John E. Profant Foundation: Fiesta Finale Spotlights the Foundation’s Support for the Arts
Brightly-colored ruffles rim the hem of traditional Spanish dress, fluttering fans stir the air, the strum of guitars, clicking castanets, and high-heeled shoes are all reminders that August has been a special time in Santa Barbara with the celebration of Old Spanish Days! Music, dance, and vaquero traditions have had their day with the Fiesta parades along Cabrillo. ‘Viva la Fiesta’ and sprinkles of confetti waved Adios to Old Spanish Days on the evening of August 6 for the 24th Fiesta Finale Gala hosted by the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts in support of aspiring artists of all ages.
The Foundation has a history spanning five generations and is deeply connected to the arts in Santa Barbara. The Profant story began almost a century ago when, in 1922, Dr. Henry Profant and his wife, both musicians, arrived in Santa Barbara to join Dr. William Sansum in founding the Santa Barbara Medical Foundation, then known as “The Clinic.” Dr. Profant entertained his patients by playing the piano on house calls and claimed it was never clear to him which was more effective in promoting health – the music or the medicine! The Profants also entertained their guests with music and their home became Santa Barbara’s version of a ‘Salon’ where musicians and artists gathered regularly. The couple established the family’s interests in CAMA, helped to promote the Music Academy of the West, and hosted parties and musical events in the Santa Barbara Courthouse Gardens celebrating Old Spanish Days, a legacy which continues to this day.
John Profant, their son and a dancer, met his future wife Lyn, a ballerina, at the El Paseo Restaurant during 1950s Fiesta week – a day that would change both their lives. It was their mutual love of the arts and interest in creative pursuits that charted their course as a couple and as parents of their four daughters. After having completed a successful career at Northrup Aircraft, John’s dream was to pursue his own creative interests and establish a venue to give back to the artistic community from which he had gained so much. Sadly, this was not to be as he died shortly after retiring.
In honor of her husband’s memory, Lyn Profant made his dream a reality for the benefit others by establishing the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts in support of developing visual and performance artists, regardless of circumstance or age. As co-founder Mignonne Profant explained, “We realize that life can often get in the way in the pursuit of our dreams. Our scholarship application has no age limits. Our recipients have ranged in age from 9 to 75!”
The Foundation’s mission continues in the capable hands of Lyn, her daughters, and members of the Profant family. For almost a century, the Profant Foundation’s mission has cultivated and promoted the arts and the cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. Guests at the 2023 Fiesta Finale Gala, the Foundation’s major fundraiser, were welcomed into the Profant family as they celebrated the broad spectrum of creativity in the city of Santa Barbara at El Paseo Restaurant – where it all started!
In attendance at the 24th Fiesta Finale fundraiser, over 200 dinner guests were treated to an evening of music, dance, and the yearly Tableau Vivant – bringing a work of art to life – at El Paseo restaurant under the stars. Guests included 2023 El Presidente David Bolton and Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse, who joined members of the community as well as supporters and recipients of the organization’s mission. The John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts has funded exhibits and performances and given over a quarter million in scholarships over the years.
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