Pastel drawing class on June 30th from 1:30 to 4:30pm at The VC Arts Collective Studio in Pacific View Mall, 2nd floor next to Sears. Teacher Tasia Erickson will be doing these lovely macaws. This is a class to learn about colors and how to apply pastels. Tasia is a great instructor and you will go home with a wonderful piece of art. Require paid reservations by Friday the 29th at 1pm. Cost is $64.00. [email protected] or 805-676-1540 for more information.

A photographer’s ability to capture the instances most people do not see can document historical events, change popular perspectives or simply preserve a beautiful image. The photographers selected for MNEMONIC combine vivid lived experience with aesthetic purposefulness, allowing viewers to share in unexpected moments of transcendence.

Working from personal experience, sometimes with subjects overlooked or considered rogue, MNEMONIC is an exhibition comprised of 38 photographers from around the world. The works featured are the examinations of their individual obsessions, juggling the immediacy of expression with technical perfection.

Juried from over 1500 entries, these 38 artists have captured moments of real life, staged their own worlds or created commentary on their personal surroundings. This international group of photographers embraces moments of both reality and idealism through their unique viewpoints and strong aesthetic preferences, collectively creating a perfectly balanced and powerful photo exhibition.

Distinguished Juror Michael Miner started his professional career in Hollywood as a cinematographer and director/cameraman. Finding success as a writer, he co-wrote the screenplay for Robocop, which received a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Screenplay and a nomination for Best Screenplay by the Mystery Writers of America.

Showing until July 22 H Gallery 1793 East Main Street 805 626 8876 www.DabArt.me

The talented Savannah Fuentes first performed Flamenco at Working Artists Ventura (WAV) in 2015 to a very eager audience. They were not disappointed. Savannah will be back to perform her elegant and provocative dancing skills again at the WAV Theater Gallery on Saturday, June 23rd at 8pm.

Savannah Fuentes, born in Seattle to parents of Puerto Rican and Irish ancestry, is one of the only touring artists in the Pacific Northwest region with strong links to Flamenco culture.

This year Savannah is accompanied by Jose Moreno with vocals and percussion, and Pedro Cortes on guitar. Both have a long-time, illustrious background in Flamenco and have performed in major cities nationwide.

On the walls of the WAV Theater Gallery will be the unique geometric works of Geoff Pocock who will be present June 23rd to meet the public. The evening promises to be a night to remember at the WAV!

Tickets are available at the door or online at, brownpapertickets.com. General admission $20. Student $12.

For more information about Savanah, visit savannah.com. About Geoff Pocock at, geoffpocock.com. WAV Theater Gallery, 175 S. Ventura Ave.

August 25, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ventura.

This year’s Focus on the Masters Gala will honor longtime FOTM patrons John and Cherie Brant. Cherie is an accomplished writer, known for her informative books on the history of Ventura County. Cherie began volunteering for FOTM in 2003 serving as the FOTM Board Secretary. Her volunteer efforts continued for over fifteen years devoting her time and talent to special events, editing, and Board responsibilities. John recently retired from his career as a wealth management professional. Many know his creative side: photographer, juggler and unicyclist. They are deeply committed to our community, sharing their time, talents and resources, always ready to pitch in and lend a hand. They know that dedicated volunteers enable our community to thrive. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to win an original painting by Gail Pidduck while enjoying wonderful music, food, wine and a live and silent auction.

Help FOTM make this Gala the most successful yet! Meet new friends and have a great time while raising money for arts education while volunteering. Email [email protected] to let her know your area of interest.

Sponsorship opportunities, tribute gifts and an opportunity drawing for an original Gail Pidduck are available at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.

653-2501- [email protected]: www.FocusOnTheMasters.com

MNEMONIC International Photography Exhibition opens June 9^th with an opening reception 7 – 10pm.

A photographer’s ability to capture the instances most people do not see can document historical events, change popular perspectives or simply preserve a beautiful image. The photographers selected for MNEMONIC combine vivid lived experience with aesthetic purposefulness, allowing viewers to share in unexpected moments of transcendence.

Working from personal experience, sometimes with subjects overlooked or considered rogue, MNEMONIC is an exhibition comprised of 40 photographers from around the world. The works featured are the examinations of their individual obsessions, juggling the immediacy of expression with technical perfection.

H Gallery 1793 East Main Street 805 626 8876 www.DabArt.me

The Buenaventura Art Association is in the process of moving into to their new home in the Bell Arts Factory located at 432 N. Main(formerly Vita Art Center). A special member’s art exhibit was held there, official opening still waits some construction.

“Bad Exhibition: Value in Art, was held May 19th at Art City Gallery 197 Dubbers. 4 Sichuan artists and 14 California artists showcased artworks culminating decades of avant-garde creative practice in China and the USA. The large crowd of art lovers enjoyed the art, performances and snacks and wine.

Joe Cardella, who published an art publication for 25 years and was an important part of Ventura’s arts community has passed away from esophageal cancer.

He was involved in art in many ways but is best remembered as the publisher of ARTLIFE. The publication came out of his midtown Ventura home and featured art and poetry from artists throughout the world including many Ventura artists.

A conversation with Alison Saar Sunday, May 27, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Oxnard’s Levity Live at The Collection 591 Collection Blvd.

Can artists help us understand and deal with complex issues of the day? Alison Saar uses bold symbolism, literature and mythology as she explores the role of African-Americans, especially African-American women, in our society and our consciousness. A native of Los Angeles, Alison Saar was born to well-known African-American artist Betye Saar and Richard Saar, a mid-century modern ceramicist and art conservationist.  To learn about Alison Saar, visit www.LALouver.com

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

The Artist Spotlight is open to students attending as a class assignment free of charge. FOTM is happy to assist with tracking attendance and sign-in sheets. Reservations required.

To RSVP visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or call 653.2501.