Here at Focus we love history -- especially the history being made every day by artists working in Ventura County. We like the idea of capturing a person’s history, especially in the artist’s own words. Captured on audio tape. Captured on video at a Tuesday Talk. Captured on film for Donna Granata’s master artists portrait series.

Because we believe each artist’s history – history that we have captured – has relevance to young people, we incorporate this history into lessons plans for our acclaimed Learning To See Youth Outreach program. Youngsters in Ventura County schools learn that art is all around them, that artists have struggled, have learned discipline, and have seen the world in all its many faces. They learn that art can teach. Learning To See captures their sense of curiosity about the world’s cultures.

Learning about Ventura’s rich and ongoing art history is not just for school kids. Each month we offer an insightful interview with one of our outstanding artists. The interview is live-to-video tape and you can be part of the audience. Special events frequently take you to artists’ studios and exhibits.

Capturing all this history does take money and we do rely on the community. We welcome your interest and support. To encourage you to give as generously as possible, acclaimed artist Richard Franklin has offered to present a work of art to the donor who has made the most generous contribution prior to July 31, 2008.

Additional Ways You Can Help

Every donation received at Focus on the Masters is important. While many of our donors prefer to support us as Members and/or contributors to our General Fund, some may wish to make a larger gift with particular significance.

FOTM offers important sponsorship opportunities:

Learning To See Youth Outreach Program (from $300)
Tuesday Talk sponsorships ($600/$1200).

Please call our staff (805/653-2501) for more information on how you can be involved in these important outreach programs.

Your support of our programs and your ongoing generosity is greatly appreciated!