Photography Gallery Grand Opening

Last week was the opening reception of a brand new photography gallery in downtown Santa Barbara called WideOpen. The show was assembled by local professional photographer Fran Collin (FranCollin.com). He had only a week to take an empty renovated space and transform it into a gallery. I first met Fran at a gallery show he juried in Carpinteria a year prior, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the artists he invited to show my work at this new space. I brought a couple of other friends on board as well, including my buddy James Studarus.

I’m so grateful for everybody that stopped into the gallery opening on First Thursday! I had a great time, and got to see so many great people in one night! I was exhausted from talking and socializing by the end of the night. Special props to Fran who took initiative on an opportunity and put together an amazing show in such a short period of time. He’s hoping this space will keep the Santa Barbara photography scene alive. The gallery space will also be used for camera and product demos, artist lectures, and a rented studio space. This exhibition will be up through January, if you want to check it out visit 506 State St.

These are a few photos I remembered to snap in between some heart-to-heart chats. Thanks to the brother Chase Paisley for snapping some photos of me as well =)