live art experiences for events in Santa Barbara & Montecito
based in ventura, available throughout Santa Barbara & the Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Barbara weddings set a high bar - the venues, the florals, the details. The entertainment should match.
I'm Allison Kunath, a fine artist based in Ventura. I bring blind contour portrait sessions, live watercolor painting, and live painted murals to weddings and private events up and down the Santa Barbara coast and into the Santa Ynez Valley. Each experience is personal, live, and shaped entirely by the people in the room.
“We had the absolute pleasure of having Allison perform live art at our recent event, and the experience was nothing short of incredible. Her passion, kindness and talent made her a true joy to work with, and her presence elevated our event from a fun night into a truly special one.”
Lauren Dutton-Breen
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
About My Offerings:
Continuous Line Portraits
Drawn without looking at the paper, these ‘blind contour’ portraits are minimal, honest, and quietly striking - a natural fit for the understated elegance Santa Barbara does so well. Guests leave with something handmade and genuinely one of a kind.
Process Details
Guests sit for a short portrait session (2–5 minutes). Drawings are done in a single continuous line without lifting the pen. Works beautifully for intimate cocktail hours, winery events, and private estate gatherings.
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Step 1: Share Your Event Details
Submit an Inquiry and me your date, guest count & timing.
Step 2: We Align on Paper & Scale
Choose between several paper colors and sizes. Day-of setup is minimal & takes only a few minutes.
Step 3: Live Portrait Booth at Your Event
Guests visit my station to sit for a short 2-5 minute portrait
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A one-of-a-kind single line portrait
5x7 or 6x8 format, ready to frame
A small, lightweight, easy-to-carry keepsake in a protective cellophane sleeve
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Corporate holiday parties
VIP client gatherings
Brand activations
Private dinners & in-home parties
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Most events range from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on duration, guest count, and travel required.
Share your details and I’ll send a clear estimate.
“Allison exceeded all our expectations, and we’ll absolutely be inviting her back for future events. She made the evening incredibly special.”
Lauren Dutton-Breen
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Watercolor Gradient Paintings
I create minimal watercolor gradients during your event as guests visit my station. Inspired by the light and palette of the California coast, each piece is simple, refined, and ready to frame - an artful takeaway that feels as considered as the rest of your event.
About The Setup
This activation requires very little planning on your end and integrates easily into dinners, garden parties, and coastal celebrations.
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Step 1: Share Your Event Details
Submit an Inquiry and me your date, guest count & timing
Step 2: We Align on Palette & Scale
I tailor the color story to the mood of your event or your brand. Day-of setup is minimal & takes only a few minutes.
Step 3: Live Painting at Your Event
Guests visit the station throughout the evening to watch custom watercolor gradients being created in the moment.
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A one-of-a-kind watercolor gradient painting
5x7 or 6x8 format, ready to frame
A small, lightweight, easy-to-carry keepsake in a protective cellophane sleeve
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Corporate holiday parties
VIP client gatherings
Hospitality activations
Private dinners & tasting events
Resort & brand experiences
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Most events range from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on duration, guest count, and travel required.
Share your details and I’ll send a clear estimate.
”Allison’s ability to adapt to the energy of the room while staying true to her unique artistic style was amazing. Our guests were not just observing an artist at work; they were witnessing something beautiful unfold in real-time, and then take home a stunning piece of her artwork to commemorate the event. Everyone was completely captivated by it.”
Lauren Dutton-Breen
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Live Mural Painting
Santa Barbara has always attracted people who care about how a space feels. A live mural leans into that… a large-scale painting made in real time, shaped by the venue, the gathering, and the moment. By the end of the evening, something permanent exists that didn't before.
Process Details
Scale and surface determined in advance.
Concept developed collaboratively to reflect your event's tone and aesthetic.
Ideal for brand activations, hotel and hospitality events, and milestone celebrations.
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Step 1: Share Your Event Details
Submit an inquiry with your date, venue, and a sense of what you're going for.
Step 2: We Develop the Concept
We'll align on scale, surface, and direction - the mural is designed custom for your event, and you’ll have a chance to pre-approve the artwork.
Step 3: Watch It Come to Life at Your Event
I paint live while your guests gather, mingle, and watch something get made in real time.
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Most events start at $5,000 depending on complexity, scale and event durration.
Share your details and I’ll send a clear estimate. -
The canvas, panel, or surface (and the support structure to hold it) are sourced and fabricated by your team. Most planners work with their existing vendors for this, and I'm happy to collaborate closely on specs to make sure everything is set up for the best possible result.
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Brand activations and launches
Corporate retreats and holiday parties
Milestone celebrations (significant birthdays, anniversaries, holidays)
planning something special in santa barbara?
From San Ysidro Ranch and Rosewood Miramar to the Four Seasons Biltmore, El Encanto, and private estates throughout Montecito and the Santa Ynez Valley - if you're celebrating in Santa Barbara, I'd love to be part of it.