by Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.
OPENING THEATER
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM | April 11-13. Meddlesome fairies wreak havoc on the love lives of hapless humans in this beloved romantic comedy from William Shakespeare. Presented by CSUCI’s Performing Arts Program. $5-25; free for CSUCI students. Malibu Hall, California State University, Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo, performingarts.csuci.edu/performances.htm.
CINDERELLA: ENCHANTED EDITION | April 17-27. The classic fairy tale about a mysterious woman and the prince who falls in love with her during one magical night is updated with a fresh perspective in this reimagined adaptation. Presented by Moorpark High School’s Theatre Department. $10-15. 4500 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark, gofan.co/app/school/CA18945?activity=Performing%20Arts.
LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL | April 12-14. This stage production of the Louisa May Alcott classic brings the lives of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March to brilliant and beautiful life through exquisite storytelling and evocative music. Part of the Broadway in Thousand Oaks series. $50-80. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
THE RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET | April 12-13. B-movie sci-fi meets the hits of the 1950s and 1960s in this zany rock opera based loosely on William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” presented by the talented students in the Nordhoff Theatre Arts. $5-10. Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai, nordhoffdrama.org.
OPENING ART
CAMARILLO ART CENTER | Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Gourd Workshop, in which participants will make a bird house. No experience necessary; all supplies provided. $20 cash. For more information email NYG745@gmail.com. Through April 28: “April Springs.” Thursdays with Arline at 10 a.m., April 4-25. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, www.CamarilloArtCenter.org.
FOX FINE JEWELRY | April 11-July 6. “Spirit of Place,” mixed media work by Mary Neville and landscape paintings by Emily Thomas. Reception on Saturday, April 13, 5-7 p.m. 560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.
H GALLERY | Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: “Graphic to Watercolor and Backlight Bullseye,” a painting workshop led by Joe Cibere. $60 BAA members; $85 nonmembers. Tuesdays: The Buenaventura Art Association has added a fourth location at H Gallery in Midtown Ventura, where BAA will host weekly Life Drawing Sessions every Tuesday. Each session is $20 and pre-registration is required. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura. More information on days, times, costs, etc., at baa.wildapricot.org/events.
KWAN FONG GALLERY | Through May 12. “Student Art Showcase and Competition,” a juried multimedia show open to California Lutheran University students of any major. Soiland Humanities Center, CLU, 120 Memorial Parkway, Thousand Oaks, blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong.
SPORE SPACE | April 14-May 19. “Walking in Water,” works by Hanieh Khatibi that explore the nature of time and movement. Opening reception on Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 221 E. Matilija St., Ojai, sporespace.net.
WILLIAM ROLLAND GALLERY OF FINE ART | Through May 11. “Common Differences,” the 2024 Senior Art Exhibit for 10 graduating California Lutheran University art students. While each work is distinct, they all reflect a shared desire to create art rooted in common human experience. William Rolland Stadium, CLU, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, rollandgallery.callutheran.edu.
AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS
BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION 35TH OPEN COMPETITION | Through April 19. A show for members and non-members juried by Chuck Kovacic. Artists must be 18+ and may submit up to three (3) works of art for consideration. Open to all professional and amateur artists in the United States. Deadline for entry is midnight on Friday, April 19. Show dates May 4-29. More info: www.buenaventuraartassociation.org/blog/192881/baas-35th-open-competition-deadline-friday-april-19.
DAB ART | Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2.
OLDER ADULT ARTISTS | May is Older Americans Month, and to celebrate the occasion, the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura County Arts Council and County of Ventura Arts and Culture will host an art exhibition of works created by the county’s older adults. The exhibit will be held in the Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery. It will open on May 13. For online registration and complete entry guidelines, visit www.vcartscouncil.org.
SHE | The story of a Victorian house in San Francisco and four incredible women who live there through the decades. Performances May 24-June 16. For sides and more information, visit www.theelite.org/auditions/.
SPAMALOT | April 11-12. The wacky stage musical based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” will be presented by Ojai ACT June 21-July 21. Appointments required; auditions take place in 30-minute blocks 6-10 p.m. For roles, audition guidelines and more information, visit ojaiact.org/auditions/.
VENTURA COUNTY FAIR 2024 COMMEMORATIVE POSTER CONTEST |Through April 30. The 2024 Commemorative Poster Contest theme is: FAIR-EVER YOUNG. Winning posters will artistically and colorfully communicate this theme and promote the fair. Prizes include $1,000, $750, and $500. Submission guidelines and more information at venturacountyfair.org/fair/applications/commemorative-poster-contest/.
ONGOING THEATER
A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER | Through April 21. A young man of modest means discovers that he’s eighth in line for an earldom, and hatches a plan to move up the line of succession. $20-22. Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 805-496-3715, conejoplayers.org.
A TRAIN | Through April 28. A hilarious and sometimes emotional journey about a mother learning to understand her son’s autism diagnosis and redefining her notions of happiness. Previews April 10-12. Opening night gala on Saturday, April 13. $30-79.50. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
CRAZY FOR YOU | Through May 5. This beloved romantic comedy about a rich boy from the city who falls for a small-town girl is set to an unforgettable score by George and Ira Gershwin. $25-30. High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High Street, Moorpark, 805-529-8700, www.HighStreetArtsCenter.com.
DEER | Through April 21. A dark comedy about a couple trying to rekindle their relationship in a remote cabin — and a run-in with a deer that throws a wrench into their plans. $20-25. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org.
IN THE HEIGHTS | Through May 5. The lives and loves of a Dominican-American community in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City during one unforgettable summer is told through music and vibrant storytelling. $22-33. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805-583-7900, www.simi-arts.org.
