Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery

art-potters-guildThe Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery consists of 20 juried Guild members. They are currently featuring an Eclectic Collection of works by VCPG President Genie Thomsen, Kim Myhre Clarke, Judy Winard Hirsty, Roe Estep, Arnie Kubelun, Dane Venaas, luster vessels by Bill Metcalf (Ventura College Ceramics technician) and Ellen Williams… all talented local artists for the month of October. Open 11 – 6 pm every day.

Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery
Ventura Harbor Village
1567 Spinnaker Drive Suite 105
644-6800

Focus on the Masters (FOTM) presents “A Conversation with Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo” Oct. 26

art-wongmoFocus on the Masters (FOTM) will present a film screening of “A Conversation with Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo” on Wednesday, October 26 at Ventura College.  The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Applied Science Center.

Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is a Ventura County textile artist and caretaker of a sacred Tibetan tradition: silk appliqué thangka. Creating thangkas (sounds like Tonka) is more than an art form, it is an ancient practice Leslie learned while living in Dharamsala, India, home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Leslie is one of only a few women who have mastered this highly specialized craft.

A Conversation with Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is the edited version of her FOTM Artist Spotlight interview that took place on March 28, 2015, hosted by FOTM founder Donna Granata as part of Leslie’s formal documentation for the FOTM Archive & Library.

For additional information, you may call Focus on the Masters at 653.2501.  To learn more about Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, go to www.ThreadsOfAwakening.com.

Darlene Roker’s “101: A Highway Odyssey” at Buenaventura Gallery Oct. 18

Solo show of photographs by artist Darlene Roker titled “101: A Highway Odyssey”

At the Buenaventura Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara St. from Oct. 18-Nov.

Opening reception on Saturday, October 22, 5 – 7pm.

Fine art photographer Darlene Roker presents an exhibition of works “taken from Ventura to Atascadero along the 101,” Roker concentrates on landscapes and seascapes, and is influenced by plein-air, impressionist style paintings. Her favorite aspect of her photography is “creating a piece that evokes a ‘wow’ from viewers.”

She concentrates on landscapes and seascapes, she said, is influenced by plein-air, impressionist style, and works “to create artistic impact, a sense of connection with the subject.”

Her show will feature more than two dozen photos on canvas, gallery-wrapped, ranging in size from 12 by 16 inches to 20 by 30 inches.

New photography exhibit at Coffee Connection

art-cambianicaOffering intimate glimpses of Cuba at the turn of the millennium, a new photography exhibit at Coffee Connection. The images in “My Angle on Cuba” are all from photographer Myrna Cambianica’s 2001 Ventura College trip to Cuba conducted by photography professor and mentor Bill Hendricks. Reflecting her profound reaction to the Cuban experience, most of the images are tilted to an oblique angle. “Cuba turned my perpendicular life askew with its vibrancy and wealth of spirit,” Cambianica explains in her artist statement. “My Angle on Cuba” will be on view through October 31. The Coffee Connection, is located at 311 E El Roblar in Meiners Oaks, open 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Working Artists Ventura (WAV) showcase for ArtWalk 2016

art-huangWorking Artists Ventura (WAV) will have open studios, artists’ gallery pods along adjacent Garden St., and a solo show in the WAV Theater Gallery for ArtWalk 2016. The gallery has 3500 cubic feet of available space for very large installations, and featured artist Tiger Huang will make use of it by draping his meditative calligraphy on paper from the WAV’s lofty cathedral ceiling.

Huang, a native of China and graduate of Chin Gun Ye Art and Design, will exhibit his monumental works from October 1 to November 19. He will greet guests at the gallery on ArtWalk weekend October 1st and 2nd.

Singing bowls will make their sounds in the courtyard as an accompaniment to the exhibit throughout ArtWalk weekend.

 

Successful opening for Norman Kirk

art-kirkBreeze: “I want to thank you so much for promoting the event for Norman Kirk. Norm was overjoyed seeing his past students, drawing buddies, collectors (from as far away as AZ and San Francisco!) and friends who attended. The scrapbooking was particularly enjoyed, as it gave a vehicle for people to express themselves in a permanent way to Norm. Plus many of them were artists!”

