Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.
OPENING THEATER
COMIC BOOK ARTIST Oct. 8-15. When a set of magic pens brings a comic book villain to life, a new team of superheroes comes to the rescue – created by an ambitious janitor with dreams of being an illustrator. $13. Presented by Young Artists Ensemble’s Hillcrest Players at Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, 805-381-2747, www.hillcrestarts.com.
OPENING ART
643 PROJECT SPACE Through Oct. 31. Channel Islands Marine Debris Art Show, an exhibit of art created by students, faculty and community members from marine debris found on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands to highlight one of the most widespread pollution problems facing the world’s ocean and waterways. Reception on Friday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com.
ATRIUM GALLERY Oct. 6-Nov. 11. Impact Project Art Exhibit, featuring works by immigrant, LGBTQ and Black communities in Ventura County, as well as art by K-8 students who participated in Focus on the Masters’ educational outreach program, Learning To See. Reception on Friday, Oct. 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Hall of Administration, Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, vcartscouncil.org/atrium-gallery/.
CAMARILLO ART CENTER Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Saturday Gourd Workshop. Contact Kathleen at NYG745@gmail.com for more information. Through Oct. 30: Autumn Festival. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, www.camarilloartcenter.org.
HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS Through Nov. 7: Under $50 Fundraiser, over 60 8x8 works made and donated by BAA members; all proceeds will support BAA. Ongoing: Buenaventura Art Association members showcase and sell their work. Masks and social distancing required. 1559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts.
AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS
DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2.
ONGOING THEATER
THE BELLE OF AMHERST Through Oct. 9. A one-woman play by William Luce based on the life of poet Emily Dickinson and starring Anna Kotula. $18-20. ARTSpace Black Box Theater, 2956 School St., Simi Valley, jgartdept@sbcglobal.net, www.actorsrepofsimi.org/about-us/artspace-black-box-theater/.
HMS PINAFORE Through Oct. 16. Also known as The Lass That Loved a Sailor, this musical romantic comedy centers on a captain’s daughter who attempts to elope with her secret love, a humble sailor. Presented by the Ventura County Gilbert and Sullivan Repertoire Company. $13-28. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, 805-381-2747, www.vcgsrc.org.
THE LATINX EXPERIENCE: FEATURING JOURNEY OF THE SKELETONS, A DIA DE LOS MUERTOS STORY Through Oct. 9. In this touching comedy, family members trying to reconnect with loved ones during Dia de los Muertos experience adventures and challenges on their journey through the underworld. Each performance will also feature Latino dancers, poets, musicians and storytellers, as well as some workshops. $10-20. The Elite Theater, 2731 Victoria Ave., Oxnard, www.theelite.org/news/the-latinx-experience/.
VENTURA COUNTY POETRY PROJECT Thursday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. live and
via Zoom: Poetry reading and open mic at the EP Foster Library (also streamed live), 651 E. Main St., Ventura. More information at vcpoetryproject.org.
WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD Through Oct. 16. Two women on opposite sides of the political spectrum find themselves stranded together at an airport during a storm, leading to an enlightening conversation and experience for them both. $20. Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org.
ONGOING ART
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Opened June 16: Save the Pollinators: A Youth-Led Environmental Restoration Project. Ongoing: Farm to Market, an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.
BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS Through Oct. 29. It’s About Time, featuring work by members of the Ventura County Potters’ Guild (Beato Gallery). 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com.
CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM Through Dec. 19: Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands, work by five local artists inspired by the flora and fauna of the Channel Islands. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.
DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM Ongoing. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-642-3345, dudleyhouse.org.
FOX FINE JEWELRY Through Nov. 6. Day of the Dead, featuring work by Tricia Anders and Checkos (Sergio Martinez de Jesús) inspired by Día de los Muertos.
560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.
H GALLERY Through Oct. 16. Art in the Time of Corona, Vol. 2 (Year 2), work inspired by or made during the pandemic. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, www.dabart.me/in-the-service-of-civilization.
KWAN FONG GALLERY Through Oct. 23. On the Range: Works by Terry Spehar-Fahey, featuring art inspired by the ranching families of Idaho. California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong.
MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Ongoing. The famed auto museum pays tribute to French automotive design, with coaches from the 1800s, Bugattis from the 1920s-30s, Concours d’Elegance winners and more. Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; advance tickets required. 1421
Emerson Ave., Oxnard, 805-385-5400, mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. Muscles and Mojo car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-487-4333, www.murphyautomuseum.org.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through Aug. 31, 2023: All That Glitters Is Not Gold, the Jazz Age in Ventura County; Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors. Through Dec. 31, 2023: Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak. Through Feb. 28, 2023: Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®. Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, online exhibits and resources and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Opened July 29: Perception and Persistence, works by Ojai Studio Artists that explore the push/pull of thinking. Ongoing: Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Walking tours of Historic Ojai resume Oct. 22. Now open Friday-Sunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.
OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is now open the second Sunday of each month for visitors, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The historic park invites all plein air artists to come out to the site for creative inspiration, from the rose garden and 160-year-old fuchsia to the rancho and the bell tower. In addition, Laura Jean Jespersen’s The Romance of the Adobe will be on exhibit in the small adobe. There will be raffles,
historic interpreters, an al fresco gift shop and more. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe.
POPPIES ART AND GIFTS Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-798-0033, www.poppiesartandgifts.com.
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docent-led tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org.
realART Ongoing. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-4000, buyrealart.com.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Through Oct. 9: The Secrets of WWII. Ongoing: Permanent exhibits include Air Force One, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, an M-1 Abrams tank and more. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800-410-8354, www.reaganfoundation.org.
SANDRA AND JORDAN LABY GALLERY Opened July 21. An Historical Eye, oil paintings, dye sublimations and gold-leaf prints from renowned artists Michael O’Kelly, to be displayed on the newly created arts space downstairs at the Rubicon Theatre Company. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through Jan. 8, 2023: Remedios (Remedies), a solo exhibition by Conejo Valley artist John Galan. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit explores the connections between mind, body, nature and healing. Through Nov. 6: Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works, 40 new works in her “Biodiversity” series. The museum is now open, Wednesdays-Sundays. Free family days the first Sunday of the month. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554 or www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Through Nov. 6. Not of the Hands, But of the Heart, with photographs by artists that exhibited at the center nearly a decade ago and who studied with Retired Professor Emeritus John Gray of Moorpark College. 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805-583-7900, www.simi-arts.org.
SPICETOPIA Ongoing. The spice and tea shop in downtown Ventura now shows works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association. 576 E. Main St., 805-628-3267, www.spice-topia.com.
STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS Through Nov. 19. Colorspace, vibrant works by Carlos Grasso, Ariane Leiter, Margaret Korisheli and Barry Frantz. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.
VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805- 644-6800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery.
VITA ART CENTER Through Nov. 2 The New Normal: Art and Politics, exploring artists’ engagement with politics and their vision of the world. 28 W. Main St., Ventura, 805-644-9214, www.vitaartcenter.com.
WILLIAM ROLLAND GALLERY Through Oct. 27. Cole M. James: Call Them In, images and objects offered to the artist’s ancestors which “are grounded in expression of power, the personal, and the prison industrial complex.” California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, rollandgallery.callutheran.edu.