Post-fire update: Cultural events coming up in Santa Barbara

The fires that have swept through Southern California burned nearly 40,000 acres and destroyed more than 800 homes and other structures. In Santa Barbara and Montecito, the Tea fire that started Thursday evening and took its toll on 210 homes is now reportedly 95% contained, with an expectation of full containment by 6 p.m.

And life, according to Shannon Brooks at the Santa Barbara Convention & Visitors Bureau, is starting to get back to normal. The fires shut key tourist stops on Friday and Saturday, but all are up and running now.

So if you delayed a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara because of the fires or are just starting to plan a late-fall trip, here are some cultural events to keep in mind.

Santa Barbara Zoo: The zoo closed last Friday during the height of the Tea fire. Now, its website reports cheerily, “Skies are clear and sunny, it’s a great day for the zoo!” For those seeking something to do besides eat turkey, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. On Dec. 7, the Snow Leopard Festival features animals and kids, 12 and younger, romping in snow (presumably not together?) — from 10 a.m. until the snow melts.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art: The museum, which closed Friday and Saturday, has extended closing dates into 2009 for key shows: “Picasso on Paper” (through February), “Of Life and Loss: The Polish Photographs of Roman Vishniac and Jeffrey Gusky” (March 15) and “Ten: Gifts of SBMA PhotoFutures” (April 5). The latter showcases 58 pieces (including this portrait by Jackie Nickerson) that have an emphasis on California, Western rim, arts and sciences and contemporary photographers. Call (805) 963-4364 or go to the website.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: The museum canceled its California Indian Festival last weekend for fire-related reasons. But on Dec. 5 through 7, the museum hosts its 23rd Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace where you can buy wares from around the world and also attend international music and dance performances. Call (805) 682-4711 or go to the website.

– Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times staff writer

[Photos: Santa Barbara Zoo's Snow Leopard Festival, top, Bob Duncan; middle, snow leopard, Sheri Horiszny; bottom, "Grandmother, Masiphumelele Township, Western Cape, South Africa 2004" by Jackie Nickerson.]

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 5:23 pm by Mary Forgione and is filed under California, Santa Barbara. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.