Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.
OPENING THEATER
J FOR J STAGED READING | Feb. 3-4. Jeff Kober, Eric Lange and Nancy Travis star in this staged reading and benefit for the Rubicon Theatre Company. A woman discovers her father’s journal, which reveals his complicated feelings about his two children. VIP tickets for Saturday, Feb. 3, include a post-show reception with the artists. $49.50-75. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
PAW PATROL LIVE! HEROES UNITE | Feb. 3-4. When Robo Dog gets cloned, the PAW Patrol springs into action to rescue him and contain the chaos! This staged production is based on the beloved children’s TV program. $25-165. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
RIPCORD | Feb. 2-March 3. Two residents of a senior community feud over one of the best rooms in the facility. Simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful, and a riff on TV sitcoms. $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
THE WIZARD OF OZ | Feb. 2-March 3. Travel down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City of Oz in the delightful stage adaptation of the L. Frank Baum classic, featuring the unforgettable film score. $25-28. High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High St., Moorpark, 805-529-8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
OPENING ART
643 PROJECT SPACE | Feb. 2-24. Paintings by Dahlia Riley and sculptures by Lance Riley. Opening reception on Friday, Feb. 2, 5-8 p.m. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com.
BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS | Saturday, Feb. 3, 1-4:30 p.m. “Abstract Flowers,” a painting workshop led by Amy Lynn Stevenson. No experience necessary! $75 includes all materials and canvas. Through March 2. “Ojai Studio Artists Salon,” featuring works by members of the Ojai Studio Artists group. 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com.
BELL ARTS FACTORY | Friday, Feb. 2, 6-9 p.m. Bell Arts celebrates First Friday with work by resident artists as well as handcrafted creations by local vendors. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, bellartsfactory.org.
CAMARILLO ART CENTER | Feb. 3-25. “Dreaming Out Loud.” Reception on Sunday, Feb. 4, 1-4 p.m. Pastel classes with Pamela Salem third Wednesday of each month. Open Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for artists to work on their projects; $5 for non-members; free for members. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, www.CamarilloArtCenter.org.
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM | Through May 5: “30 Under 30,” radically diverse work from California artists, all under the age of 30. Through March 3: “15th Annual Art About Agriculture.” Through Feb. 11: “From the Collection: Jessie Arms Botke.” Free family days on the first Sunday of the month. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
THOUSAND OAKS COMMUNITY GALLERY | Feb. 2-27. The Valley Watercolor Society’s 2024 Annual Juried Exhibition. Reception on Sunday, Feb. 4, 3-6 p.m. 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, valleywatercolorsociety.org/exhibit/.
AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS
BONITA C. MCFARLAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE VISUAL ARTS | Through April 7. Applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts are now open. This significant scholarship program aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists. There are $10,000 to award. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors and college undergraduates residing in Ventura County who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to the visual arts. Applications are due by April 7, 11:59 p.m. PST. For further details and to apply, visit venturamuseum.org/2024-museum-of-ventura-county-bonita-c-mcfarland-arts-education-scholarships/.
DAB ART | Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2.
THE ELITE THEATRE COMPANY CONSERVATORY | January-June, 2024. The Elite Theatre Company is proud to announce the second running of a training program for young people 16 to 25 years of age. This six-month program is FREE to the community and runs on Sunday evenings from January to June of 2024. The Conservatory is generously supported by a grant from Ventura County Behavioral Health. Conservatory participants will be offered opportunities to work-hands on during theatrical productions to gain real life experience. The Elite Theater Company is located at 2731 Victoria Ave., Oxnard. Registration is limited. Interested students/parents should contact Angela DeCicco at [email protected]. More information at www.theelite.org.
PLAYZAPALOOZA! | Through Feb. 16. Submissions are now open for Santa Paula Theater Center’s 2024 showcase of original one-act plays. Submissions are limited to local playwrights in the greater Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County areas. There are no limitations regarding content or theme, and we will accept up to two plays per playwright. Plays should ideally be 10 minutes in length but no more than 15 minutes maximum. All submissions should include a synopsis of the play on the page following the title page. Performances May 24-June 9. Submissions should be sent via email in Word or PDF format to [email protected]. For more information, contact Lisa Mirabelli at [email protected].
VENTURA RIVER TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PUBLIC ART MURAL | Through Feb. 8. The city of Ventura seeks California-based artists or artist teams to submit proposals to create and install a mural at the Ventura River Floodwall along the Ventura River Trail. The mural will cover approximately 320 square feet of surface area on the floodwall. Applications are due online by Feb, 8, 2024, at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/PublicArtOpportunities. Learn more about the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaRiverTrail.
ONGOING THEATER
THE LION KING JR. | Through Feb. 11. The Disney animated classic brought to the stage in a musical adaptation especially for young actors. Join Simba, Nala and all their friends for an African adventure. $14. Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio, 907 El Centro St., Ojai, 805-646-4300, www.oyespresents.org.
METEOR SHOWER | Through Feb. 18. Reality and the absurd collide in this laugh-out-loud play by Steve Martin about a couple that invites friends to their Ojai home for a moonlight dinner party. Presented by Ojai ACT. $25. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG | Through Feb. 10. It’s opening night of “The Murder at Haversham Manor” and the results are nothing short of disastrous. Fans of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes won’t want to miss this funny and farcical production! $20-22. Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 805-495-3715, conejoplayers.org.
