For starters, this is a super cool museum which features exactly what the name suggests. They have…read morea bunch of old carriages which are mind blowing if you allow yourself to imagine what it might have been like to roam the open plains in one of these. The museum is not very large and can be totally appreciated in about an hour... time well spent! Unfortunately the impetuous for my visit was a celebration of life for Wesley John Bortolazzo - RIP Wes, miss you. The aforementioned event made it apparent to me that this location is great for large gatherings, ideally a wedding or a big birthday, something a little more joyous. BUT, this was a great place to celebrate Wes because it embodied his western passion. We were grateful to the folks at Santa Barbara Carriage & Western Arts Museum for their generosity and involvement with the celebration. Do yourself a favor and embrace your Western spirit, this place is worth a visit.

I talked to Tammy about my fiesta poster and pin, She never texted me the number to reach the…read moreperson in charge. I feel like I am getting the run around. Sh should have contacted them for me! I am angry amd am typing spending the 50$!

It says this place was open until 5 today but when I walked up no evidence of other people or being…read moreopen... no closed sign just empty. It is a beautiful old building and I hope it's going to stay that way and do something... Just know if you come here it may say open online and not be.

This placed is closed. Not art. Not open…read more When you get close to the place you can tell how run down and dilapidated it is. A real shame that this town has chosen other priorities (can't really tell what those priorities are cuz the whole of Oxnard is just a mess) over preserving a nice landmark such as this. Way to make Andrew proud, Oxnard.

I Madonnari Italian street festival happens every year during Memorial Day weekend. This festival…read moreshowcases over 140 colorful and vibrant chalk street paintings. I respect that each artist works hunched over on the ground filling in the template. I commend each and every one of them for the time spent to fill in and showcase the beautiful art work. Be respectful and give them space while walking through. It gets pretty busy due to the holiday, so expect crowds during your visit. Enjoy live music, local food, and a great atmosphere. The mission gift store is also open and worth checking out for souvenirs. Bring your camera, charged up phone, and prepare to capture amazing pictures! If you're impatient and don't care to wait in long lines for food, then bring your own food and have a picnic across the street. Park yourself at the rose garden with the family and relax on the grass. There's also an local vendors selling baked goods and lemonade for sweet treats. Tuesday & Wednesday are the best time to stop by if you want to see the chalk art completed.

I Madonnari is an Italian street painting festival that takes place at the mission every Memorial…read moreDay weekend. I've been twice over the years, with and without kids, and it's a nice, free way to enjoy some outdoor time in beautiful Santa Barbara. The festival gets busy, so it's best to go early if you want to park anywhere close to the mission. My elderly father-in-law went and gave up when he couldn't find parking to meet us at 10:00 on the Sunday morning. We found a spot on the rose garden side, and our kids enjoyed looking at the wonderful variety of roses on our way in. The street paintings are super fun and impressive. They all seem to be sponsored by local businesses, schools, and even families, who hire artists to create temporary paintings on the concrete in front of the mission. The works range in subject matter and artistry, with teenagers working alongside absolute ringers rendering amazing images in chalk and pastels. I've only gone in the middle of the festival, and I like watching the artists at work. I'll bet it'd be cool, though, to walk through all the finished paintings. There are food vendors and other entertainment on the lawn, which we will take advantage of some other year, when our children aren't being moody. I'm charmed by this local festival, and look forward to more Madonnaris in the years to come.

During my last trip to Ojai, I was attracted by some cool t-shirts, on sale, outside Nomad Gallery…read more It was a funny coincidence since we read recently in Ojai Quarterly a good article about Leslie Clark (the owner of this gallery), her art (she paints beautiful art pieces, mostly inspired by her trips to Africa- Niger) and her foundation and the great work she does to help people in Niger. The gallery is more than a gallery, it's a cool store that sells clothing, jewelry, sculptures, masks, paintings, home decor items mostly imported from Africa, Niger and Mali. Sure, the prices are a bit higher, but everything in here is unique, one of a kind item, hand made by various artists. I had to get a t-shirt, they were cool, cheap, made in Africa, in a process to help women there use their skills to try to make a living. One of a kind t-shirts, fair trade. We had a nice time chatting with Leslie and she was nice and accommodating with me because I had to try the shirt on, make sure it fits me. Beautiful merchandise, nice store. They'll have a major sale on July 8th, if you'll be in the area, stop by. Or whenever you'll visit Ojai, pop in Nomad Gallery, it's next to Libbey Park, but it's a cool place that will transport you far away, on another continent.

