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History Is Now features selections from the Focus on the Masters Portrait Series by FOTM Founder Donna Granata September 21, 2008 through January 12, 2009. This unique photographic exhibition captures more than likenesses; her lens reaches to the soul of each artist. From the cutting-edge work of young Ojai artist Cassandra C. Jones to the emotionally charged abstracts of revered master artist Gerd Koch, these portraits vividly demonstrate the depth and breadth of Ventura County’s arts community. A select number of original artworks by the documented artists also will be on display. The public is invited to join Donna Granata, members of FOTM and many of the artists documented for a reception on Sunday September 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Kavli Theatre galleries in celebration of our rich and diverse cultural community.

On Sunday, October 12, in the Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theater, Ms. Granata, much admired for her penetrating interviews of artists, will herself be the object of interest as Mary Galbraith, FOTM staff member, visits with her. Rarely interviewed, Ms. Granata will discuss her own development as an artist and historian, and the growth of Focus on the Masters, drawing on her many friendships with artists in our community. “The lives and works of Ventura County artists have great relevance to all of us, young and old, artists and non-artist. Artists teach us to see the world with refreshed vision, they force us to ask questions about society, they console us and even enrage us. But, above all, they engage us and remind us of our own role in the world,” comments Ms. Granata. A catalog accompanies the exhibit and will be available for signing following the October 12 interview.

Focus on the Masters, is a non-profit arts appreciation organization that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished Ventura County artists, emphasizing the importance of the arts in a healthy society. The FOTM’s ever growing archive contains extensive files for over 1,200 artists that include photographic portraits, oral histories, video biographies, visual references, written materials and various ephemera. Artists selected for documentation are widely respected by their peers and have made a substantial contribution to the development of our cultural community. Donna Granata will be conducting personal tours of the exhibition by appointment with priority given to youth groups. To book a tour, email preferred time and dates to FOTM at Support@FocusOnTheMasters.com. To learn more about FOTM browse this website or call 805.653.2501. To view a sample of the Focus on the Masters Portrait Series click here.

A warm THANK YOU! to all of our sponsors who have graciously given their financial support and expertise for the History Is Now exhibition thereby contributing greatly to the Focus on the Masters Archive. Together we are capturing history!

Below are the contributors as of August 25, 2008. We still need your help! To make a contribution, please click here or call 805.653.2501.