Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

Ventura Pottery Gallery Free Pottery Gift with Purchase event

As the holiday season draws near, the Ventura Pottery Gallery is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Free Pottery Gift with Purchase event. Commencing on December 1, patrons making a purchase of $40 or more will receive a complimentary pottery gift, generously provided by our devoted group of forty potters.

Our artisans have accumulated a surplus of stunning pieces in their studios, leading them to generously donate a diverse selection of bowls, vases, mugs, plates, and ornaments as tokens of appreciation for our cherished customers.

We extend a warm invitation to explore the Ventura Pottery Gallery and indulge in the exceptional work crafted by our local artists and potters. Conveniently located at the Ventura Harbor Village, our gallery is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. For those unable to visit in person, our extensive online store at www.venturapotteryonline.com offers an opportunity to explore and purchase our unique pieces. Further information is available at www.vcpg.org.

Please note, one gift will be provided per customer per day, subject to availability while supplies last.

Join us in celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity of local potters this holiday season at the Ventura Pottery Gallery. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Cecile (805) 754-6380.

Maxine Apke and Darlene Roker upcoming at Studio 99

Upcoming at Studio 99, Buenaventura Art Association’s gallery and headquarters at Bell Arts Factory in Ventura, are concurrent Nov. 3-Dec. 23 solo exhibitions by member artists Maxine Apke and Darlene Roker and a group show of works by artists who’ve joined BAA since Jan. 1, 2023.

Apke’s show will feature more than a dozen framed examples of her handmade paper collage art, about half of which are 24 by 30 in.; some small, unframed pieces; and a dozen “eco-dyed scarves,” she said.

The artists will be on hand to greet gallery visitors and discuss art during First Friday open gallery receptions from 6-9 p.m. opening night, Nov. 3, and on Dec. 1.

Buenaventura Art Association operates Studio 99 at 432 N. Ventura Ave., open noon-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays,

For more about BAA and its programs, phone the gallery at 805-648-1235 or visit buenaventuraartassociation.org.

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.