Museum of Ventura County in Downtown Ventura

The Museum of Ventura County is the most comprehensive resource for local history in the county.  There are exhibitions, galleries, and an extensive research library with over 140,000 books, newspaper clippings, photographs, maps and other historical materials.

The museum is open from 11am to 5pm, Thursday through Sunday.  General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students and free for 17 and under. Located at 100 E. Main Street, Ventura.

For more information, visit www.venturamuseum.org or call 805.653.0323.

LEARN ABOUT THE MUSEUM'S AGRICULTURE MUSEUM IN SANTA PAULA

The 3,500 sq ft river-rock walled, state-of-the-art Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Event Pavilion is used for lectures, programs and a variety of Museum events. It can seat 200 for dinner, with the option to tent the front plaza for an additional 140 guests. Could be a great wedding reception venue!!

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show runs along Cabrillo Boulevard from State Street east about a mile every Sunday as well as Saturdays of major holiday weekends, barring bad weather. Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. This is truly a unique show in that only local Santa Barbara artists and artisans, around 200 of them, display their original drawings, paintings, sculptures, crafts and photos. This show has operated since 1965 and has been sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department since 1966.

So make a day of it and check out the show and take in some of the other great activities in Santa Barbara while you're at it. And of course buy something to support local artists!

Learn more about the show at sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov/activities/community-events/santa-barbara-arts-crafts-show.

Thousand Oaks Community Gallery

The Thousand Oaks Community Gallery at 2331-A Borchard Road, Newbury Park opened in February 1991 and was the realization of the combined efforts of the City Of Thousand Oaks, area art organizations and dedicated art patrons. The 3,000 sq ft gallery hosts visual arts exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations and special events, and is enhanced with a multi-purpose area that includes kitchen facilities and is available for group tours and special events. Original art is available for purchase for personal or corporate collections. The gallery showcases outstanding work of acclaimed, professional and emerging artists who present an exceptional array of original imagery, artistic techniques and visual styles.

Gallery operations are under the direction of City staff and a steering committee, consisting of regional visual arts association representatives and dedicated arts leaders. Operating costs are covered by a modest user fee paid by exhibiting artists and an active volunteer corps serve as staff. Gallery hours vary by exhibit.

More information at www.tolibrary.org/services/get-involved/thousand-oaks-community-art-gallery

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art was established in June 1941 at 1130 State Street, in a building that housed the Santa Barbara Post Office from 1914 to 1932. The Museum has been expanded to 60,000 sq ft over the years, including exhibition galleries, Museum store, cafe, a 154-seat auditorium, a library containing 50,000 books and 55,000 slides, a children’s gallery dedicated to participatory interactive programming and an 11,500 sq ft off-site facility, the Ridley-Tree Education Center at McCormick House.

As one of the leading art museums on the West Coast, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art serves a diverse audience of approximately 150,000 people annually. The Museum offers a wide variety of educational and interpretive programs.

The Museum’s strengths lie in the following areas: Ancient Art, Asian Art (Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Tibetan), French and English 19th and early 20th Century Art, 19th and early 20th Century American Art, International Modernism, Works on Paper, Photography and Contemporary Art.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 5pm; FREE Thursday evening admission from 5-8PM! Admission (as of September 2023) is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors, students with ID and children ages 6-17. Under 6is free. Free to Museum members. Closed most major holidays.

Visit www.sbma.net or call 805.963.4364 for more information.

Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University

The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University, located in the heart of the campus at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, showcases musicians, performers and artists from around the world at its Raitt Recital Hall (fits roughly 100 people), Smothers Theatre (500 attendees), Helen E. Lindhurst Theatre and the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art.

There is a wide range of great acts and artists, covering blues, country, classical, jazz, gospel, soloists, ensembles, acrobats, jugglers, classic rockers, a kids' theater series, art exhibits and numerous student productions.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.arts.pepperdine.edu or call 310.506.4522.

Note: Following a generous estate commitment from Pepperdine University Board member Lisa Smith Wengler, the University dedicated the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts on November 7, 2013.

Conejo Valley Art Museum

Founded in 1978, the Conejo Valley Art Museum is a non-profit organization that supports local arts in the Conejo Valley. Over the years it has resided in several locations in Thousand Oaks while the Museum's Board of Trustees work towards obtaining additional funds to acquire a permanent home.

Since 2011, Janss Marketplace has generously offered up a space across from Gold's Gym. CVAM presents quality exhibits of contemporary, ethnic and historical origin, as well as changing exhibits. There is also a gift shop that stocks folk art from around the world, jewelry, art objects, cards and books, as well as a small reference library. Admission is free. The museum is currently open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5pm.

The CVAM's primary annual fundraiser is its annual ArtWalk in Thousand Oaks that takes place on the first weekend of June. ArtWalk is a two-day juried fine art and designer craft show.

For more information about CVAM, visit www.conejovalleyartmuseum.org.

Brief tour of space at the Janss Marketplace as of mid-July 2012 is shown below.

Painting with a Twist in Camarillo

Painting with a Twist is located at 2298 E. Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo (at the intersection of Arneill), next to the El Rey Cantina.

Painting with a Twist provides customers with paint, a canvas and brushes that lead to a fun evening with friends and a finished piece of art.  And yes, you receive professional instruction to create your work of art as well as access to wine.

For updates, visit paintingwithatwist.com/camarillo.

