Jazz quintet from prestigious music schools
perform at Zoey's Café July 9

Ventura pianist Kevin Bernstein from the Manhattan School of Music brings a quintet of esteemed young musicians from his school, The New School in NYC and the Brubeck Institute/UCLA to perform at Zoey's Café, 185 E Santa Clara St in Ventura, on Monday July 9 at 8 pm ($7 cover). Other members of the quintet include trombonist Jon Hatamiya and drummer Colin McDaniel.

For more contact: Kevin Bernstein at 805.758.1377 or KevinBernstein1@Gmail.com. For tickets/info for Zoey's Café performances visit www.zoeyscafe.com 

 Music Under the Stars
summer concert series begins July 14
at the Olivas Adobe

This summer you can dine and DANCE to great party bands OUTDOORS on a majestic wood ballroom floor when you join us for Music Under The Stars at the historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura.

It's Ventura County's coolest summer nightclub with a full beverage bar on site! Bring your own homemade feast or reserve a catered hot buffet dinner from BuenaVentura Catering (by Friday noon at 805/650-7559 for $15/person) for fine twilight dining with friends within the warm embrace of adobe-baked courtyard walls. Doors open at 6:30 pm with concerts at 7:30 pm.

• 7/14   Old Creek Ranch Winery presents "Rob Rio & the Revolvers" Boogie Woogie
• 7/21   Community West Bank presents "Cascada" Latin Guitar World Fusion
• 7/28   Barbara Meister: Barber Ford, Volkswagen, Subaru, RV presents "Sweet Baby J'ai" R&B           
• 8/4     Community Memorial Health System presents "The Kings of Classic Rock"
• 8/11   Jaguar Ventura presents "Porterhouse Bob" R&B/Zydeco
• 8/18   Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor presents "Estrada Brothers" Latin Jazz
• 8/25   Santa Barbara Bank & Trust presents "Shari Puorto Band" Blues
• 9/1     Montecito Bank & Trust presents "Susie Hansen Latin Band"
• 9/8     Andria's Seafood Restaurant presents "Liza Haley & the Zydekats" Zydeco   

The venue is intimate and seating is limited so avoid disappointment at the door by making reservations at 805/658.4726. All tickets are $20 with an option to reserve a table for 4 for $10. Current military personnel and dependents receive a 50% discount on tickets and tables. Subscribe to the entire series of nine concerts and receive two free hot catered dinners plus entry into the "Jaguar for a Day" contest. For Golfers there are "Nine & Dine" specially discounted pre-concert packages -- call Nadia Osborn at 805.677.6770 or visit www.olivaslinks.com/olivasadobe. Band info, brochure and complete details at www.cityofventura.net/mus. Like us on Facebook 

Extend your summer weekends at free family concerts
offering an eclectic local music mix on final Sundays in summer
at 4 pm at Barranca Vista Park, 7050 E Ralston St:

     July 29 - Bible Fellowship & Ventura Missionary Orchestras

    
August 26 - Pier 101

Bring low back lawn chairs, blankets and picnic.  

More info at www.cityofventura.net/bvc or call 805.654.7552. Sponsored by www.comprehensiveacupuncture.com and GIGVAC.

See "Cinema Events" for other music events.

 

Ventura's popular 4th of July Street Fair, founded during our nation's Bicentennial, is now 37-year-old tradition that regularly draws over 40,000 residents and visitors downtown to enjoy a children's costumed Pushem-Pullem Parade at 10 am (this year's theme: "Happy Birthday, Lady Liberty"), six stages of live entertainment, a showcase of handmade arts and crafts by more than 300 artisans, environmental displays, children's activities and savory foods from booths sponsored by local organizations and businesses along nine blocks of Main Street from Fir Street to Mission Park, 10 am-5 pm.

For parking, shuttle and other details visit www.cityofventura.net/streetfairs.

"Sukinanik'oy Festival" in Ojai July 21
celebrates Chumash history

Join artists, performers and healers for an amazing collaborative community celebration to "sukinanik'oy" -- a Native American word meaning "to bring back to life" -- local recognition of the beautiful history and culture of the Barbareno/Ventureno Band of Mission Indians (BVBMI), the original people of Ventura County often called the Chumash. Music, food, storytelling, yoga, a fire ceremony and a silent auction are all part of this annual fundraising project to preserve and enhance 6 easement acres protecting Chumash artifacts and human remains in Saticoy with a future education center. The festival takes place on July 21 at the Pottery Studio, 1804 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, from 10 am to 7 pm (Adults $5, tax-deductible, children free). More info at www.larrycarnespottery.com.

