On view May 16, 2026, to September 13, 2026
The Santa Paula Art Museum invites the public to the premiere of “A Woman’s Painted Journey,” a solo exhibition of more than 50 new works by Ojai-based mixed media artist Pam Grau. The exhibition opens with a premiere party on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere event is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for non-members.
Trained as a painter and sculptor, Grau recently began exploring digital and hybrid approaches after a series of life-altering events, including a serious health challenge caused by a toxic reaction to traditional art materials. What began as a necessity has since become a source of creative expansion.
Drawing inspiration from road trips, nature walks, and quiet moments of beauty, Grau blends hand-painted papers, scanned textures, and digital tools to create layered works that feel both tactile and atmospheric. Her recent work reflects a significant shift toward a lighter, more sustainable way of making art and engaging with the world.
“This exhibit is a body of work shaped by love, adaptation, sustainability, and flow. It is less about control and more about surrender – less heaviness and more color and contentment,” says Grau.
Pam Grau’s lifelong connection to art began early, influenced by her father, a Disney animator, and her mother, a graphic designer. She studied art history and studio art at Mills College in Oakland and illustration at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. After stepping away from her practice to focus on raising her children, Grau returned to her studio practice in her late 30s. In 2000, she joined the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, which led to her role as Director of Exhibitions from 2005 to 2010.
At age 55, Grau lost her father, went through a divorce, and battled breast cancer, all within a 12-month period. These experiences profoundly changed her artistic perspective. Today, her work is guided by a sense of joy and gratitude. All artworks will be available for purchase in original and limited-edition formats.www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
