JANUARY 2012

Through January 30–Elverhøj Museum: Faces of Solvang: 100 years of Diversity and Community. This is a juried photography exhibit depicting the many faces of Solvang’s cultures, past and present. 805-686-1211 or www.elverhoj.org
18—Wildling Art Museum: “Earth as art3” and “Aerial Abstractions: Photographs by Bill Dewey.” For more information, call 805-688-1082 or go to www.wildlingmuseum.org
21—Wildling Art Museum:  Introduction to Speaking “Fluent Nature.”   The class will meet at the Wildling Art Museum, where naturalist and birder Fred Emerson and botanist Larry Ballard will present slides and answer questions about how to go about studying natural history in the Santa Ynez Valley, with special emphasis on what there is to see, what to bring on outings, how to properly adjust binoculars, and the best way to “see” when you are out and about. Following the presentation, the class will practice what they learned in a walking tour of Los Olivos. For more information, call 805-688-1082 or go to www.wildlingmuseum.org

FEBRUARY 2012

10—Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum:  Ranching on the Gaviota Coast.  John McCarty, a long time Gaviota rancher and current manager of the Hollister Ranch Cooperative Grass Fed Beef program, will discuss the history of the Hollister Ranch and explain the importance of preserving traditional ranching practices in the 21st Century. Reception: 6:30 p.m. Presentation: 7 p.m.  805-688-7889 or www.santaynezmuseum.org
14—Elverhøj Museum:  Valley Wines & Valentines.  Music, candlelight, a sumptuous cheese board, fruit, chocolates, and of course plenty of local wines make this a popular annual event.  Proceeds from silent auctions and wine raffles help fund Museum activities. For more info,  go to www.elverhoj.org or call (805) 686-1211.
18—Wildling Art Museum:  Speaking “Fluent Nature” with Fred & Larry.    The class will meet at Los Alamos County Park from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Visit their website for more information: www.wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-688-1082.
24-26—Solvang Greyhound Fest.  Keep abreast of planning details at www.solvanggreyhoundfest.org.

MARCH 2012

10—30th Annual Solvang Century, Metric and Half-Century.  For complete details of this popular event, go to www.bikescor.com/solvang/rideinfo.
16-18—Taste of Solvang. This annual event once again includes a Dessert Reception on Friday night, a Walking Smorgaasbord and Wine Tasting Room Walk on Saturday, and free tours of Mission Santa Inés & the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art.  For more information, call the Solvang Visitors Bureau at 1-800-468-6765 or 805-688-6144 or visit www.solvangusa.com
19—Artists & Easels. Previously Ladies First, this new art show celebrates local art. Come and meet local artists and see their work. For more information, contact Gallery Los Olivos 805-688 -7517.

APRIL 2012

21—Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival.  A full schedule of dinners, winery tours, wine tastings and wine sales headquartered at The Carranza, on the outskirts of Los Olivos.  The main event takes place on Sat., April 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. and includes live music, a silent auction and wine country cuisine by some of the area’s finest chefs.  805-688-0881 or www.sbcountywines.com