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By Anonymous — Monday, January 29th, 2018
An artistic exploration of Mother Nature untouched was nearly consumed by Mother Nature unleashed when the Thomas fire threatened the works of Ojai artist Lorraine Serena. Serena, whose work will appear in an upcoming exhibition at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), was evacuated from her Ojai home four times as she and CSUCI Art Lecturer Anette Kubitza put together the show. The studio where Serena works as well as her art pieces were at her home. “Each time Lorraine was evacuated, we didn’t know if the work would survive,” Kubitza said. Titled “Sanctuaries,” the exhibition will run from Feb. 19 to April 7 with a Feb. 22 opening in the John Spoor Broome Gallery. The reception will last from 5 to 7 p.m. with a talk from Serena about her work. Visit the John Spoor Broome Library for library hours. “For me, ‘Sanctuaries’ is about places of peace and solitude and comfort,” Serena said. “Landscapes, churches, temples. I was doing it as a contemplative thing.” Serena’s charcoal drawings are large, about 49 by 60 inches. The shrines are examples of Serena’s collage work. To Kubitza, “Sanctuaries” is a study of the multilayered relationship between human beings and their environment, which can be a source of peace and power. “Nature can evoke feelings of soul-nurturing retreat from social woes, yet recently, those gave way to feelings of awe and powerlessness as riverbeds flooded and fires roared,” Kubitza said. Serena received her bachelor’s and Master of Fine Arts at UC Santa Barbara and lived in Montecito for a time before moving to Ojai, so watching the fire sweep through the two counties she called home was heartbreaking for her. “I just got chills through my whole body at the mention of it,” Serena said. “It’s just horrifying.” Serena hopes “Sanctuaries” reminds guests of the softer side of nature. Serena began her career with a series of artistic collaborations at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. These installations involved more than 600 student artists. Later, Serena would go on to establish Women Beyond Borders (womenbeyondborders.org), which became her life’s work. The multi-year project involved sending more than 1,000 artists in 50 countries one small wooden box each, which they made into a piece of art, then returned to Serena. Among the artistic boxes are works from more than 10,000 children, 6,500 with disabilities. “We’re all isolated artists in our studios,” she said. “I’m very fond of collaboration. I don’t like to just walk alone as an artist. I like to walk with other artists.” Serena considers “Sanctuaries” and “Women Beyond Borders” both as examples of her overarching art form: building community. She is fond of quoting Japanese writer Ryunosuke Satoro, who said: “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” About California State University Channel Islands |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 17th, 2018
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor and Chair of the Environmental Science & Resource Management Program Sean Anderson, Ph.D., will speak about the short- and long-term effects of the Thomas Fire as part of the Ventura Land Trust’s (VLT) 2018 Environmental Speaker Series. The community lecture begins at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. in Ventura. The lecture is entitled “No Doubting Thomas: The Impacts, Management and World after 2017’s Ventura County Fires.” “I’ll be talking about the ecological impacts of the Thomas Fire we have seen to date and what we are likely to see in the coming months,” Anderson said. “In particular I’ll discuss the fire’s impact to our local wildlife: which animals perished, which animals survived, and how our ecosystem will be changed for the foreseeable future.” Anderson will discuss how wilderness areas react to wildfires, especially during this unprecedented climate change, as well as how the fire affected local ecosystems and wildlife. He will also talk about measures we can take to prevent erosion and flood damage in the future as well as encourage the return of native plants and animals. Anderson hopes the survey will help determine where to set up habitats to encourage the return of some species of plant or animal all but wiped out by the fire. Now in its third year, this is the first in this year’s environmental series, which the VLT hosts annually in order to educate the public about important environmental topics. A suggested donation of $10 per person will be collected at the door and will go toward restoration work at the VLT’s Big Rock Preserve. Space is limited and reservations are highly encouraged. RSVP at: www.venturalandtrust.org/events. About California State University Channel Islands |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 17th, 2018
Press release By John Hankins Wilderness Basics Course – class starts Feb. 7 The local Sierra Club’s annual Wilderness Basics Course promises adventure, friendships, confidence, beauty, weather, inspiration, knowledge, tasty food and hardy health. It’s all about the Club’s ethic of showing people the forests, open spaces, mountains and rivers in a safe and comfortable manner, and you don’t have to be a member. Now in its 9th year, the program runs from Feb. 7 to March 28 with conditioning hikes, car camp and backpacks in prime locations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The course is geared to a wide variety of experiences, ranging from novice to knowledgeable, out-of-shape to out-of- sight. It’s for everybody, from teens to seniors, singles, couples and family members. Last year’s classes had a Camarillo woman sign up with her daughter, a Santa Barbara student, a hiker who “wants to take it to another level,” an empty-nest couple, retirees, man who wanted to follow his backpacking son, another who “wants to get to know the area,” and many who cited simply getting outside in the fresh air. Classes are Wednesday nights at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura. Outings are during weekends. Co-founder of the Los Padres Chapter’s WBC, Teresa Norris, took the club’s course in San Diego, and became so enthusiastic she went on to become a leader, and when she moved to Ventura County in 2004, she volunteered to help create the popular class here. “Taking WBC helped me update my gear and lighten my load. When I did that, my trips became more enjoyable and I could hike faster too,” she said, and perhaps most important, “I made some of the best friends of my life.” But before she took a WBC course, “I carried an extra pair of blue jeans and 6 liters of water on one trip where I wasn't sure about finding water. I could hardly lift my pack, just like Cheryl Strayed in ‘Wild’.” WBC graduate Kristi KirkPatrick said, “It was inspirational, challenging, and so much fun to hang out with this wonderful group of people.” Course content Chair Alisse Fisher emphasized that all WBC hike leaders are trained in first aid and have knowledge of the flora and fauna; the speakers are experts in gear, safety, food, fitness and the new outdoor book has the latest information. Also, course handouts are online for those who may have missed a class or want to refresh. Last word is from club leader Nina Danza, who posted of “a great work-out today on the trail. Just what I needed. Need to repeat much more frequently. Can I retire yet?” Early bird prices are available until Jan. 24 and the funds are used to cover expenses. Last year some extra funds were donated to the nine Search and Rescue teams in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. All the detail you need or to sign up is at: http://www.lospadreswbc.org |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 17th, 2018
The Finnish people drink more coffee per capita than any other people in the world. Finland holds world championships for mosquito catching. Finland has a 100 percent literacy rate. And on Finland’s “National Sleepyhead Day,” the last person in the household to wake up is thrown in the water. These are just a few fun facts about Finland, a small but mighty country that celebrated 100 years of independence on Dec. 6, 2017. In honor of this milestone, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is hosting an exhibition in the Broome Gallery called “History and Mystery: Finland at 100.” Facilitated by Professor of Art and Broome Library Coordinator Irina D. Costache and curated by Professor of Art Liz King, the exhibit contains a wide variety of Finnish literature and artifacts owned by Finnish native Tiina Itkonen, Associate Professor of Education & Political Science. Itkonen wanted to share her culture with her adopted country, so she came up with the idea of the centenary exhibition. “For me, it was a cultural and emotional thing to have my country turning 100,” Itkonen said. “It’s a huge sense of pride especially for outer Fins, who are Fins who have been abroad for a long time. We’ve had events like this around the world.” An opening reception will be held on Jan.25 at 5 p.m. in the Broome Gallery, which is on the second floor of the John Spoor Broome Library. The exhibition will run through Feb. 12. CSUCI Provost Geoff Chase, who was a Fulbright Scholar in Turku, Finland, will give a welcome address followed by words from the Finnish Consul General Stefan Lindström. Finnish music played at the reception will be to underscore the world-renowned Sebelius Academy in Helsinki, which trains some of the finest conductors and musicians in the world. It is named for Finnish composer and violinist Jean Sibelius, often credited with giving Finland a sense of national identity during its struggle for independence from Russia with his composition “Finlandia.” Also on display will be Finnish pottery, musical instruments, metal ware, photos of architecture and Marimekko fabric, known for its environmentally safe production process, and innovative designs. “As a designer and an artist, I find Finnish design inspiring and amazing in its simplicity,” King said. “The Marimekko fabric has clean, simple and colorful designs. A lot of great architects and designers come from Finland.” King thinks putting a spotlight on a country that straddles Russia and European Union gives CSUCI students and the public a chance to see how the impact this small country has had on American culture. “A lot of everyday items are made by Finnish people,” King said. “They developed Nokia cell phones, Angry Birds, and Fiskar scissors, which you may have in your kitchen.” Itknonen said she is perhaps most proud of Finland’s educational system, in which teaching is a well-paid and sought-after profession and yields a country with a literacy rate of 100%, a testament to the power of investing in people. About California State University Channel Islands |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 20th, 2017
