, so we have been careful to keep our group small for this reason,” Baldiviez said. “Initially we met at the Mission for a couple of sessions, but unpredictable weather and wind made that hard to continue outdoors. Next we moved to one member’s home, who had a beautiful working space on an open veranda, but that became a lot for one member to be the weekly host in her home. For the last year, we have found another local meeting place that has worked out beautifully, for now. Unfortunately, the space would not be sufficient if the group were to expand, but we would welcome more artists if we had a larger space.”

Several members of the group are currently showcasing their art at CrossHatch Winery in Santa Ynez.

“Michelle Vautier, the owner, has been gracious enough to plan two artist receptions for us since the start of the gallery show,” Baldiviez said. “Bringing art and wine together has created an experience for local visitors who come to her relaxing venue in the heart of Santa Ynez. There are three of us from our group displaying works there that include mixed media, oil painting, and photography.

“In addition, two artists from Santa Barbara are currently showing mixed media and acrylic works on canvas. Michelle has been so supportive of local artists and has said that art is one of the foundations of Crosshatch, as evident in her wine labels. I encourage people to get in to enjoy this eclectic art show soon, as it will be changing again sometime early summer.”

Baldiviez said the members of the group enjoy creating something with peers.

“Being a part of an art group is a valuable experience, especially if one is serious about sharing their passion for art making,” Baldiviez said. “In a group setting, that passion can be manifested and supported in so many ways. Getting our pieces out into the community is a very vulnerable experience, but as we encourage each other, we are able to make the experience a positive one, and our art gets out into our community and beyond.”

CrossHatch Winery is at 1090 Edison St. #104, Santa Ynez.

For more information, email Pbidsales@gmail.com

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A multi-sensory community gathering called “Seduction of the Senses” was held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 8, at the Strange Family Tasting Room in Los Olivos.

This unique event showcased the collaborative efforts of three local professions: Chef Brittany Rice, artist Michelle Feldman, and apothecary Cassaundra Einolander. The evening was designed to captivate and delight all of the senses. Set within the aesthetically captivating Strange Family Tasting Room, guests enjoyed an evening exploring a multitude of senses. Along with wine tasting and mocktail delights, still-life paintings of Feldman were on exhibit, and small bites by Rice, of Rustik Farm Co., enhanced the taste dimension accompanied by four of the Strange Family’s finest wines. Additionally, Einolander, of Goat Barn Apothecary, presented a selection of herbal remedies and body care.

“I initiated this collaboration, envisioning a holistic sensory experience in an inviting environment for everyone to enjoy,” said Feldman. “This evening promises to be an enchanting journey through taste, smell, feel, and sight.”

Feldman describes what inspired her to form this collaboration.

“When I first entered the Strange Family Tasting Room, I was immediately struck by how closely its atmosphere resonated with my still-life artwork. The jewel tones and classic ambiance perfectly complemented my still-life style. I was so inspired by the space that I created still-life oil paintings of objects in the tasting room that will be displayed the evening of the event,” said Feldman. 

“The tasting room permanently features a diverse range of art in a salon-style display, aligning well with my genre,” she continued. “I was thrilled when they agreed to showcase my work and saw an opportunity to curate a larger event that would involve our greater artistic community. From the outset, the tasting room manager, Nicole Nalius, emphasized the importance of the space as a community gathering place. This inspired me to collaborate with other vendors to enhance the sensory experience.”

Feldman said the different senses blend together perfectly in her event.

“I believe viewing art as well as tasting wine are profound sensory experiences, essential for human exploration,” she said. “When you compliment those with additional experiences, they only heighten each other.”

Feldman also praised her partners in this undertaking.

“Bringing in chef Brittany Rice to do the food was an easy fit. Her expertise as the winemaker at Sunstone gives her the unique qualification to create a special food-wine pairing,” she said. “I was also looking to bring in a vendor that explores body care and touch and I was thrilled Cassaundra Einolander from Goat Barn Apothecary, could join. Cassaundra is also a chef and an artist, and she understands the importance of well-being and quality products. Her locally grown and handcrafted herbal wellness products are carefully formulated for an enhanced lifestyle. 

“Everything for this event fell easily into place. The community is encouraged to gather during our event. There is no pressure to purchase anything. My hope is that it brings the sensation of joy and good feelings to everyone in attendance.” 

Feldman is an accomplished artist who studied the fundamentals of oil painting through the lens of classical realism, focusing on still life, while cultivating a unique style that showcases her passion for paper, text, and the interplay of light and shadow. She views art as an immersive experience that engages the senses, evoking sight, memory, and emotion. 

Rice combines culinary mastery with a deep understanding of agriculture wellness, creating a sensory experience that delights the palate.

Goat Barn Apothecary is located on a small family homestead atop Figueroa Mountain. All of its herbs are either organically grown in its garden or sustainably wild-harvested from the family land, carefully hand-processed in small batches to create nourishing wellness products.

The Strange Family Tasting Room features botanical décor and a warm vibe, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation, conversation, and enjoyment. 

This event was free to attend, with a limited number of food and wine pairings, that could be purchased in advance by contacting the tasting room at (805) 315-3662.

For more details, visit Michelle Juliet Feldman at www.michellejuliet.com, on Instagram, and Facebook;  Rustik Chef  at www.rustikchef.com, on Instagram and Facebook; Cassaundra Einolander on Instagram @goat_barn_apothecary; and Strange Family Vineyards at www.strangefamilyvineyards.com

For more information, visit michelle@thegivingink.com or email hello@thegivingink.com 

The Strange Family Tasting Room is at 2933 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

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Several years ago, the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce put a call out to artists in the Valley to paint a series of wooden horses that would be displayed throughout Santa Ynez. The call was answered, and many local artists painted large wooden horses, which can be seen at various locations throughout the township. 

