Second Annual SB Museum of Art Gilded Gala Preview

To all my art-society followers, in the words of Hunter S. Thompson, it is time to buy that golden ticket and take the ride to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s 2^nd Annual Gilded Gala scheduled for February 28, 2026, which as you read this, is close to selling out (say no to #fomo). Do not miss your gilded opportunity to attend this five-star golden black-tie event, at (of course) the Rosewood Miramar. 

The Gilded Gala Chair is Lynn Cunningham Brown, who founded the event last year – and with artistic elegance and Southern charm, shepherded it through a successful launch this past March. She is the vice chair for the SBMA Board of Trustees. In our interview she shared, “The Gala raises critical funds toward meeting the vision and mission of the Museum. I am thrilled and grateful that the Gala is nearly sold out, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community. We have just over 50 seats remaining in the ballroom. Those interested should act quickly by visiting gildedgala.org. We would be delighted to see you there.”

The 2026 Gilded Gala Event Committee is Christian McGrath, Janet Feldstein McKillop, and Clay Tedeschi. There is also an Event Host Committee comprised of SBMA selected local leaders and influencers who are tasked with sponsorship outreach and event visibility. They are Sarah Argyropoulos, Susan Drymalski Bowey, Christine Emmons, Mitchell and Lisa Green, Rachel Kaganoff, Carol and Michael Linn, Judith Little, Siri and Bob Marshall, Christian and Angie McGrath, Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta, Clay Tedeschi, Beth and George Wood, and Geof and Laura Wyatt.

I met with Amada Cruz the SBMA’s Eichholz Foundation director and Cunningham Brown at the SBMA this week to discuss more details for this report, and a photo op. 

I can reveal that the honorary co-chairs of the 2026 Gilded Gala are actress-producer Zoë Saldaña-Perego and artist-filmmaker Marco Perego-Saldaña, who currently reside in Montecito. The Auctioneer is actress-producer Viveca Paulin Ferrell, indeed the wife of actor-producer-writer Will Ferrell, who may be attending as well. 

Both Cruz and Cunningham Brown explained the Gilded Gala is the SBMA’s signature fundraising event. The 2026 funding goal is to top the $800,000 netted by the first gala. Proceeds from the evening directly support the Museum’s global collection, renowned exhibitions, and educational programming that serves audiences across our region. Cruz shares for our readers, “We are excited to welcome visitors to a dynamic year at SBMA, with exhibitions that bridge historical work and contemporary relevance. This fall, The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse and Encore bring significant works by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, and others to Santa Barbara in two landmark exhibitions. Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue building on this momentum with standout educational programming, bold curatorial projects, and expanded community engagement across the Central Coast and beyond.”

To join and be seen at the Chandelier Terrace – for cocktails, canapés, and curated lounge music, followed by a seated three-course dinner, live band, a spirited live auction and paddle raise in the Chandelier Ballroom, all in support of the SBMA collections, programs, and important place in our community – hit the link or QR code!

Shopping in advance for your perfect outfit with that touch of gold is recommended – do I hear requests for Manolo Blahnik Hangisis and Lurum heels for Christmas and Hannukah presents!?