Oxnard, CA - Channel Islands Harbor celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale with its 16th Annual Celebration of the Whales. Each winter, these enchanting whales migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel on their way to the lagoons of Mexico, where the females will give birth. Whale watching excursions to the Channel Islands National Park are offered daily from Channel Islands Harbor and provide sightseers the best opportunities for viewing the whales, which are up to 50 feet long and weigh approximately 36 tons, as they travel south. Excursions began Dec. 26 and run through mid-April 2012.

Businesses at Channel Islands Harbor offering these sight-seeing excursions include Channel Islands Sportfishing, which provides excursions from January through April, (805) 382-1612; and Island Packers, which offers half-day trips from Dec. 26 through mid-April (805) 382-1779. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Channel Islands Harbor serves as a center of recreation, boating, shopping and water sports activities. The harbor is home to three yacht clubs and nine full-service marinas that provide berths for 2,150 boats. It also hosts the Ventura County Maritime Museum. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the museum is a cultural center dedicated to the interpretation of maritime history through interactive exhibits and educational outreach.

Ojai, CA - The city of Ojai, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, is filled with action-packed signature events throughout the year to celebrate all that is uniquely Ojai. From the nation's oldest amateur Tennis Tournament in April and the folksy Storytelling Festival in May, to the sweet-smelling Lavender Festival in June and the sensational Ojai Studio Artists Tour in October, Ojai's special events capture the community's spirit, talent, energy and natural surrounds that make this artsy town of less than 8,000 a favorite Southern California destination.

Ojai's numerous events also create a great reason to escape and enjoy a fun weekend getaway. Many of the inns and hotels partner with event organizers to create an Ojai experience, offering special rates and packages. While in Ojai, visitors can also take in all that the city has to offer from its unique village shopping and cultural attractions to olive oil tasting tours and regional wine tasting trail. For the adventurous, perhaps a jeep tour through the back country is in order, or maybe a rigorous walk or ride along Ojai's many biking and hiking trails. Or, one can always opt for a well-deserved spa treatment, a signature pastime in Ojai!

The following information summarizes the major events taking place in Ojai in 2012. For details on all Ojai events and activities, and more information about Ojai as a destination, visit www.ojaivisitors.com

2nd Annual Ojai WordFest
March 24-31, 2012
A festival of words, ideas and stories, WordFest brings together the best-selling authors, screenwriters, playwrights, poets, songwriters, novelists and many more. Highlights include a writer's conference, book fair, community events, open mic venues, pottery readings and more held at many of Ojai's landmark and historic sites. Times and locations of events vary throughout the week.

112th Annual Ojai CONTINUED »

Historic Preservation Commission award winners (l-r) David Mason, “Lifetime Achievement for Historic Preservation” and Judy Mercer, “2011 Historic Preservation Award.” Both volunteers at the Ojai Valley Museum.
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On Dec. 13, 2011, the Ojai City Council, upon the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission, awarded their first award for “Lifetime Achievement for Historic Preservation” to David Mason, and the “2011 Historic Preservation Award” to Judy Mercer—both volunteers at the Ojai Valley Museum. Each received a plaque to commemorate the awards and short biographies were read into the record at the Council meeting.

Judy Mercer, formerly of Claremont, CA, where she was a Docent & collections worker at the Alf Museum at The Webb Schools, began volunteering at the Ojai Valley Museum when she and her husband, Ed, moved to Ojai about 17 years ago to help with the family's orange groves. She has volunteered in OVM permanent Collections room since then, cataloging and processing artifacts and archival material donated to the museum. When the Museum installed a new moveable shelving system, made possible by the Ojai Civic Association, Judy worked full time leading the team that cleaned up the Collections room, re-boxed and re-organized the collection, handling problems with the expertise that makes her an invaluable volunteer. Judy has recently stepped into the role of lead Collections volunteer, training and supervising new volunteers and student interns in the computer input, cataloging, and storage processes. She was selected as the Museum Volunteer of the Year in 2005.

David Mason, Ojai's own native son, has contributed much in the way of historical awareness during his lifetime, writing many articles for publication and giving numerous talks about historical figures and events. His grasp of local history and his retention of current events and the folks who shape them are legendary. The declaration presented to Mason at the Council meeting said writers and researchers seek out his assistance in their studies of the history of the valley. Further "David meets the criteria for the upgraded status to the Lifetime Achievement Award because he has made outstanding long -term contributions toward furthering the protection of the cultural history of the Ojai Valley."