One of the artists was Maryvonne LaParliere, who specializes in decorative painting, intricate hand-painted furnishings and décor, murals, trompe l’oeil, and fine and decorative art. She painted a colorful scene of the surrounding environs. It was displayed on the corner of Edison Street and Highway 246. Then in August 2023, it was stolen. This was the second piece of art she’d had stolen, the first being a mural she’d painted for Santa Barbara.

“I reported the theft to the police and put the information on all manner of social media, but it was never located, nor was the thief,” said LaParliere. “By October I had heard nothing back, so I sent a letter to Linda Small, the executive director of the Chamber, as well as to every board member to express my disappointment, as I was still upset about the matter. Heather Bedford, the owner of Inkings, sent me a nice letter offering her horse to me. She had requested a horse to paint herself but had never gotten around to it, so she offered it to me to paint in compensation.” 

LaParliere painted it over the course of a year, here and there, whenever she had time, using high-end professional acrylic paint with three coats of primer and two coats of varnish to protect it from the elements.

In March, she received a call from Small asking how the project was coming along. Although LaParliere had just finished the piece, she was hesitant to donate it again. She wanted to make sure that it would be on display in a safe place.

“I wrote to Krissy Castillo, director of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, my thought being to donate it to the museum, but she was on leave,” LaParliere said. “In March, she emailed me about the unveiling of my new horse on their patio, behind the wrought iron gate.”

An unveiling of the newly painted and donated “town horse” was held at the annual meeting of the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce on March 20 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. The horse now resides outside the Carriage House in the patio section of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum so passersby can see it in all its glory,and remain safe. Many of LaParliere’s art pieces are also in the homes of well-known celebrities.

“I was so happy to donate the horse, which I call ‘Lucky One,’ to the Museum and Carriage House,” said LaParliere.“Horse and Carriage, it’s perfect and protected.”

The Chamber was also happy to have another piece of art in the museum.

“The Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce is so pleased that we’ve been able to facilitate this donation of Maryvonne LaParliere’s beautiful pony ‘Lucky One’ to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.  It seems fitting to have had the pony unveiling at our Chamber’s Annual Meeting of Members,” said Small.

LaParliere is presently working on recreating one of Hans Christian Andersen’s papirklip pieces on a pillar upstairs in the newly reopened Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

For more information, visit laparliere.com, mv@laparliere.com or call (434) 962-3407.

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As the spring hits its peak, the Rancheros Visitadores will continue their annual tradition of parading through the streets of Solvang to old Mission Santa Inés on Saturday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m. Community members will gather to witness a blessing of the riders and a check presentation to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. More than 750 Rancheros from 37 states and six countries typically gather for this annual event.

Since 2012, in conjunction with their annual ride, the Rancheros Visitadores, in partnership with Wrangler, have raised funds for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. As the largest contributor to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara funds a variety of research and supportive care programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, both in Santa Barbara and Solvang, to help residents on their journey with, through and beyond cancer.

Starting under the initiative and leadership of member Steve Beneto, Rancheros Visitadores have donated more than $1.73M to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara over the last 12 years. This year the Rancheros Visitadores raised more than $200K, breaking previous annual fundraising records on their way to surpassing $2M by May of 2027. Steve Beneto believed deeply that Rancheros Vistadores should support the Santa Ynez community that has been so welcoming to the annual parade and ride. 

Corky Ullman, El Presidente of the Rancheros Visitadores, explains, “Many of our members know first-hand the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings. Our collaboration with the Cancer Foundation ensures our local members, their family, friends and neighbors have access to a host of services to support them during their diagnosis, treatment andrecovery. We are pleased to support this community that welcomes us back each year.”

“Our partnership with the Rancheros Visitadores provides important funding for programs such as oncology nutrition, genetic counseling, and oncology social work both in Solvang and Santa Barbara. The donations from the members of the Rancheros Visitadores are critical to helping patients navigate a period of uncertainty in their lives, often helping them to reduce stress, manage side effects and focus on healing,” shares Lori Willis, Executive Director of the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara is tremendously appreciative for the continued support of the Rancheros Visitadores and looks forward to furthering our shared goal of making a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients in Santa Barbara County. 

About the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara 

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara works to deliver superior cancer care to everyone in Santa Barbara County and provides significant philanthropic support to the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. To learn more, visit the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara at cfsb.org. 

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The City of Buellton continues its year-long community art project, “Exploring the Ocean,” with April’s featured artwork now on display. Sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, this month’s selection includes vibrant pieces by local artists Lauren O., Alex H., and Olivia Uribe.

To view their original creations, visit: buellton.art/2025-april-ocean-art-feature.

This initiative is part of Buellton’s Art & Culture Program in partnership with the California Nature Art Museum, made possible through monthly sponsorships and strong community support.

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Kristine Kelly’s passion for art has been a lifelong pursuit, and in 2016, she began creating landscapes using fused glass, a technique she quickly fell in love with. Through classes with outstanding instructors, Kristine was able to explore various styles and methods, each instructor leaving a unique mark on her work. She thrives on experimenting with new techniques and adding her personal touch, creating vibrant, dynamic pieces that blend the precision of glasswork with the fluidity of landscape painting.

The public is invited to view the exhibition and meet the artist at her reception on Saturday, May 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. Thiswill be a great opportunity to learn more about Kristine’s creative process and explore the intricate beauty of her glass art.

The Cypress Gallery is located at 119 East Cypress Ave. in Lompoc, directly across from the Lompoc Museum. The Lompoc Valley Arts Association (LVAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to the arts in the Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley. The LVAA hosts a variety of arts programs and events that support local artists while benefiting the community.

For more information on the arts in the area, visit lompocart.org, and don’t forget to Like their Facebook page, “Cypress Gallery.”

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