1591 Spinnaker Dr., #207, Ventura, on the second floor above the restaurant Le Petit Cafe & Bakery in the Ventura Harbor Village.

Saturday, December 14, 1 – 4pm

Free Open House for BAA members and the public!

Come see our latest location and new headquarters! BAA members can bring one piece of artwork which we will display for the evening, to show our visitors the depth and variety of your creativity.

And later in the same evening, join us on the veranda for the Parade of Lights at 6:30pm. Suggested donation: $20. Bring your holiday spirit and enjoy the festive views!

Special note to those who have donated $50 or more in the past year:
Thank you for your generous support! We’re delighted to reserve a seat for you to enjoy the Parade of Lights from the veranda on December 14th at 6:30pm. RSVP to [email protected] to secure a warm drink and ensure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!

Paper Weaving Collage by Joanna & Evelyn, Elm Elementary School

Three Student Exhibits at Local Libraries

The public is invited to join Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) for celebrations of the creative spirit by students of Learning To See Outreach (LTS).  The exhibits include student artwork from Elm Street Elementary at South Oxnard Library, from Sheridan Way, E. P. Foster, Lincoln and DATA Schools at Avenue Library and Mound, Portola, ATLAS, Serra, Anacapa and Balboa Schools at Hill Road Library.

• South Oxnard Library:
  • December 17, 2024-February 20, 2025
  • 4300 Saviors Road, Oxnard
• Avenue Library:
  • December 14, 2024-February 18, 2025
  • 606 N Ventura Ave, Ventura
• Hill Road Library:
  • December 19, 2024-February 19, 2025
  • 1070 S Hill Rd, Ventura

FOTM documents the lives and works of extraordinary artists from our community, providing art programming for all ages.  Each lesson of the innovative LTS in-school, hands-on art program is inspired by one of these artists, beginning with a PowerPoint presentation and demonstration.  Students then apply themselves to their own art projects, gaining confidence and respect for themselves and others as they realize the rewards of creativity and concentrated endeavor. With an emphasis on critical thinking and innovation, art anchors them to a greater caring for their community and celebration of cultural diversity.

For more information about Learning To See, contact [email protected] or call 805.653.2501. www.FocusOnTheMasters.com

Prismacolor Design by Streilitza, Anacapa Middle School

When we began searching for a new space, we couldn’t have imagined how deeply we’d appreciate a place to gather where we could simply sit, create, and understand each other without words. A place that offers studios for teachers, open art sessions, entertainment, exhibits, monthly member meetings, classes, workshops, and an upgraded membership to hold your own sessions in our shared studios…. all in a “go to” place with an ocean view.

That’s what you get as a member of BAA! The Harbor Village Art Center Co-op is a space for each of us to create, collaborate and support each other’s growth. Whether you want to display your artwork, engage in open art sessions, or simply find a moment of peace with an ocean breeze, there’s room for everyone. You can breathe in the fresh ocean air, just upstairs from Le Petit Café at 1591 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 207, Ventura Harbor Village.

The Harbor Village Art Center Co-op is designed to support the things artists love to do. Whether it’s leading a class, creating with a group of like-minded individuals, or bringing your creative vision to life, we’re here to help you organize, promote, & visualize your ideas.

Will you join me in this new venture? Let’s build a community rooted in creativity, friendship, and resilience.

With Warmth,
Michelle Nosco

P.S.: We have launched the inaugural newsletter of the new Art Center Co-op chapter of BAA’s life, which lists some important upcoming events and reviews some fun events of the recent past. It also asks a couple of survey questions for which we hope we can get your feedback. Please visit www.buenaventuraartassociation.org and download our first newsletter. Future newsletters will also be listed on this new Newsletters page of our website where they will all be archived.

Presented by Ventura County Arts Council at Atrium Gallery – Final Weekend

De Colores Multicultural Folk Art, the Ventura County Arts Council, and the County of Ventura present a special art exhibition hosted at the Atrium Gallery inside the County of Ventura Government Center Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave. Running through December 2, this two-part exhibit features work from local Ventura County artists on the Main Plaza and 3rd floors, and a special exhibit on the 4th Floor featuring the artwork of Arturo R. Martinez.

