Folk & Tribal Arts Marketplace Brings World to Santa Barbara
From December 6–8, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will host a three-day shopping extravaganza and the largest folk art show in Southern California. The event showcases over 30 vendors representing more than 50 countries, featuring an amazing selection of baskets, décor, ethnographic art, furniture, jewelry, pottery, rugs, sculpture, and more. Whether guests are shopping for a gift, adding to their collection, or “just because,” they can shop around the world for truly unique, whimsical, practical, and exotic treasures. Admission and parking are free.
While at the Museum, guests will be able to stroll through the Museum’s picturesque grounds and enjoy tantalizing cuisine and delicious wine at the Tribal Arts Café catered by chef Pete Clements and Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard. Many vendors will be located in the newly restored Fleischmann Auditorium. The marketplace is the auditorium’s first public event since work completed.
This year, the Museum is hosting a VIP Night Exclusive Shopping Party on Thursday, December 5 from 5:30–8:30 PM. VIP guests will enjoy delicious wine from Buttonwood Winery, appetizers, desserts, and live music while getting first pick of the unparalleled selection of unique, authentic gifts from around the world. Tickets are $20 per person and available at sbnature.org/tickets.
Event organizer Director of Guest Services and Special Projects Amy Carpenter shares, “It’s a great way to spend the day enjoying the Museum and perusing unique items you can’t get anywhere else in Santa Barbara. This is a curated shopping event, with hand-picked vendors and products, and a story to go with every item.”
Shoppers are encouraged to be generous to their loved ones while supporting international artisans and the local community: 25% of proceeds benefit Museum exhibits and education programs. For more information, visit sbnature.org/tribalarts.