SANTA PAULA, CA – A series of special events entitled Botke Vistas will be hosted at the Santa Paula Art Museum in exploration of the Museum’s featured exhibit, The Artist’s Eye: The Working Life of Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke. On March 28, the co-curators of the exhibit will host a discussion on the history of the Botkes and their art. On April 3, the Museum invites the public to B.Y.O.B., “Bring Your Own Botke”, and share the story behind your painting with fellow collectors and fans. On May 2, local painter Susan Petty will offer her artistic perspective on the Botkes’ technique and style.

“The exhibit itself is comprehensive. In fact, it is one of the largest Botke exhibits ever organized and, yet, there is still so much left to be revealed,” co-curator Jennifer Heighton said. Heighton, along with fellow curators Meg Phelps and Kitty Botke Seemel will chronicle the careers of both Botkes and disclose little-known facts about the married artists. The curators will discuss their thought process in creating the exhibit and seeing it through fruition.

As a granddaughter of the Botkes, co-curator Kitty Botke Seemel will provide fans of her grandparents with a true impression of what life was like with the painters. Heighton added, “It will be a rare opportunity to truly get to know the Botkes!” This Curators’ Talk will be held on March 28, 2011 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. and is $5.00 for Members and $10.00 for Non-Members.

If the Museum’s multiple galleries filled with Botke treasures do not satisfy, then bring your own! In April, the Museum will host a gathering for Botke collectors and the general public. Former Museum of Ventura County Curator Anne Graumlich will moderate the event as fellow enthusiasts mix and mingle alongside works from their private collections.

“Botke collectors are always happy to share because they are aware of the delight that Jessie and Cornelis’ works bring to other people. Considering that these selections will all be from private collections, many of them will not be on display again,” said Phelps. B.Y.O.B. will be held on April 3, 2011 from 4 – 6 p.m. and is $10.00 for Members and $15.00 for Non-Members.

Through the Eyes of an Artist will be the final event in the Botke Vistas series. As the lives of Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke were defined by their art, in order to fully comprehend them, one must see through an artist’s eyes. Esteemed Ventura artist Susan Petty will offer her own viewpoint as she describes and welcomes questions about technique, style and creative inspiration. This event will be held on May 2, 2011 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. and is $5.00 for Members and $10.00 for Non-Members.

The exhibit runs until June 5, 2011 and may be viewed during regular Museum hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sundays, 12 PM – 4 PM. The Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. To RSVP to a Botke Vistas event or for more information, please call the Museum at (805) 525-5554, or email info@santapaulaartmuseum.org