“It was a successful opening for Norm as we sold over a dozen works. But really it was simply a special evening – a true tribute to Norm. So thank you again for helping us get the word out. “

Regards,

Debbie Fox
Fox Fine Jewelry

23rd ArtWalk Ventura event Oct. 1-2

The public is invited to the “ArtWalk Ventura Collectors Reception,” a special benefit celebration of art, poetry, music and food on Thursday, September 29, 6:30-9:30 pm, at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street. Purchase tickets for $20 at www.artwalkventura.org or for $25 at the door.

Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko will welcome this year’s visiting “2016 Global Artist of Distinction,” painter Rolando Sigüenza, from Oaxaca, Mexico.  The mayor will also honor MB Hanrahan as the 2016 ArtWalk Artist of Distinction and introduce Phil Taggart, Ventura County Poet Laureate, who will read his poem “Ventura.” Enjoy music performed by a quartet from the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, a no-host cocktail bar by Beverlee’s Bartending and hors d’oeuvres by Seasons Catering.

Tour the city’s nationally renowned Municipal Art Collection of almost 100 works by 73 of Ventura County’s best contemporary artists.

The streets of the city of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District will transform into a mecca of artistic expression for the 23rd ArtWalk Ventura event the weekend of Oct. 1-2.

The two-day Southern California art tradition will highlight the diverse works of more than 500 regional artists, exhibiting paintings to sculpture to performance art. This year’s Artist of Distinction is MB Hanrahan. This year’s Global Artist of Distinction is Rolando Siguenza from Oaxaca, Mexico. Ventura College is this year’s premier sponsor.

Nominated by her peers, Hanrahan was named this year’s Artists of Distinction. A renowned muralist, painter and sculptor, MB is a working California artist and arts advocate.

For more information about ArtWalk Ventura, visit http://artwalkventura.org/.

ArtWalk is a free, self-guided tour over more than two dozen high-end art galleries, pop-up stores and studios, as well as the return of 25 PODS® Containers transformed into mini art galleries. Attendees also may take advantage of a free shuttle service, which connects venues along Ventura Avenue to Main Street.

New to the exciting event this year is a series of special performances on the main stage at California Street, sponsored by Ventura College. Performances will feature VC students and professionals.

Also new, off Ventura Avenue, the Bell Arts Factory and its year-round studios will present a moving collecting of art from over a dozen artists visiting for the first time from Oaxaca, Mexico. Leading the effort is Siguenza, a celebrated deaf painter and muralist who will be collaborating with muralists Hanrahan and Uriel Leon to create a vibrant mural on the corner of Ventura Ave and Harrison Street.

 

 

“Arts & Eats” in downtown Ventura Sept. 17

art-arts-_-eatsThe first “Arts & Eats” will be held in the 400 and 500 blocks of downtown Ventura on Saturday, September 17 from 6 – 8pm. Three galleries will hold art receptions, while restaurants and shops will offer complimentary tastes.

“Arts & Eats invites people to stroll and enjoy the uniqueness of our downtown.  Guests will enjoy exceptional art and photography, while they nibble their way along Main Street” says Debbie Fox, owner of Fox Fine Jewelry, one of the event galleries. The event is free.

Fox Fine Jewelry, 6 – 8:30

Norman Kirk will display his art in the show “Celebrating Norman Kirk” at Fox Fine Jewelry from September 15 – November 13 with an Art Reception on September 17 from 6 – 8:30pm during “Arts&Eats”. This is Kirk’s first solo show in over five years, and at 92 years old, he says it is probably his last. During the Art Reception there will be art supplies and scrapbook paper. Guests are encouraged to bring photos and stories, and sign, write, and draw on the pages.

Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery Historic Photography during Arts & Eats
Plein Air Competition,  Sept. 17 – Oct. 24

Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery will present “Ventura Views: The Historical Photography of Walt and Steve Dibblee” and “Preshow for the ArtWalk Plein Air Invitational”  Photography: For over 65 years Walt and son, Steve Dibblee, have been providing high quality photography for Ventura County. The show will be on view for Arts & Eats only.

West coast artists compete in a Plein Air Invitational Event during ArtWalk 2016.  Sample paintings will be on display for Arts & Eats, with the full exhibit beginning soon after. The show ends October 24. Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 540 E. Main Street.

 

Latitudes Fine Art Gallery presents “The Endless Summer Collection” until September 30, with an Art Opening on September 17 from 6 – 8. The photographs are a celebration of images that capture vivid sunsets, surfer lined shores, and barefoot afternoons at the beach. Latitudes Fine Art is located at 401 E. Main Street.