Landscape Painter Robin Gowen Lets Color Speak in A Wild Hush Solo Exhibition at Sullivan Goss in Santa Barbara

This artist’s 13th solo show from August 1 to September 22, 2025 channels the tranquil landscapes of the California Central Coast

Long-time dedicated CCS ambassador-at-large, guest lecturer, artist, author, and friend to the College Robin Gowen will debut her latest solo exhibition, A Wild Hush, at Sullivan Goss in downtown Santa Barbara on Friday, August 1, 2025.

As the first living artist that the gallery began representing over 25 years ago, Robin returns for her 13th solo show, bringing with her the kaleidoscopic color palette and depictions of California’s central coast mountains and nature that have become her signature. 

“There’s a peace and quiet to be found in Robin’s paintings, the only “sound” comes from the symphony of color she incorporates into hills, valleys, and skies. The result is a harmonious blend of sky and earth and shadow and light, orchestrated by the maestro herself.”

—Sullivan Goss

A public reception will be held during Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk on August 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Sullivan Goss. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with the artist and experience the works in person.

Over several decades, Robin has been deeply involved in a variety of roles to further the College’s mission of supporting experiential learning and fostering a space for radical curiosity to bloom. She has been a guest instructor as an accomplished artist and writer, participated in an array of student community building and learning activities, brought her gardening expertise to beautify the College’s environment, donated a few of her paintings that hang in CCS spaces for all to marvel at, and has put tons of smiles on countless faces with her over-the-top baked goods. During 2017-2018, Robin served on the CCS 50th Anniversary Honorary Council. 

CCS is honored to house the Bruce H. and Robin G. Tiffney Summer Undergraduate Research Fund that recognizes Robin and Bruce Tiffney—American paleobotanist, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Earth Sciences, and CCS Dean (2005-2016)—for their shared commitment to unconventional learning, undergraduate research, and building community. The fund supports CCS biology students who participate in the College’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program and are named Tiffney Fellows. 

Learn more about Robin’s solo exhibit in the Sulivan Goss press release.