From the early beginnings of Ojai, then known as Nordhoff, smart and sassy women have been instrumental in changing the face of Ojai and all it has to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet seventeen of these smart and sassy artistic and historic women of Ojai who will be featured in the Ojai Valley Museum’s exhibit beginning June 26 and running until September 28. These outstanding women contributed to the culture and enhancement of Ojai in the fields of art, architecture, sculpture, theatre and ceramics. Some of the women have recognizable names such as June Allyson, Charlotte Bronstein, Vivika Heino, Elaine Rogers, Nancy Rupp, Zelma Wilson, Beatrice Wood and Loretta Young. However, there are several others that made a lasting impact on our valley, but may not be familiar names to many such as Inez Berry, Florence von Breyman, Agnes Duncan Brown, Hope Frazier, Julia Morgan, Evelyn Nordhoff, Carmen Robertson, and Frances Clarke Sayers. This exhibit will include photographs of the women, artifacts of their lives and stories about who they were and what they have contributed to this community. Sponsors for this exhibit are the Smith-Hobson Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Kaufman of Beverly Hills. Opportunities for prizes will be available throughout the exhibit with the winners being selected at the closing of the exhibit in September. Among the opportunities will be three spa packages from The Oaks at Ojai, donated by Sheila and Don Cluff.

An opening gala will be held on Saturday, June 28 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the museum. There will be delectable hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar, and living histories presented by “Dames to Duchesses”. Three of the Dames will be mingling with guests as they portray famous women in Ojai history. Catherine Dain will represent the artist, Beatrice Wood, Gai Jones will portray architect, Zelma Wilson, and Linda MacNeal will emulate the actress, June Allyson. In addition, Cricket Twichell will represent the child actress and art activist, Carmen Robertson. Music will be provided by Beverly Broadbent Beal, the current organist at the Ojai Presbyterian Church who will portray Agnes Duncan Brown, Ojai Presbyterian Church organist, at the turn of the century. The public is invited to this grand opening. For reservations, call the museum office at 640-1390. The $25.00 donation may be paid by check, cash or credit card. The museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue and is open on Thursdays and Fridays, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sundays, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.