Buellton’s community art project is getting bigger

BUELLTON, Calif. - A yearly community art showcase in Buellton is experiencing significant growth.

Artists of all ages are represented.

The community project got its official start in 2022 with a floral theme, this year has been under the sea, and next year is set to be atmospheric.

Submissions are open for local artists of any age to submit their work for Buellton's continuing community art project.

“As we're trying to really get the community to feel connected into built in. The best way to start with that is having community artisans showcase their talent,” says David Silva, Buellton’s mayor.

After the current year's theme, “Exploring the Ocean," artists will be going “Up in the Air" for next year's displays.

“It seems to be growing in the more we like reach out to them, the more they're coming out of the shadows, which is even more encouraging because some of the art that we've had submitted is so stunning,” says Kristin Merz, the project’s organizer.

Since the project's inception, it has grown to include over 80 local artisans from ages 5 to 80, all who live in or near Buellton.

“What is great about the project is, is it takes the artwork that your child did but finds the high art in it and finds the way to make it even better,” says Metz.

The process takes any original piece of art, digitally captures the shape and essence, and images with similar motifs are placed together on banners throughout town. 

“When I was like eight, I was at Sea World and I got chosen to feed the dolphins there. It was a really special experience. So I wanted to remember it.So I decided to do the Dolphin for the art submisson,” says 10-year-old artist Millie Firey, who lives in Buellton.

This year, the community added a new stretch of banners along industrial way, expanding from Highway 246 and avenue of the flags, enabling even more artist work to be included. 

“It's continuing to be this point of pride that a small town can have community art. It’s just not something you see very often, and that's the way that Buellton wants to keep investing in our local community members,” says mayor Silva.

Submissions for next year are open now, through to the end of March, and you can find out how to submit at buellton.art.