The Art, Design & Architecture Museum reopens to in-person visitors and welcomes new director Gabriel Ritter.
UCSB — The Current — ‘New Direction’ and more news
Category: Entertainment
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation to present special guest speaker Francis Gary Powers, Jr. at the 24th Annual Military Ball on Nov. 6
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is proud to present special guest speaker Francis Gary Powers, Jr. on Saturday, November 6th at the 24th Annual Military Ball to be held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. He is the best selling author of Spy Pilot and a leading authority on Cold War history.Known for his #1 New York Times bestseller, the subject of the acclaimed major motion picture Bridge of Spies, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks.
Museum of Ventura County — The 7 New Installations Throughout Downtown Ventura
The Museum of Ventura County is excited to announce a new installation; Women’s Qualities by New York-based artist Ghada Amer. The artwork can be viewed throughout historic Downtown Ventura (see below for detailed list of installations and locations). Women’s Qualities was originally commissioned for Desert X 2021 by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and Co-curator César García-Alvarez and was installed at Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage in the Coachella Valley.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Member + VIP Walkthrough | 5-6 PM (Not a member? Click here to signup!)
Public Opening Reception | 6-8 PM
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Upper Arts Terrace
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is pleased to announce a solo exhibition of artist Rosha Yaghmai, entitled Drifters, on view from Saturday, October 23, 2021, to January 9, 2022.
Visual distortion and disorientation evoke sensations of altered perception in the work of Rosha Yaghmai in which she mines her personal, familial, and cultural histories to unearth embedded meaning. Her sculptural practice posits the generative ability of ambiguity to stimulate recall, epitomizing the expansive and transformational promise of psychedelia. Experimentation with materiality and representation constructs an uncanny universe informed by Persian miniatures, ancient Iranian myths, trippy blacklight posters, and 1990s surf aesthetic.
UCSB — The Current — Flu Vaccination Q&A and more news
Student Health Executive Director Vejas Skripkus, M.D., discusses the UC influenza vaccination mandate.
United Way of Ventura County — Nomadland author announced as keynote speaker
We’re excited to announce that the keynote speaker for our 2nd annual homelessness symposium will be Jessica Bruder, author of Nomadland—the book that is the basis for the Oscar-winning film. Please save the date for Friday, February 4, 2022 for this important virtual event.
It’s hard to believe that 2022 is just around the corner, but thanks to your continued generosity, your United Way has been able to navigate this incredibly challenging year. Because of your generosity, our programs have continued to serve those in need. Because of your generosity, our homelessness initiative has exceeded expectations since its launch almost two years ago—supporting individuals, families, seniors, and veterans. Our housing successes include: a veteran undergoing chemotherapy, a single mother seven months pregnant, a senior about to celebrate his birthday after spending the last several birthdays without a home, a mother one month away from reunification with her young son, and a family of six living in a car for months with a medically compromised child.
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Cumbia de mi corazón’ Oct. 29 through Nov. 14
Cumbia de mi corazón, written by Toby Campion and directed by Robert Sánchez, offers an unflinching, intimate glimpse into the world of the beyond. Heriberto, an 80-year-old fisherman, although not condemned to punishment, has deprived himself of heaven for love, patiently waiting in purgatory until he reunites with his beloved wife, Maruca.
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Presidential Candidate Julián Castro speaks before UCSB A&L audience in Campbell Hall on “Waking Up From My American Dream’
CSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), the Central and South Coasts’ premier cultural arts presenting organization, proudly presented Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Presidential Candidate Julián Castro, who spoke Sunday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. on Waking Up From My American Dream. Castro shared insights from his political journey and actionable ways we can effect change.
A former Democratic candidate for president, Julián Castro served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama from 2014 to 2017, and as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014. He made history in 2001 as San Antonio’s youngest city councilman at that time, and again in 2012 as the first Latino to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
His memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up From My American Dream, published in 2018, is a candid account of race and poverty in America. Born to unmarried parents in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of a struggling city, Castro details his unlikely journey to becoming an emerging national icon.
Compassionate Care of Carpinteria’s 3rd Annual The Light Shines Ahead Virtual Event Raises $35,000
This year, over 169 supporters came together to support Compassionate Care of Carpinteria’s (CCC) 3rd Annual The Light Shines Ahead virtual event, which raised $35,000 to help support CCC’s work throughout the Carpinteria area.
