He is seeking community support to self-publish a major coffee-table book of Santa Barbara’s biggest and most historic celebration. Sanctioned by the Old Spanish Days non-profit organization, this impressive snapshot might be the first major publication of Old Spanish Days in its near 90-year history.
To produce this book in time for this year’s Fiesta, raising the necessary capital in the next two weeks is critical. Therefore, Mr. Fisher has decided to use a unique entrepreneurial fundraising system.
A project page has been posted on the “crowd-funding” website IndieGoGo.com, along with different sponsor/pledge levels for people to support the book project. A contribution to this project will help cover the printing costs. With a goal of $20,000 over $11,000 has so far been pledged.
To access the project directly visit celebratefiesta.com.
If funded, a minimum of 100 books will be donated to the Old Spanish Days non-profit, the organization who puts on Fiesta each year.
About:
Art Fisher is the owner of local design firm, In Color, and he also serves as the in-house photographer for both the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Arlington Theater. This book is a labor of love for him, along with friend and colleague, Jim Youngson, a local public affairs consultant and former member of the Old Spanish Days board of directors.
This 240 page, 12 x 12 inch coffee table book takes you through Old Spanish Days’ annual Fiesta celebration, event by event. The book contains more than 600 images carefully selected from over 50,000 photos taken over a period of eleven years. The result depicts a richness of perspectives in iconic locations, such as the Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Courthouse, State Street, El Paseo Restaurant, Earl Warren Showgrounds and the classic mercados and cantinas.
“For three years, I served as the official Old Spanish Days photographer, which benefited me with privileged access. From front row and on-stage with the dancers, to middle-of-the-street parade shots, to back-stage and behind the scenes, the pictures here are from unique vantages.” says Fisher.
Perhaps more importantly, some 1,500 people grace these pages, from young beautiful dancers to past el presidentes, authentic horsemen (and women) and elegant palominos. This book truly represents Fiesta and its people in the 21st century.
“The purpose of this book is not to be a historical retrospective but rather to provide a colorful documentation of what you might see if you tried to take in all the major Fiesta events of today. Yet the traditions continue, generation after generation.”
That said, both Fisher and Youngson believe that decades from now these pictures will be viewed as a historical snapshot of the people and places that make up Old Spanish Days as it neared its 100th anniversary in 2024. “There is no doubt that people will be celebrating Fiesta in Santa Barbara a century from now,” says Youngson.
How You Can Make a Pledge and Buy a Book Now!!!
Check out the online video and you’ll find that by pre-purchasing a book (or two, or three…) you can help get the book published. Buy extra copies for family and friends, as this book will remain in your family collection for years to come. Put a copy in your office or waiting room, in hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Of course they’re perfect souvenirs to recall fond memories of past Fiestas.
Recent Draft on Display at El Paseo Restaurant
A working draft of this book is on display at the world famous El Paseo Restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. Feel free to drop by during business hours to take a look.
Book Specifications:
• 12 x 12 inch Hardbound, Coffee Table Book
• 240 Pages, Printed in Full Color on High Quality Paper
• HiFi Color, Laminated Dust Jacket
• Over 600 High-Quality Photographs
• Fully Captioned Photos
• Over a Decade of Fiesta Photography
• Beautiful Panoramas
• Iconic Santa Barbara Locations
• Some 1,500 Faces Captured
• Colorful Graphic Design
• Quotes by Prominent Fiesta Participants
• Cost: $60