Raíces y Sueños

1st Thursday Art Reception: Raíces y Sueños with Artist Jacqueline Valenzuela, Central Library Faulkner Gallery, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

• September 4

Join us for a special 1st Thursday Art Reception in the Faulkner Galleries featuring Raíces y Sueños, an exhibit by Los Angeles based artist Jacqueline Valenzuela.

This vibrant exhibition explores the intersection of Chicana identity, lowrider culture, and fine art through the lens of an artist whose creative journey began on the boulevard. Blending traditional oil painting with automotive techniques learned in an auto body shop, Valenzuela transforms surfaces, from canvas to car parts, into narratives of resilience, femininity, and cultural pride. Her own 1975 hot pink Cadillac Eldorado, “La Playgirl,” served as both inspiration and canvas.

Her mixed-media works, rich with bold color, portraiture, and urban landscapes, pay homage to the often overlooked women in the lowrider scene. Every piece is deeply rooted in lived experience and community, offering a sense of home to viewers with shared cultural ties.

Raíces y Sueños honors lowriding not only as an art form, but as a sacred expression of identity, tradition, and transformation.

About the Artist

Jacqueline Valenzuela is an interdisciplinary artist and lowrider enthusiast based in Los Angeles. A graduate of Cal State Long Beach and current MFA candidate at UCLA, her work has been exhibited nationally and acquired by institutions such as the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the AltaMed Art Collection. Her practice extends beyond gallery walls through murals, public art, and hands-on community workshops like “Build Your Own Lowrider,” presented at venues such as the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Don't miss this opportunity to meet the artist and experience an unforgettable celebration of art, culture, and community.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Grandparents Day, Eastside Library MLK Jr. Room. 10:00 - 12:00 PM

• September 6

Join us for a joyful and heartwarming celebration in honor of our beloved grandparents. This special Grandparents Day event is part of our Raíces y Sueños program, which celebrates the cultural heritage and deep roots of our community.

Enjoy a delicious brunch provided by 805 Catering, create meaningful crafts inspired by cultures from around the world, and embark on an unforgettable journey through a Visiting VR virtual reality experience. This immersive activity will transport our seniors to breathtaking destinations such as Teotihuacán and Mexico City in Mexico, Angel Falls in Venezuela, and Machu Picchu in Peru, places they may have always dreamed of visiting or wish to revisit through cherished memories.

With the support of Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN), this is a bilingual program (Spanish/English) designed especially for seniors. Whether attending alone or with loved ones, we encourage seniors to join us, and we warmly welcome children, grandchildren, and family members to come along and support their abuelos in having a joyful morning.

Spots on the VR experience and brunch are reserved exclusively for seniors.

Limited to 20 English language and 20 Spanish language participants. Registration is required.

If spots are available at the time of VR boarding, non-senior participants may be offered a seat.

Let’s celebrate our roots, share our dreams, and honor the wisdom of our elders together!

Please note: If you register and are not present five minutes before the program begins, your spot may be given to someone on the waitlist or a walk-in guest.

Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN) is a countywide progressive organization working to promote social and economic justice, to preserve our environmental and agricultural resources and to create sustainable communities.

SBCAN advocates a holistic approach to community planning that integrates housing, open space and transportation to meet the needs of all members of our community and future generations.

This event is made possible in part with support from the Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN).

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Writers & Riders, Central Library Michael Towbes Library Plaza, 12:00 - 5:00 PM

• September 13

Join Santa Barbara Public Library for a vibrant afternoon celebrating culture, creativity, and community as part of the Raíces y Sueños programming for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event kicks off at 12:00 PM with a stunning display of lowrider cars, made possible by the Nite Life Car Club of Santa Barbara. Admire these beautifully restored vehicles up close, meet their proud owners, and learn about the rich history and artistry behind the lowrider movement.

Then at 3:30 PM, head into the Faulkner Gallery for a special reading from the powerful new anthology, SOMOS XICANAS. This widely anticipated, multi-genre collection features the voices of 80 Xicanas exploring identity, legacy, resistance, and cultural pride. Several of the book’s contributing authors will share selected pieces and engage with the audience in an afternoon of storytelling, reflection, and celebration.

This event is free and open to all. Come ready to learn, connect, and be inspired by a community rooted in tradition, resilience, and dreams.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

In case of inclement weather, outdoor activities may be canceled. For the most up to date information, please contact the library with any questions or concerns before traveling to library events.

Storytime at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 11:00 - 11:45 AM

• September 14
• September 28
• October 12
• December 14
• November 9

Join us for a joyful morning of bilingual storytime and art, designed to support your child’s early literacy development through action rhymes, movement, and short stories in both English and Spanish. Children will build language, social, and motor skills, while caregivers connect and build community. Celebrate culture, creativity, and connection in this engaging event, part of our Raíces y Sueños celebration! The program includes free admission into the Museum of Art.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Looking for a fun and creative after-school activity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Join us every Wednesday from September 17 through October 22 at the Eastside Library for a weekly STEAM activity inspired by Latin-American culture and history.

Sept. 17 Activity: Oruro masks inspired by the Carnaval de Oruro in Bolivia.

Sept. 17 Activity: Raffia baskets inspired by Indigenous tradition in Ecuador.

Oct. 1 Activity: Molas collages inspired by Guna cultural identity in Panama.