Biomythography: Currency Exchange This exhibition investigates multiple forms of currency and the ways in which they are encoded in today’s culture. Contemporary artists from Costa Rica, Southern California and elsewhere use multimedia to draw attention to and understand the idea of cultural currency. Admission is free. The gallery, located in William Rolland Stadium, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For information, contact curator Rachel T. Schmid at 805-493-3697 or rollandgallery@callutheran.edu or visit CalLutheran.edu/rolland. Convergencia / Convergence Curated by prolific representational artist Hernán Miranda, this exhibition features work by contemporary Paraguayans. Although several of the artists live abroad in Germany, Argentina, France and the United States, all the works are influenced by their mother country. Media include oil, acrylic, charcoal and graphite, and sculptures in bronze and glass, for “a convergence of different languages” in art coming from Paraguay, Miranda explains. Artists include Gustavo Beckelmann, Osvaldo Camperchioli, Maite Casablanca, Esperanza Gill, Jorge Codas, Michael Oliver, Sila Estigarribia, Hernán Miranda, Roberto Morelli, Corina Paredes, Liliana Segovia, Felix Toranzos, Jorge Von Horoch and Gabriel Brizuela. Admission is free. The Kwan Fong Gallery, located in Soiland Humanities Center, is open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information, contact curator Rachel T. Schmid at (805) 493-3697 or visit CalLutheran.edu/kwanfong. History Lecture Series: Collapse Given that no civilization lasts forever, how can we identify moments in history when a society, as it had been known for generations, ended? Over six lectures, Cal Lutheran history professors will explore the collapse of Ancient Egypt, the Persian Empire, the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire, as well as the Black Death and the end of the European order. At this talk, David Nelson will discuss the civilizational collapse of 226 CE. Cal Lutheran and the Thousand Oaks Library are sponsoring the free event. The Grant R. Brimhall Library is located at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information, contact Cindy Keitel at ckeitel@callutheran.edu. Lunchtime Organ Recital Series Admission is free. For information, call Campus Ministry at 805-493-3228 or visit CalLutheran.edu/music. Biomythography: Un-Panel Workshop Cypis is an Israeli-born visual artist and innovative professional mediator. Her work explores themes of history, identity and social relations and has been presented in diverse cultural contexts in the United States and internationally. She is a founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders International and the co-founder and educator of the North East Youth Council. She earned a Master of Fine Arts from California Institute for the Arts and a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University. In 2014, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Rauschenberg Foundation Residency. Tempo is an associate professor of painting at Otis College of Art and Design who is known for her labor-intensive paintings and site-specific pieces. Her work utilizes urban tropes such as trash, graffiti and cardboard used by the homeless to create shelter. It has been shown extensively in Southern California as well as in India, Spain, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Israel and Central America. Tempo holds an MFA from the Claremont Graduate University. Admission is free, but space is limited. RSVP by Jan. 10 to rollandgallery@callutheran.edu. For information, contact curator Rachel T. Schmid at 805-493-3697 or International Film Festival The documentary is written and directed by Joe Medeiros, who is considered the leading authority on the theft of the masterpiece, and co-produced with Justine Mestichelli Medeiros. The husband and wife, who live in the Conejo Valley, will be present for a Q&A following the screening. Cal Lutheran’s Department of Languages and Cultures is sponsoring the free event. This selection in Cal Lutheran’s fifth annual International Film Festival is shown primarily in English with some subtitles. The theater is located at 166 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks. For information, contact Brittany Corbucci at 805-796-4555 or bcorbucci@callutheran.edu. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, November 20th, 2017
William Shakespeare, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Ursula Wood are among the British poets who will be celebrated during the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Choir winter concert entitled: “The Poet Sings: Songs and Poetry of the British Isles.” Concerts are Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in Malibu Hall on the CSUCI campus and again Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church at 1251 Las Posas Rd. in Camarillo. Performances are free, but donations are appreciated. The performance will interweave poetry readings and musical selections from the Medieval era to the 20th Century. “Words alone are expressive, but combined with music goes to a much deeper level,” said CSUCI Choir director KuanFen Liu, who holds a doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA). Musical selections will include carols, madrigals and folksongs such as the "There is No Rose", "In the Bleak Midwinter", “The Blue Bird” and a special composition of “Three Shakespeare Songs” by R. Vaughan Williams, an English composer born in 1872. “Some poems and songs are more cheerful, some are witty, some are darker,” Liu said. Included in the performance is “Three Madrigals” by composer/performance artist Emma Lou Diemer, Professor Emeritus at UC Santa Barbara, and original poems from CSUCI students. By bringing music and poetry together, Liu hopes the program helps the audience gain a deeper appreciation and understanding beyond what each art form offers on its own. The CSUCI Choir, about 55 strong, is comprised of students, alumni and members of the community and auditions are held prior to the beginning of each semester. The choir meets weekly as a class as part of the University’s Performing Arts program. It offers participants exposure to a wide range of musical genres and periods, as well as the opportunity to perform publicly on campus and throughout Ventura County. For more information, contact Molly Pei, 805-218-2042 or visit the CICA website at www.cicachoir.org. Donations made at each performance help support the choir and its sponsor, Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA), a 501(c) (3) organization that serves Ventura County and brings choral music education and performance to the local schools and community. Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CSUCI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org. About California State University Channel Islands |
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By Letitia Grimes and Myrna Cambianica — Monday, November 6th, 2017
The Ojai Photo Club will host a presentation by Donna Granata, Founder and Executive Director of the Ventura based Focus on the Masters (FOTM), a highly respected non-profit educational program documenting contemporary artists. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 14th, at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana Rd., Ojai CA. Focus on the Masters is recognized as one of the leading arts organizations in California. Founded in 1994, the goal of Focus on the Masters is to demonstrate the importance of the arts to society. Granata will present an in-depth look at her creative process in achieving this goal; including highlights and a behind the scenes look into the documentation process for the FOTM Portrait Series. Featuring portrait studies and biographies of master artists, the series is ongoing, with new artists added each year. She says, “The FOTM archive is a treasure-trove of unique recordings of oral histories and video-taped interviews, each one tracing the professional and personal arcs of an artist’s life.” Selected works from the FOTM portrait series are housed in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archive of American Artists and in the photographic Collection of the George Eastman House, Rochester, New York, as well as other public institutions. In her presentation Granata will share the latest developments for FOTM. Recently she completed a Master’s Degree in Arts Journalism from USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism and is putting the new practices to good use. She is enthusiastic about the possibilities of the new technology, and comments, “Harnessing today’s technology to time-tested research means that Focus on the Masters can communicate the importance of the creative spirit to audiences well beyond our geographical boundaries.” An accomplished artist in her own right, Granata is an internationally published and award-winning painter turned photographer. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Honorary Master of Science Degree from the Brooks Institute of Photography where she was an adjunct professor. Focus on the Masters has been the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of its outstanding contributions to arts education, including the 2005 inaugural Ventura Mayor’s Art Award – Arts Educator and the 2007 Ventura County Arts Council Art Star Award. Granata received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts in 2012 from the City of Ojai. For more information on this outstanding photographer and her award-winning arts organization, go to http://www.focusonthemasters.com Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend. The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for critique. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com/ |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 25th, 2017
