The Museum of Ventura County invites guests to a free opening reception, 3-5 p.m. June 18, at its Main Street campus, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. The museum will debut three exhibits: 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 bright chromatic brilliance, to a celebration of Carol Rosenak’s artistic range. Museum visitors can also view a new series of George Stuart historical figures.
» All That Glitters Is Not Gold offers a peek into the 1920s in Ventura County with all its glitz and glamour, contrasted with the repression and exclusion also present in the decade. Stroll through the stories of Prohibition, and discover tales of bootleggers and law enforcement, as well as the lesser known tide of anti-immigrant prejudice, all within the history of Ventura County.
All That Glitters is made possible in part by support from the John Hammer Family, the Heritage Fund at VCCF, Chrisman Estate Company, and the DeArkland Family, with additional support from Ventura Spirits.
» Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak: 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 some 30 years, the Rosenak exhibit highlights her early printmaking, still lifes, and the abstract style she adopted later in life. The Rosenak exhibit is made possible in part by the support of the Bonita McFarland Endowment Fund.
» Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors: For more than 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.
Visitors are invited to discover the collection as a chromatic display in six bright and whimsical colors, and ponder what colorful items represent their own life in Ventura County. The display is made possible in part by the support of Told Foundation and Pierpont Racquet Club.
Museum visitors can also view Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures, which opned in early May. Behind the Curtain invites guests to lean in, and view the tiniest details incorporated by Ojai artist George Stuart, magnified for an up-close view. Details such as swords, embroidery, and miniature paintings show his extensive research into the lives of history’s prominent people.
The exhibit showcases the breadth of Stuart’s body of work, featuring 11 figures across multiple series including Queen Elizabeth I, Duke d’Orleans, and Madam C.J. Walker. Behind the Curtain is made possible in part by the Fred W. Smith Gallery Fund, with support from Bethe and Tim Sullivan in memory of Rosemarie Magness.
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, 100 E. Main St. Ventura, 805-653-0323, and the Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100. Both museums are open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. For more, visit venturamuseum.org.