Christi Belle

After you moved back to the Valley, what inspired you to launch your own creative business?

Christi: When I was working at the winery, I was thinking about different things, and a lady came in doing yoga in the vineyard. She had just started, and I was like, ‘that’s what I want to do.’ I’d seen paint-night events in bars and restaurants, but I wanted something more rooted in nature. Then it hit me a few weeks later: you know what? People come to the valley because it’s beautiful… so what if we just paint the views at the vineyards?

I started there, at Kalyra, asking if I could host events on my days off. My manager agreed, so I reached out to some tasting room friends, and that’s how it all began. Over time, they were so generous in letting me transition away from my job. That’s how painting in the vineyard turned into Art Spot on Wheels, and it grew quickly.

Locals then began asking for art classes, and the community that formed has been wonderful. Honestly, it felt like magic here. Every corner I turn, I’m struck by how gorgeous it is. The biggest thing for me is that, even though I’ve been doing this for 10 years now, every time I turn the corner when I’m driving, I’m just like, this is so pretty.

I was talking to a friend, and I said I still can’t decide which season is my favorite. Each season is so pretty and so different. I’m so thankful for the vineyards because they give us seasons, they give us the colors, so we have fall colors. There are only a few trees here that actually have fall colors, but the vineyards really help us out there.

For this tiny place to have all these incredible restaurants, wineries and fun, amazing things—like the fastest, highest zip line, or hot air balloons, or horseback riding— it’s so unique. There are a million things you can do here. I lived in Los Alamos for a while, and it was just such a trip—I’m walking to a Michelin-star restaurant and there are no sidewalks. So, I think it’s just so unique and very inspiring artistically.

You started as a mobile business and now have a brick-and-mortar location in Solvang. Tell me about your vision for that and how it’s become a community space.

Christi: We have two locations now. Our first one is the studio, the Art Spot Studio, and that’s where we hold camps, classes, workshops, and events. I think we’ve done a really good job at creating a safe space.

I really just believe that we’re all made to create. We are creators, we’re born creators, all of us humans. It might not always be art for somebody, but I think we all make art in different ways, not necessarily with paint or whatever. 

I really like to work with beginner painters, because there’s a lot of vulnerability. There’s always this awkward time in the middle—I call it puberty—it’s rough for a minute, but we get through it. Encouragement helps people push past that moment. I’ve only had one person ever not finish a painting, and I’ve painted with over 10,000 people. Sometimes there’s even a therapeutic element; managing emotions and helping people feel safe is a big part of what we do.

I joke about it being a trauma bond when people come to our painting events—some arrive solo, others in small groups, and by the end, they’re making lunch plans together. I love that. It’s amazing to watch them connect through the process of creating. That sense of community is what makes this space so special.

Tell me more about what you mean by “trauma bond.”

Christi: I mean going through those intense, emotional, vulnerable times in a painting experience. Usually, you’re on your own and not on display, but even when everyone’s focused on their own work, we’re constantly concerned about it looking amazing right away. That’s unrealistic, but it’s what we think.

When people go through that together—encouraging each other—by the end everyone’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I love your mountains,’ or ‘Your trees are incredible.’ I tell my assistants, ‘Encourage, encourage, encourage.’ Because it’s a two-and-a-half-hour event, but for most of that time, people are panicking. Then, in the last 10 minutes, the details emerge and it starts looking like something. They experience that together, hold space for each other, and at the end they’re amazed. It’s this little bond: we went through this hard experience and made it out on the other side, and now we’re friends.

Not everyone can make it to a Painting in the Vineyard class. Are the kits—like the Buttonwood one—meant to bring the vineyard experience to people wherever they are? Does it fill a need for those seeking a different way to experience the valley?

Christi: Our watercolor kits, and honestly Craft & Create [our storefront], are meant to address a demand people have expressed. Some say, ‘I wish I could be in the area or I wish I could come all the time, but I don’t live here,’ or, ‘I wish there was something I could do without reservations.’ Others can’t afford a private event, or they only discover us too late. That’s why I felt there needed to be something you can do any day, no reservations necessary. 

We created Craft & Create in downtown Solvang mainly for locals who, like me, have kids but don’t want to register for another thing. It’s fun to have a walk-in art option. Not everyone loves art, but most kids I know do—it’s just nice to have it available.

