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SEEKING OUT VENTURA’S ARTISTIC UNDERGROUND

July 25, 2019

VENTURA IS BRIMMING WITH ART AND CULTURE

Ventura’s Artistic Underground is alive and well. It’s no wonder the arts thrive in this peaceful and quirky area. Surrounded by nature for inspiration, Ventura is a haven for artists that often gets overlooked.

When we think of what’s great about Ventura, we consider the perfect almost year-round Mediterranean weather, uncrowded beaches, a bustling Downtown, tons of family fun at the Harbor, the rugged adventure of the Channel Islands and much, much more. But with so many creatives calling this coastal community home, it’s no wonder the art scene here is flourishing.

Ventura Art
The first place to look for unique art is where the artists live. On the First Friday of the month, the residents of grassroots artist’s space Bell Arts Factory is open to the public. Come and peruse the new pieces in the gallery and see where the artists’ work. Everything from ceramicists, to painters, to draftsmen, to writers make their studios in this massive space, and exploring it is an adventure in itself. Pour a glass of wine and pick up a slice of pie from the hearse parked out front from local roving patisserie Desserts to Die For. This is a great time to purchase new work and talk to local artists directly.

Then there’s the 3rd annual Art Walk at the Shores in Oxnard set for Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 10 am to 3 pm. Local artists at the Shores, Hollywood Beach, and the Silver Strand will be participating. The is your chance to enhance your art collection and buy some fantastic original art. The event is FREE.

Looking for more great local art? Head down the street to Art City Studios, the sanctuary for local sculptors, or over to the Working Artists of Ventura (the WAV), an artist living and working space that opens its doors during First Friday of the month, just as Bell Arts does. Green Art People hosts live music and community art projects every Wednesday night, a particular favorite event for locals. Ventura’s yearly Art Walk brings all the artists and craftspeople of Ventura out of the woodwork–walk or shuttle around Downtown and the Avenue to see everything from jewelry, to stone carving, to mosaics.

Beyond these vibrant arts communities, there’s a slew of galleries across the city, including Vita Art Center, Studio 1317, H Gallery + Studios, and Mermaid Gallery Art Studio, and more. Looking for crafts and handmade jewelry? Then you must check out the weekly Channel Islands Farmer’s Market

Theater
Interested in theater? Ventura is home to the award-winning Rubicon Theatre, a professional theatre company featuring actors who operate in the entire Los Angeles area. Located in a gorgeous historic brick building, this theatre is an easy walk to Downtown but located out of the main bustle. For a more casual theatre experience, The Ventura Improv Company features fun, family-friendly showings every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and is located right in the heart of Downtown.

Music
If music is more your jam, be sure to check out what’s playing at local venue Majestic Ventura Theatre. Summer is an amazing time for music in Ventura, with Ventura Music Festival, Music Under the Stars, Tequila & Taco Music Festival, and The Roadshow Revival, a Johnny Cash tribute festival, all rolling out in our busiest months. For a more classical twist, The Gold Coast Concert Chorus features over 120 members and performs an eclectic mix of choral music.

If you know where to look, then you know that Ventura is home to a ton of artist, actors, chefs, and musicians. In fact, Ventura is bubbling with creative energy that is far different from the city’s sand-and-palm-tree-lined exterior. www.ArtsVentura.org is the leading online resource for arts and cultural information for the area. It offers the largest database of arts and cultural events, workshops, jobs, individual artists, organizations, venues, and more.

If learning about Ventura’s artistic underground has inspired you to move or vacation here, contact ReMax Gold Coast As the leading full-service Property Management firm in Ventura County, we represent some of the finest long term rental home as well as fantastic vacation rentals. Please call us at +1 (805) 832-4075 and allow our team of creative artists to take care of you.  

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By Kristina Brewer March 25, 2020
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By Kristina Brewer March 23, 2020
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