Hello there!

I’m sticking my head out after our winter, just like the gophers in my garden. I’ve got flowers bloomin’ and botanicals bursting all over the place. As I write this, the sun is shining after the rain, my garden is happy and I am back in the studio at last.

Let me tell you what is blooming in my corner of the world.

#1.

I am teaching a cyanotype workshop with White Buffalo Land Trust. Get your creative energy flowing with hands-on Cyanotype printing at the breathtaking Jalama Canyon Ranch! Join us and immerse yourself in the art of sun printing as you create stunning botanical prints using delicate grasses and vibrant wildflowers. Plus, savor a delicious lunch while soaking in the beauty of the season.

Blueprints of Nature

This Saturday March 22, 2025. 9-2 pm.

Space is limited - a few spots left!

Sign Up Here

An “in process” view of a cyanotype developing in the sun!

2.

StoryTellers Exhibit

Dont miss it! Up through March 24th.

Sullivan Goss 11 East Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

A day was spent scouting out the flower fields in Lompoc. We were greeted by a crew of women yelling "gritos" while blasting Mexican Folk music. I thought of the history of the many women who had worked in the fields of California. I found my Califia muse in the flower fields.

30x30”, oil and cold wax by Holli Harmon

#3.

Spring Salon 2025 Sullivan Goss

More is blooming ! March 25- May 26th, 2025.

Matillija Poppies, 20x20, oil and cold wax by Holli Harmon

And on a final note, I have my first grandbabies! Identical twin girls born on Valentines Day.

Charlie ( Charlotte) and Frankie ( Francesca) Harmon, 1 week old….

As always, I’d love to hear about what is blooming in your world. Your replies are cherished!

Holli

Oh my word! I've been bursting at the seams, keeping a secret locked away behind closed doors. It's been a challenge! But now, as the anticipation builds and the countdown to Santa Barbara's Fiesta Centennial begins, I can finally let a few whispers escape about the project.

Picture this: El Presidente, Brian Schwabecher approached me to create a painting for none other than the 100-year anniversary of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta. What an honor, right?

Brian had a clear vision, yet also granted me artistic freedom to bring the image to life with one concession, keeping the secret until the big reveal.

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The Big Reveal!

KEYT 6pm News, Thursday May 9th

Tune in to see Fiesta’s 100th Year Anniversary Poster and painting!

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Here’s a hint, just between you and me. Look for the stars in the painting below.

It brought me so much joy to infuse the rich heritage of our First Nation, the Chumash culture, into the design of the Centennial Fiesta poster. As I reflect on the profound beauty of Santa Barbara's Chumash culture, I am forever grateful to Ernestine De Soto, Santa Barbara’s Chumash elder. I am reminded of the deep connection I share with her as a muse for my project, Portraits of the Central Coast and was thrilled she served as the Grand Marshall in last year’s Fiesta.

Ernestine De Soto, Egg Tempera, 2013, Holli Harmon in the collection of Santa Barbara Natural History Museum

Embedded within the Chumash collective memory is a timeless fable known as the Sugar Bear graciously passed down by Ernestine's mother. This portrait of Ernestine  holds metaphorical significance, and serves as a poignant symbol of the enduring spirit of Ernestine and her people.

In my work, Ernestine and the Chumash community are symbolically represented by the the North Star, also known as Ursa Major. In Latin, it means “greater or larger” bear. Just as this star guides travelers through the darkness, this emblem represents the resilience of the Chumash people and illuminates our collective journey, providing guidance and inspiration along the way.

As I continue to work away in my studio, layering meaning into each brush stroke, I invite you to join me on this journey. Share this email with a friend, follow along on Instagram or Facebook, or better yet, send me a note with your thoughts!

With excitement and anticipation,

Holli Harmon