happenings
Thursday | November 5 | 5–8PM
1st Thursday Artwalk
1st Thursday is more than an art walk—it’s a monthly celebration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant arts community, bringing galleries, artists, and visitors together for an evening of creativity and connection.
This 1st Thursday, we invite you to experience The Willard Suitcases, a moving photographic exhibition by acclaimed photographer Jon Crispin, presented in partnership with New Beginnings Counseling Center. Art & Soul is honored to host New Beginnings' 2026 Annual Benefit Gala in conjunction with this exhibition, bringing art and community together in support of mental health awareness and compassionate care.
When the Willard Psychiatric Center in upstate New York closed in 1995, more than 400 suitcases belonging to former patients were discovered in its attic. Filled with clothing, photographs, letters, and personal belongings, these extraordinary artifacts offer intimate glimpses into lives largely forgotten.
Since 2011, Crispin has carefully documented this collection, revealing the individuality and humanity of those who once called Willard home. His photographs invite us to look beyond the stigma of mental illness and recognize the personal stories, memories, and identities behind each suitcase.
Through this powerful exhibition and our partnership with New Beginnings, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations about mental health, dignity, compassion, and our shared humanity.
Saturday | November 7 | 3-5 PM
Afternoons with Artists
Join us this Saturday from 3–5PM for an informal afternoon with acclaimed photographer, Jon Crispin. Explore the Willard Suitcase exhibition, and hear more about the inspiring stories behind the project.
"I have photographed at Willard regularly over the past three decades, and in 2011 was granted access to the suitcases and began a documentation of the collection. My main concern throughout this project is to maintain a respect for the integrity of the resident’s lives, and I am determined to tell their stories through my photos. I have shot over two hundred of the cases so far, and am currently photographing the remaining ones.
I am often asked about the medical history of the residents, and as I started the project, I felt that this sort of information was important to accompany the photographs. But as I have worked with these amazing artifacts of their lives, I have come to feel that everything that I want to say is in the pictures themselves." – Jon Crispin
ON VIEW | NOVEMBER 12 – 29
WORLD SERIES
Opening Reception | Thursday | November 12 | 5–7PM
Santa Barbara artist and activist Judi Weisbart creates assemblage sculpture that explores some of the most pressing social, humanitarian, and environmental issues of our time. Working with symbolism, found objects, and mixed materials, she uses art as a catalyst for conversation, connection, and positive change.
Her current exhibition, World Series, brings together a series of fifteen sculptures addressing global issues, aligning each with a non-profit partner here in Santa Barbara. Deeply engaged in the Santa Barbara community for decades, Judi’s creative practice reflects her enduring belief in the power of art to foster empathy, inspire dialogue, and remind us of our shared humanity. Sales from each piece will benefit the specific non-profit that addresses the issues represented by the sculpture:
CALM • New Beginnings • WEV • Legal Aid • SBNC • MJ • ADL • Planned Parenthood • SB Zoo • Multi Faith Harmony Coalition • Direct Relief • UNA SB • CEC • Lotusland • NAPF
ON VIEW NOVEMBER 12 – NOVEMBER 29