Westside ArtWalk celebrates
"Ventura's Art Evolution" July 21-22

The all-volunteer Westside ArtWalk is a weekend of coordinated exhibits, sales, artist demonstrations and events that invite visitors to self-guide through galleries, studios, museums and other popup venues as well as local restaurants, shops and attractions in the Westside and Downtown. Festival hours are Saturday, July 21, 12-9 pm and Sunday, July 22, 12-5 pm. Painter turned photographer Donna Granata has been awarded the event's 2012 "Artist of Distinction" for her highly respected non-profit educational program documenting contemporary local artists called Focus on the Masters of which she is founder and Executive Director. The Westside ArtWalk aims to benefit the community with "Bowl Hop," a unique fundraiser where visitors can buy a beautiful, hand-crafted ceramic bowl for $25 at the Ventura Visitors Center, 101 S California St, or the Vita Art Center, 432 N Ventura Ave, Studio 30, and then "hop" between nearly a dozen restaurants that will provide a to-go bowl filled with delicious food. Proceeds benefit Project Understanding of Ventura. For more information visit www.westsideartwalk.org, email info@westsideartwalk.org, or call (805) 746-2818.

Oxnard Salsa Festival July 28-29
has dance contest benefiting school arts 

Ventura's new Special Event Permit Fund for festivals first deadline is July 30

The City of Ventura is offering a grant program open to event organizers staging festivals and events in Ventura that activate public spaces and increase visitor spending. Applicants must be a Ventura based nonprofit or an agency partnering with a Ventura based nonprofit and grants will be used to cover all or a portion of City of Ventura Special Event Permit fees. The maximum amount of an award is $2,000. Available funding is $10,000, with two funding periods: $5,000 awarded in September 2012; $5,000 awarded in February 2013. Events taking place September 2012-February 2013 must submit their applications by July 30, 2012 at 5 pm. Events taking place March 2013-August 2013 must submit their application by January 31, 2013 at 5 pm.

Information and online applications at www.cityofventura.net/permits or contact Creative Economy Specialist Eric Wallner at 805/677-3911 or ewallner@cityofventura.net 

Spiraling Arts Dance Theatre June 29

Enjoy an open-air dance performance 7-8 pm on Friday, June 29 and free open house of arts, chiropractor, pilates and gyrotronics events 6-9 pm at 1455 E Main St (near Lincoln St).
Purchase a dance "seat and a treat" for $20 (refreshments) at 805.648.4191
or pamela@ventura-pilates-studio.com.

"Create Inside Out" choreographer Aria Edry and painter Lynn LeTourneau lead experiential
workshops in improvisation that combine visual art and dance / performance for adults and youth. No training is necessary; however, all levels are welcome. Saturday, July 14, 12:30-2:30 pm
at WAV Theater Gallery, 175 S Ventura Ave, and July 28, 11 am-1 pm at Ventura NIA Movement Center, 2343 E Thompson Blvd. Suggested donation, $20; no one turned away!

 Sign up at ariala101@hotmail.com, 818.331.9924 or letourneaufineart@gmail.com.

Oxnard Salsa Festival July 28-29
has Dance Contest benefiting school arts  

See "Festivals" above or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com
or www.venturacountyartscouncil.org.

Roxy's Ballet in Cinema series presents Raymonda July 1 & 11
and Caligula July 15 and 25.See "Cinema Events" below or visit     

Ballet in Cinema series continues at
Ventura Century 10 Downtown July 8, 10, 22, 24, 29, 31.

See "Cinema Events" below or visit.

Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival and Camps
for Kids in July & August

The 16th season of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival will feature performances of "Much Ado About Nothing" (June 29-July 1, July 6-8, and July 13-15) and "Romeo and Juliet" (July 20-22, July 27-29, and Aug. 3-5) outdoors in the scenic Kingsmen Park at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. All shows begin at 8 pm but visitors are immersed in the Shakespeare experience as the festival grounds open at 5:30 pm for pre-show picnicking and Elizabethan entertainment. Tickets: $20/adults; Free/under 18. Free parking at Olsen Rd and Mountclef Blvd lot. Lawn Box reservations are now available at www.kingsmenshakespeare.org/festival/tickets.php. For more information, call (805) 493-3014 or visit kingsmenshakespeare.org. Children ages 8-16 may enroll in 3 Camp Shakespeare workshops: Advanced Shakespeare I (7/9-16) or II (7/23-8/3) or Musical Theatre (ages 12-16) (7/23-8/3) - all $285 by visiting www.kingsmenshakespeare.org/camp 

The G.A.T.E. Players and Thousand Oaks Repertory Company present Shakespeare's exuberant comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" July 6, 7, 8 and 20, 21, 22 at Libbey Bowl in Ojai. Pre-show begins at 7 pm with the Ojai Madrigal Singers and the play at 7:30 pm. Tickets for this delightful battle of the sexes directed by Allan Hunt and set in the Roaring 20s are available at www.gateplayers.org.

