Arts and Economics were discussed by a distinquished panel at the WAV Theater Gallery, Friday April 27, 2012, after a tour of WAV studios. The Ventura County Leadership Academy’s 25 guests came to hear what Norbert Tan, Elena Brokaw, Margaret Travers, Tracy Hudak, Jerry Yoshitomi and Erik Reel had to say about the progress of arts and artists in Ventura County. The audience was composed of business and organization leaders throughout the County.

Fifty-six students from Charter School visited the WAV to learn about Public Art. The group was accompanied by instructors Karen Mercer and Chris Pena.

The students met with Larissa Stauss in her studio so that they could meet the artist who has produced several public art pieces for the city of Ventura, including the mosaic mural installed at the Museum of Ventura County.

They also met with Catlin Blair Harvey, a sculptor and jewelry maker, to learn about her proposed public project; Bottle Bricks for creating art and building stuctures. The kids had a great time stuffing bottles with plastic trash and look forward to helping her with her environmental public project.

Michele Foster’s studio was visited so that the kids could use pretty, recycled trash to assemble paper flowers to take home. Michele always has fascinating projects for kids and teaches here at the WAV. 

Nash Rightmer was on hand to display his proposal for a “Green” Tree for the WAV Central Courtyard. The kids were invited to create art pieces out of metal to adorn the tree when the project gets underway.

Sarah Kalvin led the group around the WAV property and showed the students two cement benches to be made into public art. They were invited to come up with ideas for the benches. WAV resident artist David Oliver had his Red Grass out in the garden and the kids learned that art that you can just walk right up to and view for free is public art.

Satchel & Owen (two resident pugs) hosted a mutt-mingle for their canine neighbors on Wednesday, April 4^th from 5:30pm-8:00pm in the Theater Gallery.  The  pups ran off leash and mixed-n-mingled. 

Well-behaved pooches and humans (with or without dogs) arrived in droves. Lite refreshments for humans and canines were provided, as well as door prizes. This was a great opportunity to kick back, get to know your neighbors and spend some quality time with the pups.

First Fridays at the WÃV brings guests into the fun. You can paint a 12×12 space on our Forever Flag and be part of a project that creates funds for the Theater Gallery and brings everyone in the act and joy of painting.

Britten Barry and Vonder Gray teach kids at the WAV to Paint and then hunt for Easter eggs, March 31st.

The WAV was host to Craftcation’s reception Thursday evening. Craftcation produced a symposium of craft workshops at Crowne Plaza, but entertained their staff, instructors and WAV residents with refreshments and light music at the WAV Theater Gallery.