Habitual Curiosity
Paintings by Chelsea Roberts '18

January 15 - June 20, 2026
Opening Reception: January 15, 4-6pm. Reception and admission are free and open to the public.

In my life, I have found that to be curious is to be present, and to have a desire to learn about the world around me on a daily basis. It is the opportunity to foster a bond with whatever I strive to understand, and for me that desire is overwhelmingly focused on nature. This series showcases my curiosity for the natural world, and celebrates the variety of species and connections found both locally in Santa Barbara, as well as across the globe. 

My artistic process begins with hours of research poured into every piece, as I learn the information necessary in order to portray these flora and fauna accurately. During this time, I form a deep connection to the subjects, and do my best to capture the essence of their being. I have chosen to paint everything digitally, for the freedom it allows me to experiment with color, technique and composition as the individual pieces evolve. The outcome is what you see before you, and I welcome you to look closely, and always stay curious. - Chelsea Roberts

That beautiful moment where land meets the sea, the shorelines of Santa Barbara are home to a wide variety of shorebirds. Most come here during the non-breeding season, and feast on a rich diet of creatures found deep in the sand or within the tangled heaps of kelp. These birds were amongst the first Roberts ever learned to identify, and she fell in love with how so much personality can be found amongst the dizzyingly similar feather patterns, colors, and sizes.