The Editor Recommends

Anca Colbert, the editor and publisher of ARTS About Town, recommends a few of her favorite places.
Featuring: Art & Food, Art in Public Places, Regional Museums, Art Books Galore, For a Good Cup of Coffee and a Little More Art...
​

​Pairing Art & Food

In the Ojai Arcade
Art and Food

​Ojai Coffee Roasting Company

Since 1995 a favorite hangout of locals and tourists alike, situated in the center of downtown. Great fresh roasted coffee, munchies, and bakery goods. Owner Stacey loves art: she hosts rotating exhibitions of local artists. Wonderful spot
​for creatives, people and dog watching.
​337 E. Ojai Ave
ojaicoffeeroasters.com/
​

In Meiners Oaks
Art and Food on El Roblar  ​

Farmer and the Cook 

339 West El Roblar
Vegetarian Mexican Cafe

Steve Sprinkel and wife Olivia Chase, the famous husband and wife duo behind the organic grocery and café Farmer and the Cook, love to open the ample space of their restaurant to invite occasional musical performances and event groups. Rotating exhibitions of local, contemporary artists.
339 W El Roblar Dr
farmerandcook.com/

In the Ojai Arcade
Art, Food, Music, and Wine

Feros Ferio Wine

Nigel Chisholm, the owner, has been immensely involved with the Ojai community for many years. He was the Chair for the Ojai Arts Commission. The Feros Ferio Winery Tasting Room showcases the work of local artists in revolving exhibitions. The 1910 piano was painted by local artist Amy Lynn Stevenson; it's not just beautiful, it also sounds great. Private karaoke room. Live music 4-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
310 E. Ojai Ave
​ferosferiowine.com/

In Meiners Oaks
Art and Food on El Roblar 

​Coffee Connection

In Meiners Oaks, great organic coffee and fresh pastries, cozy room and terrace. Small patio in back. Husband and wife owners Jon and Brenna Furness along with their welcoming staff create a warm and cozy environment. They have a small selection of handmade goods.
Rotating exhibitions of local artists. 
A favorite hangout for a community of creatives and locals.
311 East El Roblar
www.coffeeconnectionojai.com/
​

In the Ojai Arcade
Wine, Food, Music, and Art

Sam's Place

Sam and Amber run the place as a casual tavern offering wine, beer, cocktails with patio seating and regular live music and rotating art exhibitions. "We cook like it's for family and pour like it's for friends."
​308 E. Ojai Ave
samsplaceojai.com

​In Meiners Oaks
Art and Food on El Roblar 

Papa Lennon's Pizzeria

(write-up coming about the art on display)

Famous for their pizza.
An Ojai favorite for years...
​515 West El Roblar

















​

Art in Public Spaces: Sculptures, Fountains, Murals and more

Public Art Tours - Ojai has well over 40 works of Public Art on display within its less than five square miles! In 2013, the City enacted
​a Public Art Ordinance that requires qualifying private and public development to contribute what is sometimes called 2% for the Arts.
This gave birth to Ojai’s Public Art Program. www.ojai.ca.gov/450/Public-Art-Tours

The Fountain in Libbey Park 
and the Post Office

Since 2003 the City of Ojai Public Arts Program has facilitated the creation of new public art works.
"The Public Arts Program requires that construction projects greater than $300,000 devote funding towards acquisition and installation of public art." 
The program successfully promotes art​ for the enjoyment of all who live in or visit Ojai. 

​"Spirit Chaser"
​by Ted Gall

Sculptor​ Ted Gall's soaring "Spirit Chaser" welcomes visitors to Ojai as they enter town, driving North on Hwy. 33 The huge steel horse marks the entrance to the Rotary Club Park.
​Ted Gall is a member of the Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) group.

"Matilija Poppy"
by​ Sandra Kay Johnson ​

Created by Sandra Kay Johnson under a commission from the City of Ojai this sculpture
is titled "Matilija Poppy" (a variety of poppy symbolic of Ojai). This Fountain/Sculpture is located in the courtyard behind the shops in the arcade on Ojai Avenue in downtown Ojai.

Art Books Galore: outdoors and indoors.

Bart's Books

​ 
​For over fifty years, Bart's Books has attracted book lovers and visitors from all over the world. Meandering through their aisles, mostly in open air and under old oak trees, looking for books at Bart’s becomes a memorable experience. An indoors studio space offers an exceptional selection of books on art, design, crafts, architecture, photography, collectibles, and more. 
​
The rich history of a cherished place:
www.latimes.com/travel/story/2023-07-27/barts-books-outdoor-bookstore-ojai-history

Ojai Valley Museum Shop
Focus on "Ojai by Design"  ​

“Ojai by Design: Fine Architecture of the Ojai Valley,” showcases Ojai’s architectural heritage by documenting twenty-three of its historic buildings. Written by architectural historian Craig Walker, edited by Mark Lewis, lavishly illustrated, the book is beautifully designed and produced. Sponsored by the Ojai Arts Commission, it is planned to be the first in a series about art in the Ojai Valley.
​
Available at the Ojai Valley Museum's Shop, along with a wide selection of Ojai centric books. www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/gift-shop 

Regional Museums: a short driving distance from Ojai

​Ventura County Museum

​The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves and interprets the art, history and cultures of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands and the surrounding region. It features collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications, and a research library focused on the region.
The museum has ample free parking.
​It is located on Main Street, across the San Buenaventura Mission, founded in 1782, the last of the nine Spanish missions established by Padre Junipero Serra in California.

Santa Paula Art Museum

Located in historic downtown Santa Paula, California, the Santa Paula Art Museum, Jeanette Cole Art Center features rotating exhibitions of vintage and contemporary art, educational programming for children and adults, artist talks and demonstrations, musical performances, and a fine gift shop.
​
The museum offers carefully curated shows in spacious galleries where Ojai artists are often invited in solo or group exhibitions.

​
​Other Museums a little further away...

- The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

​- Channel Islands Maritime Museum

​- Carpinteria Valley Museum of History

- Santa Barbara Museum of Art 

- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

- Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
​

*** The Museum Alliance of Ventura County offers a complete list of their museums.
venturacountymuseums.org

 For a little more art, crafts, and design...

Noted

Noted. An independent stationery and gift shop to enchant paper and pen lovers. It features a selection of high-quality Japanese stationery, specialized paper items, greeting cards, and art supplies.
The store also offers custom note cards, specialty writing tools like Blackwing pencils, home fragrances, and locally crafted gifts. Noted emphasizes community engagement by hosting creative classes and workshops focused on journaling and paper arts.
open every day 10 to 5
423 East Ojai Ave. #102
www.notedojai.com/

Java and Joe

Java and Joe Established 30 years ago behind the Ojai Arcade, this independent coffee shop continues to be a favorite for locals and Sunday morning Farmers Market shoppers. Spacious inside. Quiet seating outside. Owner Joe and staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
Specialty coffee and tea selections; pastries and chocolates; coffee related gift items; along with a wide range of local art focusing on crafts,  ceramics, and greeting cards.​
open every day 6am to 5pm
​323 E Matilija St #105
805.646.3138

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