Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

At Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory

Enjoy the art of Carrie Bezler.

Our next solo exhibitions in Studio 99, Buenaventura Art Association’s gallery and headquarters at Bell Arts Factory in Ventura, will feature two artists’ viewpoints on the wonder—and increasing volatility—of humanity’s relationship to our world.

Eva Montealegre will present oil paintings on canvas she says draw from “ancient charts and cave drawings and tribal characterizations” to explore “our life’s blood connection to all that is.” “Blood Mandala” is what Montealegre names her show.

Carrie Bezler, who signs her work REY, will display selected pastel drawings in “Returned to the Sea,” a title alluding to her recent California return after a dozen years in Germany. The show will include pieces from her “ocean-inspired … mostly realistic” Sea Creatures series, she said.

Art lovers can meet and talk with the artists during First Friday open gallery receptions from 6-9 p.m. April 5. Exhibit Runs until April 27, 2024.

 

Carrie Bezler and Eva Montealegre at Bell Arts Factory

Sunny, Pastels, by Carrie Bezler

A March 1-April 27 exhibition in Studio 99, Buenaventura Art Association’s gallery and headquarters at Bell Arts Factory in Ventura, will feature two artists’ viewpoints on the wonder—and increasing volatility—of humanity’s relationship to our world.

Eva Montealegre will present oil paintings on canvas.

Carrie Bezler, who signs her work REY, will display selected pastel drawings in “Returned to the Sea.”

Art lovers can meet and talk with the artists during First Friday open gallery receptions from 6-9 p.m. March 1 and April 5.

Ancient Asteroid Trakker, Oil on canvas, by Eva Montealegre

More about Montealegre and examples of her artwork can be found at www.evamontealegre.com.

For more about Bezler and her pastel paintings, visit www.reysartspace.com.

Buenaventura Art Association, founded in 1954, operates Studio 99 at 432 N. Ventura Ave., which is open noon-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and has an outlet at Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts.Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, at 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 106, in Ventura Harbor, is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week. SpiceTopia, at 576 E. Main St., is also open daily, but the hours vary.

To learn more about BAA and its programs, call 805-648-1235 during gallery hours or visit buenaventuraartassociation.org.

George Stuart Historical Figures® exhibition, Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries

The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce the opening of its newest George Stuart Historical Figures® exhibition, Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries. The exhibition opens Thursday, February 22, 2024, and will be on display through September 15, 2024, inviting visitors to delve into the multifaceted life of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

The exhibition invites visitors to explore the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his rise to power in the aftermath of the French Revolution to his entangled relationships with other global leaders. Through meticulously crafted figures by George Stuart, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Marie Antoinette, Maximilien Robespierre, Empress Josephine, and more, visitors will witness the significant impact of Napoleon on the course of history.

Art Studio Live!

Weekly Life Drawing Sessions

BAA is now hosting weekly Life Drawing Sessions with live models on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings starting tomorrow, Tuesday, January 9th. Each session is $20 (pre-registered). If you sign up for 5 sessions or more at the same time, the cost of each session drops to $15 (pre-registered, no refunds, but you may swap session days!) Drop-ins also welcome 30 minutes before the session starts, for $25.

All sessions are held in our new education studio, #14, at
H Gallery & Studios (Midtown Studios), 1793 E Main St, Ventura
Tuesdays: 9:30am – noon
Wednesdays: 6pm – 8:30pm

Quilt display and a new art exhibit at the Olivas Adobe

February 11, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm free

A quilt display and a new art exhibit at the Olivas Adobe stitch together stories of the Rancho life and how work and play are intertwined.

Featured is wall hanging sized adobe quilt designed by docent Debra Milbourne with an appliqued rendering of the Olivas Adobe at its center with embellishing fabrics used along the border to depict the mission grapes, rose, and herb gardens. The famous great horned owl that nests in the eucalyptus tree near the adobe along with other rancho creatures create a whimsical yard around the adobe . Several other quilts will be on display in the rancho rooms and exhibit spaces featuring different eras and feature different quilting techniques.

