It says this place was open until 5 today but when I walked up no evidence of other people or being…read moreopen... no closed sign just empty. It is a beautiful old building and I hope it's going to stay that way and do something... Just know if you come here it may say open online and not be.

This placed is closed. Not art. Not open…read more When you get close to the place you can tell how run down and dilapidated it is. A real shame that this town has chosen other priorities (can't really tell what those priorities are cuz the whole of Oxnard is just a mess) over preserving a nice landmark such as this. Way to make Andrew proud, Oxnard.

Beware , Donna Granada the owner here has a very bad attitude and has no idea on how to deal with…read morepeople in a positive way. She threatens and has a huge issue when things do not go her way. The experience was absolutely horrible.

Focus on the Masters is a wonderful, hard-working and dedicated group that supports artists and…read morearts education. The monthly Artist Spotlight sessions are always fascinating and the Afterglow parties bring together an amazing crowd of artists and arts aficionados. The people involved, and especially the warm, brilliant and talented Donna Granata, are very exceptional and make me feel so lucky to have discovered them when we moved to Ventura County a bit over 2 years ago. Now we never miss an event unless we are out of town. Plus the educational programs run by Aimee French are a priceless contribution to local schools. I don't know who Mr. Grump is with his negative review, but Donna and her team are extremely positive and welcoming and work endlessly for little personal gain. I urge anyone with an interest in the arts to look at the Focus website and come check out an event. See you there!

The Conejo Valley Art Museum, previously located in the Janss Mall in Thousand Oaks, is a gem of a…read moremuseum! Past exhibits were well curated, interesting, and very enjoyable. Unfortunately the lease at the Mall was terminated so the Museum is currently searching for a new permanent location. They will be hosting events and collaborations with other organizations in the very near future and I very much look forward to attending!

From my recollection, the Conejo Valley Art Museum has been in several different locations over the…read morepast 30 years. It's a boon to the area to support visual arts, so this scrappy nonprofit helps promote the arts scene locally. Their present locale in the Janss Marketplace is a modest space, blessed with natural light on two sides. Dear Hubby and I stopped in over a month ago, while walking the Marketplace for exercise, plus running a couple errands. Stepping inside, we were greeted by the staff member watching the facility. She offered assistance / information on the works on display. Later she offered information on upcoming events. We also discussed the status of the Thousand Oaks Art Walk, a signature event that the museum had sponsored for many years. It has sadly gone by the wayside, leaving a hole In the local events scene. I suppose that had it survived, it would have been canceled this year, due to Coronavirus. Once general life starts to return to a new normal, I hope that this organization will be able to continue their mission to celebrate local artists.

Havilah is an amazing young artist. She has done 2 paintings for us both of our horse that passed…read moreaway. She is a dream to work with and so talented. Will use her talents again I am sure.

Havilah is an amazing artist! Her use of color and her attention to detail makes her work so…read morestunning! She has done a few commission pieces for me and I have loved every one!! She is so kind and easy to work with! Love her!

Bells Art Factory is one of Ventura's true gems. Located in a beautifully repurposed former…read moremattress factory, this nonprofit community arts center is deeply rooted in creativity, accessibility, and community care. The space is home to 30+ local artists working in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. In addition to artist studios, Bells offers youth art classes, artist-led workshops, and cultural programming including Ballet Folklórico, Aztec Dance, and yoga (Monday-Friday) with a suggested donation, making wellness and movement accessible to everyone. I've personally attended donation-based sound baths and their Día de Muertos event, and both were thoughtfully organized, welcoming, and grounded in community and cultural respect. The value here is undeniable. You are getting high-quality programming, meaningful cultural experiences, and direct support of local artists and educators, all without high price barriers. Parking is available in a small lot on site, though spaces are limited. Street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood. They also host First Fridays, which are always a great way to experience the space, meet artists, and support local creativity. Everything here feels intentional and community-driven. If you're looking for an affordable, enriching space that truly invests back into the community, Bells Art Factory is absolutely worth visiting and donating to.

Checked out a free Zumba class tonight! I had a blast! It was only 45mins but I really got a…read moreworkout!! Lots of smiles and so much fun!!! I think they also offer free art classes. I had never been here before and I'm so happy my friend recommended this place. What an maxing community center. I was told there is a Day of the Dead event November 2,2023. Not sure if I will be able to make it but will try :)

I have to agree with all the 5 star reviews! It's the owner that made this already great gallery…read moreeven better. She took the time to explain the art, the history of the conversation of this historic home into the gallery, the legacy of Beatrice Wood and the inspiration behind the items in the gift shop. I bought some of the chocolates that are made locally in Ojai but I love the art on the packaging that I'm not ready to open them yet :) She also gave great recommendations for food and activities in Ojai. Thank you! Update: Ate a chocolate bar. I just need to tell you all how delicious it was!

Was there yesterday and didn't have time to view the gallery but was following the street signs to…read moretheir chocolate sign. They make and sell a line of chocolates that is simply amazing. The owner provided great information about the artist who inspired their chocolate. Can't wait to go back and buy more chocolate and walk the gallery.

During my last trip to Ojai, I was attracted by some cool t-shirts, on sale, outside Nomad Gallery…read more It was a funny coincidence since we read recently in Ojai Quarterly a good article about Leslie Clark (the owner of this gallery), her art (she paints beautiful art pieces, mostly inspired by her trips to Africa- Niger) and her foundation and the great work she does to help people in Niger. The gallery is more than a gallery, it's a cool store that sells clothing, jewelry, sculptures, masks, paintings, home decor items mostly imported from Africa, Niger and Mali. Sure, the prices are a bit higher, but everything in here is unique, one of a kind item, hand made by various artists. I had to get a t-shirt, they were cool, cheap, made in Africa, in a process to help women there use their skills to try to make a living. One of a kind t-shirts, fair trade. We had a nice time chatting with Leslie and she was nice and accommodating with me because I had to try the shirt on, make sure it fits me. Beautiful merchandise, nice store. They'll have a major sale on July 8th, if you'll be in the area, stop by. Or whenever you'll visit Ojai, pop in Nomad Gallery, it's next to Libbey Park, but it's a cool place that will transport you far away, on another continent.

Nomad Gallery is my favorite store in Ojai. Unique one of a kind African fabrics and jewelry. I…read morealways stop by to browse and buy whenever I am in Ojai. The owner is lovely and travels there herself to support local tribal artists and artisans.

OVA Arts is located in downtown Ojai. The gallery showcases a variety of original art forms and…read morecontemporary crafts from local artists from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. They display and sell the varied artist's custom jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, sculptures, glass art, woodcrafts and much more. If you're looking for a special and unique gift or something for your own personal space, OVA Arts offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind creations. They encourage visitors to leisurely browse and enjoy the in-house multitude of different mediums throughout the gallery.

I'm not white and I was followed by the person working at the store on 12/28/25 after 430pm. I…read morewalked in from the back entry and the worker acknowledged me. I walked around the store and I was not the only patron. I walked around and noticed the worker behind me. I realized what was happening and I went behind the worker to verify my suspicions that I was being followed. The worker turned herself to face me and ignored other patrons in the store. I left after her profiling was clear. This was not the first time I was profiled that day. Do better with your staff. I'm never coming back and will tell others to not come to the store.