A colorful celebration of coastal culture, the annual Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival returns to Santa Barbara today and Sunday to showcase jewelry and art inspired by the sea and handmade by artisans from all over the country.
This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with master artisans and additional programing, organizers said.
Renowned sea glass expert Mary T. McCarthy will fly in from the East Coast to attend her fourth consecutive Festival, according to organizers. She will identify attendees’ special finds, judge a Treasure Contest, and speak today about how to determine the age of sea glass and Sunday on sea glass festival winners from contests she has judged around the country.
This year’s event will include an expanded workshop schedule, organizers said. Festivalgoers can learn how to make cyanotypes (photographic prints), sea glass charm bracelets, and wire-wrapped sea glass necklaces. Several sessions of each workshop will be held over the two-day event. Advance registration is encouraged due to space limitations.
“We have nearly 50 artists preparing to dazzle Festival attendees this year. Using sea glass as their medium and the ocean as their muse, they’ve channeled their talents into an incredible display of creativity,” said Marcia McNally, festival co-chair. “The weekend will be packed with hands-on art workshops, expert speakers, live music, a Treasure Contest, and opportunities for attendees to learn more about their own saltwater treasures.”
A portion of proceeds from the festival will benefit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. The museum was selected as this year’s Giving Back Partner for its passion for the coastal community and commitment to maritime culture, said festival organizers.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Tickets are $5 for Sunday admission, $7 for Saturday admission, $10 for a two-day pass, and $15 for Saturday Early Bird admission. They are available for purchase at the door or online at https://www.santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com/buy-tickets-2019.
Parking at the venue is $5, cash only.For more information, ticket purchases, and workshop registration, visit www.santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com.
