Celebrate the season with a festive shopping experience and a complimentary beverage! From 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, enjoy a special appearance by Ventura County Ballet as they present “Storytime and Excerpts,” an interactive preview of The Nutcracker. Plus, members enjoy a 10% discount on all in-store purchases. Join us for an evening of holiday cheer!
Farm Day 2024
Saturday, November 2
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Experience over 15 Ventura County farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations as they open their doors for Ventura County Farm Day! Visit the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula for Master Gardener-led tours, a selfie station, and a stand from the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market. Plus, don’t miss a special talk at 11:00 a.m. by VC Poet Laureate and Community Activist Luzmaria Espinosa, who will share her experiences as a farmworker.
Farm Day is self-guided — explore the locations on the Farm Day Trail Map at your own pace, and we hope you put us on your map for the day! For more information, click HERE.
Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, which is often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos. Elisa will guide you through crafting your own unique nicho.
Elisa Torres’s work blends Mexican and Latinx traditions with a deep celebration of community and collective memory. Her art transforms cultural identity into tangible expressions of heritage. This rare opportunity offers insight into Torres’s creative process, where participants can explore the significance of turning ideas into meaningful, spiritual creations.
Play Date in the Children’s Garden
Friday, October 25
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, where kids can learn about Filipino culture by crafting their own bahay kubo which is a traditional Filipino house built on stilts. This playful activity celebrates the simplicity and creativity of these iconic homes, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. Led by Pinaysphere, an organization dedicated to empowering Filipino women and youth through art and culture, this event will be filled with fun, learning, and creativity as we explore the beauty of Filipino heritage together! Adult supervision required, register at no charge HERE!
Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Artist Workshop with Jasmine Delgado
Sunday, October 6
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Stamp! Print! Repeat! A workshop exploring the infinite possibilities of pattern and color through the creation of hand-carved stamps. Each participant will learn the steps to create a unique hand-carved stamp inspired by a variety of source materials, such as found text, signage, the natural world, and popular culture. Come and learn how to create unique stamps using a variety of methods! Qualifying members, $60, Non-members, $65; plus $12 materials. Space is limited, sign up today HERE!
Workshop Instructor – Jasmine Delgado is an InnoVision Exhibition artist as well as an Associate Professor of Art and Design at CSUCI.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu
Members-Only Event
Thursday, September 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
In honor of the unveiling of the Museum of Ventura County’s newest upcoming exhibition, we invite our valued MVC Members to join us for a private preview and chance to meet the artists.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Members, please register for this event HERE. If you are interested in becoming a member, click HERE.
Taste of History Dinner
Thursday, September 12
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Journey back in time for a classic evening of refined taste and unexpected histories. This open-air dinner will transport diners to an elegant mid-century supper club with a three-course meal and wine pairing. The decadent evening, with Al Lowe as emcee, will begin with a cocktail hour and red carpet followed by dinner, an art auction, and entertainment including a live jazz quartet, cooking demonstration, historic artifact gallery, and an oral history reading. Tickets are available HERE!
9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Monday, September 2
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and Chief Curator Carlos Ortega are thrilled to announce the arrival of internationally known photographer Diego Huerta, whose work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine. Mr. Huerta will be an artist-in-residence at MVC through August 31 photographing and creating videos that share the stories, traditions and art of members of Indigenous groups from Mexico, including Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, Purépecha, Triqui, Chontal, and more, who now reside in Ventura County.
9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Monday, September 2
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!
InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.
McCartney Tea Fundraiser – With Ivor Davis (July 13), Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage (July 14), Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage (July 20) and more events
For over 100 years, the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of our region. We believe that these stories have the power to spark curiosity, inspire compassion, and foster connection in everyone they reach.
We ask you to consider making a donation to MVC so we can continue championing these stories. Whether that is a sustaining monthly donation or a one-time gift, we hope your donation empowers you to find agency within and beyond MVC’s doors.
Together, we can transform curiosity into action, compassion into change, and inspire a future where every individual feels empowered to share, learn, and grow.
Thank you for your support of the Museum of Ventura County. We look forward to seeing you soon!
McCartney Tea Fundraiser –
With Ivor Davis
Saturday, July 13
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we hear enchanting stories about the life of Paul McCartney. The event will feature a captivating Q&A session, offering you the chance to connect directly with our special guests. Don’t miss this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history!
?Cost is $80 per person, more details can be found HERE. All proceeds directly support MVC. Don’t wait, ticket sales end on July 9th! Have PayPal? Reduce service fees by purchasing tickets at MVC’s PayPal Link.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts. This year, a total of $11,000 has been awarded to four promising art students from Ventura County. Artworks by our four finalists are currently exhibited in MVC’s Helen Yunker Alcove, on view from June 8 to October 13.
MVC’s Fine Arts Committee selected four finalists and three honorable mentions from a competitive pool of applicants. The 2024 winning finalist portfolios belong to: Emmalynn Tsai (Oak Park), Audrey Abbe (Ventura), Jami Chambers (Ventura), and Wren Stepan (Ventura). Honorable mention portfolios belong to: Angel Gabriel Garcia (Oxnard), Gabriella Mortillaro (Oak Park), and Wylde Brandt (Ventura).
NOW OPEN — InnoVision: Ventura County
Artists to Watch
InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.
You’re invited to join us for an Exhibition Opening! We will be celebrating the unveiling of our two new exhibitions: Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection and InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch! Join us to enjoy the opening of these unique and innovative art exhibitions, which showcase the past, present, and future of art in Ventura County. Cash bar and food truck, Indulgia, will be available! Dress to impress! This is a FREE community event, please register HERE.
Exhibition Opening made possible in part by Amigo Event Rentals, Hofer Properties, HP Media, In The Mix Events, Kirby Subaru of Ventura, Peirano’s, Ventura Auto Center, Ventura County Balloons, Ventura County Credit Union, and Ventura Spirits.
RSVP TODAY!
Last Call to See Current Exhibitions!
