Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

Call to Artists: Transforming Trashcans into Mosaic Masterpieces!

The City of Ventura invites professional artists and artist organizations to participate in a new public art project transforming ordinary trashcans into mosaic masterpieces. Applications are open now through Friday, October 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

This project, funded by the Pierpont Community Council, aims to create visually pleasing designs on four city-owned cement trashcans, located in Pierpont, that seamlessly complement Pierpont’s iconic monument sign, which was unveiled in 2022.

“Many communities have public art programs that transform trash receptacles into functional art that supports creative placemaking,” said Recreation Manager Emily Fox. “We are excited to bring this artistic initiative to Ventura and continue to beautify everyday surfaces with the help of our talented arts community.”

Applicants must submit at least four distinct design renderings. Two of the design renderings must incorporate the City emblem that’s affixed on several trashcans throughout Ventura.

A budget of $2,500 for each chosen trashcan (up to $10,000) has been allocated for this project. This sum is a package deal, expected to cover every facet of the artistic process – from conception and crafting to unveiling.

Learn more about this project and apply at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/PublicArt.

Bonny Butler’s “Coloring Outside the Lines” at Bell Arts Factory

Coloring Outside the Lines by Bonny Butler

Buenaventura Art Association at Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory

Now thru October 28, 2023

Bonny Butler’s “Coloring Outside the Lines” show presents 15 to 18 of her soft pastel paintings, most about 9 by 12 inches, all matted and framed.

After 40 years in the dog-grooming business, including owning a shop, Butler said she retired to “chase my lifelong dream of learning how to paint. I took my first art class at 60 years old. It’s been eight years that I’ve become obsessed with learning all the mediums and I paint and practice every day.

Some of her art can be found at bonnybutler.com.

Purchase the exhibited pieces directly from our website’s online gallery!

The entrance to Studio 99 at the Bell Arts Factory is around the back of the building off of Wall St. Studio 99 is open Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.

Ventura ArtWalk returns

Exhibits inside Bell Arts Factory. Photos by Richard Lieberman

At the County Museum several exhibits for ArtWalk viewers

Ventura is known as one of the most creative communities in Southern California. It’s time to focus on the magic that brought many artists and entertainers to our area. ArtWalk is back! This family-friendly event Sept. 23-24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,  featured hundreds of artists in local galleries and creative collaboratives in businesses and other unique spaces. Large art installations, music, poetry, dance and theater will all be a part of this event run by a new and enthusiastic all-volunteer team.

A billboard promoting ArtWalk on Main Street

Ventura’s long-running and popular arts event took a break during the pandemic and is back, better and larger than ever. Because of the great interest from the arts community, organizers decided on a two-day event to give participants extra time to see all the venues. The route started near Cemetery Park, traveled down Main Street and up Ventura Avenue, encompassing the Library’s Topping Room, City Hall, the Crowne Plaza, Ventura Mission, Museum of Ventura County, Vita Art Center, Working Artists Ventura(WAV), Bell Arts Factory and Art City. In between were numerous galleries and businesses featuring local artists and musicians. Two-day pop-up galleries along the route featured even more artists.

The event is also focusing on performing arts. Two stages, the Main Street Stage Downtown and the City Hall Atrium, will feature some of the area’s top performers. Highlights will include aerial acrobatics from The Aerial Studio, a performance from the Ventura County Ballet, and sets from local favorite bands Shaky Feelin and the Heavy Hitters. The Rubicon Theatre Company will entertain at City Hall. A third stage by Mission Park featured performance art.

It has not been held since 2019 and was welcomed back by folks enjoying the art and music. Hundreds of artists showed off their wonderful art.

Marie Lakin, ArtWalk Chair was thrilled with the wonderful attendance to the Walk and the many many artists participating.

To make it easier to attend Gold Coast Transit District offered unlimited ride passes for Saturday and Sunday along their routes.

To learn more about the ArtWalk event, performers and artists, visit www.artwalkventura.org.