60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks
Art in a Time of Reformation: Works from the Rodolfo Sanzana Collection To coincide with the 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, this exhibit includes art based on the Reformation from the collection of Chilean-born collector Rodolfo Sanzana. The paintings, sculptures and other works tell a story of life and art during the period before, during and after Martin Luther nailed his famed 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517. Included are works produced by the workshops or followers of Lucas Cranach, Rogier van der Weyden, Hendrick van Cleve II, Abraham Bioemaert and Sebastian Vrancx. Admission is free. The gallery, located in William Rolland Stadium, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit RollandGallery.CalLutheran.edu, email rollandgallery@callutheran.edu or call 805-493-3697. The Tract Project The invention of the printing press and moveable type completely revolutionized the dissemination of information in the 16th century and allowed Martin Luther’s ideas to be widely communicated through printed propaganda. In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, the gallery is presenting this exhibit by Lisa Anne Auerbach that celebrates the life and power of paper pamphlets, leaflets and tracts. The Tract House was founded in 2008 as a spread-the-word project inspired by the distribution model and graphic quality of religious tracts and first displayed at the Contemporary Museum in Baltimore. While most popular tracts are religious, The Tract House tracts can also be manifestos, diatribes, stories, rants, poems or lyrics. Visitors can take any tracts they find of interest. Admission is free. The gallery, located in William Rolland Stadium, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit RollandGallery.CalLutheran.edu, email rollandgallery@callutheran.edu or call 805-493-3697. Vulnerability inVisibility In this show, photographer Mary Fashbaugh explores the senses in human interactions, their limitations and our expectations of them. Her portraits of people are out of focus and abstract, except for details revealed beneath glass domes spelling out the sitter’s name in Braille. “I am attracted to Braille for its visual and physical presence,” explains Fashbaugh. “It is a language that few learn to read unless necessary. It is frequently passed up on elevators and in public restrooms, blending in to its surface, visible only to those who seek it. It is the only language which requires direct contact with the external world. The usage of this language in my art works as a reference to material connection and the significance of bodily presence.” Admission is free. The Kwan Fong Gallery, located in Soiland Humanities Center, is open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, contact curator Rachel T. Schmid at 805-493-3697 or visit CalLutheran.edu/kwanfong. History Lecture Series: Collapse Given that no civilization lasts forever, how can we identify moments in history when a society, as it had been known for generations, ended? Over six lectures – three in fall and three in spring – Cal Lutheran history professors will explore the collapse of Ancient Egypt, the Persian Empire, the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire, as well as the Black Death and the end of the European order. During “Sea People Invade Egypt” on Nov. 1, Michaela Reaves will kick off the series with a discussion of the invasions of Egypt beginning in 2000 BCE that led to its collapse in 1177 BCE. On Dec. 6, in “Collapse of the Persian Empire,” Paul Hanson will discuss the lead-up to the events of 323 BCE. On Jan. 10, David Nelson will conclude the fall series with a talk on the civilizational collapse of 226 CE in “The Han Dynasty Collapses.” Cal Lutheran and the Thousand Oaks Library are sponsoring the free events. The Grant R. Brimhall Library is located at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For more information, contact Cindy Keitel at ckeitel@callutheran.edu. Lutherans in the Holy Land How do Palestinian Christians live out their faith living in the Holy Land? The Rev. Mitri Raheb, president of the Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, will introduce us to the Lutheran church in the Holy Land, teach about challenges facing Palestinian Christians, and provide a glimpse into the work of contributing to peace and reconciliation in the region. Born in Bethlehem, Raheb holds a doctorate in theology from the Philipps University at Marburg, Germany. He is the author of many articles and 16 books, which so far have been translated into 11 languages. A social entrepreneur, Raheb has founded a number of NGOs. The event is free. For more information contact Marisa Post at mpost@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3589. Faculty Recital Newly appointed assistant professor of music and director of string studies Yoshika Masuda will present a program consisting of music spanning three centuries. Masuda has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Japan, China, Australia, Mexico, Western Europe and the United States. He has won national competitions in Japan, Australia and the U.S. Donations will be accepted. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-493-3306 or visit CalLutheran.edu/music. “The Suppressed Luther: The Meaning of his Biblical Critique of Capitalism for Today’s Crises” Martin Luther's critique of early capitalism is absent in the many occasions of commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation — in Germany and in the United States. This is strange because it is crucial for Luther's understanding of God, the human being, and of society in his context — but also of the Gospel. Today's context cries out for careful consideration of this issue. As we try to understand the interrelationship of the three contexts — antiquity, early modernity and today—we see that each of these contexts represents a specific phase of the development of money, influencing not only the economy but the whole of civilization, including patterns of thinking and feeling. Luther's clarity on this point can help Christian churches reconsider theology for contemporary predicaments brought about by capital-driven civilization. Ulrich Duchrow is a professor of systematic theology at the University of Heidelberg, the oldest university in Germany. He has written numerous books and articles on ecumenical theology, focusing on Christianity in the context of globalization. As an internationally respected theologian, he brings into discussion how Martin Luther and Lutheran theology can serve as a resource for radical critique of global economics and culture, particularly in the role faith communities play in social justice. Admission is free. For more information, contact Sam Thomas at sthomas@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3693. “Cymbeline” Shakespeare’s fairy-tale play, Cymbeline, written toward the end of his career, presents a world turned upside down by questions of love and betrayal. The classification-defying play is filled with kings, queens, lower-class clowns, physical humor, cross-dressing women and men, poisons, sword fights, dastardly villains and deaths. Featuring an original score by composer Christopher Hoag, the production has something for everyone to enjoy. Lunchtime Organ Recital Series Adjunct faculty member Joseph Peeples showcases the 2,109-pipe Borg Petersen Memorial Organ in 30-minute recitals on the second Friday of each month. He will play varied works for all audiences. Attendees are encouraged to bring lunch. Admission is free. For more information, call Campus Ministry at 805-493-3228 or visit CalLutheran.edu/music. Areté Vocal Ensemble Areté returns to the stage for its ninth season, which could be the most interesting and eclectic yet. The program is the first of a two-part tribute to the great American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein at the 100th anniversary of his birth. With uncompromising attention to musical detail and a passion for live performance, Areté provides a joyful, moving, educational and soul-nurturing experience. Wyant Morton conducts. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 if purchased online in advance. Students with ID are $10. For information or to purchase tickets, visit aretevocalensemble.org. World War I and America Oral Histories Reception A history professor at Tennessee Tech University, Birdwell has studied the life of Sgt. Alvin C. York for more than a quarter century, working directly with descendants of the very highly decorated soldier. He is curator of the York papers in Pall Mall, Tennessee. Cal Lutheran’s History Department, Pearson Library and Office of Veteran Resources are sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Michaela Reaves at reaves@callutheran.edu. Entrepreneur Speaker Series Ginger Zumaeta, CEO of Zumaeta Group, will share her entrepreneurial journey. The evening begins with networking at 6 p.m. and the main speaker starts at 6:45 p.m. The Entrepreneur Speaker Series is a monthly event that provides an opportunity for networking and learning from experienced entrepreneurs. Admission is free, but registration is required as seating is limited. For more information, contact Susan Wood at som@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3091. International Education Week • World Fair • International Chapel Service Cal Lutheran’s International Student Services and Multicultural Programs Office is sponsoring the free events. For more information, contact Linda Boberg at 805-493-3323 or lboberg@callutheran.edu. Biomythography: Currency Exchange This exhibition investigates multiple forms of currency and the ways in which they are encoded in today’s culture. Contemporary artists from Costa Rica, Southern California and elsewhere use multimedia to draw attention to and understand the idea of cultural currency. Admission is free. The gallery, located in William Rolland Stadium, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact curator Rachel T. Schmid at 805-493-3697 or rollandgallery@CalLutheran.edu or visit CalLutheran.edu/rolland. Convergencia / Convergencia Curated by prolific representational artist Hernán Miranda, this exhibition features work by contemporary Paraguayans. Although several of the artists live abroad in Germany, Argentina, France and the United States, all the works are influenced by their mother country. Media include oil, acrylic, charcoal and graphite, and sculptures in bronze and glass, for “a convergence of different languages” in art coming from Paraguay, Miranda explains. Artists include Gustavo Beckelmann, Osvaldo Camperchioli, Maite Casablanca, Esperanza Gill, Jorge Codas, Michael Oliver, Sila Estigarribia, Hernán Miranda, Roberto Morelli, Corina Paredes, Liliana Segovia, Felix Toranzos, Ing. Jorge Von Horoch and Gabriel Brizuela. Faculty Recital Clarinetist and adjunct faculty Micah Wright will be joined by pianist Jason Lo and organist Thomas Mellan for an evening of clarinet concertos and showpieces. The concert will feature works by Debussy, Lovreglio, Bernstein, Copland and Weber. Wright performs in solo, chamber, studio and orchestral settings in the Los Angeles area. He also maintains a private studio and teaches clinics and masterclasses throughout the Southwest as a clinician for D’Addario Woodwinds. Currently, he is performing with two award-winning ensembles in Los Angeles. The Aristeia Trio is a newly-formed group with cellist Annie-Jacobs-Perkins and pianist Vijay Venkatesh. Together, they had their radio and concert tour debut in 2016 as winners of the Frances Walton Competition. The Kaleidoscope Trio is an eclectic ensemble with violinist Mann-Wen Lo and guitarist Adam Borecki that performs in many musical styles including classical, jazz, pop and klezmer for special events throughout the Los Angeles area. Wright has received many national and international musical honors throughout his career, most recently earning Second Prize at the 2017 Backun International Clarinet Competition and Honorable Mention at the 2017 William C. Byrd International Young Artists Competition. He won the 2016 Frances Walton Competition and the 2016 MTNA California Young Artist Woodwind Competition. He has performed as a concerto soloist with several ensembles including Rice University’s Shepherd School Symphony, Drake University’s Symphony Orchestra, the Masterworks Festival Orchestra, the Meyer Chamber Orchestra, the Des Moines Metro Concert Band and the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, contact Nita Sinaga at dsinaga@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3305. Conejo Valley 41st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Cal Lutheran is proud to host this 41st annual interfaith Thanksgiving service with members of different communities in the Conejo Valley. Come celebrate with songs and words of inspiration, and give thanks for the richness of our lives and friendships. |
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By Letitia Grimes — Wednesday, October 11th, 2017
The Ojai Photography Club will feature photographer Joshua Curry as its guest presenter for October. The free event, “Defining Your Style,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2017, in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai, CA. Curry is a full time professional photographer working in the fields of editorial and commercial photography. Developing an individual style can be a challenge when assignments and clients demand many different subjects. His photographs include architectural interiors and exteriors, people on location, portraits, food, landscapes and seascapes. Working with art directors, editors and professional models, he creates images for advertising layouts, magazine covers, and newspaper and magazine articles. A lively and engaging speaker, Curry will share his ten years of experience in forming his own style and present ways that visitors can analyze and define theirs. Style, he says, is about “what strikes us as an individual; why we like a particular image. It could be the lighting, composition, the type of camera lenses, or the subject matter.” In commercial work, his style is never static, and he has to be aware of emerging trends; so defining and redefining his style has been the norm. Recently he has been reviewing his past photographs and looking for the consistencies that identify his individual approach. This is a project he recommends for photographers interested in learning more about their style. After graduating from Brooks Institute in 2005, Curry immediately began working in the professional world as staff photographer for Wrightsville Beach Magazine in North Carolina. He soon realized the need to be adaptable because his work required shooting so many different subjects and locations. Using this opportunity to hone his skills, he quickly learned that simply capturing the image is a small part of the life of a photographer. Curry now lives in Carpinteria with his family and loves it there, especially since both he and his son enjoy surfing. His photography has appeared in Carpinteria Magazine, Food and Home Magazine, Edible Santa Barbara, and the Wall Street Journal. He says, “I am a coastal person, and will certainly be seen up and down the coast during winter as swells wash along the California shoreline.” For more information on Curry’s photography, go to: www.joshuacurryphoto.com Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend. The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for critique. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com/ |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, September 26th, 2017
California Lutheran University Art in a Time of Reformation: Works from the Rodolfo Sanzana Collection To coincide with the 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, this exhibit includes art based on the Reformation from the collection of Chilean-born collector Rodolfo Sanzana. The paintings, sculptures and other works tell a story of life and art during the period before, during and after Martin Luther nailed his famed 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517. Included are works produced by the workshops or followers of Lucas Cranach, Rogier van der Weyden, Hendrick van Cleve II, Abraham Bioemaert and Sebastian Vrancx. Admission is free. The gallery, located in William Rolland Stadium, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit RollandGallery.CalLutheran.edu, email rollandgallery@callutheran.edu or call 805-493-3697. The Tract Project The invention of the printing press and moveable type completely revolutionized the dissemination of information in the 16th century and allowed Martin Luther’s ideas to be widely communicated through printed propaganda. In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, the gallery is presenting this exhibit by Lisa Anne Auerbach that celebrates the life and power of paper pamphlets, leaflets and tracts. The Tract House was founded in 2008 as a spread-the-word project inspired by the distribution model and graphic quality of religious tracts and first displayed at the Contemporary Museum in Baltimore. While most popular tracts are religious, The Tract House tracts can also be manifestos, diatribes, stories, rants, poems or lyrics. Visitors can take any tracts they find of interest. Admission is free. The gallery, located in William Rolland Stadium, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit RollandGallery.CalLutheran.edu, email rollandgallery@callutheran.edu or call 805-493-3697. Art History Presentation In this illustrated presentation, renowned art historian Frances K. Pohl investigates several paintings by Winslow Homer that attempt to represent the complex roles of African-Americans during the Civil War. Pohl holds the Dr. Mary Ann Vanderzyl Reynolds Professorship in the Humanities and is a professor and chair of art history at Pomona College. Her interests include art and politics in the 20th century United States and feminist art. Her major textbook, “Framing America: A Social History of American Art,” integrates her continental approach to American art with coverage of New France, New Spain and New