The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is excited to announce that the film-themed art gallery in the new McHurley Film Center is now named The Naomi and Ben Bollag Gallery in honor of a cornerstone gift from Ben Bollag.
Naomi and Ben Bollag have been residents of Santa Barbara for the past 35 years, following earlier years in Switzerland, New York, and Hawaii. Ben enjoyed a distinguished career in investment banking, specializing in the metals and minerals industry, while Naomi was an accomplished artist whose creativity, aesthetic vision, and love of beauty enriched both her family and the broader community.
Throughout their lives together, Naomi and Ben were deeply committed to philanthropic endeavors, supporting numerous charitable, educational, healthcare, cultural, and community initiatives both locally and internationally.
Prior to her passing in May 2025, Naomi was deeply committed to the revitalization and continued growth of downtown Santa Barbara. Her vision, generosity, and community spirit continue to inspire this gift and its intended impact on the city she loved.
The new exhibit opening July 1st will highlight the work of graphic designer Barbara Boros, who designed 18 posters and the iconic logo for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Barbara spent her youth riding horses, and her love of animals was a passion that is reflected in much of her original art. Painting and drawing from a young age, she earned a BFA from University of North Texas Denton, and a degree in graphic design from Colorado Institute of Art. Upon relocating to Santa Barbara, she established her graphic design business and blended her natural painting abilities with her commercial design skills to create a successful career.
“Though her roots were from Texas, Santa Barbara was her true home. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has always been a staple of this community, and she took a lot of pride in designing the poster. I was fortunate to watch her work evolve and grow with the festival since 2004. Designing her final poster from her hospital bed in 2021 was an inspiration, and a real testament to her strength, her passion, and her love for Santa Barbara. I hope all viewers of this installation can pause and appreciate the beauty she contributed to the community over the years.”
