Santa Barbara County Marks 175 Years with New Artwork Unveiling

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  A new design is making history in Santa Barbara County.

“The county of South Barbara is celebrating our 175th anniversary this year so Santa Barbara County is really special because we are one of the original counties of California in fact September 9, 2025 is 175th year statehood for the state of California," said PIO Kelsey Buttitta of Santa Barbara County.

The winning artwork was created by local artist Aiden Khuiphum through a countywide contest.

“My main design component is the illuminated manuscript motif the gold plant design that inspired me heavily," said Khuiphum.

“To have something beautiful that they can share with their families post on the wall for people to see really recognizes the sacrifices that many people do," said arts commissioner Roman Baratiak of Santa Barbara County.

"This so important to people, and they live on ... framed in people‘s homes ... and on their desk," said executive director Sarah York Rubin of Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture.

County leaders hope it will recognize our community for generations to come.

“My hope is you know to continue making art and working more with the community that I live in," said Khuiphum.

“We now have a resolution that is meant to commemorate incredible individuals in our community that is beautiful, and that just shows the incredible legacy that Santa Barbara County is," said Buttitta.

The new design will be used on ceremonial resolutions honoring people and organizations across the County.

More than artwork, the new design is now a lasting mark in county history.

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