The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art, celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, hosts the West Coast premiere exhibition of internationally famous sculptor Chakaia Booker Dec. 11-Jan. 31. A free, public opening reception with Booker is Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4-6 p.m.
The Westmont women’s cross country team finished eighth out of 38 teams at the NAIA National Championship Nov. 22 in Lawrence, Kansas, its seventh best finish in program history and best placing since 1998.
Westmont kicks off the Christmas season with the 13th annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Kerrwood Lawn on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. Following caroling and the annual Pickle Address, a mystery tree lighter will throw down the massive switch that lights a 150-foot redwood tree, affectionately known as the Pickle Tree. The event is free and open to the public.
This month’s public viewing of the stars will feature astronomical glimpses of a heart, owl and a Christmas tree on Friday, Nov. 21, beginning after 6:30 p.m. and lasting for several hours at the Westmont Observatory. The free event is held every third Friday of the month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit.
The Westmont Christmas Festival, one of the most popular holiday events in Santa Barbara, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with performances Dec. 5-6 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6-7 at 3 p.m. all at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave.