Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

Photography expert Robert Diehl at Buenaventura Gallery

art-diehlMost travelers take pictures, but few bring along a half-century of photography expertise. Robert Diehl is one of those few, and his recent results will be on display Sept. 20-Oct. 15 at the Buenaventura Gallery in downtown Ventura in a solo exhibition titled Cuba — The People of Havana. This is the gallery’s second recent look at this popular topic by one of its stable of professional fine art photographers.

For more than 10 years, he’s made annual photo forays out of the country. In May 2015, the destination was Cuba, where Diehl spent eight days.

“When I visit a place, I enjoy photographing the activities of its people and showing their attitudes as seen in graffiti, posters and billboards. The exciting challenge is to artistically reveal these characteristics in photographs,” he said.

The show will feature 25 photos on various media, ranging from 24 by 18 inches to 30 by 40 inches. Diehl will attend an opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the gallery.

Buenaventura Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara St., is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more about the nonprofit Buenaventura Art Association and its programs, visit www.buenaventuragallery.org or call 648-1235 during gallery hours.

Pierpont Racquet Club presents the soft pastel and watercolor art of Mona Neuhaus

watercolor

Pierpont Racquet Club presents the soft pastel and watercolor art of  Mona Neuhaus. The subject matter of her work focuses on the natural environment of land and sea, the California countryside and vastness of the American West. Much of her inspiration comes from California’s Central Coast, as well as our great American treasures – The National Parks. The style of her work ranges from representational to abstraction.

Mona Neuhaus is a native of Southern California and has been painting professionally for more than 30 years. Her work is in the Museum Ventura County “Bank of A. Levy Corporate Collection”, the Carnegie Art Museum’s “Jackson Wheeler Collection”, the Municipal Art Collection for the City of Oxnard, and in many other corporate and private collections. Her exhibits have included myriad shows hosted by the Ojai Art Center, the Buenaventura Gallery of Ventura, California, Studio 83, Ventura Art Walk,

Pierpont Racquet Club – Club Room, 500 San Jon Road. 648-5161
Saturday, November 5, 5pm – 8pm
ArtTalk/Demo Sunday, November 6, 3pm-5pm
www.monaneuhaus.com

 

Nominations for the 2016 Mayor’s Arts Awards are due September 8

 

Nomination forms are now available online until September 8 for the 12th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. For more information visit the website. To have a form mailed to you please contact Georgeanne Lees at 805/658-4720 or [email protected].

The awards recognize the artistic achievements and contributions to the cultural community by City of Ventura residents in seven categories:

  1. Arts Patron, a business or individual whose strong support of the arts has been ongoing through philanthropic and/or volunteer service
  2. Artist in the Community, an established individual artist in any discipline for artistic excellence and singular efforts in contributing to Ventura’s cultural vitality
  3. Creative Entrepreneur, a locally owned for-profit business which exemplifies the impact and vitality of Ventura’s creative economy
  4. Arts Leader, a nonprofit arts professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational stewardship and partnership within the arts community
  5. Arts Educator, an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching
  6. Emerging Artist, a working artist under 40 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to Ventura’s arts community (students are ineligible)
  7. Student Artist, an active student artist in any discipline under the age of 19 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the arts

“These annual awards are an important tradition for everyone who loves the arts in Ventura,” said Mayor Erik Nasarenko. “They cultivate a greater understanding and visibility of the value of the arts to the public at large. They showcase the economic impact of Ventura’s creative businesses and arts leadership and patrons. The Mayor’s Arts Awards are one small way to say ‘well done’ and ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in our creative community–for their contributions, their dedication and their passion to serve the arts in our city.”

In September a panel of community members representing the arts and business worlds will review applications based on: the significance and magnitude of the nominee’s contributions; leadership in the arts community and commitment to service to the arts; benefit and impact of the nominee’s contribution to the citizens of the City of Ventura; and potential contribution to the arts in the emerging artist and student artist categories. The panel’s selections will be presented to Cultural Affairs Commissioners who will make recommendations for the Mayor to approve.

The Mayor will announce honorees on October 10, and present each recipient with a non-monetary award at a reception on November 3, including a limited edition artwork, Mark of Excellence, created by Lis J. Schwitters. The awards are presented as a joint project of the city departments of Community Development and Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships.

 

CSU Channel Islands lecturer Jerry Clifford will discuss “What your art teacher didn’t tell you — but should have” in a free presentation Sept. 8

Because of a previous engagement Mona Lisa will not be able to attend the discussion.

CSU Channel Islands lecturer Jerry Clifford will discuss “What your art teacher didn’t tell you — but should have” in a free presentation from 5:30-7 p.m. September 8 at the Buenaventura Art Association Gallery on Santa Clara Street.  Dr. Clifford has taught a Science of Art course to art majors for many years at Cal State Channel Islands.

Using classical and modern artworks, he will examine how artists employ light and color to affect our perception, often through their careful observation rather than scientific training.  Why is Mona Lisa’s smile so elusive?  Dr. Clifford will examine visual perception and the process by which visual images are formed.

The talk is open to all interested members of the public. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are recommended. RSVP to 648-1235.

700 E Santa Clara St, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about Dr. Clifford’s presentation or BAA and its galleries, call 648-1235 or visit www.buenaventuragallery.org.

 

 

Angels are smiling at Heavens Gallery in Ventura

art DoyleAngels are smiling at Heavens Gallery in Ventura California where artist Joan Doyle is currently showing her collection originals titled “The Hero’s Journey.” Originally from Ireland, she transitioned from Disney animation artist to watercolorist.

She specializes in creating sunlit portraits of homes, individuals, and the Angelic realms. Her vibrant and life-like watercolors seem to capture precious moments to be treasured for a lifetime.

The show remains until the end of September.
365 E Main St,  648-5689
Opening Times 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

 

 

Focus On The Masters – Artist Spotlight Interview an evening with James L. Webb

art FOTMFocus On The Masters – Artist Spotlight Interview an evening with James L. Webb
Saturday, September 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Brooks Institute Screening Room
5301 N. Ventura Ave.,

It’s a pleasure to welcome back to the Artist Spotlight James L. Webb who was extensively documented by Focus on the Masters in 2009.  Jim, for over 10 years, was a master printer for Gemini G.E.L., the ground-breaking and highly respected publisher of fine art that is now celebrating its 50th anniversary.  Free to FOTM Members – $10 General public, $5 students and seniors. Reservations required 653-2501

AfterGLOW Fundraising Event:  Join us for a celebratory supper immediately following the interview at the Ventura home of Jim & Mary Galbraith. We expect the AfterGLOW to sell out so reserve your seat early! The AfterGLOW dinner is $25 for FOTM members, $35 for non-members. Paid reservations required prior to September 6.

 

Aloha Zen at Traveler Cafe until Nov. 1

art HarmonyJoin Mika at the Opening Reception on Saturday Sept.17 4-6pm and immerse yourself in the Healing Hawaiian vibes of Aloha. Sip on some POG or grab a Guava Mimosa from the bar and listen to the strumming ukulele of Hawaiian music, as you view this new Aloha Zen art series from artist Mika Harmony. For more info please visit www.mikaharmony.com/events/  . Aloha Zen will be at Traveler Cafe until Nov.1

Traveler Cafe
1070 E. Front Street

 

An Exhibition of the artwork of Hiroko Yoshimoto & Bob Privitt

art studio channelThe Blackboard Gallery – Studio Channel Islands
September 1– 24
Reception  September 3, 4pm – 6pm
Artist Talk with Bob Privitt September 17, 1:30pm

September begins the new art season and the Blackboard Gallery located at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo is opening with a phenomenal new exhibition called “Life Force”. Artists Hiroko Yoshimoto & Bob Privitt are world renowned artists, each bring an artistic fever rarely seen in the art world.   The exhibit opens September 1st and runs through September 24th.

 

Dana Zurzolo At the Edges of Security

art ZerzoloOpening Reception: September 2 from 6-9 p.m.
Exhibit dates: Sept 2 – 24
Gallery hours: M-F 10-4 pm Sat. & Sun. by appointment

Dana Zurzolo discusses invisible social forces disguised within a bright pallet, a fresh eye, and a tense, visual honesty that disarms her audiences. Her work is multi-layered, unpredictable, shocking.

Artist Talk September 11,  4:00 -6:00 p.m.
Vita Art Center
432 North Ventura Ave. Studio 30