Reunir 2024: Reuniting with our friends on the Central Coast

On February 8^th, nearly 150 guests came together at The Maker’s Son in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara County, for the annual Reunir with the Rangeland Trust. For the last five years, this event has served to connect new and old friends over the appreciation of the western lifestyle and preserving it in the region. The many hugs and share conversations that were had truly captured the spirit of this beloved gathering!

After enjoying a delicious taco dinner, guests were greeted with remarks by local Rangeland Trust ranching partner, Richard Kline of Rancho San Lorenzo, followed by an update on activities by Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar. The main program kicked off with Legacy Council member Lynn Kirst moderating a panel of rancher and cowboy artists who get their inspiration for their work from the land.

Rick Layman kicked-off the discussion sharing what led him to design saddles and other leather pieces, as well as how the flora and fauna of the ranches he’s been in contact with have inspired the imagery he depicts. John Iwerks described how his experience as the first preserve manager of the Arroyo Hondo Ranch as well as his fascination with geology and background in cartooning has enabled him to bring life to his nature paintings and murals. Chris Chapman, much like her husband, John, also pulls inspiration from her time on the Arroyo Hondo Ranch. She also recalled  two women from historic local ranching families who connected her to the land, touched on her work celebrating botanicals in the region, and talked about bringing other artists onto the land to be inspired. The panel wrapped up with Bill Reynolds, who spoke about his silversmithing creations. He regaled us with some history of this iconic vaquero symbol, and how he draws inspiration from “the romance of the West”.

Reunir continues to be one of our most popular events. The Maker’s Son, a place that celebrates all makers, including those that raise our food, provided a perfect venue for our group. We are grateful to our lead sponsor Rio Vista Chevrolet, as well as longtime sponsors Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Susan Petrovich, La Paloma Ranch, and Happy Canyon Ranch. Our sponsors help to keep our ticket prices affordable so that as many of our friends as possible can come out and be part of this celebration. Thank you also to our enthusiastic Host Committee members, who helped spread the word about the event, and our planning committee of Eric Hvolboll, Russell Chamberlin, Pam Doiron, and Marianne Partridge Poett for their guidance over the years in making Reunir the gem that it is.

We cannot wait to Reunir, once again, next year!