The ongoing exhibit at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Modern Life: A Global Art World, 1850-1950, was the inspiration for the delightful and fascinating concert Summer Sets/Summer Steps outside on the Museum steps on July 6. Patsy Hicks, Education Director, brought together two-time Grammy winner Ted Nash and his jazz ensemble from New York and the internationally-acclaimed dancer/choreographer Vanessa Isaac and the Vanessa Isaac Dance Company for a unique collaboration.
“We often pair art forms in our programming, always starting with the curator’s vision, the exhibitions and the artworks on view as inspiration. In this case, the exhibition Modern Life: A Global Art World, an exhibition drawn from our permanent collection, invited this kind of collaborative performance resonating with the fast pace, vibrancy of color, energy, and global connections of the modern,” said Hicks.
The performers were enthusiastic to bring Hicks’ vision to life. “I have worked with the Museum for many years and I always welcome their beautiful imaginations for projects and performances that bring together art and music. This was a special one as it involved a third discipline, dance,” said Nash.