Museum Director, Michele E. Pracy, says she is delighted to have David as volunteer staff, as he does four types of jobs at the Museum 7 days a week. Since his retirement as owner of The Village Florist, he works as a docent, sells for the Museum store, does research for exhibits, and mans the Visitor Information office on weekends. He has served on the museum’s Board of Trustees for 33 years, and is their liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. In 1985, Mason was the original Chairman of the Historical Preservation Commission, then known as the Ojai Cultural Heritage Board.

Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Old Town Camarillo will showcase current and retrospective work from nine former artists-in-residence during the month of January.

Curator Arlene Mead has selected pieces by artists Chris Beirne, Gerd Koch, Russell McMillin, Tom McMillin, Leslie McQuaide, Julia Pinkham, Cheryl Thomas, Sylvia Torres and Chris Turk for the exhibit “Studio Channel Islands Alumni NOW”.

The public is invited to an artists’ reception on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Studio Channel Islands Gallery is open regularly on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Artists’ Studios will be open to the public on January 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Santa Paula Art Museum presents:

Then and Now, a look back at the Santa Paula Art Show

Art will be on exhibit at
Santa Paula Art Museum
117 N. 10th Street
Santa Paula, California
www.santapaulaartmuseum.org

About the Santa Paula Art Museum
The Santa Paula Art Museum is the repository and exhibition hall for the Santa Paula collection. Containing over 300 pieces, among its most famous artists are the works of the Botkes, both Jessie Arms and Cornelis. Some of the other represented plein air artists are Robert Clunie, Al Dempster, Ralph Holmes, Paul Lauritz, Emil Kosa, Jr., Douglas Shively and Milford Zornes. The valuable assemblage represents the accumulation of award winning entries in the Santa Paula Art Show which began in 1937. It remains the oldest juried show in California and the Collection is recognized as one of the finest of its kind in the state. Also featured are rotating exhibits of contemporary and local artists. Through the generous support of the Limoneira Company we occupy their historic 10th Street Building. The classic two-story structure was designed by famed local architect Roy Wilson, Sr. and was built in 1924. It was designed to accommodate Limoneira’s headquarters.

Purpose of Exhibit
The purpose of the exhibit is to emulate the first Santa Paula Art Show and to explore what in our local landscape has stayed the same since 1937 and what has changed. We may also make comparisons to works from the early years of the Santa Paula Art Show. A stipulation in the first show was that art work had to have subject matter within an 8 mile radius of Santa Paula.

Eligibility
Then and Now, A look back at the Santa Paula Art Show is open to all artists over the age of 18 working in any media. The art work must contain subject matter within an 8 mile radius of Santa Paula, which was a stipulation in the first Santa Paula Art Show. All styles of work are considered: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, batik, metals, and tapestry.

Specifications
Artists may enter a maximum of 3 works. Work should not exceed 150 pounds and the size limit is 36” x 48”. Wall hung work must be framed and ready for hanging. Works on paper should be glazed. The Santa Paula Art Museum reserves the right at all times to exclude any work that presents complex exhibition challenges. Only work not previously shown in at the Santa Paula Art Museum will be considered.

Entry Requirements
Selection will be made from digital images emailed to the Santa Paula Art Museum at info@SantaPaulaArtMuseum.org or sent by mail on a CD with 1-3 images (300 pixels per inch at about 4x5 inches. This size usually reproduces well in newspapers and magazines. If the image is too large for email use a service like Pando or YouSendIt). No PowerPoint or similar presentations. Include name, contact information, medium, titles, sizes, and prices. Images must be received by February 13, 2012.

Jurors
Works for the exhibition will be selected by a panel of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s curatorial staff.

Sales
All artwork must be for sale to be eligible for the exhibit. The Santa Paula Art Museum receives a 40% commission on all sales.

Fees
If you are mailing your art submission please include a non-refundable processing fee of $30. If you are emailing your submission please send the processing fee by mail. No submissions will be viewed until the processing fee is received. The fee covers the submission of up to 3 images. Make checks and money orders payable to the Santa Paula Art Museum.