View all upcoming events at Libbey Bowl at www.libbeybowl.org.

Rubicon 2012 Summer Youth Theatre productions begin July 5

Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., presents three productions for its Summer Youth Theater Program: "Captain Louie, Jr.," with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz based on "The Trip" by Ezra Jack Keats on July 5-8; William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" directed by Joseph Fuqua on July 19-22; and Caribbean-style Little Mermaid "Once on this Island" directed by Brian McDonald with choreography by Carolanne Marano on August 8-12. For more info and tickets call 805/667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org 

For the 18th year "Gypsies in a Trunk" performance troupe once again brings its fractured "Fairy Tales in the Park" to Barranca Vista Park, 7050 East Ralson Street, this summer on second Saturdays at 4 pm. Bring low back lawn chairs, blankets, picnic and the whole family to enjoy another madcap season of fun and adventure:

          - July 14 - Beauty and the Beast

         - August 11 - Three Billy Goats Gruff

         - September 8 - Chicken Little

More info at www.cityofventura.net/bvc or call 805.654.7552.

DramaDogs and teen drama camp at Carpinteria Plaza Playhouse start July 14

Multidisciplinary theater production company DramaDogs celebrates the creative process by developing theatrical pieces to touch the human spirit. Join them for "DramaDogs Does Theater," a series of poetic and character stories on July 14, 8 pm and July 15, 2 pm. Teen thespians may immerse themselves into the world of acting, character study, and scene profiles during "Drama Workshop Camp" July 16-August 9 (M-Th 10 am-2 pm) culminating in a stage performance of the acclaimed play "David & Lisa." Cost is $300 for the full four weeks (scholarships available). Register through Carp Cares for Youth at www.carpcares.org or call Asa Olsson at 901-3554 www.plazatheatercarpinteria.com 

 

Artists Union Gallery Tuesday Poetry Series  

 

Poets and lovers of poetry are welcome to hear the following featured poets and participate in "open mic" at the "Tuesday Poetry Series" hosted by Phil Taggart at 7:30 pm at the Artists Union Gallery, 330 S. California St. www.venturaartistsunion.org

 

     -  July 10 Dottie Grossman memorial with Michael Vlatkovich and friends

     -  July 17 Brigit Truex

     -  July 31 Jan Steckel

 

Email ptagga@aol.com to be added to Phil Taggart's monthly literary events distribution list for readings in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

 

  

 

San Buenaventura Friends of the Library
speaker series July 14

 

SBFOL presents Richard Senate, local historian and raconteur, and his tales of Ventura County in partnership with Bank of Books in the E.P. Foster Library Topping Room, 651 E Main St. On Saturday, July 14, 4-5 pm, as Senate revisits Jungleland, Ventura County's first and only theme park. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. RSVP to Marcia Ortiz at mrortiz@earthlink.netor 805.643.4281. For more on SBFOL visit www.sanbuenaventurafriendsofthelibrary.org/

 

 

Others poetry events

 

Arcade Poetry Series: 3rd Saturdays at 7 pm, Oxnard Carnegie Art Museum, 424 South C St, Oxnard. Host: Jackson Wheeler.   

 

Bohemian Beat Spoken Word: 1st Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Bohemia Coffee House, 214 W Ojai Ave, Ojai. Host: Tree Bernstein, 805/640-7210. Open mic sign ups at 7:15 pm.