THE TRIAL OF MOTHER JONES | Through Feb. 18. “Pray for the dead… and fight like hell for the living!” The audience assumes the role of workers called to organize in this production centered on the 77-year-old labor organizer during the 1914 Colorado Coalfield War. $5-24. Main Stage, The Elite Theatre Company, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard, www.theelite.org.
ONGOING ART
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM | Through Oct. 6, 2024: “Ventura County, The Place We Call Home,” celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. “Pollination Investigation,” a set of 14 posters (in English and Spanish) detailing the many animals that serve as pollinators and their role in the natural world. Created and presented by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian Gardens. Ongoing: “Farm to Market,” an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.
BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION GALLERY | Through Feb. 24. “Animals: Wild and Domestic, Real or Imagined.” Reception on Friday, Feb. 2, 6-9 p.m. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, 805-648-1235, BuenaventuraArtAssociation.org.
CANVAS AND PAPER | Through Feb. 25. Works on paper by Jan de Bisschop, Paul Cezanne, John Constable, Eugene Delacroix, Jean-Francois Millet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Theodore Rousseau, Joseph Mallord and William Turner. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, canvasandpaper.org.
CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM | Through March 22: “Cynthia James: Primordial Waters,” fantastic flora and fauna that live at the intersection of history, science and imagination. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.
DAMA GALLERY | Through April 30. “Gocong,” works by the artist and former NFL linebacker Christopher Gocong that include both sports-related art and contemporary masterpieces. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, damagallery.com.
DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM | Ongoing. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-642-3345, dudleyhouse.org.
FOX FINE JEWELRY | Through April 6. “Synergy,” mixed media work by Nancy Horwick and fiber art by Robin Ossentjuk. 560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.
H GALLERY | Tuesdays. The Buenaventura Art Association has added a fourth location at H Gallery in Midtown Ventura, where BAA will host weekly Life Drawing Sessions every Tuesday. Each session is $20 and pre-registration is required. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura. More information on days, times, costs, etc., at baa.wildapricot.org/events.
HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS | Ongoing. Art and artisan crafts created by resident BAA members. 1559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts.
KWAN FONG GALLERY | Through Feb. 1, 2024. “Print + Art,” an exploration of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in contemporary print media. California Lutheran University, 120 Memorial Parkway, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong/.
MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM | Closing Feb. 10. The famed auto museum pays tribute to French automotive design, with coaches from the 1800s, Bugattis from the 1920s-30s, Concours d’Elegance winners and more. Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; advance tickets required. 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard, 805-385-5400, mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM | Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. “Muscles and Mojo” car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-487-4333, www.murphyautomuseum.org.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY | Currently: “Winter,” a new exhibition of the George Stuart Historical Figures® featuring diverse winter symbolism, customs, and celebrations that connect people to nature and each other; “Spin Cycle: Unfolding the Science of Laundry,” featuring laundry items from the museum’s historical collection dating from the 19th and early 20th century; “The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story,” a deep-dive into an 1877 incident involving land ownership, water rights, perjury, bribes and more; and “Proximity to Water.” Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, George Stuart Historical Figures® Collection, online exhibits and resources and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM | Through Feb. 4, 2024: “Ojai Mystique: Landscape Paintings by 21 Nationally Renowned Artists.” Ongoing: Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Now open Friday-Sunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.
OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK | Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is open every Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy the beauty and history of the Adobe with an in-depth tour by a Docent or do a self -guided tour. View the World’s Oldest Fuchsia – over 100 years old! 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe.
POPPIES ART AND GIFTS | Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-798-0033, www.poppiesartandgifts.com.
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM | Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docent-led tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org.
realART | Ongoing. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-4000, buyrealart.com.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM | Through Jan. 28: “Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.” bringing together hundreds of original objects, owned by both victims and perpetrators and bearing witness to the horrors of the Holocaust, from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and other institutions. This is the only time this exhibit will be on the West Coast. Recommended for ages 12+. Ongoing: Permanent exhibits include Air Force One, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, an M-1 Abrams tank and more. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800-410-8354, www.reaganfoundation.org.
SPICETOPIA | Through March 7. Our friends at SpiceTopia provide a feast for the senses with the smells and tastes of their own hand-mixed spices, condiments and teas, while Buenaventura Art Association artists provide a feast for the eyes! 576 E. Main St., Ventura, BuenaventuraArtAssociation.org.
UBS | Through April 29. “Potpourri,” a variety of works by local artists Kimberly Ney Bennett (Malibu), Bonnie Butler (Oxnard), Wendy Gordin (Camarillo), Sheri Jones (Simi Valley), Carol Roullard (Moorpark) and Roland Roy (Newbury Park). 3011 Townsgate Road, Third Floor, Westlake Village. More info at conejoarts.org.
VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY | Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805-644-6800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery.
WILLIAM ROLLAND GALLERY OF FINE ART | Through Feb. 1, 2024. “Print + Art,” an exploration of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in contemporary print media. California Lutheran University, 120 Memorial Parkway, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, RollandGallery.CalLutheran.edu.