Oct. 15 Activity: Mexican Sacred Hearts using clay and acrylics

Oct. 22 Activity: Decorated Clay Piggy Banks inspired by traditional Colombian craftsmanship.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Disclaimer: This event is presented in Spanish ONLY

Join Registered Dietitian Mary Galindo and Diurka Sotomayor from Rooted Santa Barbara County for an interactive workshop designed to make healthy eating easy, delicious, and sustainable!

Discover practical ways to bring more veggies to your plate without sacrificing the flavors you love. Through a live food demo, you'll learn simple techniques for adding more plant-based ingredients to everyday meals. This session is all about meeting you where you are and helping you identify the next best step toward reaching your health goals and creating sustainable changes that last the whole year.

Leave feeling inspired with tasty tips that fit your lifestyle and nourish your body!

By registering for this program, participants must agree to Rooted’s Waiver and Class Agreement. By registering for this event I confirm that I have read the linked waiver and fully understand and hereby agree to its contents.

While nutrition is paramount to long term health this class is not intended to provide medical advice, guidance, or treatment. We are not providing medical advice, practicing medicine, or otherwise acting as anyone’s physician in any capacity. If you have questions regarding specific conditions, treatment, or lifestyle changes those should be discussed directly with your own healthcare provider.

*This is a guided program where we’ll support each other throughout the process, so registration is required. Our sessions will follow a structured schedule, and while office hours are optional, they are a great opportunity to get extra help and make the most of this experience!*

• Orientation: September 16
• Cooking Class: September 23
• Office Hours: September 30
• Cooking Class: October 2
• Cooking Class: October 7
• Office Hours: October 9
• Cooking Class & Graduation: October 14

Presenter Bio

Mary Galindo, MS, RDN, is the lead plant-based dietitian at Rooted Santa Barbara, where she empowers community members to eat more plants and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Drawing on nine years of experience at UCLA Health Cardiac Rehab, Mary now focuses her expertise on supporting the Latino community through bilingual culinary and nutrition education. Her culturally attuned approach honors the joy of eating, helping individuals improve diabetes, pre-diabetes, lower cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Passionate about Alzheimer's awareness, Mary works to educate the community on strategies to protect brain health. In addition to her community work, she supports employee wellness through corporate wellness programs, helping organizations foster a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Rooted Santa Barbara County is mobilizing our county to grow health equity and resilience through whole food plant-based nutrition education and support.

This project was supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Alebrije Workshop with Jesús Sosa Calvo, Eastside Library MLK Jr. Room, 3:00 - 5:00 PM

• September 26
• September 27

This program will be conducted in Spanish; however, bilingual staff will be available to provide support.

Join us for a special event with master artisan Jesús Sosa Calvo, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. Jesús will share the story “The Difference Between Alebrijes, Zapotec Fusion, and Nahual” and guide you in creating your own Alebrije. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the origins of these fantastical figures, first imagined in a dream by artisan Pedro Linares in the 1960s, and how they evolved from papier-mâché to the carved wooden figures known in Zapotec tradition.

This event is part of the Raíces y Sueños celebration, a series of programs that honor the cultural and artistic heritage of our communities.

Alebrijes blend features of real, mythical, and fantastical animals, representing the connection between the natural and spiritual worlds. Many believe they have healing powers and reveal deep emotions through their unique forms.

In this workshop, you’ll choose an Alebrije that was hand carved by Jesús Sosa, paint it, and create a personal identity description: “My Alebrije Has a Name.” Both your Alebrije and its description will be part of our Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit at the Central Library.

Limited space available. Registration is required. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your spot may be given to someone present who wishes to participate.

Recommended for adults and teens. Children ages 8 - 12 must be accompanied by an adult. We encourage participants within this age range to register to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Join us on the Michael Towbes Library Plaza where we will kick off the day with a bilingual storytime, followed by family-friendly fun, creativity, and community celebration at our second annual Raíces y Sueños Market.

We’ll be joined by the Young Makers Market, a lively showcase where entrepreneurs of all ages will sell handmade crafts and goods, thanks to a special partnership with this inspiring group of young creators.

Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, including the chance to make your own flower crown with artist Griselda Villalpando, get your face painted, and play our special edition Santa Barbara Lotería to celebrate our beautiful community. And don’t miss the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s creative table and explore community altars.

Special performances from Grupo Folklórico Alma de México and Franklin Academy of Folklórico will enliven the event with color, rhythm, and tradition. You’ll also experience the powerful energy of traditional Mexica (Aztec) dance. This group of dedicated dancers from several communities honors and shares the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through ceremonial movement, vibrant regalia, and the sounds of drums and conch shells. Their performance is a celebration of ancestral roots and living traditions that continues to inspire and unite generations.

Delicious tacos and refreshing aguas frescas will be available for purchase.

Mark your calendar and bring the whole family for a day of joy, creativity, and cultural pride in the heart of Santa Barbara!

Check our calendar for more details.

10:30 a.m. Bilingual Storytime

11:30 a.m. Make your own flower crown (while supplies last)

12:00 p.m. Face painting

1:00 p.m. Lotería

2:00 p.m. Local Folklórico Performance

2:30 p.m. Aztec Dancers Performance

Disclaimer(s):

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

In case of inclement weather, outdoor activities may be canceled. For the most up to date information, please contact the library with any questions or concerns before traveling to library events.

A Special, Free Day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 11:00 - 4:30 PM

• September 28

Join us for a delightful day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special, free admission. Present your library card at the museum to view captivating works by Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Argentinian artists!