In memory of Chris Potter, 1975 – 2024
— Vincent Van Gogh
The Chris Potter Art Foundation supports aspiring and emerging Santa Barbara County artists and painters with a strong interest in plein air through an annual scholarship and mentorship.
Santa Barbara coastline
Our mission
To remove the barriers that keep talented Santa Barbara County artists and painters from making the next painting — through direct financial support, mentorship, and a community that makes the work feel possible.
Our focus
Our 2027 Scholarship & Mentorship
The Foundation selects an aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artist or painter with a strong interest in plein air to receive $3,000 in financial support, professional guidance and mentorship, and a collaborative exhibition or art show designed to help them take the next step in their art career.
The recipient is selected by the Foundation board from applications submitted in November.
Annual event
Our annual fundraiser supports the scholarship fund. Join us on Friday, January 29, 2027 at Glen Annie Golf Club, Goleta.
Chris Potter
Chris’s story
Chris Potter spent his life painting the Santa Barbara coast — Leadbetter, Hendry’s, the Gaviota bluffs — outside, in the wind, directly from observation. The Foundation exists because he asked it to: a way for the practice he loved to keep reaching the next artist who needs it.
Read Chris’s story →For supporters
Every dollar helps sustain the Foundation’s annual scholarship for an aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artist or painter.
For artists
If you’re an aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artist or painter with a strong interest in plein air, we want to hear about your work.