Gambusia Affinis

Jennifer Nocon's "Gambusia Affinis" (2009)

While attending the Downtown Art & Wine Tour I came across the Bloom Projects at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Foundation (653 Paseo Nuevo) where Los Angeles based artist Jennifer Nocon's commissioned installation, "Gambusia Affinis" is housed.

Nocon is known for creating sculptural environments using hand-dyed wool felt inspired by naturally occurring patterns.

The wool felt sculptures form a repetitive and retro-esque pattern that have a visual language all their own.

Retrospective: Areno Collection

Joseph Areno's "East Beach Volleyball - Santa Barbara"

The historic University Club of Santa Barbara (1332 Santa Barbara St) will open its door to the public to present the Areno Collection at a special event on Thursday evening June 4th.

On view will be the Club's existing Areno collection along with over 50 never-before-displayed oils, sketches and watercolors. Sip, savor and delight in the regal setting. Contact: Chrissy Deferville, 805-966-0853 ext 13 / Chrissy@uclubsb.org

Retrospective: Brett Weston's Out of the Shadow

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State St.) is presenting the largest retrospective of influential American photographer Brett Weston's work in over 30 years.

Running May 2-August 16, The Brett Weston: Out of the Shadow exhibition will display more than 130 of Weston's photographs that range from early vintage prints made in California & Mexico in the 1920s and 19030s, East Coast images from the 1940 to Hawaiian images made shortly before his death in 1993.

Brett Weston’s “Cactus, Santa Barbara” (1931)

Brett Weston’s “Garrapata Beach, California” (1954)

Stars & Stripes

Portland based jefdesigns' new walnut & teak panels combine retro forms and modern stripes for a truly striking collection.

Each organically modern piece is hand painted by designer Joe Futschik, who also welcomes unique commissions.

For more of jefdesigns art work or lighting visit the Retro Republik shop or jefdesigns direct.

Swag the Dog: Retro Wares

Give your most loyal partner some swinging swag this spring.

Wear: Funky. Chic. Slick. Dogma London's spiffy retro series of collars are a new attitude. Dogma London has over 200 fresh designs and styles including martingale, buckle and tag collars. Plus cool matching leashes too.

It's not about just a collar and and leash, it's about a personality. Is your pup a Rebel or into Camo? Maybe your pup yearns to be One-of-a-Kind?

Retro series favorites:

Sprocket / Have a Nice Day

Nuclear Winter / Hound Dog


Saturday Night Fever


Fast Freddy in Saturday Night Fever

Decorate: For Mod Art for mod dogs be sure to check out Mod-Dog's fine art prints.

Shop by breed - from Airedale Terriers to Yorkies and everything in between like Boxers, Great Danes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Whippets.

Pssss...don't miss the Mod-Dog Blog for mod-dog resources like green pets, health+wellness, shopping+style, travel and more!

Play: Tired of tripping over your pups' toys?

The cool and clever Fast Freddy has re-purposed a Chartreuse Retro Bullet Planter as a hip toy chest. Good dog.

Retrospective: Jena Ardell's Fine Art Photography

If you've ever clicked your heels together and wished you resided in a more retro decade then you've come to the right place.

Jena Ardell's retro fine art photography transports you back to a time that is reminiscent of a 70's dreamy Santa Monica beach day or a 60s Vegas wanderlust moment.

As soon as I spied her stylized Kit Cat clock photo I was sold.

Jena Ardell's KitCat / Retro Republik's KitCat

Here's a few of our favorite moments...pssst check out Jena Ardell's Etsy Shop and Blog.

Art: Retro Bikes

Artist Hillarie Tasche of Winnipeg, Canada loves to draw and paint bikes. She has a collection of her favorite originals that she's strung up. Prints are available for sale on her etsy site.

Yellow Ten Speed Road Bike


Red Ten Speed Road Bike


Green Ten Speed Road Bike

Gold Ladies Ten Speed Road Bike


Red Lighting Speedster Bike


Full Series - 14 Bikes - Limited Edition Art Prints