England. She also has examined the work of U.S. artists who have traveled to Mexico and Mexican artists who have worked in the U.S. Admission is free. Cal Lutheran’s Multicultural Programs and Campus Diversity Initiative provided a grant for the event. The university’s Art History Program, History Department and Sarah W. Heath Center for Equality and Justice and sponsoring the event in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks Library and the Thousand Oaks Reads, One City One Book program. For more information, contact Christine Sellin at csellin@callutheran.edu. Current Trends and Challenges in Hospitality and Tourism Cal Lutheran’s School of Management will present a panel discussion on current trends and challenges in the hospitality and tourism industry as the first event in the Executive Hospitality Management Series. The panelists will be Rudi Schreiner, founder and president of AmaWaterways; Alycia Harshfield, executive director of the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; and Tom Holt, founder and CEO of Urbane Café. Udo Schlentrich, professor emeritus at the University of New Hampshire, will moderate. Appetizers will be served. Admission is free but reservations are required. For more information, contact Jewel Soiland at csoiland@callutheran.edu or visit callutheran.edu. Vulnerability inVisibility In this show, photographer Mary Fashbaugh explores the senses in human interactions, their limitations and our expectations of them. Her portraits of people are out of focus and abstract, except for details revealed beneath glass domes spelling out the sitter’s name in Braille. “I am attracted to Braille for its visual and physical presence,” explains Fashbaugh. “It is a language that few learn to read unless necessary. It is frequently passed up on elevators and in public restrooms, blending in to its surface, visible only to those who seek it. It is the only language which requires direct contact with the external world. The usage of this language in my art works as a reference to material connection and the significance of bodily presence.” Admission is free. The Kwan Fong Gallery, located in Soiland Humanities Center, is open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, contact curator Rachel T. Schmid at 805-493-3697 or visit CalLutheran.edu/kwanfong. Bring Your Own Brain (BYOB) BYOB is an all-day event seeking solutions to challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. Following a discussion by panelists with autism spectrum disorder about these challenges, participants will break into teams to design solutions, or hacks, to address them. The day concludes with voting on the most innovative or creative solution, with a cash award presented to the winner. Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education is sponsoring the free event. Registration is required by Oct. 4. For more information or to register, contact Melissa Spence at 805-493-3087 or mspence@callutheran.edu. International Film Festival “The Grandmaster” is a 2013 drama from Hong Kong based on the life story of the Wing Chun martial arts grandmaster Ip Man, who trained Bruce Lee. The film was directed and written by Wong Kar-wai and stars Tony Leung and Ziyi Zhang. The 130-minute film is in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese with English subtitles. It is rated PG-13 for violence, some smoking, brief drug use and language. AMC Dine-In Thousand Oaks 14 (formerly Muvico) is located at 166 W. Hillcrest Drive. Arrive 30 minutes before the screening time to secure a seat. Cal Lutheran’s Department of Languages and Cultures is sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Debby Chang at ddchang@callutheran.edu. World War I and America World War I and America is a two-year Library of America initiative bringing together the voices of veterans, families and others to explore the relevance of the war a century later. Cal Lutheran’s participation includes classroom oral histories from the families of World War I veterans, public readings and discussions, and a public lecture by World War I expert Michael Birdwell. A history professor at Tennessee Tech University, Birdwell has studied the life of Sgt. Alvin C. York for more than a quarter century, working directly with descendants of the very highly decorated soldier. He is curator of the York papers in Pall Mall, Tennessee. Admission is free. For more information, contact Michaela Reaves at reaves@callutheran.edu. Founders Day Convocation Each fall the university community, alumni and friends celebrate the founding of Cal Lutheran at this festive gathering. This year’s theme is “Reforming the Heart, Reforming the World.” The program includes the formal installation and blessing of university governing bodies and student government and the presentation of the Christus Award, which recognizes significant individual contributions to strengthening the bridge between the church and the university, or to higher education in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This year’s award recipient is the Rev. Frank Nausin. The former Thousand Oaks resident is a 1970 graduate of Cal Lutheran and 1974 graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, longtime pastor to congregations in Arizona and California, former chair of Cal Lutheran’s Convocation and current member of the Board of Regents. Cal Lutheran’s Division of Mission and Identity is sponsoring the free event. The Founders Day Convocation will be streamed at CalLutheran.edu/live. For more information, contact Marisa Post at 805-493-3589 or mpost@callutheran.edu. William Rolland Art Center Dedication The new $8 million William Rolland Art Center brings all of the art classrooms and faculty offices under the same roof for the first time. They had been scattered among three of the campus’ oldest buildings, two of which will be torn down. The new two-story, 20,000-square-foot building also houses the Multimedia Department. The art center has drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture and watercolor/design studios along with lecture classrooms, a screening room, and computer, multimedia and editing labs. Filled with light, the building features high ceilings with exposed beams and ducts and many environmentally friendly features. For more information, call 805-493-3100. Lunchtime Organ Recital Series Adjunct faculty member Joseph Peeples will showcase the 2,109-pipe Borg Petersen Memorial Organ in 30-minute recitals on the second Friday of each month. He will perform varied works for all audiences. Attendees are encouraged to bring lunch. Admission is free. For more information, call Campus Ministry at 805-493-3228 or visit CalLutheran.edu/music. Founders Day Concert The University String Symphony and Wind Ensemble will celebrate homecoming in this annual concert. The symphony, under the direction of new faculty member Yoshika Masuda, will perform masterworks from the orchestral repertoire. The wind ensemble, directed by Michael Hart, will close the concert with a mix of traditional favorites and works by contemporary composers. Donations will be accepted at the free concert. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-493-3306 or visit CalLutheran.edu. 6th Annual Loop da Lu Family 5K The 6th Annual Loop da Lu Run/Walk will feature a new and improved course and provide lots of fun for the entire family. Participants who sign up before Oct. 1 will receive a shirt and be entered into a raffle for gift cards and Cal Lutheran swag. After the race, participants can enjoy Pancakes in the Park featuring freshly made blueberry hotcakes, sausage links and brewed Starbucks coffee for free. Non-participants can get breakfast for $7 for adults and $3 for kids. Registration for adults is $40 until Oct. 1 and $50 on race day. The cost is $10 for children 12 and younger. For more information, go to CalLutheran.edu or contact Jana Weber at alumni@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3170. 14th Annual Student Research Symposium Cal Lutheran celebrates the scholarly work of top undergraduates at this annual event. Their original findings, the product of full-time research under faculty mentors, are often presented at professional conferences and accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Funding for more than two dozen projects has been provided by Swenson Science Summer Research Fellowships, Darling Summer Research Fellowships for Applied Scientific Computing, John Stauffer Research Fellowships in the Chemical Sciences, the Jung Summer Research Fellowship for Biological Science, the Overton Summer Research Program in Economics, and Cal Lutheran’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships. Disciplines include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, communication, computer science, economics, exercise science, mathematics, music, physics and psychology. Cal Lutheran’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship is sponsoring the free event. For more information, call 805-493-3796, email OURCS@callutheran.edu or visit CalLutheran.edu/OURCS. Homecoming Concert The Cal Lutheran Choir and Women’s Chorale open the season with one of their hallmark concerts, featuring exciting and innovative choral music. Wyant Morton will conduct. Martin Luther and Judaism In working to foster respect and dialogue between people of many religious traditions, what should we do with the knowledge that, late in life, the reformer Martin Luther urged rulers to destroy synagogues, burn books and deny safe passage to Jews? The Rev. R. Guy Erwin, bishop of the Southwest California Synod and a former Cal Lutheran faculty member, discusses why Luther’s anti-Jewish statements have been repudiated by churches including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and