Use of Art for Publicity
Submission of a digital image by an artist constitutes agreement for the Santa Paula Art Museum to reproduce artwork for catalog, publicity, website and educational purposes unless otherwise specified by the artist.

Delivery of Art
The artist is responsible for delivering the art before the exhibition and taking it off site after the exhibition.

Liability Insurance
The artwork will be insured under the Santa Paula Art Museum’s policy with Praetorian Insurance Co., 500 Park Blvd, Suite 1350, Istasca, Il, 60143, phone: (301) 581-4247. The lender will be named as an additional named insured under this policy.

Then and Now, A look Back at the Santa Paula Art Show
Calendar

Exhibition Dates: March 3, 2012 – July 8, 2012

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 3, 2012
From 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at
The Santa Paula Art Museum

Entry Form and Digital Images Due by February 13, 2012

Notification of Acceptance to Artists: February 20, 2012

Actual Work to Arrive at Museum:
Monday, February 27th from 10 to 4 (unless other arrangements are made)
Loan agreement will be created at that time.

Return of Work:
July 9, 2012 from 10:00 – 4:00 (unless other arrangements are made)

For More Information contact Jennifer Heighton or Julie Cluster at
805-525-5554
info@SantaPaulaArtMuseum.org
or
117 N. 10th Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060

Entrant Information
Please print and mail this page with your $30 processing fee and CD with images (if mailing). Cut and paste it into a document if you are emailing it as an attachment or including it in the body of the email.

Please Print

Artist’s Name_________________________________

Phone_____________

Address___________________________________

City________________ Zip_________

E-mail________________________

Artist’s Signature
Signing the entry form constitutes agreement with the terms and conditions contained in this prospectus.

Date:______________________

ARTIST’S ENTRY 1:
Title ________________________________________

Medium______________________________________

Framed Size __________________________________

Price ___________________

ARTIST’S ENTRY 2:
Title ________________________________________

Medium _____________________________________

Framed Size __________________________________

Price _________________

ARTIST’S ENTRY 3:
Title ________________________________________

Medium _____________________________________

Framed Size __________________________________

Price _________________

MAIL TO:
Santa Paula Art Museum
117 N. 10th Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060

Ventura, CA - Fifty entries from Community Memorial Hospital’s first annual Open Competition art exhibit will be displayed on the hospital’s first-floor walls through Jan. 7, 2012.

The exhibit is a joint partnership between CMH, the Buenaventura Art Association, the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and the City of Ventura. All paintings and drawings on display are by local artists, with proceeds to be used for future exhibits as well as to benefit local artists, the Buenaventura Art Association and the foundation’s philanthropic efforts.

CMH has been holding art exhibits quarterly for the past three years, and co-curator Sue Pollack noted they have proved to have a soothing effect on the hospital’s visitors.

“It’s not just the patients and their families, it’s the hospital staff as well – from physicians to those who work in the labs,” Pollack said. “For them to come to work every day and get to enjoy good art… They tell us all the time how much they enjoy it.”

Christine Beirne, vice president of the Buenaventura Art Association and the exhibit’s other co-curator, shared a story about the time a woman approached her and Pollack as they were helping set up a previous exhibit.

“She told us, ‘I come here every month for treatment and it’s so wonderful to see all this wonderful artwork,’” Beirne said. “It was so gratifying to hear that.”

Unlike in previous art exhibits at CMH, there is no theme. Local artists were asked to submit “Just plain good art!” And for the first time, artists were awarded for the best entries.

Jessica Cusick, Cultural Affairs Manager for the City of Santa Monica who has long been a prominent figure in the Southern California art scene, judged the entries.

“Jessica is a professional with enthusiasm and a deep love for art and artists,” Beirne said. “She had a very difficult time picking the pieces, but felt passionate about all that were chosen.”

The top prize went to Pamela Price Klebaum of Camarillo for her photograph entitled “Homeless.” Marlene Engle, an 80-year-old Ventura resident, placed second for her watercolor “Pear in a Pear Tree” on watercolor paper. Robert Diehl of Camarillo placed third for his photograph entitled “The Knitter.”

