Visit Our Stone Shop and Sculpture Garden. Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Call 805.648.1690
Visit Our Stone Shop and Sculpture Garden. Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Call 805.648.1690
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ART CITY STUDIOS, a treasure in West Ventura for the past 37 years, has been a place where a tremendous amount of activity, innovation, and achievement has taken place.
That legacy, at work since 1985, is now threatened with the sale and development of the property at 197 Dubbers Street.
Paul Lindhard and all of the AC artists are reaching out to you at this critical time to share your impressions & memories of ART CITY in BRIEF LETTERS OF SUPPORT that we can use to firmly establish a truth that is already known by many, that keeping ART CITY as a unique cultural resource on the Central Coast is more important than ever.
Please email your letters to artcitygalleryandstudios@gmail.com or you could write down it online.
This is such a unique place to visit and not only to see the wonderful and beautiful works of the artists but also to talk to them and see how immersed they are in their work. They are all so happy to stop what they are doing and tell you about what they are doing. Don’t let this place disappear and be replaced with a building. We ne
This is such a unique place to visit and not only to see the wonderful and beautiful works of the artists but also to talk to them and see how immersed they are in their work. They are all so happy to stop what they are doing and tell you about what they are doing. Don’t let this place disappear and be replaced with a building. We need places like this where the family can see and bring their children to and realize their is something more to life than the cell phone.
Sept 16, 2022
I’ve visited Art City many times. Walking around seeing artists’ artistic expressions in stone and other media is even more intriguing in this outdoor, eclectic environment. It’s on my list of places I bring friends who have come to visit me in Ventura and it’s always a highlight for them.
This unique site needs to stay exactly as
I’ve visited Art City many times. Walking around seeing artists’ artistic expressions in stone and other media is even more intriguing in this outdoor, eclectic environment. It’s on my list of places I bring friends who have come to visit me in Ventura and it’s always a highlight for them.
This unique site needs to stay exactly as it is—a haven for artists and a wonderful part of the Ventura community
Sept 12, 2022
To whom it may concern,
The Art City Studios is one of the most wholesome, beautiful special gathering places in Ventura County. Ever since I’ve been living in Ventura County I’ve never felt such a peaceful welcoming ambiance. Art City has the most creative and ethereal art. The vibes are immaculate, I know I found one of my favorite bands
To whom it may concern,
The Art City Studios is one of the most wholesome, beautiful special gathering places in Ventura County. Ever since I’ve been living in Ventura County I’ve never felt such a peaceful welcoming ambiance. Art City has the most creative and ethereal art. The vibes are immaculate, I know I found one of my favorite bands due to this place the event they had on July 30th due to this community. We need this art place to tell our stories. It is incredibly inspirational how this place created a safe community of artistic friendly people. I am from South Oxnard and if only we had a place like this growing up, I know our youth and several generations would not have taken bad paths.
I Want to tell you about the time I went to the Art City with my sister and friend let me tell you… my sister is an art major, and our friend is a well know artist from Oxnard, named John. I myself would love to pursue a music career sometime. But this day was made especially magical when we started exploring Art City we went all around the rock sculptures and then the gardens and the pieced-together creative designs. We had so much fun and almost everyone there knew and said hi to John, it is truly a beautiful community. After looking all around at the art exhibits, we went to watch the band, Goodbye Ranger, their music was the most beautiful ever that I’ve never heard anything so heavenly.
I myself am a strong volunteer/advocate for the community like this last year I thoroughly volunteered for many months organizing to ask the city of Oxnard for parks by creating neighborhood councils, and this year I am back volunteering by bettering many aspects of South Oxnard like litter picking, canvasing, and connecting people to resources. Art City means so much to our communities it is a safe place full of enrichment. Please do not let this extraordinary place that was created over the decades go down. I plan on going here with my family and friends as the main spot for a day out for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for reading my letter.
Best regards,
Daniela Aguirre
daniela.aguirre347@myci.csuci.edu
Aug 28, 2022
Paul and Gallery Artists:
I am a budding sculptor and have been visiting Art City Studio gallery over the past two years. I view it as a rare cultural gem in the Ventura area. I know of no other venue where the sculptors are so willing to share in their art, provide guidance, and create such treasures. This is truly a rare gem provi
Paul and Gallery Artists:
I am a budding sculptor and have been visiting Art City Studio gallery over the past two years. I view it as a rare cultural gem in the Ventura area. I know of no other venue where the sculptors are so willing to share in their art, provide guidance, and create such treasures. This is truly a rare gem providing world class art that will be around for centuries.