Nomad Gallery is my favorite store in Ojai. Unique one of a kind African fabrics and jewelry. I…read morealways stop by to browse and buy whenever I am in Ojai. The owner is lovely and travels there herself to support local tribal artists and artisans.

La Cumbre Center for Creative Arts -- Gallery Row's Creative Heartbeat…read more La Cumbre Plaza is far from quiet -- it's alive with art. The La Cumbre Center for Creative Arts (LCCCA), affectionately called Gallery Row, has blossomed into one of Santa Barbara's most surprising cultural destinations. Within a single plaza, you'll find six inspiring galleries and creative spaces, each offering its own vision and energy. Step into Gallery Row, and you'll see how alive it really is! See You can wander through the colorful worlds of LCCCA -Illuminations, Elevate, and The Fine Line Gallery, catch the latest shows at The Voice Gallery, visit Lama Tashi at the Museum of Tibetan Art & Culture, Legacy Art Studio, or stop by the Grace Fisher Foundation's Inclusive Arts Clubhouse for some joyful community spirit. The best time to visit? Every day, Tues-Sun, 12-5 pm, and Every 3rd Friday (5-8 PM) during the Gallery Row Art Walk! The whole plaza comes alive with music, wine, friendly faces -- and yes, even a chance to paint a giant paper-mâché elephant for good luck. It's a mix of art, heart, and fun -- and proof that La Cumbre Plaza is anything but quiet. See what's happening, meet the artists, and get inspired! What was once considered a quiet shopping area has transformed into a thriving hub of artistic life. Whether you're looking for your next favorite painting, a meaningful gift, or simply inspiration, Gallery Row at La Cumbre Plaza invites you to slow down, explore, and feel the pulse of Santa Barbara's creative community.

Very nice art and the 3rd Friday Art Walk is a lot of fun. My favorite art gallery is Illuminations.read more

I have to agree with all the 5 star reviews! It's the owner that made this already great gallery…read moreeven better. She took the time to explain the art, the history of the conversation of this historic home into the gallery, the legacy of Beatrice Wood and the inspiration behind the items in the gift shop. I bought some of the chocolates that are made locally in Ojai but I love the art on the packaging that I'm not ready to open them yet :) She also gave great recommendations for food and activities in Ojai. Thank you! Update: Ate a chocolate bar. I just need to tell you all how delicious it was!

Was there yesterday and didn't have time to view the gallery but was following the street signs to…read moretheir chocolate sign. They make and sell a line of chocolates that is simply amazing. The owner provided great information about the artist who inspired their chocolate. Can't wait to go back and buy more chocolate and walk the gallery.

Walked by and was intrigued by the unique art display. Everything is 3-D and captures cities from…read morearound the world and other varieties of concepts. A great addition to any modern art collection. Lady working the store is very friendly and informative about the artist. While you're there, check out his piece about the globe, which highlights the main points of each country.

My mom and I found this amazing gallery today while walking the downtown parade and festival. Such…read morea hidden gem of a gallery. Lisa's shop has been open over a year and I realize now why we had never seen it (we never turn left down main street at this intersection) lol. Our mistake clearly! Don't be like us and definitely check out this gallery. The artwork is simply breathtaking. I am not a coastal beachy girl by any means but the artwork here was beyond stunning. Totally stopped us in our tracks. My mom was actually able to find a beach scene for her house and she fell in love with one piece and brought it home. Lisa's work is amazing. I have two pieces on my mind from here after stopping in.... Her desert landscapes are my personal favorite and remind me of the beauty of the desert. Also love her butterfly pieces. This artwork is fresh and a clean aesthetic, truly could look great in any space. Lisa was working the gallery and she couldn't have been lovelier. Such a sweet soul and beyond talented, definitely the kind of local business and artist that I would want to support. Walked away with a great piece and honestly may be back soon because a couple of her works are imprinted on my mind now....time to find some wall space :)

Great to see another art gallery budding up in downtown Ventura, very close to the Mission on Main…read moreStreet! Surrendered Echoes is a calm, serene space filled up with nice paintings, mostly inspired by local landscapes, scenery, by the proximity of the ocean. If you are looking for some art for your place, check out this gallery, see if the style fits your taste! The day we stopped by, the artist was working outside the gallery, so that was a nice touch, great to see! Enjoyable visit here, great addition to Main st. Ventura!