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Bob Privit, “Circus Toys: Acrobatic Elephants,” missed media; Daniel Mooney, “Ogre,” on pen and ink; and Gregory Radinov, “Spectator,” watercolor on paper.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and ten family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Thousand Oaks, CA - The Acting Academy for Autism is a serious theatre program for high-functioning young people in grades 3 - 12 with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. The new course was designed by teachers who are credentialed in special needs, adults who have autism, student teachers, and theatre training professionals. A project of Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory, the Academy plans to honor the sensibilities of young people with high-functioning autism and provide a safe and fun atmosphere in which they can study theatre. The Spring Session runs from January 30 through April 23, with classes Monday from 4:00 – 5:30.

“This is no different from any other good acting class,” says Elizabeth Angelini, an instructor and one of the Academy’s founders. “Students will gain some greater abilities to overcome social challenges, and self-confidence, while learning the basics of theatre.” Angelini received her degree from Pitzer College and completed Levels I and II Credential as an Education Specialist in Mild/Moderate Disabilities. She has been teaching since 2003 at schools like The Help Group, Tulsa Street Elementary School, Passageway School, and The Dubnoff Center in North Hollywood. Elizabeth was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was 12 years old, and found studying theatre to be an excellent creative outlet.

At the final class, the students will showcase their work: scenes, monologues and theatre history, along with original pieces that they write. Material comes from standard, published plays from 400 BC to the twenty-first century. Classes are capped at ten students, with three teachers per class.

Classes are held at 43 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd, near Moorpark Road in the Discovery Center for Science and Technology. The fee for the twelve week course is $350. For information and to schedule an interview, parents may call 805/427-5314 or email GoldCoastTheatre@Gmail.com. Further information is on the web site www.goldcoasttheatreconservatory.com.

Since 1994 Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory has been giving young people a solid foundation in the basics of theatre. Classes are for the student who values creative expression and supports the powerful idea of process over performance. Professional instructors focus on training, tools and a classic approach to true character development. Students are urged to act, not perform. At Gold Coast, theatre is a group activity, a team sport, a publicly shared journey into worthwhile material and into the self.

Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory is a Not- for-profit organization and a division of Gold Coast Performing Arts Association tax ID 77-0031586

“Epic of the Plains Indians”
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THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art at California Lutheran University is now open to the public on a continuing basis.

The inaugural exhibition, “Highlights and Selections,” will be on display through Saturday, March 10. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

A reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. A “Tea and Talk” featuring master sculptor David L. Spellerberg, the Westlake Village artist who created the bronze statue of a football player that stands outside the stadium, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.

“Highlights and Selections” features pieces from Rolland’s eclectic collection. It features many late 19th- and early 20th-century bronze sculptures and oil and watercolor paintings representing both classic and early modern themes and styles. The bronze series “Epic of the Plains Indians” by the late sculptor Harold Shelton depicts the life of a Native American. The collection of paintings includes landscapes, still lifes and historic subjects. A 1980 Grant King Indy 500 racecar with an original Drake-Offy engine is also showcased.

Possibly the country's only dedicated art gallery housed inside a stadium, the 2,200-foot space is located in the new William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus. The sleek, modern gallery features dramatic recessed lighting, a decorative ceiling with a floating panel, a highly polished tile floor and floor-to-ceiling bronze-tinted windows.

Rolland, who donated $5.45 million for the stadium, requested that the facility include a gallery that could display his art. The real estate developer and former Los Angeles City firefighter, who has homes in Westlake Village and Malibu, began buying pieces in the mid-1950s and has amassed a huge collection ranging from 17th-century to contemporary works. Future exhibits will feature additional pieces from his collection as well as other artworks.

The stadium is located on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Drive and Mountclef Boulevard.

Admission to the gallery and the events is free. The gallery will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. For more information or to make an appointment to visit the gallery outside of the regular hours, contact curator Jeff Phillips at 805-493-3697.

The three judges of the Art About Agriculture exhibit at the Santa Paula Art Museum have made their decision. The judges awarded 5 prizes of merit of $100 each. The winning artists are: Betsy Bland for “Springtime in Santa Paula”, Sunni Gibbons for “Los Amigos”, Gail Faulkner for “Springs of Avocado”, Lois Freeman-Fox for “Sespe River Overlook” and Chris Provenzano for her sculpture titled “Trabajador No. 1, Manuel Diaz”. The judges were Silvia Huerta, John Krist and Meg Phelps.

