What does it mean to call something Andalusian? This lecture, slide show, and movie moves through landscapes of light and shadow, where water, stone, plaster, and color shape spaces meant to be felt as much as seen. Across centuries of cultural exchange, architecture becomes a record of memory — layered, altered, and carried forward. Images from a journey through southern Spain reveal recurring gestures: courtyards that hold quiet, surfaces that catch light, details that invite pause. The result is less a style than an atmosphere — an enduring language of place that continues to echo across time. Rather than a single style, Andalusian architecture emerges as a continuum of cultural memory, adaptation, and reinterpretation across time.

This event is free to Casa del Herrero Members (reservation required), or $85 for non members.

For day-of-event ticketing availability, please call the Casa del Herrero Offices at 805-565-5653 ext 1.

About The Speaker:

Stephen Olson, founder of Olson Architects, obtained a degree in Architecture from Kent State University in Ohio with a semester abroad in Florence Italy. He has been licensed in the field since 1990. Olson Architects is an architectural and design studio based in Santa Barbara, CA with a distinguished residential and commercial portfolio. Stephen has also been an active member on the Board of the MOCA Contemporaries, and an intern for the Board of Trustees for the Salvation Army – Los Angeles. Today, Olson prides himself in designing original high-end residential and commercial architecture.

Casa del Herrero is excited to announce our upcoming event, Casa in Bloom, a garden party on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30-6:00 PM.  We are committed to preserving Casa del Herrero’s architectural beauty and Montecito’s only National Historic Landmark for educational experiences for the community and future generations.

We have much to celebrate at the Casa this summer. See the exciting progress of our Save America’s Treasures Preservation project. Experience the recently conserved East Exedra in the Blue and White Garden, walk a new path based on Ralph Sevens’ original landscape plans leading to the South Exedra, which features an exquisite 13th century Italian fountain surrounded by historic tiles depicting peacocks and abstract designs. We welcome guests to view the restored Greenhouse Complex including a beautiful Lathe House, Glasshouse and Gardener’s Tool Shed complete with a Tack Room.

Come and experience the beauty of our gardens in full bloom and spend the afternoon enjoying light bites and drinks accompanied by Chris Fossek, Santa Barbara’s favorite Spanish Guitarist. We are offering special sneak peaks of our preservation progress, in addition to opening the main house and workshop, all of which are a time capsule of the 1920s and 1930s. Guests of all ages are invited to join the Casa in Bloom festivities for an afternoon of fun.

Individual Tickets

• Members- $300

• Non-Members- $375

Sponsorships

All Sponsorships include recognition as a generous supporter in event and online materials, and website. All sponsors will receive a Silversmith’s Guild Membership

Underwriting Opportunities

Underwriting Opportunities do not include event tickets and are completely tax-deductible.

Casa Angels

Can’t attend the event but still want to contribute? Donations to the event can be made online here. Casa Angel donations do not include event tickets and are completely tax-deductible.

Thank you so much to our Casa in Bloom Sponsors!

Blue and White Garden:

Maureen and Marty McDermut

Arizona Garden:

Carol and Michael Linn

Kathryne Dahlman

Heather and Chris Biles

Rose Garden:

Diane Evans and Tom Farr

Chana and Jim Jackson

Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery

Laura and John Bridley

Beth and Bill Esrey

Underwriters:

Isabel and Paul Wendt- Medora’s Mocktail

Mari and Patrick McAlister- Sounds of Summer

This presentation, "The Art of Collecting," offers an in-depth look at the intricate world of fine art acquisition. Collecting is fundamentally a passionate, deeply personal, and intellectual journey that extends far beyond the simplistic view of mere financial investment. It is a commitment to culture, history, and aesthetic appreciation. We will begin by examining the dynamic and essential interaction between the key stakeholders and players who shape the global art market. This complex ecosystem includes Artists, Galleries and Dealers, Curators, Art Advisors, Auction Houses and Museums. A significant portion of our discussion will delve into the essential mechanics of the art market and the multifaceted factors that determine the value and price of an artwork. You are encouraged to bring your own questions to the discussion.

The talk will be held in the Casa’s living room, surrounded by treasures from the Steedman family’s own personal collection, and will be followed by a reception on the Casa’s loggia.

------------------------

Bio:

Nathan Vonk is the owner of Sullivan Goss Gallery. He grew up in a small farm town in Iowa, received a BA in Literature from Reed Col­lege in Port­land, Ore­gon and a Mas­ter’s Degree in Crit­i­cal The­ory from the University of Sussex in Brighton, Eng­land. While studying in England he taught himself about the art world by exploring London's art museums and galleries. After return­ing to the US, he taught Eng­lish at Ven­tura Col­lege before join­ing Sul­li­van Goss Gallery in 2008. In 2016, he purchased the gallery from the founders to build on their legacy. He is an author and publisher of many books focused on California art and artists, including a large monograph on Oskar Fischinger which was published in January. He sits on the board for several arts-related non-profits, has worked as an art critic, and is a passionate art collector. 

Join us for the opportunity to learn Tai Chi from Master Yun in the Casa’s beautiful Blue and White Garden.

Master Yun (Yun Chao Zhang) has been studying Traditional Chinese Martial Arts since he was six years old. His first master taught him Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu along with other external styles. In 1991, he became interested in internal styles and began studying Wu Style Tai Chi Quan. In 2003, he added Shang Style Xing Yi.

He has been practicing for more than 50 years. He is the recipient of numerous awards for Kung Fu, Swordsmanship, and Tai Chi Quan. For the past 20 years, he has been teaching in various cities around the world. He recently settled in Santa Barbara, CA.

Admission is $75 for Casa del Herrero members and $100 for non-members.

Space is limited. Reservations are required. This event is weather permitting and will be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Parking is limited! If multiple members of your group will be arriving in one car, please purchase ONE ticket with parking included, and the remaining tickets as tickets without parking.

Ticket sales for this event are now CLOSED. To check for day-of availability for the event, please call the Casa’s main office at 805-565-5653.

May this be an opportunity for you to take a sacred pause to relax and rejuvenate! Sound therapy is an ancient meditative practice that uses instruments to create healing vibrations around and within the body to encourage a meditative state.

Resounding vibrations come from instruments like crystal sound bowls, chimes, drums, and gongs are received by your body to restore your state of harmony. The resonating energy centers you and allows you to connect, transform, and restore your mind and body on many levels, including feeling creative, revelations, new ideas, improved sleep, a state of peace, lightness, and connection to self.

Your instructor will guide you through a grounding meditation then into a 50-minute Sound Bath experience, all taking place in the stunning allée below the Star Fountain at Casa Del Herrero.

Mats and pillows will be provided, but it is encouraged to dress in layers and to bring a blanket as this is an outdoor event.

Admission is $125 for Casa del Herrero members and $150 for non-members.

Space is limited. Reservations are required. This event is weather permitting and will be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Parking is limited! If multiple members of your group will be arriving in one car, please purchase ONE ticket with parking included, and the remaining tickets as tickets without parking.

About your Instructor:

Breanne Swenson is the founder of Resounding You, offering refined, immersive sound healing experiences for discerning clients seeking restoration, clarity, and elevated well-being. As a certified sound healer with over eight years of experience, she is known for her intuitive presence and ability to create deeply resonant, transformative environments.

Her work seamlessly blends artistry and intention, guiding individuals and groups into states of profound relaxation and energetic alignment. Breanne has curated experiences for both intimate gatherings and large-scale audiences, bringing a grounded, luxurious approach to modern wellness.