how diverse communities can learn from and support one another in the face of misunderstanding and hostility. Following the lecture, a panel of respondents will offer insights on dismantling stereotypes and honoring our neighbors’ faiths. Erwin earned his bachelor’s degree at Harvard University and two master’s degrees and a doctorate at Yale University, gaining expertise in Luther’s life, teachings and legacy. He engaged in seminary studies at Yale Divinity School and the universities of Tubingen and Leipzig in Germany. Cal Lutheran’s Division of Mission and Identity is sponsoring the free event in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For more information, contact Marisa Post at 805-493-3589 or mpost@callutheran.edu. Thousand Oaks Reads, One City One Book Cal Lutheran faculty members discuss the diverse themes of the Thousand Oaks Library’s One City One Book selection, “News of the World” by Paulette Jiles. The National Book Award Finalist for fiction tells the story of Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd, who travels Texas in 1870 giving live readings to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. Copies of the novel are available at both library branches. Theatre Arts Student Black Box Students have created an evening of original performance pieces based around a single theme. The pieces include plays and spoken word or visually oriented performances. Student-choreographed dance pieces selected for the American College Dance Festival in January will be included. Cal Lutheran’s Theatre Arts Department is sponsoring the free performance. For more information, call 805-493-3452. Just Go in Looking Good: The Resistance, Resilience and Kinship-Building of Trans College Students Z Nicolazzo, an assistant professor of higher education and student affairs at Northern Illinois University, will discuss the experiences of transgender college students and what they can teach everyone about envisioning more equitable and just educational spaces. Nicolazzo teaches courses on college student development, postsecondary access, and diversity, equity and culture. The speaker’s research centers on trans collegians with an emphasis on resilience and kinship-building. Nicolazzo has written for a variety of scholarly and practitioner-focused publications including the Journal of LGBT Youth, Journal of Diversity in Higher Education and About Campus. The speaker earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Roger Williams University, a master’s in college student personnel from Western Illinois University and a doctorate in student affairs in higher education and a graduate certificate in women’s, gender and sexuality studies from Miami University. Admission is free but registration is required. For more information or to register, go to callutheran.edu or contact Jo Petersen at jpetersen@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3422. Día de Los Muertos Join the Cal Lutheran community and the Latin American Student Organization in honoring the lives of our deceased loved ones on Día de los Muertos, a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and Central and South America. The evening includes family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts and face painting, plus raffles, desserts and music. A traditional altar will be displayed and community members are welcome to bring pictures of loved ones to be included. Cal Lutheran’s Multicultural Programs Office is sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Carolina Zuniga-Mejia at czunigam@callutheran.edu or Carina Perez at cperez@callutheran.edu. Franzen Organ Recital Series In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Bruce Neswick will perform the first concert of the 2017-2018 Orvil and Gloria Franzen Organ Program Series. Neswick is in tremendous demand throughout the country as organist, improviser, choral conductor, clinician, composer, and hymn festival creator and leader. His playing is expertly crafted and full of radiant color. Admission is free. For more information, call Campus Ministry at 805-493-3228 or visit CalLutheran.edu. 2017 Susan Greiser Price Arts and Learning Symposium Arts integration provides a wide range of strategies to meet the social, emotional and educational needs of students on the autism spectrum. These instructional strategies inspire and engage students with autism and benefit other learners. With an artists’ panel, breakout sessions, student performances and more, the symposium is designed to build working partnerships between educators and community members to strengthen arts access for all learners. It will offer interactive experiences and resources for high-quality arts education in preschool- through college-level schools serving students with autism. Admission is free, but registration is required by Oct. 1. Cal Lutheran’s Susan Greiser Price Arts Integration Program and Autism and Communication Center is sponsoring the event in conjunction with the Autism Society of Ventura County. For more information, contact Laura Clark at lbclark@CalLutheran.edu or 805-493-3851. Thrill the World Thousand Oaks 2017 Thrill the World is a worldwide flash mob that honors Michael Jackson and raises charitable funds. In this tribute, participants dressed as zombies perform the Thriller dance synchronized with other dancers at Thrill the World events throughout the world. The Cal Lutheran dance party begins at noon and includes on-site instruction, zombie makeup, refreshments with a small donation, and fun for kids. Those who officially register as dancers will be counted in the Guinness Book of World Records attempt for the largest flash mob ever. Global performance of the dance is at 3 p.m. Cal Lutheran’s Theatre Arts Department is sponsoring the free event, but donations will be gratefully accepted for World Dance for Humanity. This Santa Barbara-based organization supports community and small business development in Rwanda and sends disaster relief funds wherever the need arises. For more information, contact Barbara Wegher-Thompson at 805-241-8515 or wegher@callutheran.edu. Reformation 500 Worship Celebration The Channel Islands Conference of the Southwest California Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and California Lutheran University will host a worship service to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. As Lutherans look back upon the history of the Reformation and the theological tradition launched through Luther’s teachings, they also look forward to the future as God’s grace given freely continues to animate lives of service toward neighbors. A light reception will follow. The Channel Islands Conference Collegium and Cal Lutheran’s Division of Mission and Identity are sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Marisa Post at 805-493-3589 or mpost@callutheran.edu. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, September 18th, 2017
A talk by Shirley Waxman via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art – at the Ojai Library
Shirley Waxman will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, to deliver a talk entitled “East Meets West: Japanese Inspired from Monet to Van Gogh.” Ms. Waxman comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program. When Japanese woodblock prints arrived in Europe they had a profound influence on avant-garde artists of the nineteenth century. Impressionists and post-impressionist artists such as Monet, Mary Cassatt, Degas, Pierre Bonnard, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Vincent van Gogh created art that in composition, color, and imagery, borrowed directly from the Japanese. This talk will explore the development of Japanese woodblock prints and the artists who were inspired by the craze for all things Japanese. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146. The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Ventura County Library System: Inspiring our community to explore, discover, and connect. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org. |
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By Letitia Grimes — Monday, September 11th, 2017
“How to Realize Your True Self Through Photography”
The Ojai Photography Club hosts Ojai based photographer Enrico Natali as its guest presenter for September. The free event, “How to Realize Your True Self Through Photography,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2017, in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai, CA. Natali has the unique distinction of two careers in photography separated by a period of total immersion in the practice of Zen meditation. In his first photo-graphic career in the 1960s and ‘70s, he began working with his passion for the American urban landscape and the people who live in it. He spent months in the New York City Subway using an unobtrusive twin lens reflex camera to capture stunning black and white portraits of commuters. It was in this series that Natali discovered his vocation as a photojournalist. His groundbreaking solo exhibition in 1969, “New American People,” at the Chicago Institute of Art, witnessed the full scope of life in Detroit at a time of crisis and change. The series was later released in book form as “Detroit 1968.” Natali began practicing Zen meditation in the 1970s and eventually abandoned his photographic career. In 1980 he moved with his family to the edge of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai Valley’s Matilija Canyon, founding a retreat center there in 1990. Out of the silence of three meditative decades a new photographic journey emerged in 2001 and continues into the present. Now shooting digital in color, Natali brings the clarity of Zen training to cityscapes and urban people. His vision, unclouded by preconceptions or agendas, embraces everything in the city, from graffiti to street scenes to construction sites. He sees beauty everywhere: “My intent is to make visible the beauty of that which we take for granted, that which is so common that it all but disappears. For in the experience of the beautiful, the inherent nature of reality - that every moment is complete in and of itself, independent of subject matter, time or place - is revealed. From this perspective, the door to paradise is as easily accessed through McDonald’s as through the Museum of Modern Art.” Covering both his early and recent work, Natali will present images from the New York subway and Detroit series through more current projects, including “Just Looking,” “The Color of Paradise,” and “In Plain Sight.” His books from all the series will be available during the break for visitors to examine or purchase. Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend. The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for critique. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com |
