Saturday, June 18, 2022, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., 100 E Main Street, Ventura. Free admission.
VENTURA COUNTY, CA – The Museum of Ventura County welcomes guests to a FREE opening reception, on June 18, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at its Main Street campus in Ventura. The Museum will debut three new exhibitions: All That Glitters Is Not Gold, Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors, and, Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak. Early arrivals are invited to enjoy a Bee’s Knees, Prohibition-era cocktail provided by Ventura Spirits (while supplies last). The Museum’s transformation leads visitors on a historical journey, from the 1920s as lived by residents of Ventura County, through 100 years of collected County artifacts displayed in eye-catching chromatic brilliance, to a celebration of Carol Rosenak’s artistic range. Museum guests can also view a new series of George Stuart historical figures.
Exhibition details: All That Glitters Is Not Gold— A peek into the fascinating history of the 1920s in Ventura County with all of its glitz and glamor contrasted with the repression and exclusion which was also present in the decade. Strolling through the stories of Prohibition, discovering tales of bootleggers and law enforcement as well as the lesser known tide of anti immigrant prejudice, all within the history of Ventura County. This exhibit is made possible in part by the generous support of the John Hammer Family, the Heritage Fund at VCCF, the Chrisman Estate Company, and the DeArkland Family, and additional support by Ventura Spirits.
Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak — Carol Rosenak was known for her still life paintings featuring exquisite textures and intricate details. After a stroke hindered her ability to portray those fine details, Rosenak paused her creative flow. Unable to resist any longer, she resumed creating, but with a new style. Spanning over 30 years, this exhibit highlights her early printmaking, still lifes, and the abstract style she adopted later in life. This exhibit is made possible in part by the generous support of the Bonita McFarland Endowment Fund.
Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors— For over 100 years, the Museum has collected and preserved objects from the community. These items symbolize some of the County’s history, culture, and art ranging from everyday items to rare and precious pieces. Guests are invited to discover this collection as a chromatic display in six bright and whimsical colors and ponder what colorful items represent their own life in Ventura County. This exhibit is made possible in part by the generous support of Told Foundation and Pierpont Racquet Club.
Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures – See the popular Historical Figures as never before. Now inviting guests to lean in, and view the tiniest details incorporated by Ojai artist, George Stuart, magnified for an up-close view. These details such as swords, embroidery, and miniature paintings show his exhaustive research into the lives of history’s prominent people. This exhibit showcases the breadth of his body of work featuring 11 exquisite figures across multiple series including Queen Elizabeth I, Duke d’Orleans, and Madam C.J. Walker. This exhibit is made possible in part by the Fred W. Smith Gallery Fund and additional support from Bethe and Tim Sullivan in memory of Rosemarie Magness.
About the Museum — The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands and the surrounding region through its collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications and its research library, and serves as a gathering place for the community. The Museum has two locations – the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, California (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California (805-525-3100). Both museums are open Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – venturamuseum.org.