?The Museum of Ventura County, Ventura campus, will be closed May 13 – June 7. On Saturday, June 8, MVC will host a free Exhibition Opening celebrating our new exhibitions from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Don’t miss out! May 12 is the last day to view our current exhibitions – Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection, Spin Cycle: Unfolding the Science of Laundry, and The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story.
3rd Annual Ventura County Wildflower & Weed Show
Saturday, April 20
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Wildflower and Weed Show, a celebration of California’s diverse flora! At noon, Antonio Sanchez will deliver an enlightening lecture titled “Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California Native Plant Foods into Your Life and the Future of Native Plant Agriculture.” Enjoy a specimen show, an iNaturalist demonstration, plant sale, special kids’ activities, and guided tours led by UC Master Gardeners.
Playdate in the Garden
Friday, April 5
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Explore your creative expression at our third Play Date in the Garden! In partnership with Filipina/x cultural organization, Pinaysphere, we will have eco-friendly arts and crafts to help you reconnect your heart and soul with the wonders of nature. Join us in this unique blend of creativity and nature appreciation, forging lasting memories and rekindling the joy of imaginative play. Adult supervision is required. For more information and free registration click HERE!
Bonita McFarland in Dahlia Garden. Identifier – 28456. From the Museum of Ventura County Research Library Digitized Photographs. MVC PROGRAMS NOWRUZ Saturday, March 23 11:00 am – 2:00 pm @Museum of Ventura County 100 E. Main St., Ventura Celebrate Nowruz…
NOWRUZ
Saturday, March 23
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Celebrate Nowruz at the Museum of Ventura County! Enjoy Persian cuisine by Safir Mediterranean Cuisine, traditional dance by Sahlala Dancers, and live music by Illunis Music. Experience Farsi Calligraphy, cultural displays, and the thrilling Fire Jumping ritual. Join us for a day of cultural splendor, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment! Free, no registration required. For more information, click HERE.
Explore the complex life of Napoleon Bonaparte in a new exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures®. As a charismatic leader, military strategist, and political figure, Napoleon rose to power during the tumultuous aftermath of the French Revolution. Immerse yourself in his journey, from the forces that propelled him to prominence, his marriages, and his entwined destinies with other global leaders. Through George Stuart’s intricate creations, experience Napoleon Bonaparte’s significant impact on the course of history.
We at Museum of Ventura County care deeply about making the history and art we share with you, our community, and our visitors, meaningful.
But we need your help. We want to better understand our visitors’ different needs and values so we can best serve you. Museums (like ours!) strive to encourage and expand learning while also addressing the challenges facing our society, and we need to hear your thoughts.
To do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors, as well as from visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.
6 Generations 200 Years Later
Saturday, February 17
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a screening of “6 Generations,” followed by an insightful Q&A session with Chumash elder Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto and Professor Kristina Foss. There will also be a curated display on the 1824 Chumash Revolt, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Chumash history.
Discover the untold stories, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped the shared heritage of the Chumash people. Cost: $10 non-members, free for members at Individual/Family level or higher. Includes admission to the Museum. Made possible, in part, by the Bauer Foundation. Click HERE for more information and to register.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to contribute to the cultural enrichment and growth of the Museum and our county.
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with The Beatles
Thursday, January 25
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via Zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members Zoom. Registration and information can be found HERE.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County extends heartfelt gratitude to our vibrant community for its unwavering generosity, allowing us to offer free admission throughout 2023. As we look ahead to the new year, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura location, will undergo a transition in its admission policy beginning February 1, 2024. The grant that has sustained free admission will conclude, necessitating a shift to a sustainable funding model.
Starting February 1, 2024, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura, will implement the following admission fees:
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception Thursday, January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
VENTURA COUNTY — 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, established in honor of Bonita C. McFarland—a devoted supporter of the Museum and the broader arts community—aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists and amplify their impact on our community.
This film includes over 20 gorgeous Hobson Heights properties and their fascinating stories of Hollywood movie stars, secret speakeasies, Olympic gold athletes, ghosts, ground-breaking firsts, and the heartbreaking story of the fire that almost destroyed it all. Step into the 1920s with “The Legends of Hobson Heights: The Untold Tales.” Join us for a free premiere showcasing a century of captivating stories, Hollywood history, and iconic architecture! Enjoy the documentary, meet the filmmakers and residents, and explore a pop-up exhibit with vintage maps and paintings by local artists. Sip on drinks for a cause – all proceeds support the Museum of Ventura County. Dress to impress in your best 1920s attire! Registration and information at https://venturamuseum.org/events/
Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles Revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via Zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members zoom. Registration and information at https://venturamuseum.org/events/
This hands-on experience invites you to craft visually compelling narratives around issues close to your heart—from social justice to personal stories. Let the museum be your creative playground, and let your ideas flow in a tangible, shareable format.
Join us for a screening of “Six Generations,” followed by an insightful Q & A session with Chumash elder Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto and Professor Kristina Foss. The documentary is a profound exploration of Chumash heritage with “6 Generations.” Narrated by Ernestine De Soto, a unique link to the past through her female ancestors, the documentary delves into the impact of the Spanish arrival in Santa Barbara.
Join us for a captivating book talk on “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast” by Colleen M. Delaney. As a professor of anthropological archaeology at California State University-Channel Islands, Delaney skillfully unravels the untold stories of the resilient women who shaped this historical ranch.
In this event, we’ll explore the rich cultural tapestry of Rancho Guadalasca through archaeological discoveries, historical records, and captivating oral histories. Delaney’s expertise and engaging storytelling bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the women who left an indelible mark on this last ranch of California’s central coast.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — SoCal Museums announces the 19th Annual Museums Free-for-All on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Over 30 museums—presenting art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science—will open their doors and invite visitors to attend free of charge.
Locally, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (SBMNH), and the Museum of Ventura County, all members of SoCal Museums, will participate in offering free admission. In the case of SBMNH, booking advanced reservations by visiting sbnature.org is encouraged and free admission is for the museum only, not the Sea Center.
Celebrate Nowruz at the Museum of Ventura County! Immerse yourself in the joyous festivities:
Food Delights – Safir Catering offers delectable Persian cuisine for purchase.
Dance Performance – Sahlala Dancers will enchant you from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm with traditional Persian dance.
Live Music Experience – Illunis will serenade you from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm with covers of Persian pop music from Ebi and Googoosh.
Farsi Calligraphy – Get your name beautifully written in Farsi.
Cultural Displays – Explore traditional presentations, including the Haft Sin.
Fire Jumping Ritual – Don’t miss the exhilarating spectacle.
Explore your creative expression at our third Play Date in the Garden! In partnership with Filipina/x cultural organization, Pinaysphere, we will have eco-friendly arts and crafts to help you reconnect your heart and soul with the wonders of nature. Join us in this unique blend of creativity and nature appreciation, forging lasting memories and rekindling the joy of imaginative play. Adult supervision required. Free with registration.
Don’t miss this celebration of California’s diverse flora! At 12 pm, Antonio Sanchez will deliver a lecture, “Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California Native Plant Foods into Your Life and the Future of Native Plant Agriculture.”
VENTURA — Two new exhibits opening at the Museum of Ventura County highlight the county’s rich artistic legacy with a focus on Master Artists and Young Innovator.
Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection
(June 8, 2024 -January 5, 2025)
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InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch
(June 8, 2024 – May 11, 2025)
Join us for a Museum of Ventura County Fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we explore enchanting stories from Paul McCartney’s life. Don’t miss this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history! – Ticket sales end on July 9th –
VENTURA — Experience the artistry of Zapotec weaving firsthand in a dynamic showcase and demonstration presented in collaboration with MICOP.
The artist in charge of these weaving workshops is Eduardo Jiménez. Jiménez is from Teotitlán del Valle, a town of 5,000 inhabitants, twenty miles from the city of Oaxaca, famous for its ancestral weavings. Jiménez’s style of weaving is extremely popular in Teotitlán del Valle and is one that uses the pedal loom, which was incorporated by the Spanish kingdom during the conquest of the Americas to speed up its process.
VENTURA — In honor of our 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts award winners (view awardees HERE) , this garden fête and award ceremony will feature live music, specialty mocktails, a silent auction, remarks from MVC’s Chief Curator, private after-hours tours of the galleries, and a chance to meet the artists of InnoVision, MVC’s newest exhibition.
Registration is free and open to MVC members and invited guests only. This is an all-ages event. Membership will be confirmed for all registrations. To purchase or renew your MVC membership, please visit: www.venturamuseum.org/membership. Dress to impress!
MVC Members Register Here
Made Possible in part by Aera Energy
The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.
This evening of refined taste and unexpected histories will lead guests on a journey back in time to the early mid-century. This decadent evening will begin with a cocktail hour featuring classic specialty drinks, a red carpet, keepsake polaroids, and live jazz music. Guests will enjoy a live cooking demonstration by Chef Adam Hart of Oxnard College and an artifact gallery with objects from MVC’s historic collection. The open-air dinner will transport diners to an elegant mid-century supper club, with each dish paired with wine chosen by local restaurateurs. Entertainment will continue in the form of a jazz quartet and an oral history of Olivas Adobe’s historic caretaker Iva Reeder performed by MVC’s Executive Director Elena Brokaw.
VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce the opening of its newest George Stuart Historical Figures® exhibition, Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries. The exhibition will be on display through Sept. 15, 2024, inviting visitors to delve into the multifaceted life of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his rise to power in the aftermath of the French Revolution to his entangled relationships with other global leaders.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Registration is open to MVC Members only.
Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, a decorative shadow box rooted in Mexican/Latinx culture, often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos.
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
2024 All-New Membership Perks!
Gift a Membership this Holiday Season
MVC is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program, welcoming supporters to join the cultural community and become part of an exciting new chapter at the Museum. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. View the details HERE.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to double your donation! Any gift received by December 10 will be 100% matched.
Just $15 can open the door to discovery for one child. Imagine the impact we can make by reaching ALL the schools in our County. We’re on a mission to raise $150,000 to double the number of tours and pay for more bus rides.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, has the power to ignite a child’s curiosity, nurture a college student’s career, and shape the future of Ventura County.
The Museum of Ventura County Relaunches its 100% Tax Deductible Membership Program, Offering Accessible Pricing and Exclusive Benefits
MVC’s updated Membership Program features monthly payment options, two new membership levels, an expanded selection of member events and benefits, exclusive member merchandise, and MORE! As admission fees are reinstated at MVC’s Downtown Ventura campus in 2024, the relaunched Membership Program affords visitors a completely tax-deductible alternative and maintains the institution’s dedication to accessibility.
Dear MVC Supporter,
Thank you for your generous support! We’ve made great progress towards our goal, but there’s still some distance to cover.
MVC is on a mission to reach every elementary school in Ventura County. Your generous gift can bring us closer to our $150,000 goal.
A $150 donation brings a group of 10 eager learners to the MVC Agriculture Museum, inspiring them to dig deep into Ventura County agricultural history and the world of plant science. Can you imagine the joy of planting seeds, exploring a beehive, and discovering the essence of collaboration and community? This is what MVC is all about.
Do you remember the thrill of your first museum visit? At the Museum of Ventura County (MVC), we strive to gift this unforgettable experience to every child in our community – particularly those from low to moderate income families.
Your generous support enables us to offer FREE school tours immersing children in the rich history and culture of Ventura County. Plus, your contribution also aids first-generation college interns, offering them valuable work experience while earning a fair wage. Donate today and help us inspire curiosity, connection, and compassion in Ventura County’s future generations.
P.S. Act before December 10, and an anonymous donor will match your donation 100%! Double your impact by clicking HERE today!
DOUBLE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TODAY!
I hope this message finds you in good spirits! As we approach the end of yet another year, I am reminded of the transformative experiences and traditions that often shape our childhoods. Do you remember your first visit to a museum? The wonder and curiosity it sparked in you?
Last year, thanks to supporters like you, third graders from Montalvo Elementary School embarked on an enlightening journey exploring our County’s rich Chumash history and culture through the Museum of Ventura County’s School Tours. This unforgettable experience was possible because of donations from contributors like you, which allowed these students from low to moderate-income families to participate in our school tours, entirely free of charge.
What Does “Home for the Holidays” Mean to You?
In connection with exhibit, Ventura County, The Place We Call Home – A Community Experience and the approaching holiday season, we invite you to send in a photographand/or a song that describes what “home for the holidays” means to you! Photographs and song selections will be used as part of the ‘Home for the Holidays’ program. Please email your submissions to abrinkhoff@venturamuseum.org or send via message on our Facebook or Instagram accounts.
State of the County
Ventura County 2023
Thursday, November 2
4:30 – 8:30 pm
@Reagan Presidential Library
Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One. This in-person event is SOLD OUT, however Free Livestream will be available HERE and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page. Mark your calendars and join us online!
150th Exhibit Opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home
Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
You are cordially invited to attend the opening of Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, an exhibit celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. Doors will open promptly at 11 am followed by remarks and dedication by Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director at 1 pm.
“Feast or Flop” is an engaging online cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of the Museum of Ventura County’s archives. Each episode takes viewers on a journey through our local history as the Museum’s Collections Manager Renee Tallent uncovers recipes that have been tucked away for years.
Working with regional chefs, Renee attempts to recreate these dishes to see if they are a delicious Feast or a disastrous Flop. Episode 1 features Renee working with Chef Adam from the Oxnard College Culinary program – see how they fare testing a recipe for Lima Bean Loaf! Watch it HERE!
Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FAIR
?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event culminating in a music festival! The Family Fair features food trucks, kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, Exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE! Get the details HERE.
Tuesday, August 29
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Calling All Storytellers! Be a Star in Our New Exhibit. We are looking for volunteers to take part in a video shoot as we explore the deep and diverse meanings of “home.” Your voice matters, and we want YOU to share your unique perspective on what home means to you. Each story is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of our community. Sign up HERE.
Honey Bee Day
Saturday, August 19
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
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Join us to celebrate Honey Bee Day! This family-friendly event offers an interactive bee demo, beeswax products for sale, honey tasting, crafts, story time, artist demo, pollinator class by UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County, and more. Buzz by and learn how to help protect these invaluable, tiny friends. Limited space, register for free HERE.
Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection
Just in time for summer, come be inspired by the ever-changing coast captured by our regional artists.
From plein air painting to photography, the mutable coast provides an endless supply of inspiration. Art helps us admire, respect, and revere our region, reminding us of our own place in the natural world. Proximity means a closeness in space, time, or relationship. These artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection bring us closer to the water, both visually and in feeling.
This exhibit is made possible by the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund, the Paul and Anne Leavens Family Fund and the Bonita McFarland Fund
The Murder of Tom More:
A True Crime Story
In the early hours of March 24th 1877, a mob of angry settlers set fire to Thomas More’s barn and shot him at least 10 times. Motivated by a passionate battle over land ownership and water rights turned deadly, news of his murder rippled through California.
Amid the rubble of lies, perjuries, briberies, and omissions in the historical record, there are puzzles regarding his death that remain forever unsolved. His story stands today as a warning about the strong emotions unleashed over limited natural resources.
This exhibit is made possible by
the John Hammer Family
Spin Cycle: Unfolding the
Science of Laundry
Everybody’s clothes get dirty, meaning we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!
Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.
This exhibit is made possible by the
?Ventura County Credit Union
For the next 150 days, join the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County as we celebrate this unique region. Be part of a series of programs and celebrations that will help us discover who we really are and what makes us unique in all the world. Meet neighbors and community leaders who have helped shape the world we live in every day.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Tomorrow marks the official launch of The County’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations. Be on the lookout for an “all things 150” preview newsletter!
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, led by John Laques.
Calling all community organizations in Ventura County! We want your help to create a timeline game for the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations that represent our county.
We’re searching for historical photos that highlight the people, places, events, and accomplishments that define and celebrate your community. Your photo could be selected to appear in the Ventura County Timeline Game, which will be played at our pop-up tent during five community celebrations throughout the county, from June 23 to November 2, 2023. If you have a photo that could help tell the story of Ventura County over the past 150 years, we want to hear from you!
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.
Chumash Plant Knowledge
Sunday, May 7, 2023
2:00PM—4:00PM
@ Museum of Ventura County
Free Admission, Registration Required
Dr. Jan Timbrook’s informative, illustrated talk, Chumash Ethnobotany: Life Before Costco, will provide a glimpse into the fascinating plant world of the Chumash, including the complex interrelationships between the first people of our region and the environment in which they lived.
Ventura County Plants to Know and Grow
Saturday and Sunday
April 22-23, 2023
11:00AM—3:00PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Ag for a 2-day celebration of Ventura County’s native plants, including tours of our native gardens, a native plant sale, fun family activities, and lectures on pollinators and plant identification! Check our website for more details on activities for each day. The Agriculture Museum is proud to offer this program in partnership with the County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights & Measures Office, the Ventura County Weed Management Area, the U.C. Cooperative Extension of Ventura County, the California Native Plants Society – Channel Islands Chapter, and the U.C. Master Gardeners. Find out more information here.
Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series
Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.
Ivor Davis:
Up Close & Personal
with
Malcolm McDowell
Saturday, March 25, 2023
6:30PM—8:00PM
@ Museum of Ventura County
?
MVC Member In-Person: Free
MVC Member Zoom: Free
Nonmember In-Person: $10
Nonmember Zoom: $5
Join us for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with legendary actor and raconteur extraordinaire, Malcolm McDowell.
Summer Vegetable Gardening Workshop
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
10AM—11AM
@ Agriculture Museum
Free Admission
Certified Master Gardener Lee Rosenboom will share how to prepare for your summer vegetable garden. Learn what to plant and when, how to prepare your soil, and useful tips about fertilizing, irrigating, and vegetable garden pests. Presented by the UC Master Gardeners.
