New Exhibit Showcases 100 Plein Air Paintings Created by Members of SCAPE

Santa Barbara, Calif. (June 06, 2022) — This spring, artists with the Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment (SCAPE) set their eyes on painting scenes from the California Missions Trail between Carpinteria and Guadalupe. The historic trail represents a journey in time that begins with the footsteps of the Native Americans, traces historical expeditions, and continues today with pilgrims, hikers, and bikers enjoying the richness of the California landscapes and Mission sites. The online exhibition includes the work of local artists using a variety of media to paint inspiring images from one end of Santa Barbara County to the other.

The plein air artists set up easels near the trail to capture images of the landscapes between the three Missions in Santa Barbara County and occasionally of the Missions themselves. “We are thrilled to share images of original artwork using a digital platform,” said Karen Glancy, Exhibit Chair for SCAPE. “This is our first online exhibition in SCAPE’s 20-year history.”

The exhibit, juried by acclaimed artist Marsha Burtt, recognized several artists with awards. Margaret Ricks received the Jurors Choice award; Joan Russell Price received the 1st Place award; Nina Warner received the 2nd Place award, and the 3rd Place award went to Libby Smith. Artists receiving honorable mention awards included Leigh Sparks, Kevin Gleason, Jerry Martin, and Karen Glancy.

From now until July 24, the artwork will be available for sale online, with half of the proceeds supporting non-profit organizations. Beneficiaries include the California Missions Trail Alliance, Los Padres Forest Association, and SCAPE.

“This is a really exciting collaboration between artists and nonprofits,” said Mark Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Trails Council. “Each painting that is purchased and hung on a wall will not only inspire exploration and foster appreciation for the Trail but also help to fund future trail projects.”

The mission of the California Missions Trail Alliance is to promote the iconic 800-mile-long hiking and cycling route that connects urban and rural communities, thereby providing spiritual, recreational, and economic benefits to California residents. Organizations supporting the Alliance include Santa Barbara County Trails Council, California Missions Foundation, California Mission Walkers, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Carpinteria Morning Rotary, and others.

• For more information about the California Missions Trail Alliance, visit https://californiamissionstrail.org/
• For more information about Los Padres Forest Association, visit https://lpforest.org/
• For more information about the Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment (SCAPE), visit https://scape.wildapricot.org/