Belle Arte Events Invade the Biltmore

If fine art and fine dining is your thing, there’s no better place to indulge than the Biltmore’s ongoing bimonthly Bella Arte Events. These intimate-and decadent-exhibits come themed and offer everything from contemporary pop art to traditional landscapes. Sponsored by Bottoms Art Galleries and the Bella Vista Restaurant, the events take place at the Four Seasons Resort Biltmore (1260 Channel Dr.). The Bella Vista restaurant is open from 5-10 p.m. on Thursdays. Call 565-8237 for reservations and more info.

This upcoming Thursday, July 23, the works of father-son duo Brad and Ken Nack will be in the spotlight. For a glimpse of what’s in store, read on:

1) You Get Two Nacks: Ken and Brad Nack will be on hand to describe and answer questions about their careers. Both father Ken and son Brad paint vivid, accessible modern artworks that display inner vitality and a powerful connection to the tradition of Picasso and Leger. Ken, who was for many years the chair of the art department at Santa Barbara City College, apprenticed in the studios of both Picasso and Leger in Paris. Brad took a different route, circling the planet in search of art and waves. When his successful career in the music industry lost its flavor, he turned to painting. His annual reindeer shows have become one of Santa Barbara’s most popular holiday traditions.

2) The Food Will Be Amazing: The Biltmore seafood buffet is like a nighttime version of their legendary weekend brunch. Outstandingly fresh food arranged in an eye-pleasing display and cooked with the highest degree of culinary art. Half Maine lobster with taggiasca olive and spinach crushed fingerling potatoes in a shellfish-brandy sauce is only one of five entrees offered on the hot buffet menu. All this for only $49.

3) BYOBiltmore: To make Bella Arte even more irresistible to wine lovers, the Biltmore has dropped its corkage fee for the evening, so break out that magnum of Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Isabelle” that you laid down in ’06-it’s party time.

4) Bottoms Up: The cosponsors of these events are the Biltmore’s Bella Vista Restaurant and the Joseph Bottoms Gallery. Joe Bottoms has the perfect profile for bringing Santa Barbara art to the well-heeled guests at the Biltmore. His father’s dolphin statue on Cabrillo is one of the city’s most familiar landmarks, and his family’s sterling reputation as a clan of crafty actors rivals that of the Bridges. Every Thursday through September 3, expect Bottoms to bring another stimulating group together for this elegant and lively evening. Artists coming to Bella Arte in August include Carol Alleman, Warren Hile, Joy Beckner, and Katie Upton.