Events and Festivals Calendar for Ventura, California

Dab Art is pleased to present EMPIRE OF DIRT at H Gallery in midtown Ventura.

The creative sentiments of artists are often misunderstood. Even the most conscious viewer may be oblivious to the conflicts of the artist whose work they are admiring. 

Variously characterized as radical or manic, the cliche of the tortured artist’s plight is not without some merit. EMPIRE OF DIRT investigates the inspirations found in the darker elements of life. Highlighted in this exhibition is the process and frequently concealed perspectives of 20 peculiar and complex artists.

The Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh created his most recognized paintings while committed in a French asylum for the mentally ill. While Van Gogh is considered one of the most influential figures in western art for his dramatic colors and impulsive brushwork. He created masterpieces under the duress of psychotic episodes and mental instability. Modern day viewers praise works like STARRY NIGHT for is vivid palette and expressive composition; but are they connecting to artist himself; his struggle, his plight, his view from the asylum?

Although the contemporary artists featured in EMPIRE OF DIRT are not in asylums or self mutilate, their stories, personal paths, inspirations and artistic processes range from the unorthodox to the extraordinary. However, similar to Van Gogh these 20 artists are able to render what is happening in their mind and in their world. 

EMPIRE OF DIRT is an exhibition of contentious works where the viewer can explore, connect and embrace the eccentric perspectives of artists who have continued to evade conventional labels.

ARTISTS ON EXHIBIT: Jonas Lara | Janet Milhomme | Edgar Takoyaki | Scott Amling | Curtis Taylor | Tara Cronin | Hannah Sklar | Joslyn Lawrence | Alexander Elkholy | Clint Imboden | Gary Westford | Teona Yamanidze | Andrew Leventis | Jill Herlands | Gina M. | Julianna Fecskes Phillips | Molly McCall | David Reisine | Jean Sanders | Eloise Larson

Curated by Yessíca Torres

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, many mysterious and eerie sea caves, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Discovery Tour

Distance- 1.25 miles

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Adventure Tour

Distance: 2.5- 3 miles

Duration: 2.5- 3 hours

Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak

Distance: 5-6 miles

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, many mysterious and eerie sea caves, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Discovery Tour

Distance- 1.25 miles

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Adventure Tour

Distance: 2.5- 3 miles

Duration: 2.5- 3 hours

Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak

Distance: 5-6 miles

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

TheSpaceVta

1779 East Main Street, Ventura Ca 93001

Kundalini Yoga

Weekly, Thursday’s @ 7:30pm

$10 Suggested Donation

Kundalini Yoga: The “Yoga is Awareness” balances the 7 energy vortices of our bodies known as chakras. This yoga will re-calibrate the endocrine, nervous, and digestive systems to name a few. Encompassing asanas (poses), mantras (chanting), mudras (hand positions), pranayama (breathing techniques), and sound healing during savasana (relazation), this powerful and ancient technology is certainly special and worth practicing. This form of yoga is the fastest working and most transformational. Hope to see you in class, Sat Nam! (Truth and Identity)

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, many mysterious and eerie sea caves, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Discovery Tour

Distance- 1.25 miles

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Adventure Tour

Distance: 2.5- 3 miles

Duration: 2.5- 3 hours

Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak

Distance: 5-6 miles

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.

On this tour, guests will explore the bounty of gourmet food available in downtown Ventura, some in the heart of downtown, others a bit off the beaten path. You will also have the opportunity to meet and hear from some of our well known local chefs and shop owners. Always wondered how a mai tai cocktail is made, what makes an olive oil extra virgin, or how to pair cheese with wine? Learn a little bit about the history of downtown Ventura as you sample food at a variety of different stops. For visitors, this tour offers a great introduction into the Ventura restaurant scene; and for locals, it offers an opportunity to play tourist in your own town, try some new restaurants, and meet the proprietors behind some of your favorite eateries.

What is Arts & Eats?
ART: Galleries and shops with Artist Receptions
EATS: Shops and restaurants offering free appetizers
DOWNTOWN VENTURA : All within a few blocks

FOR YOUR CALENDAR! Future Arts & Eats dates: September 15 and November 17th

Take a walking tour of downtown Ventura, feasting on lots of art and lots of eats. Look for the orange and blue balloons, and signs in the window.

What: Book release party for “Ventura: Photo Reflections.”
When: Saturday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Latitudes Fine Art Gallery, 401 E. Main St., Ventura.
Event details: A champagne toast and poetry reading at 7:30 p.m. will highlight the party, where the new hardcover coffee-table book depicting Ventura in photos will be released for sale, for $49.95. The event also will celebrate Latitudes’ first five years on Main Street. Music and light refreshments will be featured.
For more information: Visit www.latitudesfineart.com or call 805-642-5257.

Discovery Ventura welcomes back, Yachtley Crew, Ventura’s Vote as #1 Live Band Experience, on November 17th. Don your Captain’s hat and boat shoes for a twilight of sailing upon a Time Travel Dream Cruise of 70s & 80s love song classics! Meet new friends! Reminisce about the good ol’ days! Party all night long on this blissful bon voyage! 9-11pm. Nab your $10 tickets before they sell out, HERE!

1888 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, California 93001