The Light Shines Ahead is the annual fundraiser for CCC, an initiative of Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) that offers programs and services, completely free of charge, to anyone in Carpinteria grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with a life-threatening illness.
The free event featured nonprofit leader, adventure seeker, and author of My Wild and Precious Life, Keynote speaker,Cynder Sinclair, who gave an uplifting presentation of her life’s journey and how Hospice of Santa Barbara eased her grief after her father’s sudden death and provided support to her entire family while her son was dying of cancer and after his death.
Celebrando a Nuestra Gente– In Conversation with Graciela Casillas on Oct. 13
In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, the County of Ventura Behavioral Health Logrando Bienestar program, in partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion presents “Celebrando a Nuestra Gente – In Conversation with Graciela Casillas” a virtual event on October 13, 2021 at 6 pm.
Graciela Casillas, of Oxnard, a Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee, “Women of the Year,” has earned international acclaim as one of the world’s top martial artist, and as a teacher of the art of self-defense.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Fall in Love With Art This Season
Art Class: Monotypes Using Gelatin Plates (Ages 16+)
Thursday, October 21, 2021, from 6 PM to 9 PM
Join teaching artist Mariann Romero inside the Museum’s Cole Creativity Center for a fast, fun, color-filled evening of printmaking! This class is perfect for all skill levels. You’ll learn how to make gelatin plates, and how to use a variety of tools to create expressive imagery in water-based inks. The cost of class is $45, and preregistration is required.
Sewjourners: TREES features 45 new quilts inspired by the outdoors at the Wildling Museum
The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce Sewjourners: TREES, now on view in the Museum’s third floor Barbara Goodall Education Center through January 16, 2022. The exhibition features 45 new quilts created by textile artists Isabel Downs, Linda Estrada, Carol Fay, Ranell Hansen, Pamela Holst, Patti Hunter, Susan Bullington Katz, Mary Maxwell, and Patty Six.
Channel Islands Maritime Museum Receives Generous Gift of Rare Napoleonic Era Prisoner of War Ship Model
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift to the Museum of a rare Napoleonic Prisoner of War bone ship model. The model joins and becomes a new highlight in the Museum’s latest permanent exhibit,…
UCSB — The Current — ‘Uniting Generations’ and more information
A clinical trial explores how virtual reality can help older adults and their families stay connected.
Ventura County Arts Council — Getting $$ for VC arts/artists — Immediate Comments Needed!
As you may know, we have been advocating that the County of Ventura set aside 1% of the American Rescue Plan Fund money they received from the federal government to support the arts.
They are making decisions on how to
spend this money TOMORROW!
Do you have time to submit a well-written comment to the supervisors (EMAIL HERE by 12 noon TODAY!) or provide verbal comment at their meeting on tomorrow (REGISTER HERE)? The meeting is virtual and begins at 8:30 a.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces upcoming events
View this email in your browser ELA x Uproot | Community Art in a Digital Age Panel September 29, 2021 | 5 – 6:30 pm PST Join us for a virtual conversation featuring Uproot Artist Coalition with artists Amanda (Mandy) Harris Williams,…
12th Annual Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival Hosts Successful Weekend Event Harbor Village visitors able to view vibrant chalk art while it lasts
The Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival hosted its 12th annual event on September 11-12th with a highly successful attendance. Festival-goers, who were encouraged to wear masks, were able to spend the weekend at Ventura Harbor Village taking in beautiful marina front views and various vendor booths filled with fine art, professional photography, unique jewelry, and handmade crafts. A crowd favorite, 29 professional street artists filled the area with vibrant original works. Children were also encouraged to try their hand at their own creations, resulting in a collaborative and creative experience.
OC LIVE Online — Tres Vidas ~ Kahlo, Amaya and Storni on Sept. 23
Join us on September 23 at 6:00 PM in our Zoom Room for a very special online performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Core Ensemble’s mesmerizing Tres Vidas is a musical theatre work celebrating the life and work of three pioneering Latin American women – Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni.
Shop at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
When was the last time you visited MCASB’s webshop?
View our LIMITED EDITION merch before we run out!
