Santa Barbara, CA. May 18, 2023 – The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is pleased to host watercolorist Kelly Clause at an Artist Pop Up on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Clause’s work will be on view and available for purchase on the museum’s patio overlooking the harbor.
Spanning land, sea, and air, the artist’s work is featured on cards, prints, paintings, and murals of all sizes. She depicts marine life—whales, turtles, fish, dolphins, lobsters and more—and plant life, including palms, kelp, and flowers. Whether landscapes, seascapes, or depictions of animals, Clause’s images uniquely express whimsy and her spontaneity.
About the Artist
Born in Santa Barbara, Kelly Clause was raised to love and appreciate the outdoors by her family members who were naturalists, fishermen, and marine biologists,. With a background in international development and elementary education, she works to meld her passion for creativity, education, and the natural world into her work. According to Clause, “Nature cannot be contained, captured, or defined, yet I always find myself wanting to touch it, hold it, recreate it. Saltwater swells and living creatures alike contain a sort of wild mystery that I believe all humanity craves. With spontaneous but deliberate brushstrokes, I endeavor to reflect a balance of wild whimsy and intentional design with my art. My work spills from my insatiable fascination with the natural world, and a desire to inspire a similar curiosity and awe in my viewers.”
Clause’s work (including watercolors and murals) can be seen in galleries and boutiques along the coast, medical facilities, wineries, and restaurants. Additionally, her work is published in international dive magazines, Watercolor Artist magazine, and several local publications. Clause has worked with Burton Snowboards, Ace Rivington, Final Straw, Bluewater Grill, Topa Topa Brewery, Smog City Brewery, Captain Fatty’s Brewery, Simple Fish Wines, and several local nonprofits such as Santa Barbara Channel Keeper and Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute. Learn more about Clause’s work at kellyclause.com/ and on Instagram @kellyclause_art
About the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), which is located in the Waterfront Center Building (formerly the Naval Reserve Building), opened its doors to the public in July 2000, with the unique mission to interpret the rich and diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel. SBMM is an interactive museum – a place where the public can experience maritime culture without leaving the harbor.
Founded by a group of fishermen, divers, and sailors, SBMM provides hands-on learning opportunities for all ages, delving into Santa Barbara’s robust maritime history while highlighting the important role the Santa Barbara Channel plays in our culture and community. From these engaging exhibitions, visitors leave with a love for and better understanding of the Santa Barbara Channel – its abundant marine life, the multiple recreational activities it provides, and the people making a living on its waters. SBMM is located at the historic Santa Barbara Harbor at 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Visit sbmm.org or call (805) 962-8404 for details.