Our History
Five decades of promoting sculpture in Santa Barbara
Our Founder: Mrs. Frances Inis
The Santa Barbara Sculptors Guild owes its existence to the vision and dedication of Mrs. Frances Inis. As a sculptor and instructor at Santa Barbara City College's Adult Education program, she recognized the need for a supportive community where sculptors could share ideas, learn from each other, and promote their art form.
In 1965, she gathered a group of fellow sculptors and art enthusiasts to form what would become one of the most enduring art organizations in Santa Barbara. Under her leadership as the first chair, the guild established the traditions that would define it for the next five decades: monthly meetings with educational programming, annual exhibitions at prestigious venues, and a commitment to community outreach.
Mrs. Inis's vision of a welcoming, educational, and supportive community for sculptors remained at the heart of the guild's mission throughout its 50-year history.
The guild brought together sculptors working in all mediums
Timeline: 1965-2015
The Founding
Mrs. Frances Inis, a sculptor and Santa Barbara City College Adult Education teacher, organizes the Santa Barbara Sculptors Guild. She is chosen as the first chair, establishing the foundation for what would become a 50-year tradition of artistic excellence.
Early Growth
The guild establishes its meeting schedule at local community centers. Monthly gatherings feature guest speakers from the regional art community. The first informal exhibitions are organized among members.
First Major Exhibition
The guild holds its first formal public exhibition, showcasing works by founding members. The event draws attention from local media and establishes SBSG as a serious art organization.
Faulkner Gallery Partnership
The Santa Barbara Public Library's Faulkner Gallery becomes the guild's primary exhibition venue. This partnership would continue for decades, providing members with a prestigious showcase for their work.
Educational Programs Launch
The guild launches its formal educational outreach program, offering workshops and demonstrations to schools and community groups. Sculpture appreciation classes are introduced for all skill levels.
15th Anniversary Celebration
The guild celebrates 15 years with a retrospective exhibition featuring works from founding members alongside newer artists. Membership reaches 50 active sculptors.
Studio Tours Begin
Annual summer studio tours are introduced, allowing the public to visit sculptors' workspaces and see the creative process firsthand. The tours become one of the guild's most popular programs.
20th Anniversary
A major milestone celebration includes a month-long exhibition and symposium on the future of sculpture. Guest artists from across California participate in demonstrations and discussions.
Silver Jubilee
The guild's 25th anniversary features expanded programming and a commemorative catalog documenting the organization's history. Membership exceeds 75 active members.
Community Sculpture Project
The guild partners with the City of Santa Barbara on a public sculpture initiative, placing member works in parks and public spaces throughout the city.
New Millennium
The guild enters the 21st century with renewed energy. New programs include collaborative projects with other regional art organizations and expanded educational outreach.
40th Anniversary
Four decades of artistic achievement are celebrated with a comprehensive retrospective. The guild is recognized by the City of Santa Barbara for its contributions to the cultural community.
Peak Membership
The guild reaches its highest membership levels, with over 100 active sculptors participating in programs and exhibitions. The organization is considered one of the premier sculpture guilds in California.
Golden Anniversary & Legacy
The guild celebrates 50 years of promoting sculpture in Santa Barbara. After half a century of service to the artistic community, the organization concludes its active programming, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic achievement and community engagement.
The Guild's Legacy
Though the Santa Barbara Sculptors Guild is no longer active, its impact on the Santa Barbara arts community continues to be felt. The guild:
- Provided a platform for hundreds of sculptors to develop their craft and showcase their work
- Contributed to Santa Barbara's reputation as a center for the visual arts
- Created lasting connections between artists, collectors, and community members
- Inspired future generations of sculptors through educational programs and outreach
- Left behind a rich archive of artistic achievement spanning five decades
This archive serves to preserve and celebrate that legacy for future generations.