 

 

Ventura County Writers Club:

3rd Wednesdays poetry workshop; meetings 2nd Tuesdays at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley Street, Camarillo. Info:www.venturacountywriters.com 

 

 

 

The Poetry Zone: 2nd Saturdays, 2-4 pm, Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 21 West Anapamu, Santa Barbara. Host: Suzanne Frost, 805/252-1655. Open-mic follows

 

Favorite Poem Reading: 3rd Mondays, 5:15-6:30 pm, The Blue Agave 20 East Cota, Santa Barbara. Host: Lois Klein. Open Mic: All poets and non-poets invited to read a favorite poem (not their own) or two

 

Santa Maria Rhythm & Rhyme: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm, Cafe Noir, 1555 South Broadway, Santa Maria. Open Mic with Host BJ Riley  everlearnmore@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

 

KPFK Poets Café: 2nd, 4th and 5th Wednesdays at 8:30 pm. LA 90.7 FM/ Santa Barbara 98.7 FM. Host: Lois P. Jones   

  

 

 

 

Poetry presses, services and journals  

 

Askew Poetry Journal

www.askewpoetry.org

Editors: Marsha de la O, Phil Taggart and Friday Lubina

P.O. Box 559 Ventura 93002

New issue now out! Annual subscription $10 (2 issues)

 

TreeHouse Press  treebernstein@gmail.com  Limited edition books of poetry

 

Hex Presse   www.hexpresse.blogspot.com   Editor: Michelle Detorie

 

The Bubble Magazine   theojaibubble@yahoo.com

Published quarterly by Nancy Gross with original journalistic features, creative writing, poetry, narratives and short stories. Help us grow with Paypal Kickstarter fundraiser.

The Bubble, P.O. Box 171, Ojai, CA 93024.

 

Subscribe to Library of America's free "Story of the Week"

Are you a fan of classic American literature? Sign up here and you'll receive an e-mail alert every Monday when a "new" Library of America short story is posted which you can read on-line as a PDF or Google book.

 

More Poetry Information:  
www.sbpoetry.net    www.askewpoetry.org  www.poetix.net    www.venturaartistsunion.org    www.poetryflash.org  www.santabarbarapoetryseries.org  

Fresh i is a world created for youth ages 8-18 to encourage communication and collaboration through digital media creation. Kids do it all, from story to final edit! More about Freshi Academies at www.freshiacademy.com/. Classes are held at Bible Fellowship Church, 6920 E. Ralston St. Rm 206 in Ventura.

Register at 805.658.4726 or www.cityofventura.net/recreation.

          - Comic Book Creators for 5-7 years 7/9-7/13  M-F 9 am-12 pm   $180

          - Comic World-Making & Short Film for 8-12 years 7/9-7/13  M-F 1-4 pm   $180

          - Animate Anything! for 5-7 years 7/30-8/3 M-F 9 am-12 pm   $180

          - Amazing Anime-tion! for 8-12 years  7/30-8/3  M-F 1-4 pm    $180

Medieval lovers Raymonda and Jean de Brienne, separated by war, are reunited after he rescues her from another knight in this three-act classic taped live at the Bolshoi Ballet, Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, July 1 at 1 pm and Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 pm with score by Alexander Glazunov and choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. Paris Opera etoile Nicolas Le Riche explores the troubling Roman emperor "Caligula" Sunday, July 15 at 1 pm and Wednesday, July 25 at 6:30 pm. At the Roxy Stadium 11 (5001 Verdugo Way, Camarillo). Sign up for the Roxy's e-newsletter.

Oxnard Film Society Foreign Film Series
July 2, 16 & 30

Join the OFS for Monday screenings at 3:30 and 6:30 pm ($9.75/$6.25 seniors) at Plaza Cinemas 14, 255 West 5th St, Oxnard, followed by discussions at its new office at 519 South C Street (CCS office) after the 6:30 pm film. All non-English speaking films are presented in their original language accompanied by English subtitles.     

     July 2--Headhunters (Hodejegerne) Norway thriller

     July 16--The Matchmaker (Israel)

     July 30--We Have a Pope (Italy)

 Info: OFS President/CEO George J. Sandoval,805.798.0830 or geosand47@gmail.com.

The Ventura Film Society fourth season continues with screenings on the first and third Tuesdays at 7:15 pm at 420 E Santa Clara St.

     July 3 -- Girl on the Bridge

     July 17-- Touching the Voice

Tickets at: www.venturafilmsociety.com

Insomniac Cinema hosted by Andrew Gualtieri has been "Pushing classic films to their breaking point since 2004" at the Regency Buenaventura every Thursday at 7:30 pm at the Regency Buenaventura, 1440 Eastman Ave., Ventura, 805.658.6544 (showtimes: www.regencymovies.com). Insomniac Cinema discounted advance tickets/monthly newsletter www.insomniaccinema.com

     July 5 -- King Kong (1933)

     July 12 -- Dirty Harry (1971)

     July 19 -- Jaws (1975)

     July 26 -- Jurassic Park (1993)