Limoneira Ranch, Randy and Joanna Axell and the Law Offices of Ben Schuck were the generous donors of the prize money.

“Art About Agriculture” is an agricultural themed art exhibit which runs through February 26, 2012 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th Street in historic downtown Santa Paula. The purpose of the exhibit is to promote Art About Agriculture by exploring all the facets of agriculture from workers to water, from machinery to soil and to the food that goes on our plates.

Art About Agriculture features art by over 40 artists working in both two and three dimensional media who create art that in some way draws its inspiration from our agricultural heritage and/or contemporary agriculture. That inspiration includes, but is not limited to, depictions of rural landscape, farm animals, farm products, rural life, and art that in a more abstract way deals with issues and ideas related to agriculture.

The Ag Art Alliance was formed in 2007 by Gail Pidduck and John Nichols to promote a greater appreciation of the place of agriculture in our lives by revealing the many facets of agriculture through the eyes of artists.

The Santa Paula Art Museum is the repository and exhibition hall for the Santa Paula Art Collection. The valuable assemblage represents the accumulation of award winning entries in the Santa Paula Art Show which began in 1937. Also featured at the Art Museum are rotating exhibits of contemporary and local artists. The Museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $3 and members and students are free.

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VCPG's Potter Gallery is featuring Francisco Magdaleno their first featured artist since opening the pottery showcase in July of 2010.

Francisco Magdaleno is a local artist that creates very strong, beautiful sculptures mostly from terra cotta clay. These are coil built by hand, a very timely method that joins its maker to the creation. Magdaleno's use of oxides and his turquoise treatment of glazes give his sculptures a very primitive look and feel. Collectors are taken back to a romanticized time in Mexico's history before the Spanish came and the indigenous people lived according to their individual cultures. Artist reception to be announced in January.

Gallery open everyday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. includes 20 local ceramic artists.

Reading stories to children is a cherished holiday tradition, so bring your family on Sunday, December 18 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., for the Museum of Ventura County’s special free story time and book signing. Local children’s book authors and illustrators, including Kathleen Contreras of Ventura, Jody Fickes Shapiro of Ventura, Carol Heyer of Thousand Oaks, Valerie Hobbs and Marnie McGee of Santa Barbara, Alexis O’Neill of Simi, and Amada Irma Perez of Ventura, will read and sign their books. Admission to the museum is free all day.

Children can also have fun with interactive elements in Simms Taback: Making Pictures For Children, an exhibit featuring original illustrations by this artist and author of more than 50 books, including the Caldecott Medal honor book “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.”

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For more museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

The Ventura College Jazz Band will present its fall concert with two guest performers, James Wrubel on piano and James Walker on trombone, on Thursday, December 8, 2011, 8 p.m., at the Wright Library located on the Ventura College campus, 57 Day Road. The concert will feature musical arrangements by Music Director, Leslie Drayton, of jazz standards composed by Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Sonny Rollins, Billy Strayhorn, Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, and Edith Piaf. Tunes to be performed include Four, Recorda Me, Lotus Blossom, Tenor Madness, Bernie's Tune, Song For My Father, La Vie En Rose, and Birdland. Admission is $10 at the door.

Ventura, CA - Entries from Community Memorial Hospital’s first annual Open Competition art exhibit will be displayed on the hospital’s first-floor walls from Dec. 4 to Jan. 7, 2012.

Unlike in previous art exhibits at CMH, there is no theme. Local artists were asked to submit “Just plain good art!” said Layla Hallberg, executive director of the Buenaventura Art Association.

Jessica Cusick, Cultural Affairs Manager for the City of Santa Monica, is the exhibit’s curator and will judge the entries. She will choose a first-place entry, second place, third place and she will have the option of picking four honorable mention awards.

Cusick will announce the winners during a “Meet the Artists” reception set for Monday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the hospital’s first-floor lobby. This event is open to the public and reservations are not required to attend. CMH is located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Cusick has long been a prominent figure in the Southern California art scene. In 1998, she established Cusick Consulting to build upon her more than 20 years experience working in the arts for government agencies, the private sector and non-profit organizations. She has a degree in art history from the Sorbonne in Paris and a Masters from New York University.