Fall Exhibitions at the Santa Paula Art Museum
The Santa Paula Art Museum’s fall exhibition schedule includes three original art shows featuring over 100 unique artists, and two of the exhibits are already on view! The exhibits can be enjoyed in person at the Museum, as well as online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
The Museum’s newest exhibit, “Work From Home,” is on view now through January 9, 2022. The show features art created at home during the COVID pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. Delightfully diverse in media and genres, “Work From Home” illustrates how making art helped many artists through the darkest days of the pandemic and 2020.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Museum of Ventura County — Upcoming Events, A Special Offer and More!
Pictured above are Adolfo and Carmen Camarillo, philanthropists and founders of Camarillo, California (Source: Museum of Ventura County Research Library.)
Museum of Ventura County honors Hispanic Heritage Month
The Museum of Ventura County presents the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the event will take place at the Museum with light refreshments, live performances by the Youth Mariachi Band from Inlakech Cultural Center, and booths staffed by Ventura Unified School District and the Girl Scouts. Rounding out the celebratory event will be a variety of cultural family-friendly activities.
“We are excited to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month through different art forms and experiences,” commented
Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists — VALUE | Online Entry Deadline September 29, 2021 | Message | Communication prize winners and judge’s comments | LOVE art pick-up Oct. 6
Ventura County Arts Council invites your submissions for
VALUE
Dark to Light | Principal and Principles
Exhibition dates: Friday, October 8th to Tuesday, November 16th
We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions
Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES
Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!
Museum of Ventura County Debuts New Art Installation: Echoes of a Recent Past
The Museum of Ventura County in collaboration with artist Paul Lindhard of Art City Studios debuts museum’s new Santa Clara Street Garden Installation, Echoes of a Recent Past.
Grants up to $15,000 awarded to non-profit organizations by the Rebozo Festival Inc.
The Rebozo Festival Inc. has awarded grants up to $15,000 awarded to qualified non-profit organizations focusing on the Ventura County communities deeply affected during this difficult time.
In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Rebozo Festival Inc .annual event has been postponed to May 15, 2022 and the application process is suspended.
The awarded non-profit organizations are:
Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. — “Feeding the Frontlines”
Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo
Friends of Field Workers — “Grocery Security Network” (GSN)
Remembering Mexico: Mexican Consulate Debuts New Art Exhibitions to Mark Multiple Historic Commemorations
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, with support from the Port of Hueneme and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), will celebrate numerous historical commemorations, including Mexican Independence Day, with the opening of two art exhibitions.
Twenty twenty-one marks the Bicentennial of the Consummation of Mexican Independence and 500 years of the historical Memory of Tenochtitlan, the fall of the Aztec empire. On September 15, 2021, the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard presents two exhibitions of Mexican art that celebrate the past and connect us to the present with contemporary work. One exhibit brings visitors closer to the giants of mid-20th century Mexican Art, including Leopoldo Mendez, Rufino Tamayo, Clemente Orozco, Francisco Toledo, Jose luis Cuevas, Fanny Rabel, and others through the incredible Mexican Print Collection of Gil García and Marti Correa de García from Santa Barbara, CA.
Local Philanthropist Gives The Gift of Broadway To Santa Barbara With Unprecedented Revival of Broadway Musical KISMET
Philanthropist, businesswoman and arts advocate Sara Miller McCune, co-founder and executive chair of SAGE Publishing, brings together an extraordinary production of the Tony Award®-winning musical KISMET with The Santa Barbara Symphony and State Street Ballet, all under the direction of New York’s acclaimed Lonny Price. Price is renowned for Broadway productions of Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd, Company, and Sondheim! The Birthday Concert. The show is executive produced by two-time Tony® Award-winning theatre producer Ken Davenport, and regionally produced by Miller McCune.
KISMET’s unique, one weekend only run, comes to The Granada Theatre October 23-24, 2021 for three performances only.
Single Tickets on sale now for Arts & Lectures 2021-2022 “CREATING HOPE” season of world-class performances and special events
Single event ticket sales available today (Sept. 8). Patrons canCreate Your Own series, which allows maximum flexibility: select your four favorite events from the 2021-2022 lineup to save 10% on each ticket.
Upcoming Outdoor Art Events at the Museum of Ventura County!
First Annual
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Presented by SoCalGas
at the Museum of Ventura County
October 3
The Plaza, Courtyard, Children’s Garden, and Sculpture Garden at the Museum will be free and open to the public, registration is not required. Enjoy live music, drinks, cultural activities, and booths with our other community partners, including the Girl Scouts! Partake in and discover Latino traditions with activities for the whole family.
