Rincon Reframed

By Lisa Duncan

Art, conservation, and a fresh perspective on one of the South Coast’s most beloved landmarks converged Wednesday evening at Santa Barbara Fine Art Gallery, where an ocean of guests gathered for an open-house reception benefiting Heal the Ocean.

The evening’s centerpiece was a donated painting of Rincon Point by renowned landscape artist John Wullbrandt of The Oak Group, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Heal the Ocean. Carrying a $7,000 reserve, the work has already attracted considerable interest from collectors. Better yet, 10% of gallery sales from the show will also flow to the cause – rather a lovely case of art doing its bit.

Even gallery owner and acclaimed painter Richard Schloss was momentarily stumped by the work’s unusual perspective.

“I didn’t recognize Rincon! I had to ask where it was!” he laughed. “It’s a beautiful bird’s-eye view that we’ve never seen before, a fresh new perspective. That’s part of the genius – artists see things that you don’t normally see.”

Nestled in Santa Barbara’s historic Arts District near the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara Fine Art Gallery provided a fitting backdrop for the gathering. Hosted by Richard Schloss and his lovely lass, wife Julie, the reception drew artists, collectors, environmental advocates, and civic leaders, including Hillary Hauser, Luisa and Mark Hyatt, Roy Lee, Julie and Eric Friedman, Dr. Gary Van Deventer, Arturo Tello, and Jonathan Wygant.

The subject of the painting held special significance for Hauser, founder of Heal the Ocean. She noted that the organization’s first campaign, launched in 1998, was called Liquid Corners and focused on protecting Rincon Point.

Adding a delightful local twist, guests enjoyed Rincon Brewery’s aptly named Liquid Corners ale, donated by Luisa and Mark Hyatt. The beer’s name was coined by Rincon Brewery brewer Eric Drew, creating an unexpected connection to Heal the Ocean’s historic campaign. Wines donated by the generous Gretchen Lieff of Lieff Winery completed the coastal pairing.

Hauser beamed, “I’m so honored that these legendary artists have come together. I’ve always admired them so much! Come down to the gallery to see these amazing ocean paintings for yourself and admire the incredible beauty created by these artistic geniuses!”

Rincon – and the ocean – never looked better. Quite the point, really.