The exhibit is a joint partnership between CMH, the Buenaventura Art Association, the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and the City of Ventura. All paintings and drawings on display are by local artists, with proceeds to be used for future exhibits as well as to benefit local artists, the Buenaventura Art Association and the foundation’s philanthropic efforts.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and ten family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Buenaventura Art Association announces a “Call for Entries” for their 26th Annual Open Competition at the Buenaventura Gallery. The exhibit will run from January 10 – January 28 with the bring-in for the artists on Sunday, Jan. 8 and Monday, January 9 from 11 am – 2 pm. The awards ceremony (with over $1,000 in prizes awarded) will be on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 4 – 7 pm. Gary Lang, an adjunct professor at Claremont Graduate University, will be the juror.

Gary Lang, in addition to teaching at Claremont, has taught at Columbia, Yale University, UCLA, School of Visual Arts in NYC among others. As an educator, he wanted the students to “feel the power within themselves” to create. He is a contemporary painter with a respect for all art forms. Says Lang, “It’s not the subject…it’s how the artist interacts with the surface…it’s more than talent…it’s the artist being present in the moment.”
Throughout his long career, Lang has always meditated on painting and techniques. Whether he is creating a painting, “painting” a flower garden, or a few years ago, creating a video piece based on the process of painting which ends with layer upon layer of color, the same way Lang paints, his final word is always on the painting process.

“My painting process is a vehicle for crossing the threshold. Simply put it is a spiritual adventure that employs discipline and savors changeability. The wellspring source of the work is a mutating truth, which is what I nurture and what I am.”

The paintings define infinity in their own terms, and are visual odysseys that both welcome and hold the viewer in epic time and space. The painted object is a vehicle for transforming the moment, the power of which is unleashed in its presence.

Lang has a MFA from Yale University and received his BFA from California Institute of the Arts. He also studied at Chouinard Art Institute. He’s won numerous awards and grants including the Fulbright/Hayes Travel Grant, National Endowment for the Arts, Whitney Museum of American Art Studio grant and more.

He’s had solo exhibitions throughout the United States, France, Austria, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain and more. He’s been reviewed in Art Week, Art Scene, Conde Nast Traveler, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, and various international magazines and newspapers. Buenaventura Art Association is truly honored to have an artist of Lang’s caliber as our juror.

The Buenaventura Gallery is located at 700 E Santa Clara St. in downtown Ventura. Hours are Tuesday – Friday from noon – 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information and entry form, visit their website at www.BuenaventuraGallery.org.

VENTURA, CA - The importance of agriculture is often overlooked and understated. It is an industry with a rich history and the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum hopes to share that history with its community with the help of the Oxnard Monsanto site.

The Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum was nominated by the Oxnard Monsanto site to receive a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Representatives from the museum were presented with the grant during a ceremony on Nov. 16. The museum will use the grant to fund the creation of educational exhibits that will teach visitors about the history of agriculture in the region, the building of additional structures and outdoor areas for museum programs and the creation and implementation of educational programs about agriculture.

“This grant will make it possible for the museum to share Ventura County’s agricultural history with a wide audience,” said Tim Schiffer, executive director of the museum. “The goal is to increase the public’s understanding of just how complex agriculture really is.”

Ebony Busby of Monsanto was also excited to play a part in the donation.

“The Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum offers a very educational illustration of the role of agriculture in Ventura County,” Busby said. “I am thrilled to be able to present the museum with this grant and demonstrate the appreciation that all of us at the Oxnard Monsanto site have for it.”

This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund, which is focused on strengthening farming communities, as well as the communities where Monsanto’s employees live and work.

About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Monsanto and Vine Design® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2011 Monsanto Company

Ventura, CA – Think iconic California – Golden Gate Bridge, surf spots, Hollywood, palm trees, Disneyland, redwoods, celebrities, poppies! Catch the authentic California “Vibe” at the 35th Annual Ventura Harbor Boat Parade of Lights and Fireworks, Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, at 7 pm. Decorated boats and holiday décor throughout the Harbor kick off this year’s “California Dreamin’” theme!