The historic Plaza Playhouse, 4916 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria, screens its next "Mystery Movie" starring James Cagney on July 6 at 8 pm and the James Stewart/Grace Kelly "Rear Window" on July 28 at 8 pm. Info: www.plazatheatercarpinteria.com

The acclaimed "Ballet in Cinema" series moves to the Ventura Century 10 Downtown, 555 E Main St, with HD screenings of live performances from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Royal Opera House in London, Sundays at noon and Tuesdays at 7 pm. Tickets/info

• June 24 & 26 Le Corsaire (Bolshoi)
• July 8 & 10 Romeo & Juliet (Royal Ballet)
• July 22 & 24 The Bright Stream (Bolshoi)
• July 29 & 31 The Sleeping Beauty (Royal Ballet)
• August 12 & 14 La Fille Mal Gardee (Royal Ballet)
• August 26 & 28 Raymonda (Bolshoi)

Ojai Film Society screenings July 8, 15, 17, 22 & 29

The Ojai Film Society is a non-profit, volunteer organization that has been bringing independent, foreign and documentary films to the Ojai community for 23 years.

     July 1--Undefeated USA 2011

     July 8--Salmon Fishing in the Yemen UK 2012

     July 15--Bully USA 2012 (also July 17 at 3:30 pm)

     July 22--Chico & Rita Spain/UK

     July 29--A Dangerous Method

For more information contact the OFS office at 805.646.8946 or ojaifilmsociety@sbcglobal.net or visit www.ojaifilmsociety.org. Sundays at 4:30 pm at the Ojai Playhouse, 145 E Ojai Ave, Ojai

This summer enjoy select encore performances from the Metropolitan Opera's award winning series on Wednesdays throughout the summer at 6:30 pm at the Cinemark Stadium 16, 2875 Elba Street in Ventura:

     Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann--July 11

     Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor--July 18

     Strasuss's Der Rosenkavalier--July 25

Description/tickets: http://www.fathomevents.com/upcoming/ 

Fathom Events at Ventura Century 16 July 12, 23 and 24

Fathom Events offers screenings of Vintage films, music concerts, documentaries and other special events throughout the year.

        July 12, 2 & 7 pm--Singin' In the Rain

        July 23, 7 pm--Star Trek: The Next Generation 25th Anniversary Event

        July 24, 8 pm--The Who - Quadrophenia: The Complete Story

Ventura Century 16, 2875 Elba Street. More information 

Ventura Gallery Crawl on Friday, July 6, 6 to 9 pm.
Info: see "Useful Links" below or visit the website.   

Classical Masterpiece Concert Art Show
June 30

Paintings and prints by WAV artist Frances Spencer and sculptures by Art City artist Matt Harvey will be featured at the Classical Masterpiece Concert Art Show on June 30 at 7 and 9 pm with music provided by classical guitar master Carlos Gonzales and Robert Earl Longley, storyteller and master of fusion jazz-classical guitar, in a concert-cabaret atmosphere at Yolie's Restaurant, 139 W Main St in Ventura. Tickets/info: www.concertartshows.com 

Untitled, acrylic on canvas 12"x16", by Rima Muna

"Internal Spaces," a series of beautiful and evocative abstract paintings by Rima Muna -

For more artist information visit: www.rimamuna.com 

"Good Vibrations" is Chuck Trunks and Jodi Anthony's art show from July 12 through September 1, 2012 at Fox Fine Jewelry, 210 E Main St,Ventura, with an artists' reception Saturday, July 21, 6-9 pm. Chuck Trunks specializes in "surfboard art" and Cal State Fullerton graphic design grad Jodi Anthony in bold canvases expressing "the healing power of the divine feminine." Hours: M-Th 10:30- 6, F/Sa 10:30-8. More info contact Debbie Fox at 805.652.1800 or Debbie@FoxFineJewelry.com.

Photographer Jim Fitzgerald, who makes black-and-white photos using a laborious process developed in the mid-1860s with large-and ultra-large-format view cameras, has a solo exhibit, "Symphonies of Light," at the Buenaventura Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara St., from July 17 through August 11. The artist will be present 4-8 p.m. July 21 for an opening reception and from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 3 for Ventura's First Friday Gallery Crawl. Gallery hours are Tu-F 12-5 pm and Sat 11 am-5 pm. More info at www.buenaventuragallery.org.

