Opening October's celebration of the local art scene was Night at the Adobe, taking place under the stars at the historic Reyes Adobe museum. The art reception, hosted by the Agoura Hills Cultural Arts Council, was attended by over 350 people who enjoyed local wine, beer and small plate samplings while previewing Art@theAdobe 2012.
The Reyes Adobe Historical Site's barn turned into a gallery and museum store that featured 17 local artists, including Fred Stone, Beverly Lazor and Debbi Green. On exhibit were original paintings, photographs and mixed media pieces along with more affordable renditions of artists' works. An artisan row featured hand crafted wearable art such as scarves, jewelry, ties and aprons.
For this year's event, artist Cim Castellon, a member of the arts council, created specialty, vintage-style gift items--pillows, candles, mugs, journals, bags--that featured the Reyes Adobe's history, using old photographs, textiles and replicas in her designs.
"I wanted people to take away something memorable about their experience at the museum," she said.
Proceeds from sales benefit the local arts. The Reyes Adobe home, built in 1845, is a state designated landmark and Agoura Hills's first home. Night at the Adobe opening art reception is a highlight of the city's Reyes Adobe Days weekend festival.
Art@theAdobe 2012 is also part of the upcoming Conejo Valley Open Studio Tour, showcasing the work of 40 visual artists who live and work in the greater Conejo Valley. The City of Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Commission Visual Arts Committee in cooperation with The City of Agoura Hills Cultural Arts Council is sponsoring the two-day, self guided tour visiting the studios of established and emerging artists in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village on Saturday, October 13, and in Agoura Hills and Oak Park on Sunday, October 14. Participants will have the opportunity of seeing artists in their studio environment, discussing and demonstrating materials and processes, as well as enjoying group shows in featured venues.
The West Valley Tour begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, at the City of Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre Gallery (2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks). Visitors may preview artists’ work, register and obtain a self-guided studio tour map. A complimentary continental breakfast is available until 11:30 a.m. Registration is open until 1 p.m. The West Valley Tour includes individual artist studios and a group exhibition at MUVICO, open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 pm. For participating artists, see below.
The East Valley Tour begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 14, at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site (RAHS), 30400 Rainbow Crest Drive. Visitors may view the work of 17 artists at the RAHS's Art @ the Adobe exhibition, register and obtain a self guided studio tour map. A complimentary continental breakfast is available until 11 a.m. The east valley tour includes individual artist studios and three group exhibitions taking place at the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel (offering a 50 percent discount on continental breakfast to tour participants), Kathi Colman Studios and The Frame Gallery. All locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For participating artists, visit http://conejovalleyartgallery.com.