Santa Paula Art Museum September Classes and Our August Replay!
Class: Still Life in Oil – Essential Skills (Ages 16+)
Four consecutive Saturdays starting Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 11 AM to 2 PM
There are only a few spots left in the four-part Still Life in Oil – Essential Skills course starting Saturday, September 4, at the Santa Paula Art Museum. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to oil paint, or are looking to improve your skills, this is the perfect class for you! Teaching artist Gabriel Islas will break down the theory and process, and provide you with one-on-one guidance. The cost of the four-part class series is $140. All materials will be provided. Preregistration is required.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Dose of Levity’ and more news
Museum of Ventura County — Mindfulness @ the Museum + More Summer Programs
In person, on the web, and live broadcast
Your Museum in Ventura, in Santa Paula, and in your home
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You Belong
MCASB Membership provides crucial support for our groundbreaking exhibitions and programming.
Membership offers a variety of ways to deeply engage with contemporary art and explore its myriad interactions within society and culture.
Museum of Ventura County Displays John Nava’s Monumental Tapestry, Big Platter
The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce and unveil its newest acquisition, John Nava’s Big Platter. A gift of Laura and William Peck, the 27-foot-long tapestry spans the north wall inside the Martha K. and Martin V. Pavilion, where numerous events, pop-up exhibits, and activities occur year-round. Big Platter will remain in the Pavilion as a permanent display.
Farm to table ingredients are on the menu at Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in Ventura Harbor Village: off of California Highway 101
Inspired by the coastal cuisine of Ensenada, Baja California, the new owners of Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in Ventura Harbor Village are dishing up a fresh menu featuring savory Mexican fare. Entrees originate from their Mom’s Baja style home-cooked meals and her experience working in a fish factory in Baja, California where she shared her authentic recipes.
“We were inspired to open up a Mexican restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village because of our love and passion for cooking homemade Mexican food. We dreamed of one day having our own restaurant which has now become a reality,” says Co-owners Rick Magana and his wife Christina.
Teatro de las Américas — Actors & Stage Manager Needed
Stage manager duties:
*scheduling and running rehearsals
*communicating the director’s wishes to designers and crafts people
*calling cues and possibly actors’ entrances during performance
Santa Paula Art Museum — Ways To Connect With the PAC6
Santa Paula Art Museum visitors are loving the new exhibit, Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds: The PAC6 Paints the Wild West, on view now through November 7, 2021. And we’ve got six fun ways to connect with the PAC6 during the run of their show! First, if you haven’t yet had the chance, you can peruse the exhibit online and share it with friends using the link below. All of the artworks are available to purchase.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Place Your Bids!
The Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year is happening now! Register to bid on Bidsquare.com. Then place your bids on any of 21 stunning works of art by some of our region’s most popular historic and contemporary artists. (Catch a glimpse of a few of our auction items below).
You can also purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win one of two paintings by historic Santa Paula artist Jessie Arms Botke! All proceeds from the auction and raffle benefit the Museum and the thousands of students and visitors it serves each year.
Santa Paula Art Museum Online Art Auction Starts Monday
The Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year starts Monday, August 16, and it’s all online! Bid on 21 stunning works of art by some of our region’s most popular historic and contemporary artists. You can preview the auction items and preregister to bid online on Bidsquare.com now. The auction artworks are also currently on display at the Museum during regular business hours.
You can even purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win one of the two paintings pictured below by historic Santa Paula artist Jessie Arms Botke! All proceeds from the auction and raffle benefit the Museum and the thousands of visitors it serves each year.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — BEST OF 2021 | Vote MCASB for Best Museum
Voting has opened for the Santa Barbara Independent’s Best of
Santa Barbara 2021 Readers’ Poll
2021 has not been easy, but MCASB persevered! From collaborating with local artists to record attendance for our recent exhibition, Shana Moulton: The Invisible Seventh is the Mystic Column, we have been actively working on enriching the Museum experience for everyone. But it doesn’t stop there! We look forward to sharing our plans for upcoming exhibitions, special guest talks, dinners, yoga, shopping events and more.
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas Auditions / Audiciónes para ‘Cumbia De Mi Corazón’
A play by / Una obra de Toby Campion
Directed / Dirigida por: Robert Sánchez
Choreographer: Margarita Moran
Obra en Español con música y baile
When / Cuando
August / agosto 16 @ 6 pm-9 pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Upcoming events from our Emerging Leaders in the Arts Fellows!
