• Sunday, July 27

• Instructor: Jem Morris

• Time: 9am-12pm

• Adults

• $45.

• supplies not included Click on image for suggested supply list

Join us for Plein Air Ventura, a monthly outdoor painting workshop led by artist Jem Morris. Each session, students will meet at a different scenic location in Ventura, providing a fresh and inspiring setting to refine their plein air painting skills. The location will be disclosed upon registration.

Through expert guidance, Jem will share tips and techniques for capturing light, atmosphere, and composition in the ever-changing outdoor environment. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, this workshop offers the opportunity to enhance your artistic practice, develop confidence in painting en plein air, and connect with fellow artists in a supportive and engaging setting.

Come explore Ventura’s beauty and paint the landscape before you!

• Saturday August 2 at 10 AM

• Spaces are limited, pre-registration required

• Adults

• $10.

Join artist Linda Ekstrom for a meditative labyrinth walk at the historic First United Methodist Church in Ventura. This reflective journey invites participants to engage the body and spirit through the ancient practice of labyrinth walking—a quiet, centering experience that resonates deeply with the themes of symmetry, stillness, and contemplation found in Ekstrom’s work.

Following the walk, guests are invited to Vita Art Center for an artist talk, where Ekstrom will speak about her current exhibition, Starry Offerings. The exhibition features a series of mandalas—delicate, star-filled compositions born from the tension between chaos and order. Beginning with a simple grid, each mandala unfolds through radial and bilateral symmetry, drawing viewers into a meditative space that offers a sense of calm and refuge. At the center of the installation is Meditation on Blue (2022), a hand-embroidered artist book inspired by Rebecca Solnit’s writing on the color blue as a symbol of longing, distance, and beauty.

LABYRINTH WALK: First United Methodist Church, 1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA 93003

ARTIST TALK: Vita Art Center, 28 West Main Street

• Part 1, Aug. 24, Exploring the Mysteries of the Colors All Around Us

• Part 2, Aug 31: 2:30-4:30pm

• Part 3, Sep 7: 2:30-4:30pm

• Part 4, Sep 14: 2:30-4:30pm

• Part 5, Sep 21 : 1:30-5:30pm

• $55. per session or $250. for the series.

• Teaching Artist Mona Lewis

• Pre-Registration Required

• All supplies included

• Adults

click on image for more information on each session

Join artist and educator Mona Lewis for a five-session Plant Dye Series exploring the history, science, and beauty of natural dyes. Each workshop offers a unique focus — from discovering colors hidden in everyday plants to the history of Cochineal, the rich tones of Logwood and Brazilwood, the magic of indigo vats, and a master class on advanced techniques for achieving a broad palette from a single dye. Participants can take individual workshops or sign up for the full series to build a deeper understanding and skillset in the art of plant-based dyeing. All sessions include hands-on instruction, prepared materials, and projects to take home.

Mona Lewis is an artist and arts educator in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, specializing in revitalizing the lost art of using plant dyes and earth pigments and teaching students how to use them in their work. She has been a Waldorf educator since 1998, and is co-director of the Waldorf Practical Arts Teacher Training program. Mona has illustrated four books for writer Alan Salazar, exclusively with natural earth pigments. Her own book, Nature’s Paintbox, is a collection of easy plant dye and earth pigment projects for artists.

• Sunday, August 10, 2-4pm

• Instructor: Alexis St. John

• Time: 2-4pm

• Adults

• $45.

Discover the timeless beauty of Celtic interlace in this hands-on art workshop. You'll learn the secrets behind constructing intricate knot and braid designs using clear, step-by-step instruction. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to create your own original patterns that can be used for artwork, needlework, greeting cards, and more. No prior drawing experience is required

• Wednesdays, 6-8:00pm

• 6/18-Felting, abstract painting with fibers

• 6/25-Enameling, Mushroom Charms

• 7/2-Felting, Story Book Art

• 7/9-Enameling, Butterfly Charms

• 7/16-Felting, Succulents

• 7/23-Enameling, Flower Charms

• 7/30-Felting, Jellyfish

• 8/6-Enameling Leaves

• $20. per person

• Pre-Registration Required

• Ages 8 thru Adult

• Youth ages 8 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult

• Instructor: Michelle Wilson-Petit

Join us Wednesday evenings for a fun and creative community art class for ages 8 and up! Each week will alternate between hands-on felting and enameling projects, offering participants the chance to explore both soft and metal-based materials while learning new techniques. Whether you're new to these crafts or looking to deepen your skills, this class provides a welcoming space to create and connect. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. All materials included.

• Thursdays, June 5 through July 10

• Instructor: Michelle Wilson

• Time: 6-8:30pm

• $315 for 6 classes

• Materials included

• Limited to 8 students

Explore the fundamentals of metalsmithing through jewelry making. We will learn the basics of sawing, filing, and soldering nonferrous metals. We’ll experiment with stamping, hammering, and finishing techniques. Students will leave with finished pieces, and a foundation in jewelry and metalsmithing.