the beach but never think to check the lecture and workshops being offered during their stay. A review of what is scheduled can reveal some fascinating topics.
Santa Barbara has an amazing schedule of compelling and interesting lecture series and workshops. While visitors enjoy the many options available downtown and at the waterfront, there are also amazing experiences to be had at one of the many lectures and workshops being offered.
One of the more popular subjects is art. From dance to painting, there are several local hosts for artistic lectures, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, UCSB, and the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. This year subjects range from the work of Aldous Huxley to flamenco and many events involve viewing work or performances. Past lecture series have involved art glass, Dali’s lesser known sculptures, the impact of modern dance on other dance forms, and movie music.
Another interesting area is local history and architecture. Many of the architecture lectures involve visiting the buildings being discussed and going into details regarding the type of construction, the customs behind the embellishments and the historical use of the structure. There are many talks and workshops on Native American history, the chain of California Missions, and the development of local neighborhoods. One of the more popular areas of study is the harbor, and the many stories of ships and their adventures more than fill the usual time allotted for a lecture.
With UCSB here in Santa Barbara, a scientific lecture is easy to find. There are several types of science that seem to lend themselves to a public lecture structure, and oceanography is one of them. With subjects ranging from tidal shifts to the unique sea life near the Channel Islands, talks and discussions about the ocean are frequently scheduled. There are several well known programs involving everything from oceanic exploration to the life cycle of local starfish and workshops are frequent. In addition to the ocean, other interesting subjects include geography, local plant life, sustainable living techniques and new sources of energy.
When you visit Santa Barbara, enjoy all that the beach, the museums, and the nightlife have to offer. Rest and renew playing golf, shopping, or visiting some of the beautiful spots here. But also consider taking in a lecture or doing a workshop while you’re here. This lovely city is full of surprises and you just might find one of the most interesting parts of your stay happens as you learn something new.