CAMARILLO — Studio Channel Islands, at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday fair and festival, 11 a.m., Dec. 1, featuring distinctive artwork for gift-giving created by SCI’s artists-in-residence and member artists, live music, free activities for kids, food trucks and more. Visitors can browse through 40 professional artist studios and additional vendors, meeting the artists and watching them at work creating paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, jewelry, weaving, fabric arts and more. The magic of the gift-giving season takes place throughout the day as visitors add wishing stars to the giant wishing board and receive complementary star ornaments created by artist Mary McGill in exchange for a story of generosity. Camarillo’s Amber’s Light Lions Club will host a Holiday Wreath raffle to raise funds for local charities.
At 5 p.m., the beat picks up with live music until 8 p.m. Food, craft beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the day. Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking. Ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged.
The shopping continues 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 2, throughout Studio Channel Islands’ 40 artist studios offering unique gifts and one-of-a-kind artwork. All items purchased throughout the weekend are available for free wrapping on Dec. 2, including complimentary artist-made gift tags. Cookies and eggnog will be served.
Studio Channel Islands’ Blackboard Gallery will be open during the hours of the holiday art market for visitors to enjoy its current exhibition “Elements,” featuring paintings and video installations that explore the intersections of visual abstraction and multimedia presented by artists W. Scott Miles, Susan Petty and Roxie Ray.
Visit studiochannelislands.org or call 805-383-1368 for full details.
Studio Channel Islands is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the arts in our community, providing unique and diverse artistic encounters for all ages and extraordinary opportunities for artists. Ongoing programs include open studios and arts education classes, diverse Blackboard Gallery exhibitions and performances, cultural festivals and Old Town Camarillo events. Gallery hours are Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.