Where Monet Meets Matisse: SBMA Hosts an Evening of Artistic Brilliance

Written by Maria McCall

It was a who’s who of Santa Barbara’s arts patrons as the Santa Barbara Museum of Art welcomed its top donors and museum circles members for an exclusive viewing of its latest extravaganza. Director and CEO Amada Cruz greeted guests with her contagious enthusiasm, inviting them to view the collections and enjoy a glass of champagne with passed hors d’oeuvres (those goat cheese – caviar blinis flew off the platters!).

Cruz opened the program – and her jacket – to reveal a playful T-shirt reading “Show me the Monet!” The room erupted with laughter – and a few proud shouts of “Eleven!” when she quizzed us on how many Monets were currently adorning the gallery walls. Cruz went on to share her excitement over the museum’s bold new hot-pink-and-blue Monet to Matisse sign on the front steps of the museum – a splash of color that even earned a nod of approval from the Historic Landmarks Commission.

Paired together, The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art and Encore: 19th-Century French Art from SBMA’s Collection constitute a discourse among the masters who shaped modern art. It is a show of remarkable depth and an experience to savor.

Spotted among the art lovers were Janet Garufis, Meredith Beitz, Christine Holland, Shirley Waxman, George Konstantinow, Helene Segal, Bob and Siri Marshall, Carol MacCorkle, Keith Moore, Tracy and Michael Bollag, Jane Eagleton, Edward D’Andrea, and Betsey Johnson.