A collection of contemporary quilts inspired by fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, farms, and farmers will be featured in a new exhibit called Farm Fresh Quilts. Exhibit will be on display at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum from March 30 to June 16, 2013. Exhibit includes 20 one-of-a-kind pieces, contributed by 15 quilters from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Visitors who attend the opening reception for Farm Fresh Quilts, on Saturday, April 6, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., can also see the Agriculture Museum’s new sugar beet exhibit, From Field to Factory: Oxnard’s Beet Generation. Admission to the reception is $5.00 for the general public, free for museum members. Event includes sweet treats and a no-host bar. RSVP to 805-525-3100.

Along with the opening reception, the Agriculture Museum will host several events focused on quilting. Quilter Pat Masterson will host a Second Thursday Gallery Talk called Ag-Inspired Quilts, on April 11 at 2:00 p.m. Masterson will talk about the varieties of creative expression and quilting techniques employed in the 20 original quilts on display. General admission is charged for Second Thursday Gallery Talks and museum members are free. No reservations are required.

Children are encouraged to learn about quilting and enjoy the exhibit during our Free First Sunday activity on June 2, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. During Quilt Blocks for Kids!, volunteers will help children work with paper, fabric, and art supplies to create colorful quilt blocks. Participants will learn about geometric shapes and colors as they create pieces they can take home. A colorful handmade quilt of California scenes will be on display so children can add their own quilting stitches with a needle and thread.

The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is located in historic downtown Santa Paula, at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California. Hours are 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. General admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children ages 6-17. Free for Museum of Ventura County members and children ages 5 and younger. Paid events include free admission to the galleries, and the first Sunday of every month is free general admission to the public. For more information, go to www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 525-3100.