In celebration of Black History Month, Ventura County NAACP President Regina Hatcher-Crawford spoke with MVC Executive Director Elena Brokaw.
Hatcher-Crawford was recognized as the California Senate Woman of the Year for District 19 in 2021. In this interview, Hatcher-Crawford shares insights about her career as a grassroots activist and talks about the legacy of leadership in the Hatcher family.
Hatcher-Crawford’s father, John R. Hatcher III, an Air Force veteran, activist, and civil rights leader, served as President of the NAACP in Ventura County for almost four decades. Hatcher-Crawford talks about the distinct honor that was recently bestowed on her father with the renaming of The US Post Office at 1961 North C Street in Oxnard to the John R. Hatcher III Post Office Building.
Finding the Light:
Works from MVC’s
Permanent Collection
Now Open
at the Museum of Ventura County
Finding the Light explores how artists use light not only to influence shape and color, but also to impart deep meaning. The exhibit, featuring works by renowned and diverse regional artists including Guy Webster, Andrea Vargas, Henry Chapman Ford, and Susan Petty, is the first exhibit installed in the new Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Gallery.
This gallery has been created through a generous endowment from the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund and is designed to showcase the Museum of Ventura County’s permanent collection.
Learn more about Finding the Light here.
Behind the Curtain
George Stuart Historical Figures®
New videos series!
The “Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®” exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to investigate each of George Stuart’s figures closely so that they can decide if they’re works of art, historical objects, or something else entirely. This new video series offers viewers the very same opportunity from the comfort of home. Watch more here.
“Feast or Flop” is an engaging online cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of the Museum of Ventura County’s archives. Each episode takes viewers on a journey through our county’s history as MVC Collections Manager Renee Tallent uncovers recipes that have been tucked away for years. Working with regional chefs, Renee attempts to recreate these dishes to see if they are a delicious Feast or a disastrous Flop.
MVC’s 150th Anniversary cooking show will launch with Episode 1 Tuesday, September 19, and a new episode will follow every second week after through November 28. Along with each episode, viewers can look over the vintage recipe to try it out in the comfort of their own kitchen!
The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.
The following names in bold are those being honored or memorialized,
while the names underneath them are the generous donors giving to
?the Museum of Ventura County in their name.
Dear Friend of the Museum,
If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County – THANK YOU for your support!
If you would still like to give a gift, thank you for helping the Museum serve our Ventura County community with:
In-person and virtual school tours
Free events for ALL of the community
In-person and virtual discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Innovative exhibits
FREE ADMISSION at the Museum of Ventura County downtown and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula
During this holiday season, we have been asking our community to tell us their favorite highlight from the Museum. Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County, recently shared her favorite MVC highlight and her son added his emphatic favorite as well.
We would love to hear what you love about the Museum. Please consider enhancing the cultural life of our region with your support for our exhibits, collections, and programs. You can donate by clicking on the button below. Please be sure to note your favorite MVC highlight on the donation page.
Las Posadas
?Saturday, December 17th from 6-8pm
at the Agriculture Museum
Free
Las Posadas (The Inns in Spanish) is a Latinx traditional holiday that commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging and a safe refuge for Mary to give birth to Jesus. After nine days of searching for lodging (Las Posadas are celebrated December 16th through 24th, representing the nine days), an Innkeeper gave Mary and Joseph shelter in a stable as there was no room at the inns.
The Agriculture Museum will once again partner with De Colores Multicultural Folk Art, Inc. on their traditional Las Posadas procession. As the last stop of the night, the Ag Museum will host a nativity scene and musical performance before inviting everyone inside to enjoy refreshments and piñatas!
Please help MVC reach our $25,000 goal by the end of the day this Tuesday, November 29th. Thank you for donating and forwarding this email to friends.
We need your help to raise our Giving Tuesday goal of $25,000.
We need to raise $25,000 by the end of the day on November 29
to keep the admission free for the Museum of Ventura County
and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.
For this reflective exhibit, MVC will partner with the RAD Foundation and the artist Julie Dahl-Nicolle to showcase 100 floral mixed media canvas paintings. This exhibit dives into the loss brought by COVID-19; of loved ones and what could have been. During the opening of the exhibit, guests can participate in hanging their clouties (piece of cloth tied to a tree branch)– an homage to the Irish Rag Tree tradition. Click here to learn more.
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Joe Sohm, Thur., November 3rd from 6:30-8pm
Joe Sohm (“America’s Photo-Historian”) has been published more than 500,000 times in publications that include the National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, New York and L.A. Times, Washington Post and featured on CNN, ABC, PBS, and the History Channel. He served as President Clinton’s photographer for the D.N.C and his work is featured in Ronald Reagan’s book The Great Communicator. Join host Ivor Davis for a riveting discussion with Sohm about his work as one of the nation’s greatest political photographers of our time.
The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.
The following names in bold are those being honored or memorialized,
while the names underneath them are the generous donors giving to
the Museum of Ventura County in their name.
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 — Día de los Muertos — We are thrilled to partner with the Santa Paula Art Museum and Pierce Brothers Cemetery to present a community-wide celebration! As one of three celebratory sites located in the Santa Paula, the Agriculture Museum will host cultural dance performances, display ofrendas created by the community, provide fun craft activities, and face-painting. We will also serve horchata and pan de muerto. Click here to learn more.
MVC Insider is back with a new season covering everything Ventura County, including The St. Francis Dam Disaster, speakeasy owner Sally Stanford, our notorious three-headed goat, and so much more.
Tune in every Friday at 9am on Facebook to learn more about your county’s hidden histories and enduring legacies.
New reduced rate!
$50 $35 for members and students
$65 for non-members
MVC members and visitors supported us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped keep Ventura County’s history, art, and culture free and accessible for all.
In thanks, we’re offering this special reduced rate.
Please RSVP by October 7th to secure you place in the class.