Complimenting the quilts and the historic landmark in the small adobe is a new exhibit by the Plein Aire Artists of Ventura County;. Celebrating Animals of the Rancho. An artist reception will be held from 12- 1pm on the 11th, where the public can meet the artists and talk about the inspiration behind the paintings featuring sheep, horses, and cattle. All artwork is for sale and the art exhibit will remain up though the end of May. The Quilt exhibit is one day only. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

Ventura Botanical Gardens is seeking entries for their 2024 Annual Photo Contest.

What’s your favorite photo?

To be eligible, photos must be taken in the Ventura Botanical Gardens and highlight botanical specimens, visitors and activities in the Gardens (animals, insects, people, etc.), or a special place or view in the Gardens. Complete rules and entry requirements can be found on the Ventura Botanical Gardens website: www.VenturaBotanicalGardens.com.

Entries will be accepted from April 1 – 26, 2024. Winning entries will by announced in mid-May 2024. Similar to past contests, the Peoples Choice winners will be selected by visitors voting on Facebook from May 1 – 10, 2024. A panel of professional photographers will choose the Judge’s Choice winners. Last year’s judges were Greg Montana – owner of Dexter Camera, Stephanie Hogue – owner of Latitudes Gallery, and Monica Furmanski – assistant professor of photography at VCCC.

We look forward to seeing many seasonal highlights from the Gardens through the lenses of members and visitors of all ages.

Located at Grant Park in the City of Ventura, the Ventura Botanical Gardens’ goals include conserving plant species and encouraging visitors to strengthen their connection to nature.

To find out more about this event, contact Nancy Kettner – [email protected]

To find out more about the Gardens, visit the VenturaBotanicalGardens.com and join us on Facebook.

Animals Wild & Domestic, Real or Imagined at Bell Arts Factory

Staring Tiger, Oil on canvas, Yuliya Greben

Buenaventura Art Association at Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory
Animals Wild & Domestic, Real or Imagined exhibit runs to February 24.
Reception on First Friday, February 5th, 6 – 9pm

Our artists start the year at Studio 99 with a collection of stunning depictions of nature and animals. Realistic or redesigned, these animals will give you a new appreciation of nature and its boundless variety.

Museum of Ventura County announces call for applications

A previous winner.

The Museum of Ventura County is proud to announce that applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts are now open. This significant scholarship program, established in honor of Bonita C. McFarland—a devoted supporter of the Museum and the broader arts community—aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists and amplify their impact on our community.

The Museum of Ventura County is committed to empowering the next generation of artists. The Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship has $10,000 to award. Winners also become part of the program’s alumni network – a community of emerging artists and art supporters. “The Bonita McFarland scholarship program reflects the Museum’s dedication to nurturing arts in education, aspiring student artists, and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape within our county.” – Elena Brokaw, Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director

The Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship is open to all high school seniors and college undergraduates residing in Ventura County who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to the visual arts. Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality of their submitted portfolio, academic achievements, personal essay, and recommendations. Applications are due by April 7, 2024, 11:59 PM PST. For further details and to apply, visit: https://venturamuseum.org/2024-museum-of-ventura-county-bonita-c-mcfarland-arts-education-scholarships/

We invite all eligible students to apply and help us continue Bonita C. McFarland’s legacy of supporting the arts. Together, we can shape the future of art in Ventura County and make a lasting impact on our community.

Celebrate Love for Valentine’s Day at Ventura Pottery Gallery

Celebrate Love with handmade pottery this Valentine’s Day at Ventura Pottery Gallery. Our one-of-a-kind pieces are crafted with the loving hands of local artists. Giving pottery is a unique way to honor those you care about the most. And pottery will last year after year – long after the flowers have wilted, and the candy is consumed.

While the Gallery is open daily in Ventura Harbor Village, we invite you to join us for a special one-day Valentine’s sale on Saturday, February 10 from 11-6. Not only will there be work inside, our artists will set up a special display outside the Gallery giving you a wide selection of heart-themed work including mugs, jewelry, vases, kitchen items, sculpture and whimsical pieces.

The Gallery is located at 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 in the Ventura Harbor Village. Don’t miss this chance to support local artists. More information can be found at http://venturapottersguild.org and you can also visit our online store at www.venturapotteryonline.com