Venue:

136 E De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Clarence Mattei Exhibit at SB Historical Museum

Exhibit is open through September 17, 2023

Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Gaze upon beautiful portraits of the past at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s current exhibit “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community”.

Clarence was the son of Felix Mattei, founder of the 1886 stagecoach stop Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. Early works in the exhibition include oil portraits of Mattei’s family and Tavern regulars, along with early sketches of the locals who worked and hung around the Tavern, from cowboys to cooks. Museum Director Dacia Harwood notes, “We’re especially gratified to present the early drawings, which were recently gifted to us and have not been exhibited before.”

Clarence’s skills continued to grow and eventually he was among the most sought-after portraitists in Santa Barbara county. He expertly captured the likenesses of notable individuals such as U.S. President Herbert Hoover and artist John Singer Sargent. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to see the world of the historic Inn at Mattei’s Tavern through the founding family’s eyes!