Ojai Senior Poetry Competition Sparks Creativity and Engages Community

In May, the Ojai Valley Museum, Ventura County Arts Council, and the Gables of Ojai collaborated on a poetry competition for adults 55-plus in their community in honor of Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who founded AARP and Grey Gables in Ojai. The competition aimed to celebrate the originality and individuality of Ojai seniors through poetry. It also aimed to honor …

La Colonia Youth Mural Program and Future Leaders of America Unveil VCAC-supported Mental Health Awareness Mural in Oxnard

City of Oxnard Mayor John Zaragoza, City Manager Alex Nguyen, City Council Member Oscar Madrigal, and Ventura County Board Supervisor Carmen Ramirez were in attendance at Terraza De Las Cortes in Oxnard on June 11, 2022 to unveil and dedicate of The Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard, a new public art installation designed and created by local youth from …

VCAC Showcase of Four Local Artists Opens

A new exhibit has opened in the windows of the commercial property at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Moon Drive in Ventura, thanks to building owners Diane and Peter Goldenring. Works by Ventura County artists Dyan Berk, Kathy Copsey, Pamela Grau and Richard Peterson can be seen from the sidewalk on foot, and from inside cars driving by, now …

VCAC Supports Our Town Our Children’s Youth Mural Project, “2020”

The Ventura County Arts Council recently partnered with Oxnard youth arts advocacy group Our Town Our Children to help purchase supplies for their summer mural project. The group, which provides youth in their community with opportunities to participate in hands-on art projects and opportunities, was commissioned by Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services to create this mural, entitled “2020”.

VCAC Partners with Local Business Owners to Create Art Display on Victoria Ave. off the 101 Freeway in Ventura

Local property owners Peter and Diane Goldenring recently allowed us the use of the display windows of their vacant commercial property at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Moon Drive. Installation of four public art displays have recently been completed in the widows. Three of the windows feature art work created by students from Brekke Elementary School and Haycox Elementary …

Internationally Acclaimed Poet Luzmaria Espinosa Inaugurated as 3rd Ventura County Poet Laureate

VCAC inaugurated local resident Luzmaria Espinosa as Ventura County’s third Poet Laureate on February 22, a role in which she will serve for two years as the official poet and ambassador to the community for poetry. During her term, she will participate in ceremonial, educational and cultural activities throughout the county, advocating for its local art, diversity and history. Ms. …

Genesis Perez is Inaugurated as 2nd VC Youth Poet Laureate

The Ventura County Arts Council is pleased to announce its selection of Genesis Perez as the county’s 2019/2020 Youth Poet Laureate; she will serve for one year as official poet and ambassador to the community for poetry. Ms. Perez was inaugurated with a ceremony on November 8, 2019 on the Ventura College Main Campus.

Creative Community Thomas Fire Recovery Grant

Are you a Ventura County artist, musician, performer, writer, designer, cultural worker or arts teacher whose creative practice or career was impacted by the Thomas Fire or Debris Flow? You may be eligible for funding. The Ventura County Arts Council and CreativityWorks have partnered to establish the Creative Community Thomas Fire Recovery Grant to provide financial assistance to artists who …

Bank of Books Thankful Thursdays Supports Ventura County Arts Council

Dear Ventura County Arts Council Friends – Here’s a REALLY EASY and cool fundraising opportunity for our Arts programs. Please post flier on your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account. Here are the details: At the cash register PLEASE Mention “Ventura County Arts Council” as your non-profit and 20% of sales will benefit the Artists in the Classroom program Thankful THURSDAYS …

Pianos In The Street Hit Ventura County

Pianos in Public – Santa Barbara did it on State Street, and other cities around the world have placed pianos in public places for passers-by to play to their hearts’ content. Google this topic to see the range of locations where pianos have been located. Often the donated up-right pianos are painted by artists before their public appearances. When they …