Channelkeeper’s Annual Student Art Show
Each year, Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show celebrates the connection between young people and the ocean.
High school students from Carpinteria to Lompoc are invited to create and submit their interpretations of what the Santa Barbara Channel means to them. The artwork honors the remarkable beauty and biodiversity of the Santa Barbara Channel, and it also inspires our community to protect it.
2026 Student Art Show
Save the Date!
Channelkeeper is pleased to present its 23rd annual student art show on May 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The show, themed “What the Channel Means to Me,” aims to inspire local students to reflect on their connection to the Santa Barbara Channel and to create art that celebrates the area’s natural beauty and diversity while inspiring others in our community.
The contest is open to high school students from Carpinteria to Goleta and in the past has included work from students attending Bishop Diego, Carpinteria, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara high schools. A local artist will juror the show and select pieces based on creativity, technical skill, sense of style, and interpretation of the theme.
The student award-winners will be announced at the artist reception and award ceremony. The awards include generous cash prizes donated by long-time student art show sponsor Trillium Enterprises, Inc. and the City of Goleta Grant Program. The also has in-kind support from The Frame-Up. With their generous support, it is Channelkeeper’s aim to both reward and enable these young artists to develop their talents and continue to inspire others to care for the marine environment through their art.
**Artwork is due on Monday, April 20th by 5pm at the Channelkeeper office (714 Bond Ave). Channelkeeper is coordinating with participating teachers to pick up artwork from the schools. Students, please check with your art teacher about art pickup. Students may also submit work independently. All artwork must be ready to hang.
Over the past two decades, more than 4,500 students have submitted art to Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show.
- For more information please email Penny@sbck.org
- Check out last year’s poster here!
- Download the Student Art Waiver for art submission.
- Check out the 2025 online gallery of student artwork!
- Check out the 2024 online gallery of student artwork!