August, 2025
Featured Artist 

In this show, I’m sharing a collection of recent watercolor paintings that reflect my connection to the land and light of Santa Barbara County. Most of these pieces were started en plein air and finished in the studio, capturing a balance between the immediacy of painting outdoors and the calm focus of studio work. From the coast to the valleys, I aim to convey a sense of place and the quiet beauty found in the everyday landscapes around us.

I’m a biologist as well as an artist, and my work is rooted in a lifelong love of nature. I’ve spent years working on habitat restoration and conservation, particularly in the Goleta area, and painting has become another way for me to honor and share the value of these natural spaces. I donate a portion of my art proceeds to local organizations dedicated to protecting land and addressing environmental challenges.

— Kelly Hildner

website: kellyhildner.com

instagram: @kellyhildnerart

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