Artist Joe Milazzo’s Work Highlighting His Love Of The American West On Display In Santa Ynez Valley

Artist Joe Milazzo's artwork depicting his love of the American West and its history will be on display beginning October 11 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. The title of the Art Exhibition Show and Sale is “Blessed: The Western Way of Life."

Milazzo uses pen and ink, and charcoal to capture ranch life, people, western landscapes and Native American Heritage. Milazzo has been attracted to the Western way of life since he was a kid and feels a true connection with people who, as he says, are “the salt of the earth.”

Milazzo recently began adding a touch of color to some of his pieces, which has taken his work to yet another level.

The artist started visiting the Santa Ynez Valley from his home in Southern California in 1992. “Every Saturday, I’d be in Santa Ynez where I’d meet people and take reference photos for future pieces,” says Milazzo. “I’m blessed to have such a long history with Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara. The valley is very special. I can talk about it til the cows come home, but it’s a place you just have to see in person and experience it first hand to get the full effect.”

“We are honored and excited to have Joe Milazzo’s work showcased at the museum,” says Krissy Castillo, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. “He captures the essence of Western life and his relationship with the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County.”

Local Santa Barbara County collectors have loaned their Milazzo artworks for the duration of the show, which runs through May 31, 2026.

An opening reception with the artist is Saturday, October 11, at the museum from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The museum will also be open to the public on Sunday, October 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Milazzo in attendance.

A limited number of Milazzo’s works will be on sale during the exhibition. A percentage of sales will benefit the museum.

To explore Milazzo’s art designs, go to https://milazzoartworks.com. For tickets to the open house, go to www.santaynezmuseum.org/joe-milazzo-art-exhibition-sale.