My expressionist landscape paintings are inspired by the nature surrounding Ojai. I like to explore and have developed my own lightweight, highly portable painting backpack for hiking to sites in the Los Padres and Channel Islands. My plein air paintings reflect these adventures in our National Forests and National Parks. It is my hope that my work will inspire others to appreciate nature and promote environmental conservation.
MAY FEATURED ARTIST
ELAINE UNZICKER
ARTIST AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT COUTURIÈRE
An international, award winning metal/jewelry artist with a Master of Fine Arts degree from Illinois State University. Her work has been featured at the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Through the Ojai Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, The Triangle Dress was displayed at SOFA Chicago in 2018. She was featured in Intersection: Art & Life by Kevin Wallace published by Schiffer Publishing in 2018 and Chain Mail Jewelry by Terry Taylor and Dylon Whyte published by Lark Books in 2006. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers.
MAY FEATURED ARTIST
DAVID BLACKBURN
It’s common knowledge that genius often rears its head in youth. Sometimes it looks more like neurons run amuck than organized thought. Or simply the product of intense parental training, discipline enforced by structure, vis-a-vis the so-called Tiger Mother model. But when you’re talking about David Blackburn, you know you’ve met the real thing. So it comes as no surprise to learn that this Ventura-based, award-winning artist has been obsessed with wood for as long as he can remember.
A military brat, Blackburn’s family did the serviceman’s shuffle, moving frequently and living on military bases around the world. From New Orleans to Alaska to Japan, Blackburn spent afternoons and weekends scouting out bits of wood to forge into his latest project, from simple forts to intricate playhouses. Wood, any kind of wood, he tells me, earned a second look: gnarled logs from swamps, forked sticks from the forest, and an occasional piece of lumber scavenged from a public works shed. “Even in Alaska, on a desolate island with no trees, I was a scrounger. I made a two-story fort in third grade,” he chuckles. “Every six months or so the navy would come tear it all down.” To Blackburn, this was another opportunity. A new project to explore.
Francie Beaman interview
OVA Arts artist Gayel Childress will be on display.
WAV Art Gallery
175 S. Ventura Ave. Ventura
Opening night is Friday, May 5th
Art and Poetry, and Beekeepers to give voice to how incredible and vital bees are to our community.
Free Open to the Public 6 - 9pm
Gallery hours: Saturday May 6th, 13th, and 20th 12pm - 3pm
POP UP in the OVA Arts courtyard!
May 12th 1 - 5pm
Elaine Unzicker Metal Lace Wearable Art & Jewelry
"As the featured artist in the gallery this month, I decided to do a special showing to go along with it. Look for me out back. I’ll have a big selection. And, the best part, you can ask me questions, try anything on, and hang out with me. I’d love to see you!"
Ojai Studio Artists will open their studios on
Saturday, May 13th 10am - 5pm featuring downtown artists.
OVA Arts participating artists:
Ted Gall Sculpture
Pamela Grau Mixed Media
Map
TED GALL
PAMELA GRAU
OVA Arts 3rd Fridays Downtown Ojai
Friday, May 19th, 5 – 7pm
Refreshments / Music / Art / Community
OVA Arts will have live music with Rebekah Scogin, a variety of wines and hors d'oeuvres.
Rebekah Scogin is a classically trained harpist whose love of music know no bounds. Whether it’s a beautiful piece by Vivaldi or Ravel or a Broadway show tune incorporating elements of jazz her music appeals to all age listeners.
OVA Arts artist Pamela Grau is in AWAKEN at 10 West Gallery
March 23rd - May 15th
More information.
OVA Arts artist Vera Maguire
Offering ceramics workshops every last weekend of the month.
Make you own Bowl or Garden Stakes or Sushi platter.
For more information.
Ojai Art Center's 46th Annual Art in the Park
May 27 - 28th 10am - 5pm Downtown Ojai in Libbey Park
Art in the Park is an annual tradition started in 1977 by local artists at the Ojai Art Center to give artists a place to sell their work during Memorial Day weekend. Nestled amongst the oaks in beautiful Libbey Park (Ojai, California), a natural setting is created to showcase the rich mixture of works in a variety of mediums. Art in the Park has enjoyed a long tradition of displaying quality art. Presented by the Ojai Art Center, the oldest non-profit art center in California, the festival attracts artists from near and far. The relaxed atmosphere and approachable artists draws crowds (between 3,000 – 5,000) from Ojai and neighboring communities. This show is free to the public -- all are welcome.
OVA Arts artist Marie McKenzie will be on display.
MARIE McKENZIE
OVA Arts artist Marie McKenzie will be on display.
Saturday, June 03, 2023 5pm - 9pm
Hold Fast will showcase a wide variety of artists and entrepreneurs who celebrate kelp and seaweed. The event will be a night market featuring printmakers, sculptors, ceramic artists, live tattooing and painting, digital artwork, and an immersive kelp video as well as drinks, snacks, and food vendors.
Drinks donated by June Shine and Pure Project.