Sculpture at the Casa

For the first time in its history, Casa del Herrero has a sculpture exhibition placed throughout the estate’s historic gardens called “Symbiotic — Seven Contemporary Sculptors at Historic Casa del Herrero.” It began July 7 and will be on display until November 24, 2021.

The Casa’s original builders (only the family members ever lived in the home) Carrie and George Fox Steedman were extremely passionate about their new residence with great emphasis on the gardens. Much of the Casa remains frozen in time today which gives it its historic status, but the exhibit gives a connection between two disparate concepts, contemporary and historic.

Casa board president Karen Jones Clark says, “It is really quite compelling to view contemporary works of art against the backdrop of the historic estate. The Casa’s beautiful gardens have become outdoor museum spaces in which to contemplate the fascinating sculptures in the exhibition.”

Those artists participating are Isaac Anguiano, Béla Bácsi, Robert J. Emmons, Pattie Porter Firestone, Victoria Hendler, Joan Rosenberg-Dent, and Lynda Weinman.

 “While historic, the Casa remains alive with the creative legacy of the original owners,” said Casa executive director Jessica Tade. “Through this exhibition, we are collaborating with local artists while continuing to make good on our desire to support the continued vibrancy of the arts in our community.”

Lead sponsors are Karen and Stephen Clark, Marc Normand Gelinas Interior Design, and Francis Morrow. Tickets can be purchased by calling 805-565-5653. The artists are being very generous and donating a percentage of sales to the Casa. If you’ve never been on a Casa tour, now’s the time. If you have, you’ll enjoy the temporary new and different look of the gardens. 

The Casa is located at 1387 East Valley Road in Montecito and is routinely open for public tours with a docent. The house is filled with the original furnishings from the 1920s which date back to the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. It is one of four National Historic Monuments in Santa Barbara that includes the Courthouse, the Mission, and the Rafael Gonzalez House. As a long-time docent, I know you’ll enjoy your visit.