The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce the opening of its newest George Stuart Historical Figures® exhibition, Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries. The exhibition opens Thursday, February 22, 2024, and will be on display through September 15, 2024, inviting visitors to delve into the multifaceted life of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

The exhibition invites visitors to explore the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his rise to power in the aftermath of the French Revolution to his entangled relationships with other global leaders. Through meticulously crafted figures by George Stuart, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Marie Antoinette, Maximilien Robespierre, Empress Josephine, and more, visitors will witness the significant impact of Napoleon on the course of history.

A pilot beautification project was recently launched , transforming city trash cans on Seaward Ave. into functional art pieces. Funded by the Pierpont Community Council, this colorful mosaic design by Ventura artist Frank Bauer reflects the beauty of our coastal environment.

February 11, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm free

A quilt display and a new art exhibit at the Olivas Adobe stitch together stories of the Rancho life and how work and play are intertwined.

Featured is wall hanging sized adobe quilt designed by docent Debra Milbourne with an appliqued rendering of the Olivas Adobe at its center with embellishing fabrics used along the border to depict the mission grapes, rose, and herb gardens. The famous great horned owl that nests in the eucalyptus tree near the adobe along with other rancho creatures create a whimsical yard around the adobe . Several other quilts will be on display in the rancho rooms and exhibit spaces featuring different eras and feature different quilting techniques.

Complimenting the quilts and the historic landmark in the small adobe is a new exhibit by the Plein Aire Artists of Ventura County;. Celebrating Animals of the Rancho. An artist reception will be held from 12- 1pm on the 11th, where the public can meet the artists and talk about the inspiration behind the paintings featuring sheep, horses, and cattle. All artwork is for sale and the art exhibit will remain up though the end of May. The Quilt exhibit is one day only. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

What’s your favorite photo?

To be eligible, photos must be taken in the Ventura Botanical Gardens and highlight botanical specimens, visitors and activities in the Gardens (animals, insects, people, etc.), or a special place or view in the Gardens. Complete rules and entry requirements can be found on the Ventura Botanical Gardens website: www.VenturaBotanicalGardens.com.

Entries will be accepted from April 1 – 26, 2024. Winning entries will by announced in mid-May 2024. Similar to past contests, the Peoples Choice winners will be selected by visitors voting on Facebook from May 1 – 10, 2024. A panel of professional photographers will choose the Judge’s Choice winners. Last year’s judges were Greg Montana – owner of Dexter Camera, Stephanie Hogue – owner of Latitudes Gallery, and Monica Furmanski – assistant professor of photography at VCCC.

We look forward to seeing many seasonal highlights from the Gardens through the lenses of members and visitors of all ages.

Located at Grant Park in the City of Ventura, the Ventura Botanical Gardens’ goals include conserving plant species and encouraging visitors to strengthen their connection to nature.

To find out more about this event, contact Nancy Kettner – [email protected]

To find out more about the Gardens, visit the VenturaBotanicalGardens.com and join us on Facebook.

Staring Tiger, Oil on canvas, Yuliya Greben

Buenaventura Art Association at Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory
Animals Wild & Domestic, Real or Imagined exhibit runs to February 24.
Reception on First Friday, February 5th, 6 – 9pm

Our artists start the year at Studio 99 with a collection of stunning depictions of nature and animals. Realistic or redesigned, these animals will give you a new appreciation of nature and its boundless variety.

A previous winner.

The Museum of Ventura County is proud to announce that applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts are now open. This significant scholarship program, established in honor of Bonita C. McFarland—a devoted supporter of the Museum and the broader arts community—aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists and amplify their impact on our community.

The Museum of Ventura County is committed to empowering the next generation of artists. The Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship has $10,000 to award. Winners also become part of the program’s alumni network – a community of emerging artists and art supporters. “The Bonita McFarland scholarship program reflects the Museum’s dedication to nurturing arts in education, aspiring student artists, and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape within our county.” – Elena Brokaw, Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director

The Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship is open to all high school seniors and college undergraduates residing in Ventura County who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to the visual arts. Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality of their submitted portfolio, academic achievements, personal essay, and recommendations. Applications are due by April 7, 2024, 11:59 PM PST. For further details and to apply, visit: https://venturamuseum.org/2024-museum-of-ventura-county-bonita-c-mcfarland-arts-education-scholarships/

We invite all eligible students to apply and help us continue Bonita C. McFarland’s legacy of supporting the arts. Together, we can shape the future of art in Ventura County and make a lasting impact on our community.