I think it is shameful to think that you would be forced to close your doors for alternate real estate development that will change the very nature of Ventura culture. The collaboration between artists and stone provides a truly world-class environment that should be shared with the public rather than thrown away. It will be nearly impossible to replicate the gallery which has evolved over the years and provided countless artworks that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help save this Ventura treasure. The gallery is more suited to be a park for artists rather than forcing it to close.
Sincerely,
Gary Guttman
Aug 3, 2022
I’m writing to express my concern and support for keeping ART CITY as a cultural resource for Ventura County. Best would be to keep some of the space as a public sculpture garden; it is already beautifully arranged, full of
trees and plants and sculpture.
Also, conjunct the sculpture garden, some of the space should be kept as a place for
I’m writing to express my concern and support for keeping ART CITY as a cultural resource for Ventura County. Best would be to keep some of the space as a public sculpture garden; it is already beautifully arranged, full of
trees and plants and sculpture.
Also, conjunct the sculpture garden, some of the space should be kept as a place for teaching stone working skills and design classes, to all ages, through the City College or the Recreation Dept. I am a retired art teacher. I graduated UCLA 1968, degree in Art. I worked 17 years teaching various forms of arts and crafts skills with Portland Parks and Recreation Dept. and
Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation Dept. Beaverton,
Oregon, in Senior Centers to retired folks, and in After School and Summer Parks Programs to children. I also worked for Multnomah Public Health Dept. for 5 years. The benefits of Parks, and Recreational programs, are
better mental and physical health and happiness for everyone who lives in the community.
Also, lovely and unusual Parks attract tourists, and this sculpture garden is definitely ready to do that. I watched for almost an hour on Saturday while a mature
man named Andy patiently and skillfully taught tool use and stone carving skills to a ten-year-old girl. These kinds of skills are often not taught in our public schools now, but
are important. I hope the City and/or the County of Ventura will seize the opportunity to require that at lease part of this property remain in the public domain, for education and recreation.
The name of the Art City street location, 197 Dubbers
Street, has some interesting historical significance also. I was told by a long time resident that there used to be a Volkswagon junk-yard there, for people to buy parts to fix
their VW’s. A derivation, slang, a colloquialism.
“VeeDubbau’s”. Was shortened to Dubbers.
Sincerely, Carolyn Goldwasser
302 N. Signal, Ojai, CA 93023
(541) 808-1830 cell
July 26, 2022
We are adding our voices to the many artists, stone carvers, tourists and members of the consumers of art from around the country who have been privileged to be part of your community. We must NOT sacrifice the blessings that Art City has brought to California in exchange for yet another building project in Ventura. Los Angeles has
We are adding our voices to the many artists, stone carvers, tourists and members of the consumers of art from around the country who have been privileged to be part of your community. We must NOT sacrifice the blessings that Art City has brought to California in exchange for yet another building project in Ventura. Los Angeles has been declared THE art center of the US. That’s right, NOT New York. Although the concentration of galleries, museums, exhibits have been in LA, this reputation for great art in all its forms is spreading to adjoining cities, counties and communities as the public becomes aware of these gems. We are no longer just the land of amusement parks. We believe that Art City is unique as a multi decade haven for stone sculpture and sculptors. There is no other place like it. It’s uniqueness is that it is the essence of what an art community looks like: professionals, teachers, students who in this case all share a love for our earth’s geological treasures. If ever our troubled world needed a spotlight on what these artisans do now is that time. We believe that Art City should become a permanent tax and community supported institution in California. We are Drs. Len (Clinical Psychology) and Barb (Public Health) Vosen. Before retiring Len discovered Art City and it was love at first sight. His transition from a busy clinical practice into the world of stone sculpture was effortless because of the magic of Art City. We live in the San Fernando Valley but our hearts live in Ventura. Let’s spread the word about Ventura’s gem and watch it thrive.