For the watercolor kits, I started with the water tower at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, because they wanted me to paint there with their guests. But structures are so hard; if you get one line wrong, it looks like the whole building can’t stand, but they really wanted it, so I developed pre-drawn kits. Then I thought, ‘Why not do Grass Mountain, the Solvang windmill, an ostrich—things that are so Santa Ynez Valley?’ People can visit these spots, then paint them later. Town closes early, so it’s perfect for evenings in a hotel room or on the plane. It’s also a great gift, like, ‘Hey, we brought you this gorgeous place!’ For me, experiences are so much more valuable than things.

At Craft and Create, we also offer projects you’ll actually use, like dish towels, hats, and bags, so it’s useful and not just random crafts.

Where do you see this going in five years and how do you see yourself as a maker?

Christi: Well, I don’t look back a lot—on occasion I do and think, ‘that’s pretty cool.’ I’m really grateful this all came about, and it does feel very unique to this area. Honestly, I’m not sure we can ever move—I don’t know how to leave this place; it can’t exist just anywhere.

I do hope we can bring Craft and Create to other parts of the Central Coast —maybe Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. But beyond that, I love that it’s unique to this special area. Painting in the Vineyard and those outdoor, wine-centric experiences aren’t possible just anywhere, especially year-round like we can do here.

It was very serendipitous that my parents brought me here. As a kid, I saw Solvang as a tiny tourist trap, but it’s changed so much since then—now it’s charming and has a lot to offer. I think we’re pretty lucky to be part of this community and feel so embraced by it.

You mentioned we’re all makers and drawn to create. In the Santa Ynez Valley, we see many forms of that—winemakers, chefs, artists, potters, farmers. What do you think draws them here, and is there something that ties them together?

Christi: Yeah, it’s no surprise. This area is gorgeous. When you come over the hill from Santa Barbara, it takes your breath away. It’s no wonder there are so many makers and artistic people here who see beauty in the land.

Another thing is that this community really supports makers and tries to support local. I don’t think our business could survive in a small town anywhere else, but here it always works out.

Also, our proximity to LA and other big cities means creative people come here to escape urban life. This place is kind of a mecca for that, offering the country experience without losing all the perks of a city. It’s unique that we have so many high-end options in such a small town—that’s not normal, and I think it’s a big part of why so many makers are drawn here.

What’s your favorite part about being a maker in the Santa Ynez Valley?

Christi: My favorite part of being a maker is creating in community—whether it’s Painting in the Vineyard or plein air with friends, I thrive on sharing that experience. This area’s beauty constantly inspires me to paint, and being able to teach others at the same time feels like I’ve struck gold.

It’s your day off in the Santa Ynez Valley, describe your perfect day.

Christi: If I have my kids with me, I’d definitely go to Vega Vineyards. I love their little ‘Pops Place’ setup: the kids are contained, and I get wine and food delivered to my cabana. We’d feed the animals, do all the cute stuff there. Then, I’d probably grab some brown butter brioche donuts at Coast Range and maybe lunch at Peasants Feast or a deli. It’s usually about food and drink for me.

If I had time, I’d go horseback riding at Vino Vaqueros or something similar. Then happy hour in Los Olivos—maybe Bar Le Côte—and dinner at Bell’s for their tasting menu. Honestly, it’s all about food for me most of the time. I’d likely work on a little painting at Vega while watching the kids play. That’s my dream day.

You mentioned you were entrepreneurial from an early age. What would you say to someone who imagines owning their own business?

Christi: If you enjoyed doing it as a kid, you’re probably going to enjoy it as an adult. It might be tougher than you expect, but it’s worth it. I was never a great employee because I always thought I could make things better. So if that’s your leaning and you’re decisive, go for it. If you’re too hesitant, it might not be for you.

One of my friends is a life coach, and she said, ‘Hey, I have this new technique I want to practice—would you mind?’ It was about visualizing someone successful in the way you want to be. I’m terrible at thinking on the spot, so I thought of Oprah—self-made, generous, and inspirational.

My friend told me, ‘Close your eyes, embody Oprah, then look back at yourself and say what you need to do to get there.’ After 30 seconds, I said, ‘Just do it. The only thing stopping you is your mind.’ I’d been thinking, ‘Oh, I’m not an amazing artist; I should take more classes,’ but why? I’m decent enough to teach someone who doesn’t know how to paint to paint. That’s all that’s necessary here. I don’t need to be Michelangelo. I really don’t.

You just need to be able to do what you think you want to do and just go for it. There’s literally nothing holding you back; just go for it. So that’s what I would say.