Every Spring, the last Sunday in April, friends of the Wildling Art Museum turn back the clock and relive what life must have been like 150 years ago on the old Spanish land grant ranches. They gather at a different ranch each year, away from civilization, to enjoy a tri-tip and tamale dinner, served up by “Chef” Bill Luton, himself a descendent of an early Santa Barbara family, local wine, and early California music.

The Third Annual “Vivan Los Californios” Barbeque Fiesta, a benefit for the Wildling Art Museum in Los Olivos, was held that year on April 24, 3-6 p.m. at Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, off of Ballard Canyon. New features were round-trip bus transportation from Santa Barbara, a pre-barbeque nature hike lead by Mike Williams, director of UCSB’s Sedgwick Reserve, beginning at 1:30 p.m, dancing and horseshoes.

Visitors were encouraged to come in Early California or Ranchero attire (with boots or closed-toe shoes). Photographer John Fitzpatrick will be present to take vintage-era looking photographs. Music was to be provided by “Los californios,” a musical group from San Diego who have specialized in the sweet, melodic music of the Spanish period in early California, from the 1700’s through 1870’s. Their music includes both vocal and instrumental pieces played with the accordion, violin, tambor, mandolin and guitar with waltzes and polkas used for dancing, and songs about love and rancho life.

An oil painting, “Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, Early Spring” has been created by Marcia Burtt, a well-known local plein air artist associated with the Oak and Scape painting groups. Burtt’s painting was auctioned at the Barbeque, and signed posters featuring it were for sale. Choice books on ranch life, CD’s, art work, and related items were raffled off.

The Museum would like to thank our sponsor, Wells Fargo Bank, for their donation toward the 2005 Vivan Los Californios festivities.

• Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, Early Spring
• Marcia Burtt