The first public showing of stone sculptor G. Ramon Byrne’s life size musical instruments opens at the Museum of Ventura County on Friday, May 6, 2011. The Composed In Stone exhibition highlights Byrne’s suite of eight instruments, conceived and carved over the past five years and only recently completed. The exhibition continues through June 26, 2011.

Byrne’s silent symphony reflects his passion to transform hard surface into shapes that speak of sound and touch. A third generation stone mason and artist, Byrne works out of Ventura’s famed Art City, where he has made his artistic home since 2005. His work is installed in public and private locations throughout California and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Byrne began sculpting in the 1970s as an apprentice to Big Sur’s renowned wood sculptor Edmond Kara, but moved quickly into stone carving. He has worked as an instructor and demonstrator for the annual Sculptors Symposium at Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria, California, has facilitated stone sculpting workshops at the Esalan Institute in Big Sur, and teaches privately. He is also an active member of the Artists’ Union Gallery in Ventura.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, members and children under 6 are free. For more museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.