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By Letitia Grimes — Monday, August 21st, 2017
The Ojai Art Center will present a new exhibit, “Ojai Portraits,” by Ojai artist Sandy Treadwell, from Sept. 2 through Sept. 27 in the Main Gallery. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The reception and exhibit are both free and open to the public. The solo exhibit will showcase Treadwell’s intimate portraits featuring a broad spectrum of local residents, including many familiar faces as well as children and pets. All portraits are in charcoal on paper. Treadwell began his artistic work when he moved to Ojai after retiring from careers in politics and journalism. In fulfillment of a lifelong fascination with portraiture, he studied with Ojai-based artist Dan Schultz. Thanks to a great teacher, Treadwell discovered an ability to draw and to capture the essence of a subject. Rather than depicting the mountains and valley of Ojai favored by many artists, Treadwell has chosen to focus on what he calls “the landscape of the living.” Working in the tradition of classical realism, he uses a draughtsman’s precision to express his deep affection for the humanity of his subject. Enjoy his web link: http://www.sandytreadwellportraits.com The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery St. For further information call (805) 646-0117. |
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By Letitia Grimes — Monday, August 7th, 2017
The Ojai Photo Club will feature photographer Nancy Lehrer for its August presentation, "Building a Photo Story: Personal Documentary Projects." The free event will be held at 7 p.m. on August 15, 2017, in Help of Ojai's Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana Road, Ojai, CA. Over the past two years Lehrer has worked on two personal documentary projects involving close family members. The first followed her parents after they had moved into an assisted living apartment. The second, a longer story, chronicled the first four months of her husband's slow recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. "Both of these projects were emotionally difficult," she said, "yet extremely rewarding both personally and as a photographer. The resulting images of course have special meaning to me, but they also transcend my small universe to tell the universal stories of aging, change, struggle, and recovery.” Lehrer will share her experience in photographic storytelling and present ways that visitors can use their skills to create their own documentary series. A wide range of storytelling will be discussed. “Whether you decide to use your photographic skills to delve deeply into an emotional journey,” she said, “or just to honor a birthday celebration, your engagement with the experience will change your perspective and allow you to create a unique and powerful view.” An independent photographer based in Thousand Oaks, Lehrer has been using photography to capture her personal stories for most of her life. Although she has achieved master’s degrees in Music and Computer Science, she has always held on to her passion for photography. She has studied with American photography masters Joy Maisel, Sam Abell, Gerd Ludwig and Arthur Meyerson. Her images have received several local awards, including first place in the July 2014 Ojai Art Center exhibit. For more information about Lehrer’s work, go to her website, http://www.inancyimages.com or to her blog, https://inancy.wordpress.com. Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend. The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for critique. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com/ |
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By Ojai Photography Community — Monday, July 10th, 2017
The Ojai Photography Club hosts Michelle Magdalena Maddox, an award-winning fine art and commercial photographer based in Pacific Grove, California. The free presentation, “The Creative Process,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana Street, Ojai, CA. Maddox is one of a growing number of young photographers returning to the darkroom for a fresh approach to the art of film photography. A graduate of Brooks Institute in 2006, she has successfully combined a career as a full time commercial photographer with her creative work in fine art prints. Her fine art photography is dedicated to silver gelatin and platinum prints and portfolios in limited editions. Going beyond digital images, her prints are tangible works of art. One portfolio, “Resurgence,” is enclosed in a handmade box designed by the artist and wrapped in raw Japanese silk. In her presentation Maddox will share her journey through photography with an in-depth look into the many series she has created and her evolving process. The theme running through her art, from still life to figurative subjects, is the sensuous beauty of light on natural forms. Working in a disciplined and at the same time intuitive way, she has opened up new channels of expression in a traditional medium. In her Artist Statement, she says: “I am quite the intuitive person, so regardless of how prepared I am, or set on one idea I may be, I am always open and seeking new ideas or components; watching the light, and following it with all my heart.” Maddox has exhibited at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California, the Monterrey Museum of Art, and the National Steinbeck Center. Her commercial work has received recognition through the International Photography Awards. For more information on her work, go to http://www.michellemagdalena.com Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend. The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for critique. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com |
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By Ojai Photography Community — Tuesday, June 13th, 2017
Writer by Letitia Grimes The Ojai Photography Club will host Lewis Watts, nationally and internationally known photographer, archivist and educator. His work is in the permanent collections of leading art and history institutions, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian Institution and the Oakland Museum of California. The free event, “Documenting the Cultural Landscape,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana Street, Ojai, CA. “Cultural Landscape” is Watts’ term for the traces of ancestral cultures left behind when people migrate because of war, oppression, or for economic opportunity. “In some cases,” he says, “the traces that they leave say as much about who they are as their portraits.” For the past forty years Watts has documented the paths of the African diaspora in the Deep South, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Caribbean, and most recently, in the refugee camps of northern France. He is always asking these core questions: “What happens when people go from one place to another? What do they bring with them? What remains intact and what changes?” His photography distills the enduring elements, the transformations, and the survival of the cultural essence. A professor emeritus of art from UC Santa Cruz, Watts has taught photography, visual history and digital arts/new media. With Ojai based photographer Elizabeth Pepin Silva as co-author, he published “Harlem of the West,” a visual history of the Fillmore district of San Francisco in the ‘40s and ‘50s. The book documents an era when an African-American migration from the Deep South created vibrant new multicultural neighborhoods with a stellar jazz scene. “New Orleans Suite: Music and Culture in Transition” is Watts’ most recent book, a journey through the cultural landscape of New Orleans both before and after Katrina. “New Orleans has a patina that reflects history, climate and culture which attracted me long before Katrina altered the landscape,” he says. “There are expressions of culture here that happen nowhere else in the world.” In the fall of 2015, Watts visited the refugee encampment in Calais, France, which at that time contained over three thousand people fleeing war-torn countries in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere. From this experience he created a photographic series documenting the resilience of refugees under the harsh conditions of the camp. His lifelong study of migrations and how cultures survive through them is especially relevant to the global realities of mass migrations today. For more information on the work of Lewis Watts, go to http://artsites.ucsc.edu/faculty/watts/pages/main.html. Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend. The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com/ |
