Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara

05/28/2026

Art Gallery: Last chance to see Pinhole Noir by Lindsay Skutch is this Saturday, May 30th! Gallery hours, Saturday, 1-4pm.

Did you miss Lindsay's artist talk? Watch video highlights from Camera Obscura Explained - the Art of Pinhole.

https://youtu.be/qlrJxNSLv4c?si=ZqeJR4IwIgwBLI50

05/26/2026

Another great I Madonnari festival!

We were excited to bring the historic Santa Barbara Lighthouse back to life with chalk art by Lydia Rao. Built in 1856 by George Nagle, the lighthouse was located on the Mesa approximately two miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor. It was famously managed for over 40 years by pioneering female head keeper, Julia Williams.

Although it was destroyed during the 1925 earthquake, an active, unmanned navigation light still shines from the steep bluffs above the Santa Barbara Channel.

05/19/2026

Walking Tours: Do you know a history-loving dad? The kind that obsesses over the Roman Empire or loves to visit historical sites? Someone who is fascinated by historical buildings, stonework, tiles, arches, murals, and secret fountains? Treat your dad or dad friend to an Architectural Walking Tour of Historic Santa Barbara. For the entire month of June 2026, dads tour free with a paying guest.

SABADO TOUR: Saturdays, 10 a.m., Meet at City Hall Steps at De la Guerra Plaza

DOMINGO TOUR: Sundays, 10 a.m., Meet at Santa Barbara Public Library Plaza on Anapamu Street

Reserve your spot at: https://afsb.org/santa-barbara-architecture-walking-tours/
PROMO CODE: DAD2026
(good for 2 free walking tour passes in the month of June 2026)

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05/12/2026

https://www.independent.com/2026/05/11/the-home-page-pink-gelato-and-purple-trees/

Walking Tours: Sarah Sinclair writes about our Sabado tour in her recent real estate column. "We toured De la Guerra Plaza, the Presidio, El Paseo, and several surrounding blocks while our tour guide - the immensely knowledgeable storyteller Betsy J. Green - provided a colorful history."

Plus a pagoda boathouse, a Mountain Drive villa and a westside charmer.

05/07/2026

Last month, we completed our very first Architecture by the Book event! The children designed imaginative homes for animals, inspired by “Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse!”

This activity marked the beginning of our new lecture series for children ages 2–18, designed to inspire young minds by introducing them to the world of architecture. We’re so excited to nurture their creativity, confidence, and big ideas!

04/30/2026

Spring Lecture Series: May 28, 6 - 8 p.m. Author Betsy J. Green - Discover Your Home's History.

Betsy J. Green, local historian and author of The Great House Detective column for the Santa Barbara Independent, is keenly aware of Santa Barbara's built environment, especially the unique expression of each structure, which is like unraveling a mysterious treasure hunt or jigsaw puzzle.

Santa Barbara's story is in large part told by uncovering the fascinating details of each structure and home that forms the city's neighborhoods and overall character. Knowing your home's history can even help attract prospective buyers and make your house stand out.

"There's more and more information available online all the time -- it's a great time to be a home history hunter!" says Betsy.

From reviewing old phone books, maps and building permits, to exploring genealogy websites, Betsy will share her "tips and tricks" for becoming your own house detective. Audience members are invited to bring questions about their home for Betsy to tackle in real time.

To register, contact AFSB at [email protected]
(suggested donation $20)

04/30/2026

Spring Lecture Series: May 21, 6-8 p.m. Author Cheri Rae - Santa Barbara's 1960s Highrise Battle, What Would Pearl Chase Do Now?

Cheri Rae, Santa Barbara preservation activist, author, and award-winning columnist, will discuss how balanced housing development was achieved in the 1960s and can inspire ways to move forward today in a Santa Barbara way.

Back in the late 1960s, a 9-story, 107-foot, two-tower condominium project was proposed along the El Mirasol block that would have changed Santa Barbara forever. Thankfully, Pearl Chase organized community activists and raised funds to "Save Our City," successfully suing the City to prevent the outsized project. This grassroots campaign led to a ballot measure that instituted height limits in Santa Barbara, and the site proposed for the towers became the "crown jewel" of our city's parks, Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden.

Today, we are facing similar issues of overdevelopment. Recently enacted California housing laws streamline development by limiting local discretion, reducing community input, and enabling taller, denser projects near transit. These measures are enabling developers to propose out-of-scale projects, which is causing great community concern.

Cheri will discuss the 1960s era community initiative to "keep Santa Barbara Santa Barbara," then lead an audience discussion about what Pearl would do now and how we can follow in her footsteps.

To register, contact AFSB at [email protected]
(suggested donation $20)

04/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2026 Kids Draw Architecture Sketch Session on Sunday! This year's featured landmark was Historic Riviera Park. Special thanks to the Yardi Family and Island View Preschool for allowing us access to this beautiful spot.

03/26/2026

Join us at Riviera Park on Sunday, April 19th, 1 - 3pm, for the Kids Draw Architecture 2026 Sketch Session. It's free and sketching materials are provided!

02/19/2026

Join us this Saturday, February 21st at 2pm for a special Printmakers Panel and Q&A. Topic: When Is A Print No Longer A Print. AFSB Art Gallery, 229 East Victoria Street, Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Printmakers to discuss at February 21 panel.

01/27/2026

Registration Open! 35th Annual High School Architectural Design Competition. No entry fee, cash prizes to finalists, open to 9th - 12th graders in Santa Barbara County.

Do you know a high school student with an interest in design, architecture or art? AFSB's annual design competition is being held on February 24, 2026, at two locations: Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara. Twelve finalists will compete in a Juried Review on February 28th in Solvang.

For more information or to register go to https://afsb.org/programs/high-school-design-competition/