Our best regards,
Len and Barb
Date: Thu, Jul 28, 2022 at 1:58 PM
Art City is in my humble opinion best kept secret
And inspiration, for many where sculptors and art lovers alike can be an Art City is abundant with artistic energy and revered among stone sculptors and other mediums that can buy unique stones for mounting a finished piece can attest to how important Art City is to the local
Art City is in my humble opinion best kept secret
And inspiration, for many where sculptors and art lovers alike can be an Art City is abundant with artistic energy and revered among stone sculptors and other mediums that can buy unique stones for mounting a finished piece can attest to how important Art City is to the local art scene. One of many examples to the importance of how they helped me with finding of the perfect my bronze “Hawk” and learned
which the beautiful red pipe stone to mount my Mohawk Shaman to. Ventura Tourists should be directed to Art City for the “Real Deal”
Art experience.
July 24, 2022
Please save Art City. I'm a stone sculptor who has enjoyed the stone and friendship of my fellow sculptors there for 30 years. Paul Lindhard and Art City originally brought me to Ventura as a visitor and then as a resident. It has been my "special place" to not only buy stone, but to bring family, friends and fellow artists to vis
Please save Art City. I'm a stone sculptor who has enjoyed the stone and friendship of my fellow sculptors there for 30 years. Paul Lindhard and Art City originally brought me to Ventura as a visitor and then as a resident. It has been my "special place" to not only buy stone, but to bring family, friends and fellow artists to visit and tour. Ventura would not be the same without this hidden gem.
July 22, 2022
To me, Rock City is such a rare space allowing rock sculpture artists to work. The pieces they create are outstanding and necessary. The artists create but also take the time to talk to guests to share their vision and stories. To educate and share one’s journey is priceless. I cannot imagine many places allowing the freedom of spac
To me, Rock City is such a rare space allowing rock sculpture artists to work. The pieces they create are outstanding and necessary. The artists create but also take the time to talk to guests to share their vision and stories. To educate and share one’s journey is priceless. I cannot imagine many places allowing the freedom of space and vision as is allowed at Rock City. Please recognize and allow Rock City to exist in its present location.
July 19, 2022
Art City is one of the primary and enduring cultural assets in Ventura, and there is nothing else like it that I know of. It was one of the reasons I could move to Ventura: an organic and growing place of true dedication to quality art is a powerful attraction. It has invited new talent and sustained developed talent for almost
Art City is one of the primary and enduring cultural assets in Ventura, and there is nothing else like it that I know of. It was one of the reasons I could move to Ventura: an organic and growing place of true dedication to quality art is a powerful attraction. It has invited new talent and sustained developed talent for almost 40 years, and this is without big infusions of money or energy from government at any level--a truly remarkable achievement.
Additionally, Art City has provided gallery space and space for community activities such as poetry readings that have drawn writers from around the state.
This is an inclusive and self -supporting community of artists that enhances our lives here and Ventura's reputation as something beyond a beachside bedroom community: to lose this place does damage at so many levels.
July 17, 2022
~ I just found out about it being around & have never been there, & it's been around for 37 years.
Now they want to close it.
~ I have always admired stone art, so I am really concerned about whether they will relocate to a location in Ventura that is more prominent towards their spaceless, timeless, & priceless artful professions.
July 24, 2022
I have lived here since 1987 except for a couple of years here and there where I lived abroad and then moved to work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and every time I visit here I am thrilled at the art that is always exploding and evolving. I don’t know of any place in the U.S. that is comparable where you can literally go and wa
I have lived here since 1987 except for a couple of years here and there where I lived abroad and then moved to work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and every time I visit here I am thrilled at the art that is always exploding and evolving. I don’t know of any place in the U.S. that is comparable where you can literally go and watch these artists at work and then see what they create.
It is a living, breathing icon of creativity, skill and passion and has been with us now for many decades for our children, the community as a whole and as a testament to the heart and soul of Ventura. It is truly an oasis like none other and through Paul Lindhard’s faithful dedication has continued to grow and thrive.
I was shocked and horrified to learn the news about the sale of the land it sits on and implore everyone to pass the word so we might save this wonderful historical landmark for generations to come and so we can continue to come here and soak up it’s positive energy, and be able to purchase works from these amazing artists who are dedicated to their craft and making it available to us.
