You can see current and past Solstice Parade and Festival Pictures here

2008 Poster Design

In honor of Michael Gonzales (1951-1989), and his original painting returning to the City of Santa Barbara, this year's Summer Solstice poster is the painting done by Michael, which is now on display at the downtown Santa Barbara Public Library. The photo of this painting was taken by Scott McClain.

"Over four magical years, 1978 through 1981, Santa Barbara's annual Summer Solstice Celebration Parade began at Ortega Street, traveled north up State Street, turned right on Anapamu and then, after a short job down Anacapa Street, the entire parade -- giant puppets, floats and crush of people in costumes -- singing and strutting, dancing and howling, swept through the Santa Barbara county Courthouse Archway. Throngs spilled onto the lawn of the Sunken Gardens for an afternoon Festival where musicians of all styles and stripes alternated with dance and theater performances on the courthouse steps. Michael Gonzales, founder of the Parade, captured that moment in the Courthouse archway in this painting, which became the image for the classic 1981 Summer Solstice Celebration poster. His painting directly transmits the feeling in the County Courthouse Gardens during that era and at the time provided an inspirational poster that excited the whole town in anticipation of the Celebraiton in the Spring and Summer of 1981."

To read more about Michael Gonazles..

--Article used with permission from Ron Alexander, Tim Healy & Jenny Sullivan.

 

 

Since the beginning of the Summer Solstice Celebration, there has been a flier or poster announcing the Celebration to the community. Michael Gonzales, originator of the Solstice Celebration, designed the early fliers and posters. Since the first poster competition in 1974, local artists submit their artwork each year by January when all entries are hung at the Sojourner Restaurant in Santa Barbara for the community to vote for their favorite.

As the Solstice Celebration grew in size and notoriety, so has the demand for additional Solstice Products. Now the winning design is imprinted on Posters, T-Shirts, hats, tote bags and a travel mug. Sales of these items generate much of the revenue needed to produce the Solstice Celebration.

These products are sold on-line, at local events and through the Solstice administrative office. Visit our Solstice Store today to purchase 2007 items, or visit our archives to review shirts or posters from years past. A limited number of archive posters are $25 and are available by contacting the Summer Solstice office at (805) 965-3396 or soladmin@solstice.com. Please indicate which year you are interested in. Usually only the current year’s shirts are available online, but vintage Solstice products are sold at the Festival in Alameda Park.