The painting for the Santa Barbara 2024 Centennial Fiesta Poster is titled Four Nations, One Spirit after El Presidente, Brian Schwabecher’s theme for the 100 year Anniversary of Fiesta in Santa Barbara. In this painting, I've sought to capture the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped California's history.
Each element was designed to illuminate the four cultures that create our Santa Barbara history. Fiesta is an event that was built around this history. This 5 day celebration started in 1924 by creating a parade and play about Santa Barbara’s history from 100 years prior (1824) and before. Since it’s inception, Fiesta has been a vibrant tapestry of our community’s past, present and future.
The four nations that governed our city and county were the First Nation Chumash, followed by Spain (earliest colonizers), Mexico and currently the United States of America. Each of these cultures can be found in our modern day community.