Donna Granata's exhibit "From the Camera to the Archive: Over Two Decades of Photography"
opens with a reception Friday, July 6, 6-9 pm when she will receive the
Westside ArtWalk "Artist of Distinction" and runs through July 29 at the Vita Art Center,
432 Ventura Ave Studio 30 in Ventura. The Artist of Distinction is awarded annually for
a distinguished body of work, combined with outstanding service to the arts and
to the larger Ventura community. Gallery Hours: M-F 10-5, weekends by appointment.
Info: www.VitaArtCenter.com or 805-644-9214

Focus on the Masters Westside Artwalk,
After Party & Auction July 21-22

Focus on the Masters (FOTM) is a non-profit art appreciation program that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished contemporary artists, emphasizing the importance of the arts to a healthy society.

For details on FOTM's popup exhibit at the Ventura Westside Artwalk (July 21 & 22) and After Party & Auction for the Arts (July 22, 6-8 pm) at 89 S. California St., Ventura, visit www.focusonthemasters.com/. Like us on Facebook.

For its upcoming Tuesday Artist Spotlight Series in August visit www.focusonthemasters.com/spotlight_calendar.html

Ceramicist Hannah Lee French's fanciful ceramic sculptures --dragons, fish and multi-limbed Hindu-influence human figures -- are featured at the Ventura County Potters' Guild Gallery, 1567 Spinnaker Dr Suite 105 in Ventura, now through July 22. Hours: daily 11-6

Info:www.vcpottersguild.com   Like us on Facebook.

London-born Chris Weber's exhibit, "Divergent Views: From Abstraction to Reality and The In Between Spaces," runs through July 23 with an opening reception Friday, June 28, 5-8 pm, at the Harbor Village Gallery, 1591 Spinnaker Dr. Suite 117C in Ventura.

Find more of the artist's work online at www.chrisweberarts.com.

For more gallery info (open daily 12-5 except Tuesday) call 805/644-2750 or visit www.BuenaventuraGallery.org.
 

 Museum of Ventura County (MOVC) events

Admission to either MOVC location is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, free for members and children ages 5 and younger. On first Sundays of the month, admission is always free at both site.
For more info go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805.653.0323 for the Ventura location
and 805-525-3100 for the Santa Paula location.

   

Museum of Ventura County (MOVC)

 100 E Main St in Ventura Open 11-5 Tu-Su 

Museum's Art Start Summer Program

The Museum of Ventura County's Art Start program for budding young artists (grades 3-5) returns this summer with July 9-13 and July 16-20
sessions from 9 am to noon. Registration forms may be downloaded
under education resources/summer programs,
at www.venturamuseum.org or picked up at the Museum.

 For information email education@venturamuseum.org
or call (805) 653-0323 ext. 300.

]

1964 Musical Acts featured in
"Dinner & A Movie At the Museum" on July 14

Hear some of 1964's most popular musical artists in the "T.A.M.I. Show," the first concert movie of the rock era, showing on Saturday, July 14 at the Museum of Ventura County. The legendary film is part of the museum's Dinner and a Movie series, and features sets from James Brown and The Famous Flames, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Jan & Dean, Marvin Gaye (backed by the Blossoms), Gerry & the Pacemakers, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Lesley Gore, The Barbarians, and Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas. The studio band is The Wrecking Crew. The evening includes an American diner-style dinner at 6 pm with the film showing at 7:15 pm. The film's director, Ventura County resident Steve Binder, will introduce his film and answer questions after the screening. Admission is $20 per person, and includes dinner, popcorn and a soft drink, as well as the film. No host bar is available. Seating is limited: for reservations call 805-653-0323 x 7.

Museum Throws "Arty Party" During Westside ArtWalk July 21

Join a free "Arty Party" at the Museum of Ventura County, to celebrate its selected Westside ArtWalk artists Dianne Bennett and the Studio Channel Islands Art Center on Saturday, July 21, 5-8 pm, with live music by Gypsy Death Star and We Govern We and no host bar. During Ventura's free Westside ArtWalk (July 21, 12-8 and July 22, 12-5) meet resident artists of Studio Channel Islands Art Center during their special exhibition and sale in the museum pavilion and plaza, including Rich Brimer, Pat Richards Dodds, Karin Geiger, Carol Henry, Tracy Jones, Maggie Kildee, Shelly Moore, Lucia Grossberger Morales, Sherron Sheppard, Judy Winard, and Marion Wood. Visitors will also meet Dianne Bennett at the museum during ArtWalk weekend. Her exhibition, "One Time, One Place: Retablos by Dianne Bennett," continues until August 19. Go to www.studiochannelislands.orgfor information about Studio Channel Islands Art Center; for museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805.653.0323.

