FOTM Archive & Library Presents: Where Art Begins
Ventura Breeze
May 13, 2026
You know that feeling when you walk into an artist’s studio and see the half-finished canvas, the splattered brushes, the quiet chaos of creation? That’s exactly what Focus on the Masters (FOTM) is offering us next month. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the FOTM Archive & Library is hosting “Where Art Begins,” a rare chance to step inside the working spaces of three celebrated local artists: Paul Lindhard, Joe Adams, and Karen Kitchel. The tour kicks off at Art City Sculpture Studios—that beloved creative hub off Ventura Avenue that’s been a sanctuary for makers for years.
This isn’t just a gallery walk; it’s a backstage pass into the messy, magical process behind the finished pieces. And it all benefits FOTM’s education outreach, which keeps our community’s artistic legacy alive for the next generation. For those of us who’ve wandered through Ventura’s art walks and wondered, “How do they *do* that?”—this is your chance to find out. Grab a coffee, bring a friend, and go see where the magic really starts.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Ventura Breeze.
City
VenturaSource
Ventura BreezePublished
May 13, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore VenturaAll Ventura NewsMore News from Ventura
VenturaBAA’s 37th Annual Open Competition Winners
The 37th Annual Open Competition from the Buenaventura Art Association (BAA) is now on display at the Ojai Art Center, running through May 28. This juried exhibition showcases original 2D and 3D works from amateur and professional regional artists across California, bringing a vibrant mix of creativity to the Ojai community. The Ventura Breeze first reported the winners, and it's a wonderful chance to see local talent shine in a setting that celebrates artistic expression. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for a cultural outing, this exhibition offers something for everyone. Head to 113 S. Montgomery St. in Ojai to experience the works firsthand. It's a reminder of the rich artistic spirit that thrives throughout the 805 region, from Ventura to Ojai and beyond.
VenturaFocus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library – A Conversation with Lori Cozen-Geller
Lori Cozen-Geller doesn’t just sculpt metal and wood — she carves light and shadow into geometric poetry. The Ventura-based minimalist artist, recently featured by Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library, creates wall pieces and standing forms that play with positive and negative space, often finished in sleek automotive paint. Her work transforms industrial materials into something meditative, and it’s a reminder that Ventura’s creative pulse runs deep. The conversation with Lori, originally published by our friends at Ventura Breeze, offers a window into how a career born from intensity becomes a practice of precision and calm. For anyone who’s ever wondered where our local artists find their spark, this profile is a must-read. It’s another reason to love the 805 — where the arts aren’t just displayed, they’re archived and honored.
VenturaVentura College Launches Loreto Study Abroad Trip
Ventura College just made history — and it’s the kind of story that makes you proud to live here. Over spring break, 11 students headed south to Loreto, Mexico, Ventura’s sister city, for the college’s very first study abroad program. Led by Professor of Sociology Daniella, the group dove into a weeklong mix of culture, science, and community connection. It’s a beautiful example of how our local college is thinking beyond the classroom and giving students real-world, cross-border experiences. This trip matters because it strengthens the bond between Ventura and Loreto — a relationship that’s been growing for years. As reported by the Ventura Breeze, the program was immersive and interdisciplinary, blending sociology with hands-on learning. For a community college to launch an international program like this is no small feat. It shows that big opportunities don’t just happen at big universities. Here’s hoping this is the first of many adventures for Ventura College students.