Ventura College presents a Chicano Art Exhibit, “The Imagery of Chicano: a Perspective of Chicanismo in Contemporary Art” Sept. 26 - Nov. 17 at the Ventura College Santa Paula site, 957 Faulkner Road, Santa Paula. The artwork on display comes from the private collection of Ventura College history professor Tomás Sanchez.

An art reception will be held 6-8 p.m., Oct. 13, with an introduction to Chicano Art by Sanchez at 6:30. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the art reception. Parking is free. Sanchez will discuss the origins of Chicano Art and the various genre and symbolism found in this art form.

“My appreciation of Chicano Art began when I became involved with the Chicano Movement in its early stages,” said Sanchez. “Chicano Art is a reflection of our contemporary society. It incorporates and reflects the current and growing influence of the Chicanos in 21st Century California and the United States.”

Sanchez has been a serious Chicano Art collector since the mid-1980s. Featured artists in his collection and this exhibit include Carlos Almaraz, Roberto Tito Delgado, Elsa Flores, Salomón Huerta, Leo Limón, Roberto Gil de Montes, Frank Romero and Patssi Valdez.

At Ventura College Santa Paula, Sanchez teaches World History, Western Civilization History, United States History and Chicano History.

VC Santa Paula Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (805) 525-7136, or visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/vcsantapaula.