The Editor Recommends

Anca Colbert, the editor and publisher of ARTS About Town, recommends a few of her favorite places.
Featured categories include Regional Museums, Art & Food, Art in Public Places, and Art Books Galore.
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​Art & Food

Farmer and the Cook ​

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 rotating exhibitions of local, contemporary artists.

The Ranch House

Founded by legendary Alan Hooker, one of the original farm-to-table chefs, the Ranch House and its herb garden continue to attract people in search of a genuine experience in fine dining. Keeping with their long established tradition, the fine art collection on display includes originals by Beatrice Wood, a close friend of Alan and Helen Hooker. The three friends were vegetarians and devotees of Krishnamurti, who lived at the top of the hill above the Hookers' ranch house, later turned into a restaurant.

Marché  Gourmet

Marché  Gourmet is a European style deli and caterer. It offers croissants and other freshly baked pastries, various quiches, Mediterranean-style salads, fresh coffee and wines. Its executive chef,  Patricia A. Cluché, is also a dedicated artist. Her plein air landscape paintings are always on display and available for purchase in the intimate setting of the deli. Just a few tables inside. A few more umbrella- covered tables outside add a real touch of café-style life: eat and drink leisurely while watching the passer-byes...

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

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

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​For 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.

BookEnds
​Bookstore & Curiosities 

Get ready to be enchanted by the discovery of this re-imagined and lovingly refurbished old church in Meiners Oaks. The main building is surrounded by individually designed small structures, including a 1961 Airstream and a Tiny House for the arts. Book lovers will find everything they could dream of, including a large selection of rare, collectible art books. Sitting areas, all among the old oaks.

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.
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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.

 For a good cup of coffee and a little more:
      • Ojai Roasting  A long-time favorite hangout of local artists, actors, some aspiring and some well-known. Great coffee, munchies and deserts. Rotating exhibitions of local artists.
      • The Coffee Connection   In Meiners Oaks, great coffee and fresh pastries, cozy room and terrace. Regular exhibitions of local artists.
      • Java and Joe   Behind the Arcade, a long-time favorite for locals and Sunday morning Farmers Market shoppers. Fine coffee and tea selection.
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