By Ventura Breeze Staff –
On Friday, February 28, the Museum of Ventura County held a Community Spotlight Series that highlights influential Ventura County figures by inviting them to select a piece from the Museum’s collection that resonates with their personal journey, values, and dedication to the community.
Ingrid selected works from the Face of Ventura that appeared in the Ventura Breeze painted by Johanna Spinks, and shared the significance of these pieces in relation to her life and career. This intimate event offered a unique opportunity to engage with Ingrid and Johanna.
Ingrid stated:
“I chose these portraits because on a personal level they speak to me because of my inherent fascination with people and our unique journeys. We all have different stories and life experiences that shape who we are. This artwork tells a story not just of individuals, but of human connection itself. I think about what a beautiful experience Johanna must have had sitting with each person, getting to know who they are beyond their physical features. They remind me that every person carries untold stories that we can only begin to understand through curiosity and deeper interactions.”
Ingrid has spent many years serving her community and helping others. She has worked in different areas, including Cultural and Community Services, the City Manager’s Office, Human Resources, and Public Works. Now, as the Assistant City Manager of Thousand Oaks, she helps lead efforts to address homelessness.
Ingrid studied Sociology at UC Berkeley and earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State Northridge. She has been a member of different state and local boards and committees.
Johanna told the large crowd:
“It was a wonderful ‘Spotlight Series’ at the Museum of Ventura County featuring Ingrid Hardy, notable civic leader and Assistant City Manager of Thousand Oaks, who was invited to choose four artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection, that resonated with her personal journey, values and dedication to the community — I was very honored they were mine!”
“The four life sketches pictured here from my Face of Ventura portrait project painted over a decade ago will be on display in The Alcove at the Museum with Ingrid’s thoughts about them, her work and community.”
“You can also see four other portraits from The Face of Ventura series in the ‘What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art’ exhibition running at the Museum until May 11. It remains a great honor to have this collection of 58 life portraits in the Museum’s permanent collection.”
“I would like to thank Ingrid, Museum Chief Curator Carlos Ortega who gave some very eloquent introductions to Ingrid and I, to Chris Rexroad, Exhibition Manager, all my friends at the museum, and to all who attended this special spotlight morning.”
“Forever thanks also to Ventura Breeze publisher Sheldon Brown without whom this portrait series would have been entirely faceless!”