UPCOMING EVENTS CURATED BY THIS YEARS’ ELA FELLOWS!
MCASB is delighted to present three unique
Independent Curatorial Projects from the 2021 ELA cohort.
As the culmination of their nine-month-long experience-based fellowship, these projects aim to support and encourage Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within the Santa Barbara Community.
Bid on Best of Local Art During Museum’s Online Auction Fundraiser starting Aug. 16
Twenty-one stunning works of art by local artists will soon be up for grabs during the Santa Paula Art Museum’s online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser. Online bidding will open Monday, August 16, 2021, and will close Sunday, August 29, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. The Museum’s annual Fine Art Auction is the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser each year. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and the thousands of children, families, and adults that the Museum serves through its educational programs every year.
Bid online for your chance to take home artworks by historical artists like Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke and Douglas Shively, and contemporary pieces by some of this region’s most popular artists: Linda Brown, Norman Kirk, Sherry Loehr, Susan Petty, Gail Pidduck, Anette Power, and more. Individuals must preregister to bid online at www.bidsquare.com/auction-house/santa-paula-art-museum.
Santa Paula Art Museum announces upcoming events
The new exhibit, Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds: The PAC6 Paints the Wild West, is now on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum! PAC6 is a group of six women artists from Southern California who joined forces in 2014 to travel and paint across the country. The artists are Linda Brown, Marian Fortunati, Nita Harper, Debra Holladay, Laura Wambsgans and Sharon Weaver. Meet the artists during their exhibit premiere party on Sunday, August 1. The exhibit runs through November 7, 2021, and all of the artworks are available for purchase.
Teatro de las Américas — Upcoming events
We want to thank the Port of Hueneme for their 2021-2022 Sponsorship
Queremos dar las gracias al Port of Hueneme por ser nuestro Patrocinador del año 2021-2022
Museum of Ventura County — Summer Exhibits & Programs in full swing
The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are now officially open! Both museums are open Thursday—Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Admission to both Museums is FREE through the end of the year.
Take a sneak peek at our current exhibits below!
Your possibilities are endless at MCASB!
We strive to serve YOU! Membership levels allow various ways for you to fuel your interest in contemporary art and explore its facets with fellow art enthusiasts. All gifts support our efforts to bring you top quality experiences. Join today!
‘Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds: The PAC6 Paints the Wild West’ Opens July 31 at the Santa Paula Art Museum
The PAC6 Painters return to the Santa Paula Art Museum this summer with their second major exhibition. “Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds: The PAC6 Paints the Wild West” will open July 31, 2021, and will be on view through November 7, 2021. The artists will be on hand for an opening reception on Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the reception is $10.00 for SPAM members and $15.00 for non-members. All of the 81 artworks in the exhibition will be available for purchase. The exhibit will also be available to view online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org beginning July 31, 2021.
4th Annual Southeast Ventura County YMCA Gala Cancelled due to rising COVID-19 numbers
Citing the growing number of COVID-19 infections throughout the area, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA has decided to cancel its 4th Annual Gala that was set for Saturday, September 18 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.
“After careful consideration of the rising uncertainty of the pandemic, our board and staff have decided to cancel our gala for 2021,” says Ronnie Stone, President/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “We look forward to hosting an in-person event in September of 2022.”
Despite canceling the event, the Y’s mission continues. The Y encourages the community to continue supporting the Y. Every dollar raised provides vital funding to individuals and families in need. To donate, please visit www.sevymca.org/mission.
Ventura County Arts Council — Reminder: Be an advocate for ARP funds for artists & arts orgs!
View in Browser We Need You! Help Us Advocate for Rescue Funds for Arts & Culture There have been new and exciting developments in our advocacy efforts! Earlier this month, we shared a letter we crafted to the Ventura County…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Become a Member
We invite you to join us and become part of the MCASB family!
MCASB Membership provides crucial support for our groundbreaking exhibitions and programming. Membership offers a variety of ways to deeply engage with contemporary art and explore its myriad interactions within society and culture.