Oaktober
Sunday, October 2nd from 10am-2pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
Feel connected to your county’s environmental community with the local leaders and creatives creating a more sustainable future.
Celebrate and learn more about oaks and native plants with Dr. David White of Once Upon a Watershed, Jenn Rodriguez of Growing Works, Katie Tilford of TinyPlants, and author Melina Watts of Tree, in partnership with Melissa Baffa of Ventura Land Trust. TinyPlants and Growing Works will also be selling beautiful native plants. So join us, get some gorgeous plants and go wild. Click here to learn more.
Made possible in part by
ArtsVentura
The 8th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair
Monday, September 5th from 11am-2pm
The 8th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair was a major (and sizzling hot) success with over a thousand attendees. Thank you for coming to your Museum to celebrate our agricultural heritage, our community, and this important holiday for all. We hope to see you next year.
Going Wild
Opening Reception
Saturday, August 27th from 3-5pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
National Honey Bee Day
Saturday, August 20th from 12-2pm
at the Agriculture Museum
Free
Join us for a celebration of our pollinator pals and their vital role! Volunteers will help kids and adults make their own craft honey bee out of pipe cleaners while beekeepers share fun facts and delicious honey samples. Take part in a bee-themed sing-and-dance-along too!
Also, welcome our new bee colony and browse bee-themed merchandise from local vendors. Check out the ‘Save the Pollinators’ art exhibit by C.R.E.W.’s Green Valley project, and explore our beautiful bee-friendly gardens.
Click here to learn more.
oin us for a celebration of our pollinator pals and their vital role! Volunteers will help kids and adults make their own craft honey bee out of pipe cleaners while beekeepers share fun facts and delicious honey samples. Take part in a bee-themed sing-and-dance-along too!
Also, welcome our new bee colony and browse bee-themed merchandise from local vendors. Check out the ‘Save the Pollinators’ art exhibit by C.R.E.W.’s Green Valley project, and explore our beautiful bee-friendly gardens.
Click here to learn more.
Get ready to embark on your LEGO® journey as we defend the Wookies on Kashyyyk, repair the Rebel shield generator on Hoth, and rescue Baby Yoda from Moff Gideon. Come explore a galaxy far, far away with the help of an experienced Play-Well instructor. Click here to RSVP.
The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.
The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
?
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Steve Binder
Thursday, June 30th from 6:30-8pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free for members,
$10 for non-members in-person,
and $5 for non-members on Zoom
Three New Exhibits Opening Thursday, June 16th,
Opening Reception on Saturday, June 18th!
at the Museum of Ventura County
he Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum are poised to move into a new era of exhibits, programs, and education, and we need your support to do so.
As a community, we are in an exciting time, a time when coming together in-person safely is happening again. In the coming weeks and months, your Museums in Ventura and Santa Paula will be presenting compelling new programming and events.
We are proud of the recent impact made during closures and limited openings, and excited about where we are headed, with your help:
?
Admission is now FREE at both locations and will continue to be, with your support
Increased focus on enrichment activities for children and families
New exhibits in every gallery at the Ventura location, beginning in May/June
MVC Education Programs now present education tours in-person or virtually
The MVC 3rd campus – venturamuseum.org – will continue to offer new content regularly, including videos, articles, blogs, puzzles, and over a thousand new digitized photos in 2022
Thank you for your support of MVC throughout these trying times. We are counting on you as we enter this next exciting chapter in the life of our region’s pre-eminent cultural institution. It is only through your sustaining generosity that we can continue to provide the relevant, stimulating, thought-provoking, inspiring, and compelling programming that nourishes this community.
The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.
The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
VUSD Districtwide Student Art Show – Opening Reception
June 2nd from 5-8pm at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
This juried art show will highlight our incredibly talented high school, middle school and elementary school student artists. In total, over 50 works by high school students have been selected from hundreds of submitted pieces: including watercolors, photography, acrylic paintings, mixed media, and pencil drawings.
VUSD Districtwide Student Art Show
Opening Reception
June 2nd from 5-8pm
On display from June 2nd-19th
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
This juried art show will highlight talented student artists of all grades in the Ventura Unified School District. In total, over 50 works have been selected from hundreds of submitted pieces, including watercolors, photography, acrylic paintings, mixed media, and pencil drawings. Click here to learn more.?
Behind the Curtain:
An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®
at the Museum of Ventura County
Exhibit opens Thursday, May 12th
See the George Stuart Figures as you’ve never seen them before!
People argue about whether the Figures are works of art, historical objects, or maybe something else entirely. Mr. Stuart himself objects to both the titles of Artist and Historian. Investigate each Figure closely so that you can decide for yourself. Learn more here.
Your Museum is excited to host life drawing series on May 4th, 11th, and 25th from 6:30-8:30pm! Registration is open until capacity is reached. Event is officially confirmed now that we have over ten confirmed registrants.
This is your chance to join other artists for a drawing session series with nude and clothed models at a reduced rate. Every experience level is welcome. Organized by artists Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown. Chairs and easels will be provided but artists must bring their own supplies. There will only be 10-35 participants per class.
The fee for all three sessions is $50 for MVC members and students and $65 for non-members.
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Bob Eubanks Thursday, April 28th from 6:30-8pm at the Museum of Ventura County Free for members $10 for non-members in-person $5 for non-members on Zoom Many recognize Bob Eubanks as a TV personality…
Life Drawing Sessions
$50 for members and students. $65 for non-members,
RSVP at https://venturamuseum.org/event/life-drawing-sessions/
Join other artists for a series of three drawing sessions with nude and clothed models at the Museum. Every experience level is welcome. Organized by artists Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown. Chairs and easels will be provided; artists must bring their own supplies. 10-35 participants per class. Registration required by April 29. Minimum of 10 participants required. Class will be confirmed on April 30.
The Ventura County Flower and Weed
Show and Exhibit
April 22nd – 24th
at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula
Free
The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will present a series of events in April.