THE SHROUD | Through April 20. A scientist and sworn atheist questions his long-held beliefs and life’s choices when he joins a scientific team investigating the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. $15-24. The Elite, 2731 Victoria Ave., Oxnard, www.theelite.org.
ONGOING ART
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM | Through Oct. 6: “Ventura County, The Place We Call Home,” celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. “Pollination Investigation,” a set of 14 posters (in English and Spanish) detailing the many animals that serve as pollinators and their role in the natural world. Ongoing: “Farm to Market,” antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.
BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS | Through April 12: “Plein Air Painting in Ojai,” a five-day painting workshop led by Jennifer McChristian. Learn to interpret the landscape in terms of paint, using light and color to create form. $750. Through May 4: “Jon Keenan: Recent Ceramics.” Through March 30: “Ojai Studio Artists Salon,” featuring works by members of the Ojai Studio Artists group. 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com.
BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION GALLERY | Through April 27: “Blood Mandala,” with tribal-inspired oil paintings by Eva Montealegre, and “Returned to the Sea,”ocean-inspired pastel drawings by Carrie Bezler aka REY. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, 805-648-1235, BuenaventuraArtAssociation.org.
CANVAS AND PAPER | Through April 28. Paintings by Jean Metzinger. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, canvasandpaper.org.
CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM | Through May 6: “Nico Heyning: Wildlife Photography of the California Coast.” Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.
DAMA GALLERY | Through April 30. “Gocong,” works by the artist and former NFL linebacker Christopher Gocong that include both sports-related art and contemporary masterpieces. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, damagallery.com.
DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM | Ongoing. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-642-3345, dudleyhouse.org.
HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS | Through May 14: “Painting En Plein Air: Ventura County Harbors.” Ongoing: Art and artisan crafts created by resident BAA members. 559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts.
HILLCREST CENTER FOR THE ARTS GALLERIA | Through June 3. “A Moment in Time,” featuring works by Walter Cochran-Bond, Anette Power, Mickey Wasserman and others. Reception on Saturday, April 20, 3-5 p.m. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805-371-2747, conejoarts.org.
INDOEK GALLERY | Through May 12. “Life Lived” with black and white photography, in drawings, furniture and sculptures by renowned artist and Malibu surf legend Jim Ganzer. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Studio 30, Ventura, indoek.com.
MEXICAN CONSULATE GALLERY | Through May 10. “Árbol de la Vida,” curated by Rafael Perea de la Cabada and featuring six regional artists expressing their perspectives on womanhood, resilience and empowerment. 3151 W. Fifth St., Suite 100, Oxnard, www.theopac.org/mexican-consulate-gallery.
MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM | Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. “Muscles and Mojo” car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-487-4333, www.murphyautomuseum.org.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY | Through Sept. 15: “Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries,” the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte told through George Stuart Historical Figures®. Currently: “Spin Cycle: Unfolding the Science of Laundry”; “The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story”; and “Proximity to Water.” Ongoing: Exhibits devoted to the Chumash, local history, George Stuart Historical Figures® Collection and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
OJAI ART CENTER | Through May 1. “The Work of Christine Brennan” as well as functional pottery by Crystal Davis. Reception on Saturday, April 13, 1-3 p.m. 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-272-6436, www.ojaiartcenter.org.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM | Ongoing. Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Now open Friday-Sunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.
OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK | Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is open every Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy the beauty and history of the Adobe with an in-depth tour by a Docent or do a self -guided tour. View the World›s Oldest Fuchsia — over 100 years old! House tours offered every Sunday, 1-3 p.m. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe.
POPPIES ART AND GIFTS | Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-798-0033, www.poppiesartandgifts.com.
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM | Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” include docent-led tours, music and more. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org.
RANCHO SIMI RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITY CENTER (ATRIUM) | Through April 26. “People’s Choice Spring Art Show.” Reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, April 13, 2-4 p.m. 4201 Guardian St., Simi Valley, www.simivalleyart.org.
realART | Ongoing. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-4000, buyrealart.com.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM | Ongoing. Permanent exhibits include Air Force One, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, an M-1 Abrams tank and more. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800-410-8354, www.reaganfoundation.org.
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM | Through July 7: “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done,” six women artists who travel and paint together across the country will showcase over 70 new landscape paintings. Through May 5: “30 Under 30,” radically diverse work from California artists, all under the age of 30. Free family days on the first Sunday of the month. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
SPICETOPIA | Through May 2. SpiceTopia provides a feast for the senses with the smells and tastes of their own hand-mixed spices, condiments and teas, while Buenaventura Art Association artists provide a feast for the eyes! 576 E. Main St., Ventura, www.buenaventuraartassociation.org.
STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS | Through May 25. “Synesthesia: Exploring the Sensory,” are inspired by the symphony of colors, sights and sensations that synesthetes experience. Works made when the senses intertwine can help us gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of human perception. 2222 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.
UBS | Through April 29. “Potpourri,” a variety of works by local artists Kimberly Ney Bennett (Malibu), Bonnie Butler (Oxnard), Wendy Gordin (Camarillo), Sheri Jones (Simi Valley), Carol Roullard (Moorpark) and Roland Roy (Newbury Park). 3011 Townsgate Road, Third Floor, Westlake Village. More info at conejoarts.org.
VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY | Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805-644-6800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery.
VITA ART CENTER | Through April 6. “Cheatgrass Improvisation” (Karen Kitchel); “Menagerie, 2024” (Da Aie Park, Gywyn Murrill, Michelle Robinson and others); Marie Bose ceramics; “Emerging & Local” (Sarah Roberts). 28 W. Main St., Ventura, www.vitaartcenter.com.
