The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition Above Your Dreams, a captivating collection of original oil paintings by renowned artist Kevin A. Short. The exhibit, running from February 6, 2025 to May 11, 2025, will showcase Short’s ability to capture the fleeting beauty and power of sunlight through vibrant, impressionist brushstrokes and rich color palettes.
Each piece in Above Your Dreams reflects poignant moments in time that shape and inspire us. Short’s masterful use of light and color brings life to everyday moments, creating a deep connection between viewers and the natural world. This exhibition invites art enthusiasts to explore how the magnetism of light transforms ordinary experiences into extraordinary memories.
“Kevin Short’s work beautifully captures the essence of light in a way that evokes emotion and reflection. His paintings remind us of the simple yet profound beauty in the world around us,” said SBMM Curator Emily Falke. “We are thrilled to showcase his collection, and we know visitors will find a deep connection to these scenes, especially those familiar with the Pacific Coast.”
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Short began his artistic journey with a toy watercolor set and crayons, sketching on butcher paper spread across the kitchen floor. His passion led him to formally study oil painting at the University of New Mexico, Pepperdine University, and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His connection to the Pacific Ocean, fostered through long days spent sailing, fishing, and surfing, profoundly influences his work.
“Above Your dreams is my invitation to all that flashes in the moment – that spectacular dazzling of light and color, which slakes our imagination long after the instant of experience,” said Kevin Short.
Now an internationally recognized artist, Short is celebrated for his contemporary landscapes of the Pacific Coast. He is known for his ability to capture the dynamic beauty of the ocean and its surrounding environment. His paintings celebrate the coastal subcultures and the many hues of the sea, conjuring moments that feel both imagined and deeply personal.
Above Your Dreams promises to be a visual journey that reveals the intimate interplay between sunlight, the ocean, and the emotions they evoke. The exhibit is generously sponsored by George H. and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation; Mimi Michaelis; The June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust; and Wood-Claeyssens Foundation; Jesse D. Baker-Lorelli, Ed.D. and Donald C. Rizzo, Ph.D.
Exhibition Details:
- Dates: February 6, 2025 – May 11, 2025
- Location: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA
- Admission: Included with general museum admission
Join us at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to experience the transformative power of light and the Pacific Coast through the eyes of Kevin A. Short.
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