Harbor Village Gallery and Buenaventura Art Association

Located at Ventura Harbor Village, the Harbor Village Gallery and Artisan Store is an exhibiting art space of the Buenaventura Art Association (BAA). BAA was established in 1954 to give Ventura visual artists a place to exhibit and sell their art work. The Harbor Village Gallery rotates group and solo shows and provides visitors and locals the opportunity to support the talented local arts scene. Harbor Village Gallery is currently open seven days per week 11 a.m. - 6p.m.. For more information please visit www.harborvillagegallery.com or call (805) 644-2750.

Art is Passion Gallery at the Ventura Harbor

Art is Passion is an art gallery and studio featuring rotating exhibits by various local artists. Current exhibits include abstract art, watercolor portraits, oil landscapes, acrylic pour paintings, modern pop art, and handmade ceramics.

Located at 864 Schooner Drive, Unit 101, Ventura.

Learn more at artispassion.com.

Getty Center in Brentwood

Atop a 900 foot hill in the Santa Monica Mountains adjacent to the 405 freeway, Getty Center is a 24 acre complex that is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Getty Center opened in December 1997 and is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum, which has another location called The Getty Villa.

This is one of those "must absolutely see" places for every local resident and visitor to the Los Angeles area. It is a spectacular and pristine, inside and out.

There are five main pavilions in the complex. The North Pavilion (on the immediate left after you walk through the Entrance Hall) contains pre-1700 art, including paintings on the upper level and sculptures and decorative arts, illuminated manuscripts and changing exhibitions on the main level. Adjacent to the North Pavilion is the East Pavilion, which contains paintings and sculptures and decorative arts from the 1600 to 1800 time frame.

The South Pavilion also contains art from 1600 to 1800. The West Pavilion contains art post-1800 as well as the Center for Photographs. Finally, the Exhibitions Pavilion contains rotating exhibitions.

Stroll to the terraces on the south side of the complex and you'll be treated to panoramic views stretching to the San Bernadino Mountains, Century City, and the Pacific Ocean. You'll also be treated to a view of the Cactus Garden desert landscape in the South Promontory. The 134,000 sq ft Central Garden, large grassy area and stream leading into a pool with an azalea maze. You've got to see it to appreciate the beauty.

There are also outdoor sculptures throughout the complex, starting in the area where you wait for the tram that takes you up to the Center, in the Arrival Area in front of the Entrance Hall and in and around the restaurant and garden areas.

The Center displays some of the most recognizable pieces in the world from artists like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, and so many others. The photography display is also outstanding.

Irises by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh

There are several restaurants on the complex. I've eaten at the Garden Terrace Cafe located between the Exhibitions Pavilion and the Central Garden and it was good. Packaged, fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and other items are available.

To learn more, visit www.getty.edu/museum. Admission is free. Parking in the seven story underground lot near the bottom of Getty Center Drive is $15 ($10 after 3pm). Hours are 10am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.

There is a free tram that takes you to the top of the hill, or you can walk up the hill (it actually is not that bad, a 15 to 20 minute walk for most). Located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles.

I could go on and on...if you are not an art fan, don't worry. The views alone are worth the visit. But once you step foot in this amazing place you will be awestruck.

Moorpark College Art Gallery

The Moorpark College Art Gallery is located in the Moorpark College Administration Building at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark. The gallery is open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 6pm and Friday from 8am to noon.

Get there as follows: Take Collins Drive exit from the 118 north towards Moorpark College. Turn right at Campus Park Drive and park in Lot A. Parking is $2 (pay at machine). The Administration Building is located next to the President's Office.

Learn more about exhibit on display at the gallery at www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/art-department/art-gallery.

Red Brick Art Gallery and School in Ventura

Red Brick Art is a fine art gallery located at 4601 Telephone Rd #112, Ventura with a strong focus on art classes as well as free events and cultural outreach.

Exhibits change change bi-monthly and feature the work of talented artists who host workshops at the studio. Artists of all mediums are represented including a wide variety of glass art (fused, blown, cracked and mosaic), clay, stone, metal, mixed media, wood, photography and all forms of painting. 

Classes for adults and youth are offered each weekend for beginning and intermediate students. Adult classes include photography, Photoshop, watercolor painting, pastel, acryllic painting and mosaics.

Additionally, painting parties are offered both at the Red Brick Studio (these classes do not include wine) as well as at local tasting rooms "Paint and Sip" events like Four Brix Winery, Sunland Vintage Winery and Aldabella Custom Crush.

Learn more at redbrickart.com.

Murals of Santa Paula

The Murals of Santa Paula is a non-profit organization that has brought 9 murals depicting scenes from the city's history within a few mile radius. The murals are as follows:

1. Trains, Planes & Automobiles (1890s-1940s): 815 Santa Barbara Street

2. Our First Inhabitants: The Chumash Indians: 119 North 8th Street

3. Santa Paula Family Farms (1880s-1930s): 715 East Main Street

4. Santa Paula Citrus Capital of the World: Corner of Main and Davis Streets

5. Main Street Santa Paula (1910): Corner of Main and Mill Streets

6. Celebrating Santa Paula's Latino Culture: Corner of Main and 10th Streets

7. Discovering Black Gold in Santa Paula (1860s-1950s): 123 N. 10th Street

8. Santa Paula Artists and Architects: 136 North 10th Street

9. Honoring Founders and Pilots of Santa Paula Airport (1890s-1940s): 560 E. Main Street

Visit www.santapaulamurals.org if it becomes functional again (not working as of summer 2021).