A NOTE FROM LUKE

President & CEO

Dear friends,

Ihope you have had a chance to visit the Museum and the Sea Center already this summer. At both campuses we have so much for you to explore—both old favorites and new surprises.

Our Sea Center on Stearns Wharf always floats, sparkling in the sun, over the channel. Our volunteers and educators are eager to share their knowledge and passion for these ambassadors from the deep. World Oceans Day in June was a particular success: with support from the Coastal Fund at UCSB we were able to open the doors at no cost, and 1,544 visitors enjoyed the Sea Center exhibits. Those visitors also had the opportunity to connect with various partner organizations and learn about community opportunities in environmental stewardship.

This summer in the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion, all of our species are native to Costa Rica, so you will see some dazzling flying jewels that have never before visited us. Our indoor galleries always provide cool and restorative spaces to acquaint yourself with our regional natural history; you will always discover something new with every visit to these cherished halls.

And you won’t want to miss our newest exhibit in our Courtyard Gallery—the whimsical works of graphic artists Charley and Edie Harper will be sure to delight you.

Both the Museum and the Sea Center are old friends you will want to visit again and again. Thank you for keeping us close.

Sincerely,

Luke J. Swetland President & CEO