Posters. Stories. History. All in One Place.
On Thursday, May 1, a unique exhibition will transform La Arcada Plaza into an open-air gallery celebrating the stories and spirit of Santa Barbara.
Friends of State Street is proud to present World Class Santa Barbara, a new immersive experience launching during Downtown Santa Barbara’s First Thursday Art Walk. The exhibition features original poster art by a respected local artist, each piece honoring one of 12 iconic Santa Barbara landmarks.
This isn’t just an art show—it’s a reflection of Santa Barbara’s cultural heartbeat.
Adding a powerful narrative layer, each poster is paired with a 90-second mini-documentary created by award-winning local filmmaker Isaac Hernández. These short films offer intimate glimpses into the stories and spirit behind each destination—capturing what makes them beloved by both locals and visitors alike.
The featured destinations include:
Stearns Wharf
State Street
MOXI
El Paseo
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Lobero Theatre
La Arcada Plaza
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Santa Barbara Public Library
Santa Barbara Courthouse
The Granada Theatre
The Arlington Theatre
The exhibit will remain on display in La Arcada Plaza windows for one week following First Thursday. Following that, it will continue to engage the broader Santa Barbara community through inclusive and bilingual resources. Ultimately, each original poster will be gifted to the destination it represents—a lasting tribute to the spaces that define our city.
We invite the community to join us at La Arcada Plaza on May 1 to celebrate these destinations, the art they’ve inspired, and the shared pride we hold in Santa Barbara’s legacy.
May 1 | La Arcada Plaza | First Thursday Downtown Santa Barbara
Presented by Friends of State Street