Arts Listings

Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.

OPENING THEATER

25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

July 8-17. Six tweens, a plethora of wild words, tales of woe and one nail-biter of a spelling championship – that’s how you spell HILARIOUS in this production by Conejo Players Theatre! Rated PG-13 for language. $18-20/ 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 805495-3715, conejoplayers.org.

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. July 13-15.

A production by the Hillcrest Players Summer Theatre Camp, ages 6-11. Bookish Belle finds herself in an enchanted castle ruled by the Beast, who must find true love in order to break his curse. $15. Newbury Park High School Performing Arts Center, 456 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park, www.hillcrestarts.com.

EMERGENCE: FIRST FLIGHT Sunday, July 10, 5

p.m. LIVE AND ONLINE. Jenna Wadsworth McCarty will paint onstage while she tells her story of becoming an artist in this solo show featuring art, song and poetry. Part of the Women’s Voices Festival. $15-20. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St., Ventura, 805-628-9250, www.nambaarts.com. LOBBY HERO July 8-Aug. 7. A dark comedy the explores truth, honor, duty and justice in a tale about a security guard who gets drawn into a murder investigation and a rookie cop with a morally suspect partner. $17-20. Presented by The Elite Theatre Company, 2731 Victoria Ave., Oxnard, www.theelite.org.

MADE IN AMERICA Saturday, July 9, 8:30

p.m. LIVE AND ONLINE. Teruko Nakajima wrote and stars in this one-woman show about a first-generation Japanese artist who faces odd and dangerous situations when she moves to the U.S. Part of the Women’s Voices Festival. $1520. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St., Ventura, 805-628-9250, www.nambaarts.com.

QUEEN OF FISHTOWN Saturday, July 9, 6:30

p.m. LIVE AND ONLINE. Katierose Donohue Enriquez wrote and stars in this one-woman show about a woman from Northeast Philadelphia facing neighborhood gentrification, turning 40 and an unwelcome surprise. Part of the Women’s Voices Festival. $15-20. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St., Ventura, 805-628-9250, www.nambaarts.com. UNTOLD STORIES Friday, July 8, 7 p.m. The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in partnership with Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi will present this Living History Project with actors portraying Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Maya Angelou. A gallery reception featuring Jan Glasband’s Social Justice Portraits will follow. Free. 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, www.svvac.org/mainstage.

Works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association can be seen at Harbor Village

Gallery and Gifts through July 19. Pictured: “Imagine This” by Judy Taussig.

ONGOING THEATER

OPENING ART AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS

DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2.

SIGHT + SOUND FILM FESTIVAL Through July

12. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center is currently accepting film submissions for its second annual film festival, to be held Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Filmmakers of all levels may submit works in the following categories: Narrative Features and Shorts, Documentary Features and Shorts, Romantic Comedy, Dramatic, Thriller/ Sci-Fi, Films produced in Oxnard/Ventura County and by local filmmakers, Student films, Music Videos, ASMR, and Animations. Late deadline is July 12. For submission guidelines and more information, visit filmfreeway.com/SightplusSound.

AS YOU LIKE IT Through July 17. The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival opens its 2022 season (and its 25th anniversary!) with Shakespeare’s delightful romantic comedy about a noblewoman and her cousin who flee persecution to find safety and, eventually, love in the enchanted Forest of Arden. $15-110. Staged outside in Kingsmen Park, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, www. kingsmenshakespeare.org. THE MUSIC MAN Through July 24. When a con man shows up in a small town with instruments and band costumes for sale, his plan to make a quick buck and skedaddle gets disrupted when he falls for the local librarian. 0-$30. Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org.

ROMA AL FINAL DE LA VÍA/ROME AT THE END

OF THE LINE Through July 10. Follow two childhood friends as they grow, mature and change, along the way discussing their hopes, dreams and desire to escape their small Mexican town. In Spanish with English supertitles. Presented by Teatro de las Américas. $25. 321 W. Sixth St., Oxnard, 805-983-2876, teatrodelasamericas.org.

VENTURA COUNTY POETRY PROJECT Thursday,

July 7, 6:30 p.m. live and via Zoom: Poetry reading and open mic at the EP Foster Library (also streamed live), 651 E. Main St., Ventura. More information at vcpoetryproject.org.

There’s still time to catch works by Ivon Hitchens at Canvas and Paper in Ojai. The exhibit

ONGOING ART

AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Opened June 16: Save the Pollinators: A Youth-Led Environmental Restoration Project. Ongoing: Farm to Market, an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/. ART CITY STUDIOS Opened April 30. Composed in Stone, a 10-year retrospective of the work of G. Ramon Byrne. 197 Dubbers St., Ventura, 805-648-1690, art642.godaddysites.com. BANK OF THE SIERRA Through July 31. The Fabulous Female, dramatic and vibrant watercolors by Leslie Marcus that celebrate the beauty and distinctiveness of women. 402 W. Ojai Ave., #102, Ojai.

BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION Through

July 30. Meaningful Images, landscapes, seascapes and portraiture in oil by William D. Winbush. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, 805648-1235, buenaventuraartassociation.org.

CAMARILLO ART CENTER Through July 31.

Hot Fun in the Sun, art made by Ventura County artists that was inspired by summertime. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, 805-407-0605, www.camarilloartcenter.org. CANVAS AND PAPER Through July 17. Works by Ivon Hitchens. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, www.canvasandpaper.org.

CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM

Opened May 10: 71%: Honoring Vital Waters, mixed media works by Shannon Celia and Mary Neville inspired by oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers and other bodies of water. Through Fall 2022: Chouinard Arts, a nine-piece collection featuring pieces of maritime art from the 1930s, including early works by Arthur Beaumont and Millard Sheets. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.

DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM Ongoing.

The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805642-3345, dudleyhouse.org. FOX FINE JEWELRY Through July 31. New Beginnings, featuring work by Mika Harmony and Chrystel Boissy (Green Touch Moss). 560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com. H GALLERY Through July 31. In the Service of Civilization, a subtly provocative approach to cultural commentary. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, www.dabart.me/in-the-service-of-civilization.

HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS

Through July 19: New artwork and artisan crafts. Ongoing: Buenaventura Art Association members showcase and sell their work. Masks and social distancing required. 1559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts. HILL ROAD LIBRARY Through Aug. 15. Works by students of Anacapa, Isbell and Rio del Valle middle schools who participated in the Learning to See Outreach program offered by Focus on the Masters. 111 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, focusonthemasters.com. KWAN FONG GALLERY Through Oct. 13. On the Range: Works by Terry Spehar-Fahey, featuring art inspired by the ranching families of Idaho. California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong. MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Ongoing. The famed auto museum pays tribute to French automotive design, with coaches from the 1800s, Bugattis from the 1920s-30s, Concours d’Elegance winners and more. Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; advance tickets required. 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard, 805-3855400, mullinautomotivemuseum.com. MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. Muscles and Mojo car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-487-4333, www.murphyautomuseum.org.

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Opened June

16: All That Glitters Is Not Gold, the Jazz Age in Ventura County; Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors; Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak. Opened May 12: Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®. Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, online exhibits and resources and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-6530323 or venturamuseum.org. OJAI ART CENTER Through Aug. 30. Works by Bert Collins, Jannene Behl, Richard Franklin and Ruth Levy. Reception on Saturday, July 9, 1-3

p.m. 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-646-0117, www.ojaiartcenter.org/art.html. OJAI LIBRARY Through Aug. 31. Works by students of Meiners Oaks and Topa Topa Elementary who participated in the Learning to See Outreach program offered by Focus on the Masters. 111 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, focusonthemasters.com. OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Through July 10: Ojai at the Crossroads: Then & Now, a look at the development of some of Ojai’s most beloved institutions, and a meditation on how Ojai can continue to be a town for both locals and tourists. Ongoing: Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Now open FridaySunday. The museum is once again offering 90-minute walking tours at 10:30 am every Saturday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org. OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is now open the second Sunday of each month for visitors, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The historic

park invites all plein air artists to come out to the site for creative inspiration, from the rose garden and 160-year-old fuchsia to the rancho and the bell tower. In addition, Laura Jean Jespersen’s The Romance of the Adobe will be on exhibit in the small adobe. There will be raffles, historic interpreters, an al fresco gift shop and more. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe. POPPIES ART AND GIFTS Through July 31. See original clothing made by June guest artist Linda Nakamura. Ongoing: Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-7980033, www.poppiesartandgifts.com. PORCH GALLERY Through Aug. 1. Nocturnes: Refrains from the Backcountry, work by Russell Crotty that challenges the preconceptions of drawing as a primary medium. 310 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-6207589, porchgalleryojai.com. RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docent-led tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org. realART Ongoing. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-4000, buyrealart.com.

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND

MUSEUM Through Oct. 9: The Secrets of WWII. Ongoing: Permanent exhibits include Air Force One, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, an M-1 Abrams tank and more. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800-4108354, www.reaganfoundation.org.

SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through Sept.

11: Geomorphic: The Living Earth, 42 abstract paintings inspired by nature by Kay Zetlmaier. Through July 10: Fieldnotes: Lynn Hanson and A Narrative: John Robertson. The museum is now open, Wednesdays-Sundays. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554 or www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

SPICETOPIA Through July 21.

The spice and tea shop in downtown Ventura now shows works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association. 576 E. Main St., 805628-3267, www.spice-topia.com.

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS

Through July 30: Echoes of Nature, works by contemporary Chinese artists curated by Dr. Aihua Z. Pearce. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.

TAFT GARDENS AND NATURE PRESERVE Through July 31.

A show featuring the work of Jane Mulfinger and Stephanie Washburn inspired by artists’ seven-month Historical photos of Ojai can be seen in Ojai at the Crossroads: Then & Now, on exhibit at the Ojai Valley Museum through July 10. Pictured: Bing Crosby and Bob Hope playing golf with sailors in 1945. residencies at the gardens. 805-6492333, www.taftgardens.org. UBS WESTLAKE VILLAGE Through Aug. 30. No Boundaries, featuring works by Shari Alec, Maxee, Raj Naik, Bob Privitt, Geri Schonberg and Connie Tunick. 3011 Townsgate Road, Third Floor, Westlake Village, www.conejoarts.org. VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805- 644-6800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery.

VERY VENTURA GIFT SHOP AND GALLERY

Through July 21. Small gems by Buenaventura Art Association members, based on a theme selected by shop owner Angela Rosales. 540 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-628-3540, very-ventura.com. VITA ART CENTER Through Aug. 12. Abstract 2+2, featuring Philip Argent, Robin Mitchell, Philip Vaughan and Jennifer Wolf; and Scott Taylor’s Dart Board Series. 28 W. Main St., Ventura, 805-644-9214, www.vitaartcenter.com.