Beginning January 10, 2013, visitors can gain extra insight into the what and why of exhibits at both the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum and the Santa Paula Art Museum, when artists, curators, educators and collectors give Second Thursday Gallery Talks each month. The talks start at 2:00 p.m. at the Agriculture Museum, followed by the second talk at 3:00 p.m.at the nearby Santa Paula Art Museum. The series debuts Thursday, January 10 when John Nichols, gallery owner, photographer, and the co-founding director of the Art Alliance, talks at the Agriculture Museum about the 5th annual Art About Agriculture exhibit. At 3:00, artist Andrea Vargas, curator of the 19th annual De Colores, speaks at the Santa Paula Art Museum about that exhibit.

Each museum charges its own general admission, and members can attend free at their respective museums. Light refreshments are served, and no reservations are necessary. Both museums are within walking distance of each other and parking is free at both. For additional information and monthly schedules for the Second Thursday Gallery Talks go to www.venturamuseum.org and www.santapaulaartmuseum.org or call the Agriculture Museum at 805-525-3100 and the Art Museum at 805-525-5554. The Agriculture Museum is at 926 Railroad Avenue, and the Santa Paula Art Museum is at 117 N. 10th Street, both located in downtown Santa Paula, California.

The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, free for Museum of Ventura County members and for children ages 5 and younger. The first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public. For more information, go to www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 525-3100.