Did you know there are more than 100 murals and other artworks scattered throughout Santa Barbara? From historic murals dating back to the 1930s to mid-century modern gems and the vibrant street adorning today’s Funk Zone, the city functions as a kind of outdoor museum — no entry fee required. And now, thanks to a new initiative from Santa Barbara Beautiful (SBB) and the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative (SBAC), there’s finally an easy way to explore them all.
A new digital tool — the Santa Barbara Public Art Map — offers an engaging look into the city’s collection of public murals and artworks. Complete with photos, locations, artist info, and clickable links to many of the artists’ websites, this interactive Google map celebrates the city’s creative spirit while making it all more accessible to experience in person.
The idea took shape after SBB’s Annual Awards ceremony last fall, when Nathan Vonk — owner of Sullivan Goss Gallery and longtime board member of the SBAC — learned that SBB board member and fine artist Melinda Mettler had quietly documented every public-facing mural in the city.