Santa Barbara’s I Madonnari Street Painting Festival

Chalk drawing on pavement isn’t just a children’s activity – it is also the preferred medium of many talented artists who will create the wonderful works of art at the  I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at the Mission Santa Barbara this weekend, May 25^th-27^th from 10am-6pm daily (admission is free). The I Madonnari Street Painting Festival at the Mission Santa Barbara was the first of its kind held in the northern hemisphere, and has become so highly regarded that a group of artists from Santa Barbara were invited to share their gift in our sister city of Toba, Japan. The festival is yet another example of Santa Barbara’s thriving, community driven art scene, which constantly strives to create opportunities to enjoy and learn about art in ways that are readily accessible to all of our residents and visiting guests.

The tradition of carefully crafting chalk masterpieces directly onto the streets dates back to 16th century Italy and still continues into modern times. I Madonnari was brought to Santa Barbara in 1987, and many of the pieces are still heavily inspired by the artwork of the Italian Renaissance. By the end of the long weekend, the paved surfaces surrounding the Mission Santa Barbara are drenched in color.  In the spirit of Santa Barbara’s passion for giving back to the community, the I Madonnari festival benefits the Children’s Creative Project, a non-profit organization that brings children and professional artists together to educate the and encourage local youth to appreciate and create art.  The organization is active in over 100 schools in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

There’s something wonderful to do in Santa Barbara every day, whether you’re searching for luxury homes and real estate with us, attending the many events, festivals, and celebrations that our city hosts, appreciating our dedication to historic preservation, exploring the waterfront, or simply enjoying all that the fabulous Santa Barbara lifestyle has to offer.  We hope you’ll have the chance to search for your next home with us in our wonderful little city by the sea!

Sterling Properties Opens Second Office in Montecito

Photo L-R: Michael Humphrey and Staci Caplan, Co-Owners, Diana Bull, Broker-Associate, Vicki Busby, Ewy Axelsson, Broker-Associate, Diana Lippert, Deborah Cristobal, Miguel Avila, Dani Burckhardt, Sylvia Arzate-Elenes, Jack Fishenfeld, Jordan Robinson, Barbie Detmer, Nick Vail, and Madeline Jacques.  (Not pictured: Teresa Arellanes, Ray Benenate, Broker-Associate, Bryan Calderon and Peter Leyva.)

MONTECITO, CA- Sterling Properties & Estates has expanded its operations to include a second office in the lower village of Montecito, California.  Their second location, which opened on May 1st, is located at 1225 Coast Village Road, Suite I.  Owners Michael Humphrey and Staci Caplan are thrilled with the success Sterling Properties has had in the past three years and are looking forward to growing with an ever-changing and improving Santa Barbara real estate market.  When the topic of expansion came up, they both agreed that Montecito needed a boutique firm with hi-tech concierge services and the timing was right.  Michael says, “The fundamental theme of our culture is stated in our company slogan, “Home Town Feel … World Class Service.”  Staci, who was born and raised in Santa Barbara, is proud of what they have accomplished so far and says, “We offer such great service to our clients that our office is filled with testimonials of how we exceeded customer expectations.  When they see the worldwide reach of our marketing, they are very impressed.  All we say is ‘welcome to the digital age.’”

When agents are asked what makes Sterling Properties so special, Miguel Avila, one of the first agents to come aboard says, “It’s the leadership and the support.  They lead by example and the marketing they have is fantastic.  I’ve increased my business by 400% and they are definitely the best kept secret in town!”  Longtime seasoned veteran, Ewy Axelsson, who joined the Montecito office says, “After working for large corporate entities most of my career, I finally found a place where I belong.  The leadership is fantastic and I talk more with my Brokers now than in all my previous 35 years in the business.  Their perspective gives me a great edge in providing superior customer service.”