Ramona’s Chain Links to Pirates
A remnant called “Ramona’s Chain” presents a fantastic range of possible histories. The card beneath four links states: “Rusted and Corroded Chain from a Pirate Ship Washed up on the …
Every Brilliant Thing
Narrator Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper and Director Jenny Sullivan discuss Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of Every Brilliant Thing, which runs through June 21. Watch Video
Animal Feet On Furniture
MS sent me pictures of a table she felt compelled to buy because of its unique feet shaped like paws with toenails. Animalistic feet are the most common body part …
Finding Saint Barbara
Director of Education Emily Alessio from the Santa Barbara Historical Museum talks about plans for the upcoming Finding Saint Barbara exhibit. Image: Santa Barbara, An Homage, 1905, Robert Wilson Hyde. …
Rustic Fireplace: Arts and Crafts or Deco?
PE recently purchased a tiny “fixer-upper” cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake. During the remodel he discovered the 1,660-square-foot cabin originally built in …
Theater Artist Ken Gilbert
Theater Artist Ken Gilbert talks about his career, from his thesis featuring plays by Albert Camus, to serving as Co-Artistic Director of DramaDogs, a Theater Company since 1993. Watch Video
Crystal Bird Figurine “Made in China”
AF owns a small clear crystal bird figurine on a frosted glass base. The underside shows a label “Made in Taiwan R.O.C.” (Republic of China). The phrase “Made in” helps …
La Biennale di Venezia 2026
Santa Barbara appraiser Elizabeth Stewart, PhD offers her review of La Biennale di Venezia 2026. Watch Video
Carved Meerschaum Pipe A Nod To Turkish Tobacco
LS wrote to ask if his vintage pipe is ivory. If so, can he sell ivory? First question: it’s not ivory. If made of ivory, LS would need to donate …
Painting Depicts US Maritime History
DF, a former servicemember, a U.S. Marine, sent this 20th century painting and brought a tear to my eye. This painting shows a tall ship by an amateur, signed in …