We, as a community, as individuals, now have a rare opportunity to give back and show our appreciation for the “heart” that Art City has given to Ventura and the surrounding area. If nothing else it will inspire our youth to think about using their own hands and talents to maybe become artists themselves. Nothing sparks the interest in a child as much as being able to sit and watch these sculptors and artists do their craft right in front of them. Please keep this mission to “Save Art City” foremost in your minds and unite to preserve a part of us that we cannot afford to lose.
JULY 15, 2022
The beautification of Ventura as well as the thriving art community of Ventura in all genres is important to the people of Ventura. To loose Art City, by far the most significant and creative contributor to to the art of stone sculpture would be a major loss to our community. It takes a lot of resources to make stone sculpture. Paul Lindh
The beautification of Ventura as well as the thriving art community of Ventura in all genres is important to the people of Ventura. To loose Art City, by far the most significant and creative contributor to to the art of stone sculpture would be a major loss to our community. It takes a lot of resources to make stone sculpture. Paul Lindhard has spent 37 years building on these resources so stone sculptors can create their magic. We can not let the creative vitality of the Art City compound and all it has to offer for artists and the public that goes there for inspiration to simply vanish. It must not happen.
Dear Sir, Art CITY is Vital to Ventura's unique Social & Business fabric. It's why we don't live in Santa Barbara or L.A. anymore. As business owners, we whole heartily recommend that Art CITY stay at it's present location.
Thank You, Helen O'Neill & Co. Bike Hub Ventura, Bike Hub Oxnard Friends of Bates Beach Museum of Ventura
Dear Sir, Art CITY is Vital to Ventura's unique Social & Business fabric. It's why we don't live in Santa Barbara or L.A. anymore. As business owners, we whole heartily recommend that Art CITY stay at it's present location.
Thank You, Helen O'Neill & Co. Bike Hub Ventura, Bike Hub Oxnard Friends of Bates Beach Museum of Ventura County Ventura Land Trust CFROG .
Helen O'Neill Pineapple Productions 332 Rodgers St. Ventura, CA 93003 USA 805-701-7661
I am sure you are aware of the situation of “Art City” and the sale of the land they have rented for decades is being sold without any recourse on their part because they were never advised. Ventura has been wonderful in the support of its artists. The pandemic has affected us all and changes have had to be made. This is one enterprise
I am sure you are aware of the situation of “Art City” and the sale of the land they have rented for decades is being sold without any recourse on their part because they were never advised. Ventura has been wonderful in the support of its artists. The pandemic has affected us all and changes have had to be made. This is one enterprise that cannot close. Art and culture are important for the citizens and tourism. Please is there something that you can do protect Art City from closing.
June 21, 2022
My wife and I lived in Ventura from 1993 until 1996. Days after we moved to Ventura we discovered Art City. We quickly became friends with the artists who worked there. Art City became our favorite place in Ventura. Over the years we lived in Ventura and since our return to Texas we collected many works from Art City. These beau
My wife and I lived in Ventura from 1993 until 1996. Days after we moved to Ventura we discovered Art City. We quickly became friends with the artists who worked there. Art City became our favorite place in Ventura. Over the years we lived in Ventura and since our return to Texas we collected many works from Art City. These beautiful pieces of Art now grace our home. With sorrow, we heard that Art City may soon be gone. Art City epitomizes the unique spirit of Ventura. Both have a special place in our heart. We hope and pray both endure to delight future generations.
JUL 7, 2022
Art City exemplifies the heart and uniqueness of Ventura. This working-artist village provides space for sculptors and others who have contributed to our community’s culture and character for decades. Guests can explore Art City, experiencing the timeless ambiance of master craftspeople at work, while enjoying the massive variety of
Art City exemplifies the heart and uniqueness of Ventura. This working-artist village provides space for sculptors and others who have contributed to our community’s culture and character for decades. Guests can explore Art City, experiencing the timeless ambiance of master craftspeople at work, while enjoying the massive variety of sculptures produced there. These sculptors’ masterpieces grace public spaces and private homes in many cities and states. When we wrote the Downtown Specific Plan, we named it “AuthentiCity.” Art City is an archetype of the authentic places that are celebrated in that vision. In the Plan, that parcel is designated with a “Workplace Overlay”, signifying its ongoing value as a place of work and creativity. I support Paul Lindhard’s goal of a counter-offer to purchase the property. Art City cannot be simply “relocated”— to anyone who has worked or visited there, it is clear that this is exactly where it belongs.