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas to hold Open House Celebration on July 17
Open House Celebración! Film Premiere Words From A Cuban Father Written & Performed by Alina Ceñal Directed by James Donlon Música by José Valdez and The Latin Jazz Quartet with Ruben Estrada on Piano FREE! SATURDAY JULY 17, 2021 6…
Bilingual commentary — How Peter Rabbit Inspired a Black Female American Composer
Once upon a time, there was a little Black girl who used to compose music in her head as she read stories about Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. She “heard” music as she gazed upon the lyrics of Peter’s morning song. She thought that everyone could compose music in their head like she did.
Last year, Emily Wilson interviewed the gifted African American composer Nkeiru Okoye (click on the link to read the interview and for YouTube videos of her work), who as a girl did not recognize her formidable gift. Her story, in more than one sense of the word “classic,” is a classic American story that spans a full range of human experiences: giftedness, discouragement, prejudice, encouragement, recognition, and ultimately triumph. As a young adult, she studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and earned a doctorate in music theory and composition at Rutgers University, one of only nine “colonial colleges.” These colleges have deep roots, as they were chartered before the American War of Independence.
United Way of Ventura County — Women United Education Awards Tickets on Sale Now!
Santa Ynez Valley Riders Offers Membership Discounts in Time for Summer
As Santa Barbara begins to return to a ‘normal life’ after the pandemic, the Santa Ynez Valley Riders (SYVR) are helping provide some open-air, family fun this summer.
SYVR is a riding club dedicated to the sheer enjoyment of trail riding and is open to all breeds of horses and styles of riding. SYVR offers opportunities for individuals and families to bring their horse and trail ride on some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast area. They invite anyone who shares a love of horses to join them for some fun and unique trail riding in time for the summer.
Assemblymember Irwin Holds Press Conference to Announce $3.3 Million in Funding for Conejo Recreation & Park District COVID Work
THOUSAND OAKS — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) held a press conference at Conejo Creek North Park (on July 14) to announce $3.3 Million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD). The announcement included some words from Doug Nickles, Chair of the CRPD Board of Directors and General Manager, Jim Friedl. Both the legislator and guest speakers covered the need for the crucial state budget funding that was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom late Monday evening.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, CRPD went above and beyond to fulfill the needs of our community members who most needed help,”stated Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Senator Stern and I were determined to secure this funding in the state budget, because the work their amazing staff have done for our community during these trying times is truly priceless.”
Museum of Ventura County — Thank You for Joining Us for ‘Local History Happy Hour’ with Dr. Frank Barajas!
If you joined us for Local History Happy Hour with Frank Barajas, thank you. Dr. Barajas spoke about his book Mexican Americans with Moxie: A Transgenerational History of El Movimiento Chicano in Ventura County, California, 1945-1975. During this lively conversation with the Barbara Barnard Executive Director Elena Brokaw, he shared personal stories, deep insights into the cross-cultural dynamics of the region, and answered questions from the audience.
If you missed Local History Happy Hour with Frank Barajas, the video is now available to view and share on the MVC YouTube Channel!
Museum of Ventura County — Summer Exhibits + Programs are now open!
Local History
Happy Hour
with Alicia Doyle
July 27 @ 5-6pm
Join us on Zoom (or in-person,
for MVC members only!) for
the next installment featuring Alicia Doyle, author of Fighting Chance.
Admission is free with registration.
RSVP on Facebook for special updates!
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You Belong
We are delighted to welcome you back into MCASB galleries!
Join the MCASB family! Membership offers you invitations to opening receptions, tickets to programs, access to more than 900 museums in North America, AND you are helping to sustain MCASB’s key role in supporting community resources and the perspectives of artists as they explore contemporary discourse, ideas, and representation. Become part of the MCASB family by selecting one of our four membership levels, or joining one of our five supporting circles!
OPAC — COVID-19 Student Video Competition
OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, is hosting a student video competition as part of the nonprofit’s COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Campaign. The competition will challenge young creatives to create educational and promotional videos that encourage Ventura County residents to get vaccinated against COVID. Winners will receive a 1st place prize of $350 cash, 2nd place will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, and 3rd place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
The County of Ventura has partnered with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide grant funding to OPAC and other community-based organizations, known as the Complete Reach Committee, to increase vaccination against COVID-19. Currently, 69% of County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Ventura County’s goal is to raise that percentage to the ’80s with the help of the Complete Reach Committee. According to the committee, “Each vaccinated person acts as a barrier to slow or prevent the virus from continuing the spread. Our entire community benefits from a high vaccination coverage, especially those who are most at risk and vulnerable.”