Local Artists Rally to Support Storyteller Children’s Center’s Annual Gala

Santa Barbara’s artist community is joining together for a cause that brings advocacy and support to local children facing adversity. Storyteller Children’s Center’s Annual Gala, themed “Color the World,” will be held on September 27, 2024, spotlighting the organization’s role in bringing vibrancy into the lives of those who are experiencing poverty and trauma.

As part of the gala – and a nod to the theme – eight celebrated local artists are generously donating coveted and original works of art with 100% of the proceeds from auctioned pieces going directly to support Storyteller’s year-round therapeutic programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 

Leading up to the main event, organizers are hosting a Pre-Show Art Reception at Helena Mason Gallery on September 19, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Donated art will be on display along with small noshes by Duo Events and wine by Trippers & Askers. The public viewing offers the broader community a chance to experience and bid on exceptional artworks, even if they are unable to attend the Storyteller gala. 

“We want to fully celebrate the generosity of time and talent these artists are bringing to Storyteller programs by expanding our auction stage,” said Storyteller Event Co-Chair Analise Maggio. “We are honored by the diverse talent represented by this incredible slate of artwork – so we’re shining a big light on it.”

The art auction is now live online and will conclude at 6 pm on September 27. Art lovers and supporters can place their bids by visiting www.link.com. Bid amounts over the listed fair market value may be tax deductible. 

A snapshot of the contributing artists includes:

Phoebe Brunner: Represented by Sullivan Goss Gallery, Phoebe Brunner is known for creating an alternative view to traditional landscape painting. Her re-conceived landscapes of the coast of California, simultaneously real and surreal, invite the viewer to lose oneself in an environment of nature enhanced and unexpected.

Pedro de la Cruz: The Storyteller cause is near and dear to Pedro de la Cruz as his wife is a former preschool teacher at the State Street campus. One of Cruz’s art pieces was famously sold for $100,000 at Storyteller’s 2018 gala. His work reflects a deep cultural mosaic which began with his parents who were born in two very different parts of Mexico – Sonora and Jalisco.



Chris Gocong: Post his pro NFL football career, Chris Gocong’s pivot into the realm of visual art has been nothing short of spectacular. Motivated by a profound fascination with human emotion, Gocong’s artistic odyssey unfolds across a diverse spectrum, encompassing poignant pop culture portraits, figurative expressions, and vibrant abstract creation.

Michael Haber: Famed fine art photographer known for his detailed and contemplative portraits, Michael Haber was raised within blocks of the Guggenheim, the Modern, the Whitney, and the Met. His creative roots were nourished in Manhattan. Michael’s own parents’ works covered the walls of his home, so art was not just something behind golden ropes at a museum, but a way to experience life itself.

Belle Hahn: Inspired by her father who was a famous art dealer, the effervescent socialite and philanthropist studied painting at Sarah Lawrence with Ursula Schneider. The experience allowed Belle Hahn to explore art as a modality of healing versus dealing; reconnecting soil and soul with a deep love and understanding of the natural world. Admired for her vibrant and whimsical pieces, the fusion of art and nature has always been an inspiration for Hahn.

Kate Kramer: This Santa Barbara native has always had a passion for art and design. Kate Kramer studied Art History and Studio Art with a focus in oil painting during her time at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work is driven by the friction between opposing forces of built and natural environments, design and art, abstraction and figuration. When she is not making art, she is also the principal interior designer and owner of Kate Hunter Design.

Giuliana Mottin: Following her studies at Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Giuliana Mottin moved to New York City in July of 2007, where she further developed the unique painting technique by which she avoids the use of any type of brushes. In this technique, her paintings are made with her own hands except for the help of a small sponge, an approach that is known as her hallmark. Visually, her time in NYC led her closer to the art of Francis Bacon, principally to develop themes around movement and rhythm.

Sylvan Butera Rich: Living and working in Santa Barbara, Sylvan Butera Rich’s acrylic-based paintings illuminate beauty, movement, and depth in the natural world, with a specific focus on the California Central Coast. Art has been a lifelong passion for Rich, inspired by the need to connect with the beauty of our natural world amidst a changing social backdrop. Unique landscapes, color, and tranquility are defining themes in her work.

“Each artist’s contribution reflects a commitment to enriching lives through their own creative passion – supporting the well-being of children in need,” added Gala Co-Chair and Storyteller Board Co-Chair Erinn Lynch. “Storyteller is about community, and the community is showing up. We are grateful.”

The Storyteller Children’s Center provides essential therapeutic support, educational enrichment, and a nurturing environment for young children – and their families – who live below the poverty line.  

For more information about Storyteller Children’s Center, visit www.storytellercenter.org