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
PARADE | Feb. 24-March 24. Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi presents the hit musical based on the true story of a Jewish factory worker falsely accused of rape and murder in 1913 Atlanta. Not recommended for young audiences. $28-33. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805-583-7900, www.svvac.org/mainstage.
OPENING ART
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM | Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: “Garden Guardians,” Second Annual UC Master Gardener Open House. 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/.
CAMARILLO ART CENTER | Saturday, Feb. 24, 1-4 p.m.: Watercolor painting workshop by Kathy Whitesell. $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Watercolor supplies will be available. To RSVP contact Kathy at: [email protected]. Through Feb. 25: “Dreaming Out Loud.” 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.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY | Feb. 22-Sept. 15: “Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries,” the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte told through George Stuart Historical Figures®. Currently: “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 April 7: “Digital Pop: Moving Lightly,” contemporary art made with light, animation, digital video and motion graphics. 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.
VITA ART CENTER | Feb. 24-April 6. “Cheatgrass Improvisation” (Karen Kitchel); “Menagerie, 2024” (Da Aie Park, Gywyn Murrill, Michelle Robinson and others); Marie Bose ceramics; “Emerging & Local” (Sarah Roberts). Members and artist preview gala on Saturday, Feb. 24, 4-5 p.m.; public opening reception 5-7 p.m. 28 W. Main St., Ventura, www.vitaartcenter.com.
AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS
BONITA C. MCFARLAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE VISUAL ARTS | Through April 7. The Museum of Ventura County is proud to announce that 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 and amplify their impact on our community. 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/.
CULTURAL FUNDING GRANT PROGRAM | Through Feb. 27. The Cultural Funding Grant Program, developed in 1993, is available to Ventura-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with 501(c)(3) status or that have a Ventura County fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status. $90,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis, with grants supporting projects, initiatives, and general operating expenses ranging in size from $1,000 to $20,000 in a one-year cycle during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Applications are due by 5 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. For more information including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and applications, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Grants.
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.
MARTA AND JORGE | Feb. 28-March 1. Teatro de las Américas is seeking actors for this play about a tumultuous evening in the life of a longtime married couple who invite some younger friends over for drinks. Play will be presented in English May 17-26. For audition appointments, call Alina at 805-341-3837.
www.teatrodelasamericas.org.
ONGOING THEATER
EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND | Through March 10. A year after Ike leaves the White House, the former U.S. President reflects on his life and legacy. Previews Feb. 21-23. Opening night on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. $30-150. The Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
RIPCORD | Through March 3. When two residents of a senior community feud over one of the best rooms in the facility, long-hidden truths are revealed. 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 | Through 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.
ONGOING ART
643 PROJECT SPACE | Through Feb. 24. Paintings by Dahlia Riley and sculptures by Lance Riley. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com.
BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 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.
BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION GALLERY | Through Feb. 24. “Animals: Wild and Domestic, Real or Imagined.” 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.
JOHN SPOOR BROOME LIBRARY GALLERY | Through March 15. “Lowriding in Ventura County,” a photography exhibit. California State University Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo, art.csuci.edu/exhibitions/about-the-galleries.htm.
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.
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! House tours every Sunday, 1-3 p.m. 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” 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 | 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.
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.” Free family days on the first Sunday of the month. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.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.
STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS | Through Feb. 23. “Emergence 2024,” the annual exhibit of juried work by emerging artists – all juniors, seniors and recent graduates of local colleges and universities. Three winners will receive cash awards through the Gerd Koch Award for Excellence. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.
THOUSAND OAKS COMMUNITY GALLERY | Through Feb. 27. The Valley Watercolor Society’s 2024 Annual Juried Exhibition. 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, valleywatercolorsociety.org/exhibit/.
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.