Ojai Studio Artists Respond to the Thomas Fire In Ojai Valley Museum Exhibit
OJAI, Calif. (PRWEB) March 05, 2018 -- “Scorched Souls” is the upcoming exhibition of the Ojai Studio Artists at the Ojai Valley Museum. The exhibit documents the OSA artists’ reactions to the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California state history.
The exhibit will run from March 10 to June 17, with both opening and closing receptions. A portion of sales from the show will be donated to a local fire relief fund.
“This is extraordinary work created out of extraordinary times,” proclaims OSA President Martha Moran. “We asked our artists to write a statement about their pieces. With each new submission, I am touched and awed by both the quality of the work and the poignant reactions to the fire. It’s going to be an important show for our artists and for those in our community who are still reeling in the aftermath.”
“So many of us haven’t been able to paint since the fire,” Pamela Grau muses. “With this show, it’s like the fire is pulling something out of us.”
Firefighters and First Responders will be special guests at the opening reception which will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 5-7 p.m. The public is encouraged to come see the work and share their own reactions and stories with the artists. Additionally a public comment board will be available throughout the show.
OSA has set up a “Scorched Souls” blog site where artists will discuss their work and respond to comments online. Go to ojaistudioartists.org/blog.
Another highlight of the show will be the “Town Talk” at the show’s closing reception on Sunday June 17. OSA artists and OSA art collectors who lost work in the fire will discuss how they’re moving forward after the fire. Artists will also be on hand for a book signing of the “Scorched Souls” catalogue documenting this exhibit.
“We don’t usually do catalogues,” Moran explains. “But this was an important time in our community and for our artists. And the work is exceptional. I hope in some way it will be seen as a healing tool. It certainly has been a healing tool for us artists producing this work.”
The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 West Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - Sunday, 12-4 p.m. For more information, please call (805) 640-1390.
2018 OJAI STUDIO ARTIST TOUR FACTS:
Second Saturday Tours: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9 and July 14, 10 - 3. Admission is free. Download map and further details at ojaistudioartists.org.
Ojai Studio Artists Tour: October 13, 14 & 15, 70 + artists, 10 am to 5 pm.
Advance Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 day of event, $20/person for groups of 10 or more, $15 for students, 17 & under free. Ticket includes studio visits all three days and admission to Saturday's Reception. Tickets and Tour brochures available at ojaistudioartists.org. 805 640-1390, or visit OSA’s website, http://www.ojaistudioartists.org
About Ojai Studio Artists
The organization’s mission is to create an environment where artists thrive ― professional and student alike — and fulfill the potential of the arts to enrich lives and build community.
Christine Beirne, http://OjaiStudioArtists.org, +1 8058904570, [email protected]
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