Whale-Focused Exhibits and Programs at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum April 14 to July 31
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Did you know that whales are superheroes? Whales help maintain the stability and health of the ocean and minimize some of the worst impacts of climate change. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) presents a multi-faceted collection of events and programs to inform the community about the many wonders of whales. Kicking off with an unusual immersive experience that allows audiences to see the underwater environment through the eyes of a child, these events and programs range from in-school art and science lessons, children’s and professional’s art exhibits, a new permanent exhibit, and a lecture — all of which are designed to provide something for every member of the community! These related exhibits and programs open at SBMM on April 14, 2022!
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, four exhibits will open to the public beginning April 14, and a free Zoom lecture will take place on April 21. Although their subjects are often similar, each event, artist, and exhibit brings a unique perspective, technique, style, information, and medium to a better understanding of whales and the role they play in mitigating climate change. The various components include:
• “A Whale of a Tale,” a unique multi-sensory immersive experience that highlights the undersea world with life-size reproductions of artwork submitted by local children in grades K-6. This work, combined with the sounds of whales as they sing to each other and dramatic, vivid lighting, recreates the feeling of seeing it all through the eyes of a child. April 14-May 15, 2022.
• Whales Are Superheroes! Saving the Planet One CO2 Molecule at a Time, an exhibit of children’s whale and ocean-related artwork produced in SBMM-led school art and science classes. On display from April 14-July 31, 2022.
• The Wonder of Whales: Two Artists’ Perspectives by John Baran and Kelly Clause, showcases the work of two local artists depicting whales and other marine life in a variety of media. On display from April 14-July 31, 2022.
• Whales Are Superheroes! is a new permanent exhibit that uses creative graphics and incorporates text, images, and drone footage to illustrate how whales help maintain the stability and health of the ocean. Opens April 14.
• “Santa Barbara Channel’s Whales and Their Climate Connection” is a free Zoom webinar presentation by renowned marine biologist Holly Lohuis about whales, their influence on the ecology of the ocean and the Santa Barbara Channel, and the status of the application to have the Channel designated an International Whale Heritage Site. April 21, 2022.
Since 2000, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has featured many artifacts and stories to share the history of the Santa Barbara Channel with more than 40,000 visitors annually and provides year-round experiential maritime history and marine science education for local youth. Featuring the impressive First-Order Fresnel Lighthouse Lens from Point Conception, SBMM's current exhibits explore the History of Oil in Santa Barbara Channel & Chumash Use of Asphaltum, the Honda Disaster, and Wives and Daughters: Keepers of the Light.
SBMM is located at the historic Santa Barbara Harbor at 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara. Visit sbmm.org or call (805) 962-8404 for details.
