Peas in a POD
Paint Ventura artists unveil an even better event with an unexpected twist
By Michel Cicero 09/08/2011
When Jen Livia, owner of Red Brick Gallery in Ventura, launched her humble plein aire event last spring, she did not anticipate it would be attended by thousands of people and quickly evolve into a full-scale arts celebration. Paint Ventura, originally conceived to fill the gap left behind by spring ArtWalk (which changed from a semiannual to a yearly event) without competing, would be more interactive and participation-driven.
“We wanted to make our event different from ArtWalks of the past by engaging the artists in a new manner, asking everyone who wished to participate to also be creating,” said Livia. This approach would allow the public to become involved with the art-making process rather than being passive.
The concept was so well-received that Livia decided not only to reprise the event, but to expand it in every direction. Originally a one-day affair, it’s now three and it’s not limited to plein aire. Other venues, including the WAV community, have joined the fun, and live music and book signings have been tossed into the mix.
Among the more unique features of Paint Ventura, which takes place Sept. 9 to 11 in downtown Ventura, is the introduction of PODS. Following a trend that’s been catching on in other arts-focused cities, the mobile storage containers are being used as makeshift gallery spaces and canvases. Several PODS containers will be placed in the minipark on the 300 block of Main Street, where local artists and students from Ventura High’s esteemed art department will join Livia in transforming them into three-dimensional works of art. “When I look at a PODS® container, I see the perfect blank, bright white canvas,” said Livia.”
Paint Ventura could become the city’s sleeper arts event and may eventually grow into an even more encompassing cultural fete, but for now Livia is happy just to spark the fire of creativity in anyone who shows an interest. “As a whole, we are hoping Paint Ventura will give a wide variety of artists the chance to sell their work and share their passion with people, as well as give the public a close look at how we all create our work.”
Paint Ventura Highlights:
Friday, Sept. 9, 5 to 8 p.m.
Kickoff party at Red Brick Gallery (315 E. Main St.), where 15 artists will begin painting and an art raffle will raise money for the Ventura Education Partnership’s Arts Education Master Plan for K-12 schools.
Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More than 100 artists creating, selling and teaching in downtown Ventura. Live POD painting in minipark, live music and more until 5 p.m. Workshops will be taught for painting, drawing, metal work, mobile making, photography and more. From 6 to 9 p.m., afterparty and Beatrice Wood exhibit at Fox Fine Jewelry (210 E. Main St.).
Sunday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Workshops continue throughout the day and the WAV community opens its doors at 5 p.m., where there will be live music in the Theater Gallery and open studios. Artists include Larissa Strauss, Vonder Gray, Anna Karakalos, Michelle Bramlett, Wyatt Hull and many more. Gypsy Death Star, Shearer Pleasure and DJ Kevin Cee will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. with visual art by Sean Tully and a live light show.
For a complete schedule of Paint Ventura workshops and events, call 643-6400 or visit www.PaintVentura.com or www.facebook.com/paintventura.
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