Three summer exhibitions running through August 19

• The furry and feathered take center stage in "Featured Creatures," an exhibit of rarely shown mounted specimens - a black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, and fox, as well as birds as big as the California Condor and as small as the Hooded Oriole - and art and artifacts relating to California's wild life including paintings and sculpture by late artists Jessie Arms Botke, Douglas Parshall and Beatrice Wood; photography by Neal Barr; and hunting and trapping equipment. The human impact on California's wild life will be explored through a glimpse into hunting practices and the use of fur, loss of natural habitats and introduction of non-native species, as well as current wildlife restoration programs.  
• Obstacleism: The Synthesis Series"highlights abstract paintings by local artist Farok ("Farr") Ligvani which explore the pursuit of balance between Eastern and Western cultures as well as between the simplicity and complexity of modern society.
• "One Time, One Place" features retablos on recycled metal by Ojai artist Dianne Bennett, dedicated to species of birds, animals, trees and plants whose existence is threatened by habitat loss and climate change. For more on her work visit www.beforeourveryeyes.com and www.diannebennett.net.

Special Museum Program Dates:

• Meet The Raptors - Presentation by the Ojai Raptor Center - July 1, 1-2 pm Free
• Conquest of the Americas George Stuart Historical Figures exhibit through August 5
• Artist/historian George Stuart monologue Tues, July 31, 3 pm on the Western Frontier
• Saving the Island Fox Lecture by Tim Coonan Thursday, July 26, 6 pm

         See above for RSVP/ticket info.

ENTER "Ventura's Parks + Recreation = Community" Photo Contest by July 31 

 

Celebrate July as National Parks and Recreation Month! Enter by July 31 - it's easy, free and by email! Visit online for contest guidelines. The City of Ventura Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships (PRCP) invites photographers of all ages to share your best original high-resolution photos taken at any PRCP facility, event, sport, program, or class that illustrates our theme: Ventura's Parks + Recreation = Community. All entries are eligible to be featured in our citywide publications of print or electronic media with photo credit.  

Photo by Jacob Foko

PRIZES: Six gift certificates good towards any PRCP offering: 1st ($100), 2nd ($50), and 3rd-6th ($25). Submit close-up portraits of our residents enjoying themselves in these categories with a model release statement available from the website:

1. City parks and their facilities (such as skate, dog, trail, etc.)
2. Golf courses: Olivas Links or Buenaventura
3. Sports fields (Community Park, Camino Real, etc.)
4. Ventura Aquatic Center
5. Indoor recreation facilities (Westpark, Barranca Vista)
6. Recreation & Arts programs, sports, events and classes

Questions? Call 805/658-4706 or visit  www.cityofventura.net/photocontest

Three City of Ventura Public Art Program Opportunities

Go to www.cityofventura.net/cs/arts/public-art-opportunities for online applications (pdf) 
and information for the following three public art opportunities

Public Art Conservation Internship Volunteers - Apply by July 11

The City of Ventura Public Art Program is looking for students and adults (ages 16 and older) who have an interest in the arts and would like to learn Public Art Conservation techniques this summer from July 17 to August 9 (4 weeks). Interns will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm. This conservation program will focus on Public Art sculptures along our Ventura River Trail and in the downtown area. Download info/application at: www.cityofventura.net/cs/arts/public-art-opportunities 

 Request for Proposals for
Coastal Communities Cancer Center due July 30

The City of Ventura Public Art Program in partnership with Community Memorial Hospital invites area artists to submit proposals to exhibit original art at the Coastal Communities Cancer Center on Loma Vista between Brent and Joanne Streets. The primary goal of the artwork is to inspire residents and visiting patients alike with the inspirational qualities of art. The new gallery spaces at the facility are situated in the lighted glass windows on three of the exterior walls, each providing an exceptional gallery space for rotating exhibits. Each rotation will exhibit the work of three artists - one for each side of the facility. Selected works will be on display for a period of three months per rotation.  Download info and application at: www.cityofventura.net/cs/arts/public-art-opportunities 

Cultural Tourism Cut-Outs Request for Proposals due October 1

The City of Ventura's Public Art Program is announcing a call to artists to design and create life-sized "cut-outs" designed for photo opportunities, to be placed at various tourist sites throughout the City.

Download info and application at:  
www.cityofventura.net/cs/arts/public-art-opportunities

We are looking for a college or high school student to help with our online short film contest who is willing to start right away. Interest in film and social media including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are a plus. The internship hours are flexible but we would like a student who is willing to commit 5-10 hours per week. Applicants should be independent workers, friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking on the phone. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel 2010 also helpful. If interested, please submit a brief statement (500 words maximum) of why you would like to do this internship to Karen Waln at kwaln@venturawater.net or call (805) 677-4128 for more info.
 

