32 | N OV E M B E R
22 – 29 | 2013
W W W. S A N TA B A R B A R A S E N T I N E L .CO M
by Megan Waldrep With over ten years in the industry designing for her own label, she began writing because “it just felt good.” In addition to writing, Megan is currently the head designer and creative director for Mew Kids, a children’s clothing line, as well as a co-author of the much loved children’s book, Spice & Little Sugar. You can say she wears many hats. Which is fitting. For a fashion writer and all. Discover her world at www.mewkids.com.
Local Art Talent Shows Up for Onward Opening
C
hampagne in hand, I’m on the move. It’s the grand opening party for Onward Art & Design in the heart of Santa Barbara, and I’m right in the middle of it. Local art-loving citizens are all around me celebrating the newest love child and retail venture of Santa Barbara native Mary Benenati. Onward is really a boutique that could be described by many adjectives. “Typical” is quite clearly not one of them. I got the chance to sit down with Mary and ask her all about the unique shop and the inspiration behind it. “Whenever I bring something into my home, I like to get a jolly out of it,
a smile. It’s just fun to bring something unusual or something you see in a piece that others may just walk by,” she explains of her multifaceted space. “[The artists are] personal to me because I have their work in my home and I’ve followed their careers. There are so many talented people in Santa Barbara; I wanted to hone in on a couple that are true to my heart and show them in a venue that makes it comfortable for people to see their work in a home furnishing setting rather than a gallery setting.” Mary’s face absolutely lit up when she spoke of her biggest inspiration. “My father is my mentor in the design field. He was and is an inspiration to me. He always said ‘set the trend, don’t
Thanksgiving Nov 28th!
Santa Barbara native and Onward Art & Design owner, Mary Benenati. (Thanks for taking the time, Mary, I had a blast!)
Artist and best-answer-I’ve-ever-heard-giver, Missy Vivenzio.
Hordes of people came out to sip champagne and celebrate the opening of Mary Benenati’s newest boutique, Onward Art & Design.
follow it. Don’t buy art to fill a spot, buy it if you love it.’” Mary’s parents Bob and Barbara McColm built Danica House/Neuvie from which Mary’s 30 years experience has led her here to Onward. That experience shows. Mary generously chose to give 10% of the weekend’s proceeds to the Parkinson Association of Santa Barbara, which is near and dear to her heart.
Local owner, local artists, local causes. Talk about hitting the trifecta.
The Artisans
I adored talking with Mary, but it was time for her to get back to her guests – who showed up in droves – and time for me to find a featured artist to fully round out my Onward experience. Enter Missy Vivenzio. Missy’s large-scale paintings greet you in
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