Benefit Featuring Erika Kahn Supports Santa Barbara Outreach Program

This weekend, Art Walk for Kids/Adults (artwalkforkids.org) had its annual summer art exhibit of creations by autistic, special needs and developmentally disabled adults from the Santa Barbara Community.

In addition to the local artists shown, the two-day benefit honored internationally exhibited artist Erika Kahn, who is part of the Holocaust Survivor Memorial at the Jewish Federation (http://www.jewishsantabarbara.org/page.html?ArticleID=119638). The showing was held at a Hope Ranch home showcased her work, which consisted of mostly etchings. Half of the proceeds from her exhibit will go to Art Walk for Kids/Adults.

Another special guest was actor Bill Paxton. His brother Bob Paxton was a student/artist who has been with Art Walk for the past seven years. Founder Kerrie Kilpatrick-Weinberg was pleased with the event and said that it was great weekend, considering the heat. A total of 23 paintings were sold and a similar event is happening in late August.

The arts outreach program was founded by Kilpatrick-Weinberg in January 2000 to benefit special needs, developmentally disabled, at risk, terminally ill youth and adults through specialized art and vocational education. The organization is the recipient of multiple honors and awards from Lois Capps and California Congress. There are Art Walk for Kids/Adults programs running in many local organizations including, Los Prietos Boys Camp for Young Incarcerated boys, Juvenile Hall, Via Esperanza court appointed school, El Puente, Devereux Foundation, Hillside House, Vieja Valley School and Open Alternative. Additionally, Art Walk for Kids/Adults, in conjunction with the National Cancer Society, offers summer camps for children recovering from cancer.