The Betteravia Art Gallery in Santa Maria, California, is opening a new group exhibition titled "Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century" on May 21, 2026. The show features 54 works by 34 artists selected through an open call, spanning photography, painting, ceramics, and digital media. The exhibition was co-curated by Laura-Susan Thomas, a professor at Allan Hancock College, in collaboration with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture.
The exhibition matters because it reflects a growing trend in contemporary art to re-examine humanity's relationship with nature in an era of environmental change. By bringing together diverse local artists and inviting public engagement, the show strengthens community ties to the Central Coast's natural landscape and underscores the role of county-supported galleries in making art accessible to the public.