Museum of Ventura County "Splash!" Beach Culture Exhibit July 2 to Sept 18

Museum Plunges Into Beach Culture & Art July 2 – September 18

Opening Reception: July 1, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Take the plunge into summer with Splash!, an exhibition highlighting ocean-inspired art and Ventura’s beach resort past, running July 2 through September 18 at the Museum of Ventura County. Artwork by more than 30 regional artists can be seen throughout the museum’s galleries, plaza, and courtyard, including large-scale sculptural installations and artistic surfboards. The historical component of the exhibit contrasts early 20^th century beach wear with today’s trends, explores 1960s surf culture, and offers a look back at Ventura’s former Bath House, unique “Tent City” and Pierpont Bay resort.

The opening reception is on Friday, July 1, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and includes music by The Soul Surfers and entry to all galleries. Admission is $5 for the general public; museum members are free. For reservations call 805-653-0323 x 7.

The exhibit’s sculpture and sculptural installations are by Jessica Bodner (Ventura); BiJian Fan (Camarillo); Matt Furmanski (Ventura); Gerri Johnson-McMillin (Ventura); R. Nelson Parrish (Santa Barbara); Chris Provenzano (Ventura); Blakeney Sanford (Santa Barbara); and Kenji Webb (Ventura). Photography, painting, mixed media, glass, and fiber art are by Erik Abel (Ventura); Benjamin Anderson (Carpinteria); Briana Bainbridge (Ventura); Chris Charney (Ventura); Isabel Downs (Santa Barbara); Dan Harding (Santa Paula, formerly Ojai); Anna Karakalou (Ventura); Jim Knowlton (Ventura); Ryan Loughridge (Ventura); Jim Martin (Ventura); David Pu’u (Ventura); Roxie Ray (Camarillo); Joni Sternbach (New York City, active in Ventura and Los Angeles counties); and Sylvia Torres (formerly Ventura). Surfboard artists include Malcolm & Jacob Campbell with Studio 609 (Oxnard & Ventura); Gene Cooper & Jeff Pupo (Oxnard); Ozzie Osborn & Jim Allen (Ojai and Ventura); Chuck Trunks & Surfboard Skinz (Camarillo); Steve Walden (Ventura); Robert Weiner & Five Star Fiberglass (Ventura).

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, members and children under 6 are free. For more museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

Jantzen Bathing Suit 1929 Collection of & Photo by Neal BarrKelp Secret Spot 2008 Photo by Jim MartinMidday Rinse 2004 oil on wood by Benjamin Anderson