Textured Tablets A Fusion of Images, Words & Wood

by John Parker
At Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory

Exhibit Runs
Now thru October 28, 2023
Meet the Artists on First Friday, October 6, 6 – 9pm

John Parker’s collection, “Textured Tablets: A Fusion of Images, Words & Wood,” is literally grounded in nature. He has about 15 sculptural pieces on display, both two dimensional and bas-relief, in various sizes.
“My work, as a whole, is intended to convey a sense of peace,” added Parker, who has enjoyed woodworking and using wood as his art medium for 50 years.
The entrance to Studio 99 at the Bell Arts Factory is around the back of the building off of Wall St. Studio 99 is open Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm

Second Annual Pottery Market and Bowl of Thanks

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild invites you to our Second Annual Pottery Market and Bowl of Thanks in Downtown Ventura, October 21 (10-6) and October 22 (10-5). Visitors will have an opportunity to purchase a handmade bowl donated by a local potter for just $25.  Funds raised will go to Downtown Ventura’s Family Reconnection Program.

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild is a non-profit and runs the Ventura Pottery Gallery in Ventura Harbor. The Gallery is open every day from 11 – 6.

The monthly meetings are open to the public and feature ceramic demonstrations or presentations. More information can be found at https://vcpg.org.

Ventura City Hall celebrates the arts during the ArtWalk

Ventura City Hall, will open its doors to the community, inviting all art enthusiasts and residents to partake in a two-day celebration of the arts during the ArtWalk event on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 2023.

The event activities at City Hall will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Ventura’s Municipal Art Collection and enjoy captivating live performances by local musicians, dancers, and poets.

The inkspots, Ventura County’s only printmaking group present “Touched by Ink”

The inkspots, Ventura County’s only printmaking group present their annual group exhibition “Touched by Ink”. Opening reception is on October 6th during First Friday at 5-8pm at 643 Project Space Ventura Ave.

In addition to their work in the gallery, the inkspots collaborate on an annual folio or book project.

This year the folio will include a limited edition print by each artist and will be offered for sale. There will be a free drawing for the inkspos 2023 Folio at the Opening Reception at 7pm.

Gallery will be open each Saturday in October 1-4pm with a different printmaking demo each Saturday, including; collagraphs, monoprinting, linocut and photopolymer etchings.

Or by appointment email [email protected]

ArtWalk, Ventura’s favorite arts event, returns better than ever!

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, 2023 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Downtown Ventura and the Ventura Avenue area

Ventura is known as one of the most creative communities in Southern California. It’s time to focus on the magic that brought many artists and entertainers to our area. ArtWalk is back! This family-friendly event Sept. 23-24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will feature local arts venues and creative collaboratives in businesses and other unique spaces. Large art installations, music, poetry, and dance will all be a part of this event run by a new and enthusiastic all-volunteer team.

Ventura’s long-running and popular arts event took a break during the pandemic and is back, better than ever. Because of the great interest from the arts community, organizers decided on a two-day event to give participants extra time to see all the venues. The route starts near Cemetery Park, travels down Main Street and up Ventura Avenue, encompassing the Library’s Topping Room, City Hall, the Crowne Plaza, Ventura Mission, Museum of Ventura County, Vita Art Center, Working Artists Ventura, Bell Arts Factory and Art City. In between are numerous galleries and businesses featuring local artists and musicians. Two-day pop-up galleries along the route will feature even more artists.

The event is also focusing on performing arts. Two stages, the Main Street Moves stage Downtown and the City Hall Atrium, will feature some of the area’s top performers. Highlights will include aerial acrobatics from The Aerial Studio and performances from local favorite bands Shaky Feelin and PLOTZ!

Live painting, pottery demonstrations and large art installations will also be featured.

A map of the entire ArtWalk route will be available in various locations and online at www.artwalkventura.org. Transportation will be provided free in the ArtWalk area by Gold Coast Transit. Parking areas will also be clearly mapped out.