Friday, April 1st, 3:00 p.m. – Story Time at the Museum: Earth Day – The Museum of Ventura County and Ventura County Library co-host bilingual story time every first Friday of the month at the Museum’s Ventura campus. Join us for April’s Earth Day theme; then stay, play, and learn with the kids in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden. (Free, Drop-in, Bilingual Event)
Story Time at the Museum:
Earth Day
Friday, April 1st from 3-4pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
The Museum of Ventura County has partnered with the County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm, for free. That way, kids will have time to come right after school. This month’s theme is EARTH DAY. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL! Click here to learn more.
The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.
The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
?
Family Fun Day:
Persian New Year Celebration
Saturday, March 19th from 12-2pm
@ the Museum of Ventura County
Free
Bring in the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year with family and friends at the Museum of Ventura County. This event is celebrated on the spring equinox by millions of people across the globe as a season of rebirth and good luck. This cultural event will be a fun afternoon for families and adults alike! Click here to learn more about this free event.
Arte Para la Gente:
The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia
Now – Spring 2022
at the Museum of Ventura County
Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County.
?Learn more here.
Sponsored by
Lazer Media
KXLM 102.9 • KLJR 96.7 • KOXR 102.1
and The Port of Hueneme
We at MVC care deeply about creating bold and relevant programs to share our county’s diverse artistry and history in-person and online. Preserving, expanding, and making accessible our Research Library and Collections. We find what we share with you, our community, and our visitors very meaningful.
But we need your help. Our visitors come to us with different needs and values, and we want to understand them so we can best serve you. From how museums (like ours!) can support your wellbeing in these tumultuous times to how we address challenges our society is facing, we need to hear your thoughts.
To learn more about how we can do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors as well as nationwide results for context, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.
Ivor Davis:
Up Close and Personal with Harry Benson
February 24th from 6-8pm
@ the Museum of Ventura County & Zoom
Harry Benson has been featured in LIFE, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and more. He’s had 40 solo exhibits, including at The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. He’s photographed every US President from Eisenhower to Biden. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; was next to Senator Robert Kennedy when he was assassinated; and photographed the Berlin Wall going up and down.
This month, celebrate Black History Month by learning about the contributions of African-American scientists and doing your own fun experiments: commemorate one of the first African-American female chemists, Bettye Washington Greene, by making your very own slime. You can make your slime glitter, glow-in-the-dark, foam, or maybe even a combination! Then, test how fast your eyes adjust to different images thanks to the discoveries of ophthalmologist, inventor, and UCLA professor, Dr. Patricia Bath.
Legal Issues for Artists:
Protecting Your Works from the Moment of Creation and Beyond
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 @ 12-1:30pm
On Zoom
MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 3: Lucy Hicks Anderson
Friday, January 7, 2022 @ 10am
On Facebook Live
Get to know your local trans icon and trailblazer Lucy Hicks Anderson! Lucy was the first trans woman in history to fight for marriage equality in court, was an award winning baker, and ran a bordello here in Ventura County. That’s just in a nutshell– you won’t want to miss this MVC Insider! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook for the next five Fridays at 10am. Check out all upcoming MVC Insiders here.
The Museum of Ventura County & the Ventura County Bar Association Present “Legal Issues for Artists: Protecting Your Works from the Moment of Creation and Beyond” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26.
Inviting artists of all media, at all stages of their career, to attend this informational panel, free, live via Zoom.
The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present the next “Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with famous photographer Harry Benson,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 at 100 E. Main St,, Santa Barbara. In this popular series, author, journalist, and investigative reporter Ivor Davis speaks with a rotating guest list of extraordinary individuals.
Harry Benson has been featured in LIFE, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Time Magazine, and many more. He’s had 40 solo exhibits, including at The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. He’s photographed every US President from President Eisenhower to President Biden. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; was next to Senator Robert Kennedy when he was assassinated; and photographed the Berlin Wall going up and down.
Dianne Lake was a beautiful and innocent wide eyed seventh grade student whose hippie parents abandoned their traditional suburban lifestyle to join a commune called The Wavy Gravy’s Hog Farm Commune in Tujunga, California. Along the way her parents met a man named Charles Manson.
The Museum of Ventura County has been partnering with the county library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3 p.m. That way kids will have time to come right after school. This month’s theme is EARTH DAY. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Chumash Garden and Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL!
The Museum of Ventura County will present Mariposas del Campo Documentary Screening from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
FREE EVENT!
RSVP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E342153&id=113
Pre-event music with Juan Mendoza and bar will start at 2 pm. Event formally starts at 3 pm.
Mariposas del Campo, an award-winning film by Bill Yahraus and Robin Rosenthal, shares the stories of indigenous Mixtec, Zapotec, and Purépecha teenagers from Mexico striving to change their families’ destinies in the strawberry fields of Oxnard, California. The documentary captures their journeys—with help from the characters’ own intimate videos—as they navigate cultural identity, parental expectations, economic challenges, and the justice needs of their migrant farmworker community. For young people whose lives have always been steeped in uncertainty, it takes a leap of faith to chase a dream.
On April 28, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., The Museum of Ventura County welcomes back Ivor Davis, as he gets “Up Close and Personal” with famed TV personality and game show host Bob Eubanks, best known for hosting the explosively popular, “The Newlywed Game.” Guests are welcomed in-person at the Museum’s Ventura campus on 100 E Main St., and virtually through Zoom. For more information and registration, please visit: venturamuseum.org.
Your Museum is being transformed. Experience the Museum with a fresh and fascinating take on local history and a new visitor experience design, for free. Learn more about the exhibits below.
Reception made possible by:
Paradise Pantry, Peirano’s, and Ventura Spirits
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
A surprising history of the 1920s and Prohibition in Ventura County. As population and wealth boomed, creativity flourished – but so did a tide of repression and exclusion. This exhibit tells the local story of the jazz age through our collections and archives.
The Museum of Ventura County will present “Story Time at the Museum: Read Beyond the Beaten Path” from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 1 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
Your Museum with the county library have bilingual Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm. That way kids will have time to come right after school. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL!
