About Saturday Artist Spotlight Series View 2010 Calendar

Focus on the Masters is pleased to announce the artists selected for in-depth documentation in 2010, a process that culminates with the Saturday Artist Spotlight Series (formerly known as the Tuesday Talk Series). Criteria for being selected as FOTM Master Artists include mastery of their craft, respect from their peers and their historic role in the life of the community. We look forward to a season of timely and provocative interviews with these outstanding artists.

To support the production of the Saturday Artist Spotlight Series, we enlist the help of generous donors who wish to sponsor or co-sponsor an interview. Full sponsorship is $1,200; co-sponsorship is $600, please visit our donations page to signup online. In addition, the sponsors name is permanently attached to the artist's archive. Sponsorship is not limited to an individual or couple. Indeed, we encourage businesses, civic and community groups and friends to share the cost of sponsorship. It should be noted that sponsorship does not fully cover our expenses. If sponsorship is not a viable option, donations of any size will be very much appreciated. For additional information regarding sponsorship or other support of the Saturday Artist Spotlight Series, please call Mary Galbraith at 805.653.2501 or contact her by email.

The artists selected for 2010 are listed here. Please feel free to click on the individual links to lean more about the artists and to view their work.

Throughout the year FOTM collects information for our archive on as many artists as possible who live or work within Ventura County. Each November a panel of distinguished artists and art advocates select from a nominated list 10 artists for formal documentation. Artists selected are based on the following criteria;

• the artist’s mastery of the medium;
• the artist’s level of peer recognition; and
• the artist’s contribution to the cultural history of Ventura County.

Additional considerations include selecting a group of artists who practice a variety of media so that all creative expressions are represented. The artist’s age, health and availability can also influence the selection process.

Each artist’s documentation begins with the gathering of whatever biographical materials the artists have available. Resources can include publications, essays, published work, slides, CDs, video recordings and ephemera of all types. These materials are the basis for each of the artist’s files. Additionally, the artist is interviewed through recorded oral histories and at the Artist Spotlight Series, which is video taped in front of a live audience. The Artist Spotlight Series provides the public with an opportunity to meet the artists and experience their work first hand and allows the artist to exhibit original work, share personal experiences and give advice to the gathered audience.

Finally, each artist is photographed by FOTM Founder Donna Granata and their portrait is added to the Focus on the Masters Portrait Series and posted here on our website.

We want to hear from you! If you are a working artist within Ventura County, please send non-returnable biographical information to Focus on the Masters, 1147 E. Main St., Ventura CA 93001 or to support@FocusOnTheMasters.com. Please add us to your mailing list and keep us up to date on your career.