Joe Milazzo’s Artwork Pays Homage to the American West | Arts & Entertainment

Artist Joe Milazzo’s artwork depicting his love of the American West and its history will be on display in an exhibit titled “Blessed: The Western Way of Life” starting Oct. 11 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, 3596 Sagunto St.

Milazzo uses pen and ink, and charcoal to capture ranch life, people, western landscapes and Native American Heritage.

Attracted to the Western way of life since he was a kid, Milazzo feels a true connection with people who he describes as “the salt of the earth.”

Milazzo recently began adding a touch of color to some of his pieces, taking 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,” said 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,” said 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.

An opening reception with the artist will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the museum. The museum will also be open 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, with Milazzo attending.

A limited number of Milazzo’s works will be on sale during the exhibit, and a percentage of sales will benefit the museum.

For tickets to the open house, visit www.santaynezmuseum.org/joe-milazzo-art-exhibition-sale.

To explore Milazzo’s art, visit https://milazzoartworks.com.