For more information, please visit www.artwalkventura.org, email [email protected] or call (805) 283-7077.

 

Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library 150th Anniversary Celebration

Peggy Pownall, Mix Media Artist by Donna Granata, FOTM Portrait Series, 2023

Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) is proud to announce their participation in the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the incorporation of the County of Ventura. FOTM will present History Is Now, 2023 an extensive selection of photographic portraits, by FOTM Founder Donna Granata, featuring artists from the organization’s extensive archives through November 6, 2023.

History Is Now, 2023 celebrates artists who have made an impact in Ventura County over the past 150 years. Each image was created after in-depth documentation and study of the artist and their work as part of the Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library’s mission and educational programming.

The exhibition will travel to the Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, opening September 11 and remaining through November 6, 2023. The exhibition will be expanded with additional artist portraits and include additional programing including an artist talk, gallery walks and school visits.

A Talk with the FOTM Directors: Donna Granata and Chelsea Cody, will be presented Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by the opening reception September 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. Both events are free.

History Is Now, 2023 will include a selection of artwork from the FOTM’s award-winning, Learning to See in-school, cross-curricular program allowing the public to see first-hand how FOTM integrates its research into lesson plans that emphasize critical thinking, innovation, and diversity. Each lesson is inspired by the artwork and life stories of the extraordinary artists in our community.

Guided tours of the exhibition are available by appointment, with priority given to youth groups. To book a tour, please submit your preferred date and time via, [email protected] or call FOTM at 805.320.3929.

The Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks
September 11 – November 6
Focus on the Future
A Talk with the FOTM Directors
Verizon Founders Room – Fred Kavli Theatre
Sunday September 17
2:00 – 3:00PM
Exhibit Reception
Sunday, September 17
3:00 – 5:00PM

The Fred Kavli Theatre Lobby Gallery is open one-hour prior to events for theatregoers with valid tickets. Appointments to view the work may also be made, free of charge, by contacting the Cultural Affairs Department at (805)449-2700 or [email protected].

Art & Street Painting Festival Harbor

The festival gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy street painting.

The 15th Annual Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival returns to picturesque Ventura Harbor Village on September 9th & 10th, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM. www.venturaartfestival.com.

Presented by Ventura County Art Events, Inc., the Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival boosts 30 curated artist vendors showcasing their art in Ventura Harbor Village. Works of art include paintings, pottery, photography, and jewelry — all available for purchase.  Additionally, the sidewalks along the Ventura Harbor Village promenade and Fisherman’s Memorial will be the canvas for more than 20 talented and colorful chalk artists, creating murals ranging from 10×5 ft. to 10×10 ft. in size.  Well known chalk artists, Clif Gold, Julio Jimenez and Rod Tryon, plan to attend.

The festival gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy art, street painting, and the beauty of the Ventura County coast.  Admission & parking are free.

Said Barbara Hinton, Executive Director of the Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival “The street painters are working in real time right before your very eyes.”

The Ventura Art & Street Painting festival weekend at Ventura Harbor Village highlights live seaside music on the Village Promenade Stage all weekend long including versatile entertainer, Preston Smith, a legend in the Southern California music scene, on September 9, 2023 from noon-3 PM. Visitors can also take in a performance by reggae favorite Tony Lee and Forbidden Fruit, who plan to bring their pop reggae style, that is both infectious and fun for the entire family, from Noon-3 PM on September 10.

A benefit for FOOD Share of Ventura County, Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival has raised over $60,000 for FOOD Share of Ventura County over the years according to Ventura County Art Events, Inc. For more festival details or to get involved visit www.venturaartfestival.com.

The destination is the picture-perfect weekend getaway for couples, friends, and families. While at the festival, visit Ventura Harbor Village art galleries and even more unique maker spaces, eateries and a new wine tasting room. For additional information regarding Village galleries art demonstrations and activities, visit VenturaHarborVillage.com.