 Ventura County Arts Council call to artists for "Improbable"

The VCAC seeks "artwork depicting the utterly improbable" in all media for juried
competition with cash awards by June 29. Details at www.venturacountyartscouncil.org/

Final call for Cultural Funding Program applications July 6

Applications for the 2012-13 Cultural Funding Grant Program are due July 6, 2012 at 5:00 pm. The 2012-13 applications and guidelines are available online at www.cityofventura.net/cs/arts/public-art/cultural.

$90,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to Ventura-based non-profit arts organizations,
with grants ranging in size from $3,000-$20,000.

Information is online or contact Georgeanne Lees at 805/658-4720 or glees@cityofventura.net.

Arts Council seeks nominations for
Art Stars Awards 2012 by August 15

The Ventura County Arts Council seeks nominations for the Art Stars Awards 2012 which will be held Wednesday, October 3 at the Tower Club in Oxnard. 

The nomination categories are: businesses, public agencies, nonprofit arts organizations, artists in community service, arts educators, arts philanthropists and young arts leaders. Deadline is Wednesday, August 15, 2012. The complete guidelines and nomination form are
online at www.venturacountyartscouncil.org.

 

Nomination forms for 2012 Mayor's Arts Awards

available through September 7

The City of Ventura, on behalf of Mayor Mike Tracy, welcomes nominations for the eighth annual Mayor's Arts Awards, recognizing the artistic achievements and contributions to the cultural community by City residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders.

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, September 7th in six categories.
Applications are online at www.cityofventura.net/maa

First Fridays

Each month on First Fridays, 6-9 pm, visual fine art spaces in downtown and midtown Ventura offer art, demonstrations and performances. www.s232036650.onlinehome.us

 For upcoming plays,   

visit www.rubicontheatre.org 

Poetry & Art at the Artists Union Gallery

Art exhibits and Tuesday/Saturday night poetry series at www.venturaartistsunion.org or send an email to ptagga@aol.com with a request to be put on the distribution e-list for Phil Taggart's periodic email calendar of poetry readings in Ventura, the county and beyond.

Office of Cultural Affairs monthly video magazine on the arts.
View schedule here and view shows at www.capstv.org

Bell Arts Factory

Gallery, studios and community room at 432 N. Ventura Ave.
with youth arts, exhibits and calendar at www.bellartsfactory.com.   

WAV/ Working Artists Ventura

State-of-the-art community at 175 S. Ventura Ave. offers affordable living and working space for 77 artists from 21 countries who are painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians, writers, actors and filmmakers with Theater/Gallery space for concerts, exhibits and special events. Studio guide, blog and calendar at www.wavartists.com.

Society805.com  

The Society805.com online magazine launched an Arts & Culture section this fall featuring coverage and reviews of art and culture in Ventura and has developed a significant Los Angeles readership to choose what they want to see in Ventura. For more info contact www.Society805.com or (805) 641-1533 or EricReeL@society805.com

All American Ballet School & Company

Ballet teaching center for all ages and levels
at 1932 Eastman Ave # 105, Ventura, is led by founder Clarissa Boeriu.

For more info contact www.aaballet.org or (805) 650-6316

Director Kathleen Noblin heads this creative movement academy, located at 2750 E Main St in Ventura, for 2 year olds to adults in modern, jazz, hip hop, flamenco and ballet plus summer dance camps.  

Info at 805.652.2800 or  www.balletacademyventura.com 

Footworks Youth Ballet  

Artistic Director Kirsten Oakley heads the Oakley Ballet Center, 1594 Saratoga Ave, Suite A in Ventura (805.676.1600 * www.oakleyballet.com ) which through Footworks Youth Ballet performances "provides serious ballet students who aspire to a professional career in dance the opportunity to develop their artistry and refine their ballet technique while performing on stage." www.FootworksYouthBallet.org  

Ventura County Arts

See what Art, Theatre, Literature, Dance, and Music events are happening in Ventura County:  Facebook or Blog.

To have your event posted to the blog, e-mail venturacountyarts@gmail.com where membership (benefits: unlimited and preferred posting) is available for $10/year.

 Ventura Music Under The Stars

 Ventura 4th of July Street Fair

 Barranca Vista Imagination Center

The Olivas Adobe