Featured Exhibits:

• Main Plaza and Third Floors: A group show featuring local artists of all levels exploring the inspirations that shape our culture, society, and community.
• Fourth Floor: A special collection curated by De Colores Multicultural Folk Art featuring artist Arturo R. Martinez. Born in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, Mexico, and now based in Southern California, Martinez’s artwork features geometrical compositions of C shapes, half U’s, curves, circles, and nonlinear patterns, inspired by the culture and environment of his birthplace.

Attendees explore FOTM’s 30-year timeline at the anniversary celebration, reflecting on decades of artistic achievements. Image by Sheldon Brown

FOTM (Focus on the Masters) 30th Anniversary Celebration continued on Sunday, November 3, at the Vita Art Center. Attendees enjoyed sipping wine and sampling hors d’oeuvres, while walking the Focus on the Masters timeline.

The FOTM archives include oral histories, videotaped interviews, photographic portraits and examples of artists’ work. The Focus mission is to demonstrate the full significance of the arts to society by bringing highly accomplished and diverse artists to the forefront of the community.

Focus on the Masters is a nonprofit arts education and appreciation program that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished contemporary artists. www.focusonthemasters.com.

Students from the Avenue Aerosol Art program created a stunning ‘Greetings From Ventura’ mural on the side of Avenue Body Shop. Check it out at 394 N. Ventura Ave!

2009 FOTM Documented Artist Tesi Sanchez stands in front of her image and work featured in the Focus on the Masters Anniversary Timeline.

On November 3 from 2 to 5 pm, the public is invited to take a journey inside Focus on the Masters art’s archive Library’s 30-year history. Through historic photographs, participants will experience highlights from the inspiring artists FOTM has documented along with unique events FOTM has produced and seminal exhibitions that helped to shape our cultural community. The timeline will be on display for one day only. Some might wonder why the FOTM saves paintbrushes, caps, journals with handwritten entries, announcement cards, historic photographs, tee shirts, newspaper articles, envelopes, and paper napkins. Each object stored away in our 40+ fire-resistant filing cabinets tells a story. A story of dedication and inspiration. A story of remembrance and a vision of the future. A true story of the arts and the artists who help us interpret the world around us.

While sipping wine and sampling hors d’oeuvres, while chatting with old friends and making new friends, we can walk the Focus on the Masters timeline. We will find out where we’ve been and lay the groundwork for our future. Focus is 30 years old and like any other thirty-something, Focus is at an inflection point. Where do we go from here? We want to share our ideas for the future with the community. Together we have built an amazing legacy, and together we will continue to capture history. RSVP www.FocusontheMasters.com. Vita Art Center is located at 28 W Main St.

by Patricia Schallert

On Friday, October 4th, Bell Arts Factory in Ventura hosted its monthly open house as part of the city’s First Friday art events when many local galleries open their doors to the public. A vibrant hub for creativity and artistic expression, Bell Arts Factory showcases the diverse talents of local artists and craftspeople. Housed in a historic building that was once a mattress factory, this unique space has transformed into a thriving community center for art, offering galleries, workshops, and events that foster a strong sense of connection.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography, all while supporting local artisans. The center also regularly features exhibitions, open studio events, and art classes for both adults and children, making it a destination for art lovers of all ages.

With its welcoming atmosphere, Bell Arts Factory encourages collaboration and dialogue between artists and visitors, enriching Ventura’s cultural landscape. Whether you’re looking to appreciate art or tap into your own creative potential, Bell Arts offers an inspiring experience that highlights the power of community and the arts. More than just a gallery, it serves as a creative sanctuary where inspiration and collaboration flourish.

The next open house will be held on November 1st at 6:00 p.m. Bell Arts Factory is located at 432 N. Ventura Ave. www.bellartsfactory.org.