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On Saturday, July 16, 2022, join artists Hiroko Yoshimoto, Katherine Chang Liu, W. Scott Miles, and Tori Tasch at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of "Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works" featuring "Impending Storms", a collaborative art installation by Blue Marble Art Collective. Yoshimoto's newest artworks represent the Ventura artist’s continued work on her long-running “Biodiversity“ series, an output that amounts to nearly 300 paintings and sketches which speak to Hiroko's concern for the ever-growing threat to biological diversity. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase.

Yoshimoto recently teamed with fellow environmentally-conscious artists Liu, Miles and Tasch to form Blue Marble Art Collective. The group creates mixed media art and installations that put a spotlight on the looming dangers of significant loss of species and biodiversity.

The premiere party will include a special musical performance by Karen Pecht. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Admission to the premiere is $5 for SPAM members, and $10 for non-members.
"Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works" and "Impending Storms" will be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum July 16, 2022, through November 6, 2022.

HEADER IMAGE: "Biodiversity #119" by Hiroko Yoshimoto, 2019, Oil on canvas, 50 x 86 inches.

Led by Academy artist Richie Hawley
Public masterclasses have been at the heart of the Academy experience since its inception
Cheer on the fellows and learn more about the music and the art of performance.

What does Elvis Presley mean to us in the 21st century? This lecture will consider the complicated historical legacy of an American legend, a figure whose music, image, and "rise and fall" story continues to shape popular culture. From his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of superstardom, from teen idol to Vegas showman, we’ll explore how the details of Elvis Presley’s stunning life shed light on the wider world of music, politics, and culture at a critical moment in the nation's history.


David Parsons, Ph.D., received his doctorate in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY). He is a professor and writer whose work focuses on the political, social, and cultural history of 20th century America. He has taught courses in U.S. history at CUNY and New York University, and hosts a long running weekly podcast on history and politics called The Nostalgia Trap. His book “Dangerous Grounds: Antiwar Coffeehouses and Military Dissent in the Vietnam Era” explores links between the civilian peace movement and the American military.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. All two-hour lectures in the FABulous Summer Lecture Series are open to all ages.

The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District will present four free “Water Smart Summer” classes that discuss water-saving and drought-tolerant landscaping and gardening techniques. Each of the classes will be presented by a certified instructor from the Master Gardeners of Ventura County.

One-hour classes will be held on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. beginning on July 30. Classes are at Mae Boyar Park (130 Kanan Road) in Oak Park.

July 30: Replacing Your Lawn--Turf Removal Options
Different methods of removing a lawn and replacing it with a drought-tolerant garden. Drip irrigation discussion also included.

August 6: Fire-Smart and Water-Wise
Types of plantings that are both fire-smart and water-wise for a home garden; the importance of soil, microclimates, hydro-zones, mulch and irrigation.

August 13: Growing California Natives
How to grow a California native plant garden--when it's best to plant natives, their maintenance needs, and other information about drought-resistant plants.

August 20: Drought-Tolerant Gardening, Design and Maintenance
How to remove turf and other high water-consumptive landscaping and how to select, plant and maintain drought-tolerant alternatives.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District holds free classes and workshops throughout the year on various water-related subjects. Space is limited. To reserve a spot in one of the upcoming classes, go to www.triunfowsd.com/Water-Smart-Summer.

Evenings of music outdoors at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden continue with Summer Serenade Series concerts on Friday July 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Seating is on the Island View lawn outside the Pritzlaff Conservation Center and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics. Leashed dogs are also – and always – allowed at the Garden. The series began on July 15 and featured local poets, including a former Santa Barbara poet laurate, and local solo musicians.

Tickets are available online at $25 for adults, and $10 for youth (3-12 years old)

The July 22 concert features a musical showcase, curated by Galavant, of three local singer-songwriters: Ben Catch, Carly Powers, and Conner Cherland.

Benjamin Catch is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter born and raised in Santa Barbara.
Musically, he is inspired by nature and seeks to “capture feelings of wonder, reverence, and youthful optimism” in his original music.

Carly Powers is a singer-songwriter from Goleta who has been singing and performing in bands for almost 15 years. She is also a member of local folk duo the Brambles.

Conner Cherland performs a blend of styles from Americana, folk, and indie rock combined with live guitar looping, foot percussion, and carefully chosen lyrics.

An evening of “love songs both sad and ecstatic” is presented in partnership with the Channel Island Chamber Orchestra at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s final Summer Serenade Series concert of the 2022 season on Friday, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Seating is on the Island View lawn outside the Pritzlaff Conservation Center and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics. Leashed dogs are also – and always – allowed at the Garden. The series began on July 15 and featured local poets (including a former Santa Barbara poet laurate) and local solo musicians, and continued on July 22 with three local singer-songwriters.

Tickets are available online at $25 for adults, and $10 for youth (3-12 years old).

This concert, presented in partnership with the Channel Island Chamber Orchestra, features the orchestra’s clarinetist David Singer, pianist Miriam Arichea, and soprano Patricia Lathrop-McPherson. The program is highlighted by Mozart’s “Parto, Parto, (“I am leaving”)” from La Clemenza di Tito, K. 621, and J.W. Kalliwoda’s “Heimatlied” (Homeland) op. 117, among many others.

Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2003 and celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. Currently, under the baton of Dr. KuanFen Liu, the ensemble of professional musicians perform five-concert seasons in various locations in Ventura County. Visit www.cichamberorchestra.org.

Patricia Lathrop-McPherson, soprano, studied voice at Brigham Young University, where she was a founding member of BYU Singers. In addition to her work with the Channel Island Chamber Orchestra, she has appeared locally with Cabrillo Music Theater, New West Symphony, Ojai Music Festival, Opera West, San Luis Mozart Festival, and others.

David Singer, clarinet, is also Principal Clarinetist Emeritus of the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, his performances include the White House for Presidents Carter and Clinton, guest artist with the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, and chamber music concerts with Yehudi Menuhin, Yo Yo Ma, Rudolf Serkin, and members of the Guarneri and Emerson String Quartets.

Miriam Arichea, piano, has been a principal soloist with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra since its inception, and has also performed with the Ventura College Symphony and San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra, and at the Ojai Arts Center and Ventura Music Festival. She has served as music director and pianist for the Rubicon Theatre Company, the Ventura Unified Festival of Talent, and Temple Beth Torah, among others.

"A NEW PORTRAIT OF AMERICAN SOUND has nevertheless emerged, with Montgomery's music providing some of the latest, crucial touches." - The New York Times

A program of works by Jessie Montgomery

Join Art From Scrap for a workshop with artist Nika Cavat.

The practice of writing poetry not only allows access to the unconscious, where all the really good stuff dwells, but it also teaches the importance of compassionate self-examination. In the first half of this two hour workshop, Nika will guide you through a series of simple writing exercises to draw out your own personal poetry. The second hour will utilize Art From Scrap handmade paper or Japanese paper to craft single sheet folding books and Japanese accordion style books. These books will be the holding place for your poetry.

The workshop costs $20 per person and is open to adults.

You will leave the workshop with beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations and the tools you need to continue mining your writer’s voice and crafting tiny books in a multitude of styles.

Led by Academy artist JoAnn Turovsky
Public masterclasses have been at the heart of the Academy experience since its inception
Cheer on the fellows and learn more about the music and the art of performance.

Encompassing the most fellow-driven range of music
Fellows select their own works for the program, put together their ensembles, and share with you their favorites.
Before the concert, bring your own picnic and be seated at tables among the gorgeous Academy gardens. These lively concerts are popular social events!