Email
christy@christyweir.com
JUL 7, 2022
Reverence for Unique Beauty and Creativity.
A Notion Long Past Due
In 1932, Millard Sheets, who was already an established painter at the age of 25, took a class on fresco painting at L.A.'s Chouinard School of Art, with renowned Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Sheets would go on to become the premier painter of the California Reg
Reverence for Unique Beauty and Creativity.
A Notion Long Past Due
In 1932, Millard Sheets, who was already an established painter at the age of 25, took a class on fresco painting at L.A.'s Chouinard School of Art, with renowned Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Sheets would go on to become the premier painter of the California Regionalist School in addition to chairing the art departments of Otis and Scripts.
In that same year, Sheets spoke to an assembly at South Pasadena Junior High School about his work with murals. Students at the middle school — back then, it was a junior high — were working on their own murals. When Principal G. Derwood Baker, an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, learned of the Chouinard mural, he invited Sheets to the school as a guest speaker. Sheets accepted and was so impressed with the students’ work that he offered to paint murals for the school.
Through a combination of ignorance, indifference and incompetence, the murals were all ultimately painted over, and have remained unseen for about 70 years.
Around 1968, I was picking up a load of books for a Santa Barbara book dealer, from the docks in San Pedro.
After securing the books, I went down the road to Long Beach, and took along the Pike Amusement Park. I passed by the Cyclone Racer, the iconic roller coaster I had viewed, but never ridden, through my youth in Southern California. On this particular day, someone saw me admiring the structure, and said, “If you want to ride it, you’d better do it today; this is its last day of operation.” I had no choice to take them up on this suggestion, and along with just one couple on the whole train, I took the plunge. It was a profound experience, and made it clear that riding the Matterhorn at Disneyland was not an adequate preparation for the Cyclone Racer.
I took a number of photos of the roller coaster that day, and when I returned some time later, I took many more pictures of it in a half-demolished state.
Finally, I recall a close friend of our family, who had met my mother when they were both giving birth to sons at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, telling me about taking the two boys for a stroll in our neighborhood in South Pasadena. She said they stopped for a while to watch the demolition of a Greene and Greene house, to make way for a new apartment building.
So what? In a more enlightened time or place, none of this tragic destruction would have occurred. Recognizing the unique and brilliant gift given to the Junior High School, someone knowledgeable and suitably appreciative of these masterworks would have been assigned their stewardship, and ensured their proper care and preservation.
The roller coaster may not seem as elevated artistically as the murals, but when the roller coaster at Mission Bay in San Diego was threatened with demolition some years ago, the community, recognizing its significance as a cultural landmark, mounted a successful campaign to save it, It continues to delight riders of all ages to this day.
And can there be any doubt that someone suggestion the destruction of a home designed by Greene and Greene would be summarily denied approval, if not tarred and feathered?
So, the point is, when will we wake up and pay proper homage to examples of creative brilliance right in our midst, and rise up to protect and preserve them when they are threatened. Such an environment if Art City, right here in downtown Ventura. For 38 years, the vision and dedication of sculptor Paul Lindhard has nurtured the development of this site into a simply brilliant collection of sculptures, as well as the opportunity to see artists working to create new pieces. Lindhard has provided a place where these artists can proceed with their noisy, dusty work, and collaborate and share inspiration with a community of like-minded people.
Now, this property is in escrow to a real estate developer, and Art City is presented with the daunting, if not impossible task of finding a new home. Paul and his colleagues deserve better. They are facing ling odds, but miracles like this have been accomplished. My brother in Carpinteria was part of a years-long effort to preserve the Bluffs in their town, where a buyer with a development plan was already in place. Art City deserves no less. A community-based campaign could raise the funds to keep this artistic enclave in its present home, continuing to attract artists and visitors from far and wide to view this wonderful place. There certainly is enough wealth in Ventura and the nearby communities to make this a reality. But time is short, and once it’s gone, all we’ll be able to do is look at photographs and say how said it was that it couldn’t be saved.
JUL 11, 2022
Tom Moore, Ojai
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Call 805.648.1690
Email artcity@artcitystudios.com
175 Dubbers Street. Ventura, CA 93001 United States