The two-day celebration features a Parade of Lights Carnival on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn, visits by Santa & Mrs. Claus for last minutes gift requests at the Carousel Stage and delicious harbor-front dining. A fireworks display lights up the night following the Parade of Lights each evening with Santa and his sleigh crossing the sky on Saturday evening courtesy of Aspen Helicopters. Parade of Lights public cruises offered by Ventura Harbor Boat Rentals and Islands Packers.

Arrive mid-day on Saturday for Winter Wonderland & Holiday Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, December 17 from 1- 5 PM. Live Reindeer, Victorian Carolers, Toy Soldier Band, faux snowfall, craft station by Lakeshore Learning Store, holiday characters, and boutique shopping make Winter Wonderland an all ages family holiday experience. Relax seaside at this free event and explore the dozen local boutiques for holiday finds. Harbor restaurants are overflowing with good cheer for lunch and dinner.

At the Parade of Lights stop by the Ventura Harbor Village booth near Coast Cone Ice Cream to get a pair of 3D glasses to watch the fireworks display. Wander the Village promenade and soak in the beauty of California sunsets in a classic California Harbor atmosphere.

Admission to the Parade of Lights on Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17 along with Winter Wonderland & Holiday Sidewalk Sale on December 17 is free. Parking is free in Ventura Harbor Village and along Spinnaker Drive. Arrive early for best parking and shopping throughout the Harbor Village.

The 2011 Parade of Lights lead sponsors include Four Points by Sheraton and Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Ventura Harbor and Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market. Additional sponsors: Ventura West Marina, Ventura Keys Association, Ventura Harbor Marine Fuel, Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, Dave’s Fuel Dock, Ventura Harbor Marina & Yacht Yard, Ventura Yacht Club, Greystar, Costco, AAA Automobile Club of Southern California, Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park, The Greek at the Harbor, Cumulus Broadcasting, Ventura County Star, Gold Coast Broadcasting, VC Reporter, Aspen Helicopter, The Ventura Breeze, Vessel Assist, RP Barricade, and Quinn Rental Services.

Boater Applications are available by calling (805) 477-0470. No charge to enter a decorated watercraft and includes an 8 x10 keepsake photo, awards, prizes, and Boaters Brunch at The Greek at the Harbor Restaurant!

Visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com or call (805) 477-0470 for more information or get updates on Facebook Ventura Harbor or watch past Parade of Lights videos on YouTube Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights.

The City of Oxnard Recreation & Community Services Department, Pacific View Mall, and ValuPlus Food Warehouse are presenting this year’s fourth annual Oxnard Tamale Festival taking place inside Oxnard’s historic Plaza Park located at 500 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

This event will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. As always, the event will remain admissions free.

This year's tamale tasting judges include:
Hon. Steven Hintz, Ventura County Treasurer/Tax Collector, Hon. Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk/Recorder, Hon. Fred Bysshe, Ventura County Superior Court, John Ragan, ARC of Ventura County, Chef Gerard Turbush, Chef Paul Tavakoli, and representatives from the Oxnard College Culinary Arts Programs.

From strawberry sweets to savory chicken and pork delights, the event will host vendors that will be serving the best mouth-watering tamales in Ventura County including O Street Gourmet Food Truck.

Featured in various media outlets including CBS News, NBC 4, ABC 7, KEYT News, VC Reporter and Ventura County Star, our “Eating Contest” and other activities have captured the attention of over 5,000 annual participants. Cash prizes will be given to the winners.

This year, the Oxnard Tamale Festival will be headlined with local favorites such as CHICO & TIERRA.

Proceeds will go to support local recreation programming including
Oxnard City Corps.

For more information, please contact the event at (805) 766-4906 or visit our website at www.oxnardtamalefest.com

Camarillo, CA - The CSU Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA) will present two holiday concerts entitled "Make a Joyful Noise," which will also feature the Handbell Choir from Ventura’s First United Methodist Church. The concerts are free and open to the public and admission donations will be accepted.

The first concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 1251 Las Posas Road, Camarillo. The second concert will be held on Monday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Malibu Hall 140 on the campus of CSU Channel Islands, One University Drive, Camarillo.

The Channel Islands Choral Association is a class at the University that is open to students, faculty and community members. Dr. KuanFen Liu is the Artistic Director, a member of CI’s music faculty, and the conductor of CICA. Liu and the choir perform at concerts and make many appearances at different community venues. The Handbell Choir is directed by Miriam Arichea.

