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
ALL SHOOK UP | April 18-May 4. Elvis meets “Twelfth Night” in this energetic musical about a young man who arrives in a conservative town in 1955 with his guitar and a repertoire of music that will turn the community on its head. Presented by Buena High School. $7-12. McConnell Auditorium, 5670 Telegraph Road, Ventura, bhsdramaboxoffice.org.
HANGMEN | Through May 12. Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy thriller about the “second best hangman” in the United Kingdom after the country abolishes execution by hanging. $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
OPENING ART
CAMARILLO ART CENTER | Wednesday, April 24, 1-3:30 p.m.: “Hello Friday” is the title of pastel artist Pamela Salem’s class. A 6×9 pouring a glass of red wine painting (sorry no actual wine included). All material will be supplied to go home with a completed painting ready to fit in an 8×10 frame. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members materials included. Her contact email is Pamelasplace@Mac.com. Please RSVP as space is limited. Through April 28: “April Springs.” Thursdays with Arline at 10 a.m., April 4-25. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, www.CamarilloArtCenter.org.
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 years or older 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. For submission guidelines, rules and more information, visit www.buenaventuraartassociation.org/blog/192881/baas-35th-open-competition-deadline-friday-april-19.
CAMARILLO ART CENTER | Ventura County artists are invited to submit work for the gallery’s juried art exhibit, “May I Have Your Attention?” Exhibit runs May 4-26. For more information contact Bonnie Mills candbmills@msn.com, or call 805-890-1034.
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 | Through May 3. Artists residing in Ventura County who are ages 60 and older are invited to submit work for an exhibition hosted by the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura County Arts Council and County of Ventura Arts and Culture. While there is no specific theme, artwork is encouraged that explores the sharing of experiences, traditions, customs, and stories across generations. Exhibition will open May 13. Online registration required by Sunday, April 28, 11:59 p.m. Deadline for submissions is May 3. For online registration and complete entry guidelines, visit www.vcartscouncil.org.
SHE | “She” is the story of a Victorian House in San Francisco and the four incredible women who live there in the 1960s, 1990s, 2002 and present-day. Performances May 24-June 16. For sides and more information, visit www.theelite.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 Ventura County Fair. Judging will be based on the creator’s ability to best depict the theme. Prizes include $1,000, $750, and $500 for first, second, and third places respectively. Submission guidelines and more information at venturacountyfair.org/fair/applications/commemorative-poster-contest/.
WOMEN IN JEOPARDY | April 21-22. Santa Paula Theater Center will hold auditions for this flirtatious comedy about two women who suspect that their friend’s new boyfriend is a murderer. Auditions on Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Monday, April 22, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. No appointments; cold readings from script. Non-equity; no pay. On stage June 21-July 21. Direct inquiries to Sarah Boughton at sarahjboughton@gmail.com. Callbacks April 23, 7-9 p.m. 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
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, 805-495-3715, 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.
CINDERELLA: ENCHANTED EDITION | Through April 27. The classic fairy tale 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.
CRAZY FOR YOU | Through May 5. This beloved romantic comedy 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. $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 New York City 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,” an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus 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 May 4: “Jon Keenan: Recent Ceramics.” 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.
FOX FINE JEWELRY | Through July 6. “Spirit of Place,” mixed media by Mary Neville and landscape paintings by Emily Thomas. 560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.
H GALLERY | 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.
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.
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.
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,” featuring laundry items from the museum’s historical collection dating from the 19th and early 20th century; “The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story,” a deep-dive into an 1877 incident involving land ownership, water rights, perjury, bribes and more; and “Proximity to Water.” Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, George Stuart Historical Figures® Collection, online exhibits and resources 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. 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” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docent-led tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. 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.” 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.
SPORE SPACE | Through May 19. “Walking in Water,” works by Hanieh Khatibi that explore the nature of time and movement. 221 E. Matilija St., Ojai, sporespace.net.
STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS | Through May 25. “Synesthesia: Exploring the Sensory,” 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.
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.
