The public is invited to the “ArtWalk Ventura Collectors Reception,” a special benefit celebration of art, poetry, music and food on Thursday, September 29, 6:30-9:30 pm, at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street. Purchase tickets for $20 at www.artwalkventura.org or for $25 at the door.
Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko will welcome this year’s visiting “2016 Global Artist of Distinction,” painter Rolando Sigüenza, from Oaxaca, Mexico. The mayor will also honor MB Hanrahan as the 2016 ArtWalk Artist of Distinction and introduce Phil Taggart, Ventura County Poet Laureate, who will read his poem “Ventura.” Enjoy music performed by a quartet from the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, a no-host cocktail bar by Beverlee’s Bartending and hors d’oeuvres by Seasons Catering.
Tour the city’s nationally renowned Municipal Art Collection of almost 100 works by 73 of Ventura County’s best contemporary artists.
The streets of the city of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District will transform into a mecca of artistic expression for the 23rd ArtWalk Ventura event the weekend of Oct. 1-2.
The two-day Southern California art tradition will highlight the diverse works of more than 500 regional artists, exhibiting paintings to sculpture to performance art. This year’s Artist of Distinction is MB Hanrahan. This year’s Global Artist of Distinction is Rolando Siguenza from Oaxaca, Mexico. Ventura College is this year’s premier sponsor.
Nominated by her peers, Hanrahan was named this year’s Artists of Distinction. A renowned muralist, painter and sculptor, MB is a working California artist and arts advocate.
For more information about ArtWalk Ventura, visit http://artwalkventura.org/.
ArtWalk is a free, self-guided tour over more than two dozen high-end art galleries, pop-up stores and studios, as well as the return of 25 PODS® Containers transformed into mini art galleries. Attendees also may take advantage of a free shuttle service, which connects venues along Ventura Avenue to Main Street.
New to the exciting event this year is a series of special performances on the main stage at California Street, sponsored by Ventura College. Performances will feature VC students and professionals.
Also new, off Ventura Avenue, the Bell Arts Factory and its year-round studios will present a moving collecting of art from over a dozen artists visiting for the first time from Oaxaca, Mexico. Leading the effort is Siguenza, a celebrated deaf painter and muralist who will be collaborating with muralists Hanrahan and Uriel Leon to create a vibrant mural on the corner of Ventura Ave and Harrison Street.