Limited parking is available on campus. A daily permit is $6. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the VISTA Bus to the campus; the fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For additional information, contact Dr. KuanFen Liu at 805-278-0375, kuanfen.liu@csuci.edu, or 805-484-6601.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.

SANTA PAULA, CA – In appreciation of the support shown by the community throughout the year, the Santa Paula Art Museum will host two free events during the month of December, celebrating the spirit of the holiday season! The first, a “Holiday Celebration” will be held on December 4, 2011 from 2 to 4 PM. On December 11, 2011, the Museum will host a book signing from 2 to 4 PM featuring seven talented local authors.

The Holiday Celebration on December 4 will feature festive food and drink and entertainment will be provided by carolers from the Isbell Middle School Choir. All are invited to gather around the Museum Christmas Tree and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays with family, friends and neighbors. “We are excited that this event will allow us to say thank you and happy holidays to our friends and supporters,” says Museum Director Jennifer Heighton, “and the Museum is quite a special place when it’s decorated and filled with holiday music.”

The book signing on December 11 will include local authors Joan Blacher, Joe Garcas, Al Guilin, Jannette Jauregui, Bill Nash, Mitch Stone and Pam Strange. Their subjects range from local history to fictional mysteries to children’s stories.
Copies of their books will be available for purchase in the Museum Store and make for perfect holiday reading as well as gifts!

The Santa Paula Art Museum and the Museum Store are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM. The Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. For more information on upcoming events and current exhibits call the Museum at (805) 525-5554, or email info@santapaulaartmuseum.org

Ryan Hunnewell and Shannon Scobey
Enlarge Photo

Camarillo, CA - Two CSU Channel Islands students won top honors at the 2011 CSU Media Arts Festival held Nov. 13 at CSU Fullerton. It is the ninth consecutive year that CI students have earned top honors.

Shannon Scobey, a 2011 graduate in art from Thousand Oaks, and Ryan Hunnewell, a senior art major from Simi Valley, were awarded the Rosebud (first place) award for their video game “Storybook Adventure.” Scobey and Hunnewell will each also receive a $500 cash prize.

Hunnewell also received a 3rd place award in the Interactive Media category for his website: “Cortex Clothing,” and 3rd place for his video “Excuses” in the Experimental Video category.

The annual event allows CSU students to present their film, video, and interactive media work for critical review. A total of 131 student entries from the CSU system were received and judged by a panel of faculty as well as industry experts who chose 39 finalists for award competition within nine categories: animation, documentary, experimental, interactive, music video, narrative, television, feature screenplay, short screenplay, and the newest category, video game.

The festival, the largest of its kind in California, showcases student work that is chosen as best in the state. The festival also featured seminars with leading industry experts and events to prepare students to pursue careers in the entertainment and media industries. The finalist projects were screened at the Festival and Rosebud award (first place) winners were announced.

Liz King, Associate Professor of Art at CI, who teaches interactive media and web design, stated “CI’s ongoing successes at the statewide Festival has become a source of pride at the University and among students. Both winners—Ryan and Shannon—are art majors who are minoring in computer gaming. This very popular minor gives students a foundation in the artistic, mathematical, psychological, and computer programming tools and techniques relevant to the computer game design and development fields.”

Scobey stated, “I’m very happy that we won at the Media Arts Festival. Majoring in art and computer game design at CI was one of the best decisions I ever made. Combining art and computer programming in video games is fun and creative while also requiring logic, physics and math. After graduating, I now have a great job as a web graphic designer and for that I can credit CSU Channel Islands and all my great professors.”

Hunnewell added, “Being able to take projects that I completed in my classes, whether they are animation or design classes, and enter them into competitions like these has really been a great experience. The work you do in class extends beyond the campus, it becomes your portfolio, and becomes work you will one day show your future employer or client. CI has done a great job of preparing me to enter the workforce and I am confident in my abilities and experiences.”

The Media Arts Festival allows students in the California State University system the opportunity to be judged in professional competition. This gives students the skills necessary for transitioning to professional careers producing films, video, games and interactive media.

Visit http://www.mediaartsfestival.org for a full listing of all award winners, plus videos of the Rosebud Award-winning films. MAF operates under the umbrella of CSU Summer Arts, http://www.csusummerarts.org.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.