“Bee” sure to buzz on over to your AG Museum to celebrate National Honeybee Day! from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at The Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula.
During our normal 11am-5pm hours visitors can stop by our observation hive to welcome our new bee colony to the neighborhood. Afterwards you may choose to browse a mini-boutique of bee-themed merchandise from local Ventura County vendors, check out our newly installed ‘Save the Pollinators’ art exhibit by C.R.E.W.’s Green Valley project, and explore our beautiful bee-friendly gardens. Enjoy a free plant giveaway from our Master Gardeners.
The Museum of Ventura County to present Going Wild Opening Reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
For novelist Melina Sempill Watts and artist Jeff Sojka, falling in love with a landscape means interconnecting the lives of the plants and animals that make it alive. Watts’ first novel Tree is an exploration of 229 years in the life of a California live oak from the point of view of … the tree. Sojka dove into the book and painted his vision of the tree’s reality, each painting honoring the aliveness and richness of California’s landscapes. This multimedia experiment, with the exhibit being available both on-site and virtually, will offer the audience the opportunity to expand their imagination, stepping into the life of a tree from multiple vantage points. Consider the world from the plants’ perspective: begin going wild.
The Museum of Ventura County invites you to join us for the next installment of our popular in-person and Zoom series, Local History Happy Hour, 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8,
The Museum of Ventura County & Zoom, 100 E Main St., Ventura, 93001+ Google Map
In this series, local authors and historians sit down with The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director Elena Brokaw to discuss their unique perspectives on our region’s history and take questions from the audience.
The next episode features Melinda Sempill Watts, author of Tree. Melina Sempill Watts writing has appeared in Sierra Magazine, the New York Times motherlode blog, Sunset Magazine, Malibu Times, the VC Reporter, and many more. Watts began her career in Hollywood as a development executive, writing consultant and story analyst working for luminaries such as Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy and Peter Horton, and at Dreamworks.
Join the Museum of Ventura County in a celebration of oaks and native plants with Dr. David White of Once Upon a Watershed, Jenn Rodriguez of Growing Works, Katie Tilford of TinyPlants, and Melina Watts author of Tree, in partnership with Melissa Baffa of Ventura Land Trust from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
Feel connected to your county’s environmental community with the local leaders and creatives creating a more sustainable future.
The Museum of Ventura County will present “Story Time at the Museum” from 3 o 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
The Museum of Ventura County has been partnering with the Ventura County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL!
We are thrilled to partner once more with the Santa Paula Art Museum and Pierce Brothers Cemetery to present a community-wide celebration of Dia de los Muertos for the city of Santa Paula! As one of three celebration sites located in the city, the Agriculture Museum will host cultural dance performances, display ofrendas created and contributed by people in the community, and provide fun craft activities and face-painting. We will also be serving horchata and have pan de muerto!
The Museum of Ventura County to present “Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Joe Sohm” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
Joe Sohm joins host Ivor Davis for a discussion of his work as one of the nation’s preeminent political photographers.
The Museum of Ventura County will present Story Time at the Museum from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
The Museum of Ventura County has been partnering with the Ventura County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL!
Join other artists for a series of three open model drawing sessions at your Museum from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 11/9 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
Models will be clothed and nude. Organized by artists Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown. Chairs and easels will be provided; artists must bring their own supplies, paints not permitted. Note: this is not an instructional class. The fee for all three sessions is $50 for MVC members and students and $65 for non-members.
This is a great opportunity for artists of all skill levels to work from a live model to develop their life drawing skills. 10-35 participants per session.
The Museum of Ventura County will present “A Year Without You,” Opening Reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
As a collaboration, The RAD Foundation & artist Julie Dahl-Nicolle are showcasing, for thirty days, “A Year Without You”. This collection of one hundred floral mixed media canvas paintings dives into the realization of what we have all experienced over the last two years due to COVID-19: a sense of loss.
Dear Friend of the Museum,
If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!
If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:
Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!
MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 1: Erle Stanley Gardner
Starting Friday, January 24, 2022 @ 10am
Fridays @ 10am on Facebook Live
We are officially back with Season 3 of “MVC Insider”! Join us on Facebook Live for the first episode of MVC Insider this Friday, December 24, 2022 at 10am! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook Live for the next five Fridays at 10am.
Krystell Jimenez, Project Archivist, uncovers relics from the John C. Orr Collection pertaining to the prolific novelist and Ventura County native Erle Stanley Gardner who wrote the popular Perry Mason series
The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum will present Las Posadas procession starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 in Santa Paula. The celebration is in partnership with De Colores Multicultural Folk Arts.
Las Posadas, (The Inns in Spanish) is a Latinx traditional holiday that commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging and a safe refuge for Mary to give birth to Jesus. After nine days of searching for lodging (Las Posadas are celebrated December 16th through 24th, representing the nine (9) days), an Innkeeper gave Mary and Joseph shelter in a stable as there was no room at the inns.
We are so excited to present our fun new Museum gift shop items, including one of a kind puzzles with rare historical images from the Research Library! If you’re a fan of Arte Para la Gente: The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia come get your own magnet with her beautiful artwork on it. Popular as ever are our MVC paintbrush pens, collect all four! Find these special items at the Museum of Ventura County or the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, while supplies last. Both Museums are open from Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm.
We are so excited to present our updated MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.
To receive your new artwork we offer convenient “Pick-Up” or “UPS shipping” options. After you have made your order, a Museum staff member will contact you the next business day to make arrangements for either option. If you need the piece shipped, we will generate a shipping quote for you after receiving your mailing details.
Thank you for choosing to support the Museum of Ventura County and the talented artists of Ventura County!
You can help us reach our $10,000 goal by the end of day today
by donating if you haven’t already or forwarding this email!
Admission to both Museums has been free in 2021, and we need your help to continue serving everyone with free access to the Museum of Ventura County in downtown Ventura, and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.
A gift to the Museum is a gift to the community.
Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.
Arte Para la Gente
The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia
Open November 11
Opening Reception November 13 @ 2-4pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
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.
