“Ventura County Vistas”, is photographer Joe Virnig’s love of Ventura County captured through the camera. The exhibit runs from Sept. Sept. 16 – Oct. 11, 2008 with an artist reception on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 4 – 7 pm. In addition, Buenaventura Gallery will offer champagne, chocolate and extended hours during First Friday Ventura Gallery Crawl on Friday, Oct. 3.
In 1999 Virnig needed some local photographs and couldn't find any that really captured the true beauty of Ventura County. He dusted off his camera and started taking photographs embarking on what was to become a minor (okay, major) obsession to capture the iconic scenes that define life in Ventura County. Virnig’s exhibit reflect that continuing quest.
Virnig’s 6th grade teacher, Mr. Stroube, had a darkroom in the classroom and taught the class about photography, processing film, and making prints. Says Virnig, “I was hooked! In high school, I became a yearbook photographer.”
Virgnig received his Bachelor of Arts in Photography from Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara. After graduation h worked in the Media Department at U.C.L.A. Medical Center for 2 years. He just hated living in Los Angeles so in 1986 moved to Ventura County and became a Realtor.
For the next 13 years he didn't pick up a camera except to take photographs of the houses he was selling. That changed in 1999 when he created his real estate website: I needed some local photographs for it and couldn't find anything that really captured the true beauty of Ventura County. So I picked up a camera and started taking pictures again. Nowadays, I have my camera equipment with me always. You never know when the light will be just right or what evening will host a spectacular sunset.
The Buenaventura Gallery is located at 700 E Santa Clara St. in downtown Ventura. Hours are Tues – Friday from noon – 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit their website at www.BuenaventuraGallery.org.