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By Ojai Art Center — Monday, May 15th, 2017
Contributors: Myrna Cambianica and Letitia Grimes The Photography Branch of the Ojai Art Center welcomes artists to submit photographic images for its upcoming 14th annual juried photography exhibit, “Animal Kingdom,” opening Saturday - June 3, 2017 with a reception from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Entries may be submitted to the Art Center on Thursday, June 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. or Friday, June 2, from 8 to 10 a.m. This year we are welcoming submissions showing animals and creatures of all kinds. Humans can be included if they show a relationship between the animal and the human. Submissions can be pure photographic images or those that have been digitally altered. From ferocious to cute is what we are looking for. Animals share the planet with us and this year’s theme encourages the artist to show that connection within their entry images. Two distinguished experts from two different fields will be judging the exhibit: Jeffrey Crussell, Ojai-based photographer, artist and educator; and Dr. Linda Bogart DVM, from Matilija Veterinary Hospital. Their points of view from separate disciplines will be synergistic in evaluating the images for both artistic qualities and sensitivity to the animal kingdom. From an early age photography has been the cornerstone of Jeffrey Crussell’s life and art practice. He received his first camera when he was five. By the time his family settled in Southern California, his photographic equipment had expanded to 4x5 and 8x10 view cameras. Crussell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture and a Master of Fine Arts in photography and has headed a company specializing in visual communications. He is a board member of the Ojai Studio Artists and has taught architecture, fine arts, and photography at several California universities and colleges over the past 35 years. Dr. Linda Bogart is a prominent local veterinarian who is well known in the community for her compassion and empathy with the wide variety of animals that appear at her practice. Amateurs, professionals, and students in grades 7 through 12, are all welcome to enter. Students will have free entry fees. Cash awards will be given for First, Second and Third Place winners, including the student division. For full information and questions contact: David Baker (805) 558-6460 (call or text) or e-mail at david@ojaiimages.com For full information and the Call for Artists please visit: http://ojaiacphoto.org/2017-exhibit.html |
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By Ojai Photography Community — Monday, May 8th, 2017
Volunteerism: Putting Your Photographic Skills to Use In the Community
Written by Letitia Grimes The Ojai Photography Club welcomes Ojai-based photographer and educator, Greg Cooper, as its May presenter. Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the Humane Society of Ventura County, will bring together volunteering and photography in his presentation, “Volunteerism: Putting Your Photographic Skills to Use in the Community.” The event will take place Tuesday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai, CA. A volunteer for the Humane Society since 1990, Cooper will speak and share images from his long and fulfilling experience in community service. “Giving back to the community that has given me so much has been more rewarding than I could have imagined,” he says. His volunteer work for the shelter has included documenting their animals, staff, facilities, and fundraisers such as the annual Santa Paws event. In his current position as their Director of Community Outreach, he acts as a community liaison, coordinates speaking engagements and media briefings, and oversees charitable giving programs. Cooper’s presentation will cover the multiple ways that photographers can volunteer their time and skills in community groups. “Most non-profits need assistance with their photo (and video) presence online, in print and for fundraising efforts,” he explains, “and most are desperate to have somebody who has these skills.” In addition to the focus on volunteering, Cooper will present strategies for creating successful pet portraits based on his experience with shelter animals and his own HSVC rescued dog, Biskit. A native of Ojai, Cooper graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1996 with a double major in photojournalism and anthropology. During his time in junior college, Cooper worked as a staff photographer at the Ojai Valley News in his hometown. Returning to Southern California, he worked at the Ventura County Star as an assistant picture editor. The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch lured him away to work as their Sunday picture editor. In 2003 Cooper returned once again to Ventura County, this time to pursue his Master’s degree in Photography at Brooks Institute. After graduating in 2004, Cooper was hired as faculty in the Visual Journalism program where he taught until Brooks’ closure in 2016. Cooper continues to work in education as an adjunct instructor for Ventura College and Santa Barbara City College. Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. Visitors are always welcome to attend. The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
Free concert will highlight flute and horn quartets
The California Lutheran University Wind Ensemble will present its annual Festival of Scholars Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, in Samuelson Chapel. The flute and horn quartets and percussion ensemble will be highlighted. The performance will feature soloist and works for concert band. The program will include an original work by student composer Cassidy Helikson, a political science major from Newberg, Oregon. The performance will feature guest student conductor Terah Landy of Porterville. Landy graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in math and is currently working toward a teaching credential and master’s degree in education. The concert will conclude with a dedication to graduating senior musicians. Michael Hart will conduct. The assistant professor of music and director of bands at Cal Lutheran teaches music theory and ear training, provides private lessons to all trombone, euphonium and tuba students, and serves as a field supervisor for music education majors. As a tubist, the Moorpark resident performs as a solo artist and frequently appears in chamber groups, symphonies and concert bands throughout Southern California. He also is active as an adjudicator, presenter and guest conductor throughout the state. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted. The chapel is located at 165 Chapel Lane on the Thousand Oaks campus. For information, call the Music Department at 805-493-3306 or visit CalLutheran.edu. |
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By Ojai Photography Community — Tuesday, April 11th, 2017
“Ojai’s Top Model - Goofy Edition: A Learn While We Play Adventure.”
The Ojai Photography Club will go interactive in its April meeting, featuring guest presenter Dean Zatkowsky - and members of the audience - in “Ojai’s Top Model - Goofy Edition: A Learn While We Play Adventure.” The event will take place Tuesday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m., at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai, CA. Visitors can expect what Zatkowsky calls “an evening of interactive ridicu-lousness.” Using a portable photo studio and casting club members and visitors as models (adorned by a wide selection of mostly ridiculous props), he will walk attendees through the photographic decision-making process. This will include background selection, managing multiple lights, lens considerations, camera settings, composition, and most important of all, evoking action and expression. “The props create a perfect environment for learning, because they free otherwise shy people to perform for the camera. The resulting poses and expressions get us thinking about what makes a portrait interesting,” says Zatkowsky. “An opportunity to be ridiculous is an opportunity to learn.” To encourage participation, those who choose to model will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Random club members will be called upon to direct the models and will also have a chance to win prizes. Zatkowsky views the experience as “an exercise in empathy, but with funny hats.” “Three years ago we did a photo booth like this as a club social activity and it was a lot of fun. This time we’ll weave in the ‘how-to’ element,” said Photo Club Education Director Myrna Cambianica. “There’s a reason for every decision the photographer makes, and Dean will explain his decisions in real time during the shoot. For those interested in setting up a small home or portable studio, this will be an opportunity to see one in action.” Summing up his career in photography, Zatkowsky writes: “Like many in my age cohort, I took up photography as an adolescent in the 1970s, convinced it was a shortcut to the company of naked women. It wasn’t. It did, however, bring great joy to my life, and I have pursued the craft ever since. From shooting weddings at the age of 18 (when I vowed to never again shoot a wedding) to shooting wildlife and dance as labors of love, to shooting performances and receptions for clients such as the Audacious Foundation and UCSB Arts & Lectures, I have adopted a philosophy that there is no bad light, only lighting challenges that require quick thinking and a sizable inventory of trickery.” Learn more at deanzphoto.com. Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. Visitors are always welcome to attend. The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com |
