BEFORE THE WILT
Through Jan. 3, 2022 | Ojai
Curated by China Adams, the Porch Gallery’s latest show puts in the spotlight the flower: a site of tension between new blooms and old, freshness and decay, a symbol of the life cycle and a harbinger of doom. The flower itself reminds us of the inevitability of death, and the precious fragility of life. Before the Wilt features colorful, dramatic paintings of plump, fresh flowers by Renee Fox and weathered and windblown ones by Mary Warner. Together, these works bookend the compressed floral life cycle, and hint at a world teetering on the edge of environmental ruin. Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street, Ojai, 805.620.7589, porchgalleryojai.com.
13TH ANNUAL ART ABOUT AGRICULTURE
Through March 6, 2022 | Santa Paula
The Ag Art Alliance was formed in 2007 by Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols. The purpose of the annual Art About Agriculture exhibit is to promote awareness of agriculture by using art to explore its many facets — from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. Since 2010, the juried show, which features the work of several artists, has been exhibited at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Also on view through Jan. 9: Work From Home, art created at home during the pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. The museum is open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE HOLIDAYS
Through Dec. 31 | Ventura
SEAson’s greetings from Ventura Harbor Village, where the entire month of December is full of lights, fun and celebration. Shop local vendors, see live reindeer and frolic in the snow during the Winter Wonderland and Holiday Marketplace (Dec. 11), hit the water for the annual Santa Paddle (Dec. 11), take in the lights during an Island Packers Public Harbor Light Cruise, or ring in the new year at a waterside restaurant (Dec. 31). All season long, the Village will be bedecked in fabulous, festive holiday decorations inspired by the sea, so whether you’re shopping, dining, renting a boat or checking out Ultimate Escape Rooms, every moment will be merry. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, 805-477-0470, www.venturaharborvillage.com.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2021
Through Dec. 12 |Moorpark
High Street Arts Center’s joyful holiday show returns as cast members from the entire theatrical season come back to the stage to recite classic tales, sing beloved holiday classics, share the stories behind favorite songs and more. A magical way to ring in the season! Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices to be determined. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
SNOW N GLOW! HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Through Jan. 2, 2022 | Ventura
Snow at the beach? Yes, indeed! The seasonal forecast promises a blizzard of snowflakes, as well as holiday entertainment and winter family fun all month long! CBF Productions, who brought us Holidays in Your Car in 2020, present this live, in-person experience complete with manufactured snow, a snow play area, s’mores, hot drinks, glowing lights and more. Enjoy the safe, wintery thrill of snow tubing, hang out with family and friends in your own private igloo-for-rent, build a snowman and celebrate a winter escape right here in Ventura County. Tickets start at $20. Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 10 West Harbor Blvd., Ventura, venturasnownglow.com.
WESTERLAY ORCHIDS THIRD ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 10 | Carpinteria
Enjoy bubbly, good cheer and beautiful blooms during the holiday party and sale at Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria. House plants, seasonal decor, stocking stuffers, home goods and more will be available for sale, with a raffle every 30 minutes, during which one lucky attendee will get to take home a beautiful orchid. Appetizers, wine, coffee and holiday treats will be served, and Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance and pose for photos starting at 4:30 p.m. If you love flowers — or know someone who does! — you won’t want to miss out. Festivities take place on Friday, Dec. 10, 4-7 p.m. 3504 Via Real, Carpinteria, 805.684.5411, westerlayorchids.com.
OUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Dec. 10-12 | Ojai
The Ojai Art Center Theater invites you to Our Home for the Holidays: a theatrical celebration featuring a variety of intergenerational community talent. Help us celebrate local artists Dianne Miller on Dec. 10 and The Ojai Madrigali on Dec. 11. This Ojai Art Center Theater performance benefits local nonprofits The Humane Society of Ventura County and Help of Ojai. We encourage patrons to bring canned goods for Help of Ojai. Tickets are a suggested $10 donation per person, but feel free to donate what you wish. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Join us for special pre-shows at 6:30 pm. For reservations call 805.640.8797. Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, ojaiact.org.
CAMP CANDY CANE
Dec. 10-18 | Ojai Valley
The Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will transform the 36-acre Camp Arnaz into Camp Candy Cane, and the whole community is invited! Come see this whimsical wonderland of lights, enormous candy canes, holiday horses, live entertainment and more. Roast marshmallows or get a picture with Santa. This fun and magical event is perfect for the whole family, and proceeds will help benefit the GSCCC’s mission to help build girls of courage, confidence and character. Tickets: $10-20. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18, 4-9 p.m. Camp Arnaz Program Center, 155 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ventura, 805.232.3955, www.classy.org/event/camp-candy-cane/e360838.
