Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s 4th Annual Arts in the Park festival showcases fine art and craft exhibitors as well as chalk paint artists on Saturday, August 18 from 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday, August 19 from 10am - 5pm at the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. The free outdoor event features live music and over 40 art exhibitors offering a wide display of sculpture, photography, jewelry, and paintings.

Newbury Park artist Ora Tamir has been selected as the Featured Artist of Arts in the Park this year. Ora has been painting since childhood and regularly exhibits her work at festivals in California, Arizona and Nevada. Her paintings captivate the viewer with their surreal images and futuristic qualities. She says she listens to her inner voice while she paints, and that each painting is an adventure. “People tell me that they find their own stories in my paintings,” she noted.

Once again, Arts in the Park will include “Chalk Art for Charity” as part of the festivities. In addition to local chalk artists, several experienced street chalk artists from around Southern California will be participating in the event. Lysa Ashley, an artist and teacher from the Inland Empire, participated in Chalk Art for Charity’s debut last year. She has been a street painter for over sixteen years, participating in festivals, fundraisers, and corporate events around the country and internationally. She has won numerous People’s Choice and Best of Show awards. To view some of Ashley’s art, visit her website www.chalkgirl.net.

“Chalk Art for Charity” will raise funds for local non-profit Kids’ Arts, located in Ventura. Kids’ Arts offers a creative arts program for kids every Saturday morning at no cost to participants. Funds will be raised through the sponsorship of chalk art squares, which will include the sponsor’s name. Sponsorships are still available from The Ventura Chamber of Commerce for companies or individuals: $125 for Chamber members, $150 for non-members.

Event entry and parking are free. While at the festival visit Ventura Harbor Village’s boutiques, art galleries and restaurants or take a ride on the Harbor Water Taxi. Visit www.venturachamber.com for details. For more information or to sponsor a square, contact the Ventura Chamber of Commerce 805-643-7222.