Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

Focus on the Masters Artist Spotlight Interview now at the Museum of Ventura County

Astrid Preston will be the March Artist Spotlight

Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Archive & Library is pleased to announce that ten artists have been selected for FOTM formal documentation for the 2019 season. FOTM is excited to partner this year with the Museum of Ventura County, where each artist’s interview will be filmed before a studio audience. Documentation derived from this interview, extensive in-depth oral interviews, digitized library of the artist’s work and the collection of printed materials, news articles, gallery announcements and other pertinent material, will be added to the prestigious FOTM Archive & Library.

The Artist Spotlight is open to students and faculty attending as a class assignment free of charge. FOTM is happy to assist with tracking attendance and sign-in sheets. Faculty and students are requested to make a reservation at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or call 805.653.2501.

Admission to the Artist Spotlight interviews is free for FOTM members; general admission is $15, seniors and students with valid ID $10. For membership information, visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.

AfterGLOW Fundraising Events will be planned after each interview. These popular salon style gatherings offer art enthusiasts the opportunity to visit with the featured artist while enjoying a light supper in the company of dedicated arts supporters.

The ten artists listed below were selected based on the artists’ mastery of their craft and diversity of expression, the respect from their peers and their historic role in the life of our artistic heritage. Nominations are accepted year-round and can be made online at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.

Artist Spotlight Series 2019 Sundays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Focus on the Masters, founded in 1994, is one of Ventura’s premier arts organizations. Its mission is to document and present to a large public the lives and works of leading contemporary artists. An in-school education program based on the work of these artists is offered to Ventura County schools and, in conjunction with Turning Point Foundation, to adults with mental illness. To learn more about Focus on the Masters, go to www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.

“Flower Power” at Fox Fine Jewelry

Karen Payton and Adonna Ebrahimi show together at Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura. The joint exhibit, “Flower Power,” will be from March 16-May 12, 2019 with a reception on March 16, 6- 8 p.m. It’s all about the Power of Flowers and surrounding yourself with Joy. Instead of brushstrokes, Karen uses needle and thread to paint her canvas with textiles. Karen celebrates hippies with fabric portraits that look like paintings from far away.

Primarily working in acrylic and incorporating other mixed media, Adonna creates bright, colorful compositions of flowers atop abstract backgrounds. The strokes and colors convey tremendous movement and energy, in a way that is almost chaotic but also somehow serene. You can see their work: www.karenpayton.com and www.artistrybyadonna.com and on social media @karenpaytonart and @artistrybyadonna.

Municipal Art Acquisition Program

In May of 1999, the City Council established the Municipal Art Acquisition Program to document the history of visual art in Ventura through the annual purchase of important works of art created by area artists. The collection provides increased access to art of the highest quality and of distinctive merit through its displays. This water color “Passing Storm” by Norman Kirk can be enjoyed in the art collection in the corridors at City Hall and could be your inspiration to enter Art Tales.

Celebration of Women’s History Month at Vita Art Center Feb. 23

Join in on Saturday, February 23 from 4-7 at the Vita Art Center for a champagne preview reception where we will be offering complimentary champagne, wine, and refreshments. Admission is free for Members and $10 for Non-Members.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, March 2019, the Vita Art Center in collaboration with Focus on the Masters will exhibit the artwork of 4 women artist that will be interviewed and documented by Donna Granata in 2019.

This is the third annual all Women’s art exhibit co-curated by Vita Art Center and Focus on the Masters.

First Friday Opening: March 1 from 6-9pm

Exhibit Dates: March 1 thru March 22

Vita Art Center, 28 West Main St.

www.VitaArtCenter.com

Ventura fine art printmaker Christina Altfeld at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

Christina Altfeld, Ventura fine art printmaker, is now the artist in residence at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. She has a complete printmaking studio set up and is working on a hand printed book focusing on her voyage at 11 years old emigrating from Sweden on board a ship to the U.S. In addition, she has a gallery display of her ocean inspired art.

Christina will be doing a printmaking workshop on February 9th 10:30 am-12:30pm. RSVP the museum at 805.984.6260.
Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle
Stop by to see a printmaker in action.  www.cimmvc.org

Art Tales writing contest now open

Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships is proud to sponsor the 11th Annual Art Tales Writing Contest. This writing contest, inspired by art, is open to writers worldwide. Contestants are asked to view four selected pieces from the City’s Municipal Art Collection and compose a short story or poem (500 words or less) based on one. This year’s theme “Objects of Curious Happenstance” plays upon the whimsical and creative nature of the four selected artworks. The community is invited to view the art in person, during regular business hours, on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 501 Poli St.

Writers, in three age categories (youth, teen, and adult), will find information on how to enter, teacher lesson plans, and biographies of the artists on the Art Tales website. All entries must be submitted through email, and only one entry may be submitted per person. The deadline to submit is Wed., April 10. For more information contact Tobie Roach at 805-658-4759 or [email protected].

Birds on a Wire, Pajaros en el Alambre by Rafael Perea de la Cabada

A conversation with Rafael Perea de la Cabada Sunday, February 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, FOTM is excited to partner this year with the Museum of Ventura County, where each artist’s interview will be filmed before a studio audience.

Rafael Perea de la Cabada is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work is steeped in the artist’s rich cultural heritage. His intuitive approach draws from his personal experience, incorporating deep narratives layered in symbolism. To learn about Rafael Perea de la Cabada, visit www.RafaelPerea.com

Free to FOTM members, $15 for public; $10 for seniors.

AfterGLOW Fundraising Event: The public is welcome to join the artist for a celebratory fundraising dinner at VITA Art Center, located just steps from the museum, immediately following the program. Paid reservations are required prior to February 12.

$30 FOTM members, $40 Non-members. To RSVP visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or call 805.653.2501.

Vita Art Center presents Derek Boshier Tapestry & Drawings

VenturaBreeze2 (yes inspired by our Ventura Breeze), Graphite On Paper, 7.5 x 9.5 inches

First Friday Opening: February 1 from 6-9pm
Exhibit Dates: February 1 thru February

Film viewing and discussion with Derek Boshier, Sunday, February 10, 3 – 5pm, $5 (members free) The screening program will include Boshier’s award winning short film. “An Englishman in L.A., Mr. Boshier.”

Born in Portsmouth in 1937 Derek Boshier first came to prominence with his paintings as a student at the Royal College of Art in London where he studied alongside David Hockney.

Boshier burst onto the British art scene in the sixties as one of the young artists who pioneered the British pop art movement. Now in his eighties and living and working in LA, Derek remains as energetic and prolific as ever.

Vita Art Center, 28 West Main St.

805-644-9214

www.VitaArtCenter.com