Why Visual Arts Matter Now More Than Ever
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, schedules, and constant digital noise, the visual arts offer something essential: moments of reflection, creativity, and connection. Art has the power to slow us down, spark curiosity, and help us see the world – and one another – in new ways.
At Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, the visual arts are woven into the fabric of our campus and our mission. Throughout the year, visitors of all ages can explore more than 50 works in our permanent and rotating collections featured in our free Art Walk, from monumental outdoor sculptures in our Sculpture Garden and Sculpture Courtyard and two large-scale murals adorning the exterior walls of the building to paintings, photography, and textile art displayed in our interior spaces.
During the holiday season, our Northern Lights Winter Lights Art Walk transforms the campus into a wonderland of illuminated sculptures and installations created by local artists, bringing thousands of community members together to experience art in a new light.
Together, these works transform the Center into a living gallery, offering opportunities for inspiration and discovery around every corner. Best of all, our exterior visual arts experiences are free and open to the public (free viewing of interior galleries by appointment), ensuring that everyone has access to creativity and beauty close to home.
From Creativity to Character-Building in the Classroom
Our commitment to visual arts also extends to the next generation of creators. Each summer, young artists explore painting, drawing, mixed media, and other hands-on projects through our Summer Camps. where creativity is encouraged and imagination thrives. In those three weeks, they’re also building confidence, developing problem-solving skills, and discovering new ways to express themselves – lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.
In the Santa Rosa camp this month, for example, students in one of the visual art classes will complete a 16×20 canvas piece using acrylic paints. Each student will receive a journal on day one, which they will use to learn to scale their ideas to a larger format, trying out different techniques and working out a solution.
“Not every student is comfortable speaking up or performing in front of others, but almost every child can find a way to express themselves by creating visual art.” said Ashleigh Worley, Director of Education and Community Engagement. “Visual art gives students permission to experiment, make mistakes, and discover what they’re capable of, and those experiences help shape character and prepare them for life beyond the classroom.”
Throughout the school year, LBC’s Artist in the Schools residencies put professional artists in local classrooms. In Arts Integration residencies, teaching artists combine an art form – often visual art –and another academic content area to dive deeper into learning. Arts for All residencies allow PK-12th grade classroom teachers to choose from different art forms, including dance, drama, visual art, and music, to ensure that their students receive a diversity of quality arts instruction. 
Visual art also enriches the experience of thousands of students who visit the Center each year for School Shows. Teachers are invited to extend their field trips with self-guided campus art walks, complete with age-appropriate prompts and activities that encourage observation, discussion, and creative thinking. By connecting performing and visual arts in a single visit, students gain a deeper appreciation for artistic expression and discover that creativity takes many forms.
Visual art invites conversation, encourages self-expression, and brings beauty into everyday life. At a time when communities, schools, and individuals crave meaningful experiences, the visual arts matter now more than ever. We invite you to come and immerse yourself in the rewarding possibilities of the visual arts right here in Santa Rosa’s own backyard at the LBC.
Thanks to the support of donors and members, these visual arts experiences remain accessible and continue to inspire wonder, creativity, and connection for people of all ages.
