Casa del Herrero News

Casa del Herrero – Montecito’s National Historic Landmark – announced last week that an art exhibition at the property, Channing Peake – To Mexico and Beyond, has been extended to Saturday, April 30, 2022. This vibrant exhibition, in collaboration with the Channing Peake Estate, is comprised of several working drawings made by Peake during his many travels to Mexico throughout his life.

 Channing Peake (1910 – 1989) was a preeminent California artist, draftsman, painter, and muralist. Though Peake traveled throughout the American Southwest and Mexico, it was his time as an apprentice at Casa del Herrero (from 1933 – 1934) that provided a solid foundation for his artistic career. “Casa del Herrero afforded Channing the opportunity to go to Mexico for the first time, providing a connection to the country that lasted a lifetime,” said Channing Peake’s widow Cheri Peake. 

According to Casa del Herrero reps, Peake’s artistic signature can be seen throughout the interior of the historic George Washington Smith house, including in the  ceiling panels in the front and first-floor powder room, a stereo niche in the living room, the frieze in the book tower, and in owner George Steedman’s workshop office, as well as charming caricatures of Steedman family members in the south loggia, to name a few. Peake’s work at Casa del Herrero demonstrates the creative partnership with owners George and Carrie Steedman, as well as with their architect.  

Peake traveled to Mexico throughout his life, visiting various regions and documenting daily life. To Mexico and Beyond follows Peake’s trajectory from Casa del Herrero to Mexico, the drawings he produced at this time, and the subsequent mural work he completed upon his return to Santa Barbara. Peake frequently returned over the years, often visiting with his friend and distinguished artist Rufino Tamayo. Peake had also worked with Diego Rivera and was recognized locally through the establishment of the Channing Peake Gallery on the first floor of the Santa Barbara County administration building. The drawings in this exhibition, several of which are on view for the first time, were produced throughout the 1930s and into the 1980s. With street scenes and images of daily life, the drawings document Peake’s travels while revealing his deep appreciation for the people and cultures of Mexico. 

The exhibition can be viewed during docent-led house and garden tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am and 2 pm. Tours can be booked at casadel herrero.com/tours or by calling (805) 565-5653. Casa del Herrero members can view the exhibition during member-only viewings.  

For reservations, email robles@casadelherrero.com. The majority of the exhibition pieces can be purchased with 50% of the proceeds given to support Casa del Herrero. To view and purchase artwork visit charityauction.bid/ToMexicoAndBeyond.