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In Plain Sight: Public Art in Santa Barbara 
An hour-long documentary about the history and value of art in our City
Nominated for a 2008 Pacific Southwest Regional Emmy Award 

Best Documentary - Cultural
Awards Ceremony June 14, 2008

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Alfred Ramos Martinez Chapel Frescoes at the Santa Barbara Cemetary Marge Dunlap's fountain "It's Raining" near the Andre Clark Bird Refuge
Santa Barbara has a rich tradition of public art, so much so that you might not realize how much surrounds you in your day-to-day life. Whether it's tucked into a hidden Paseo or on the bustling sidewalks of State Street, it is written on the walls and woven into the tapestry of spaces that help to define Santa Barbara as a city. This hour-long documentary follows the history of public art in Santa Barbara, from ancient Chumash cave paintings to modern installations like Herbert Bayer's Chromatic Gate. It also explores a wide variety of murals, sculptures, and fountains throughout the city, while illuminating the often challenging process of getting new pieces approved and installed. You'll meet many local artists who have contributed to Santa Barbara's artistic heritage over the years, and gain insight on their personal methods of creating art for the community. Learn how our diverse cultural history has made Latino Art an important presence in Santa Barbara, and what the future holds for the next generation of public art in our city. In Plain Sight offers a multi-faceted perspective on the value and meaning of permanent and temporary public art in our lives, as it often sparks controversy or presents challenges to the viewer, yet, adds to our quality of life immeasurably.
This project was made possible through the generous support of David and Janine Jacoby through the Jacoby Family Trust and Santa Barbara Beautiful. Additional funding was provided through the City Redevelopment Agency. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Arts Advisory Committee for the City of Santa Barbara and the Visual Art in Public Places (VAPP) Committee in partnership with the County Arts Commission. Residents of Santa Barbara contribute to the Ortega Park murals
nerbert bayer's chromatic gate   This landmark documentary was written and produced by City TV 18, Santa Barbara's Emmy-Award winning Government Access Channel.
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Last Updated May 12, 2008