Photos by Joseph A. Garcia / Star staff Francesca Richardson, co-owner of Things From Heaven: An Angel Store, adds prayers to the Angel Art Project, "On a Wing and a Prayer," also pictured at top. The interactive art exhibit, a montage of prayers and digital art prints, will honor current and veteran military service members.

Dozens of photography-themed art events will take center stage in Ventura over the next two weeks as PhotoVentura 2007 kicks off today.

"This is an event where people can come out and see a wide range of photographic talent," said event founder Stephen Schafer of Ventura, a Buenaventura Gallery past president and a longtime professional photographer. "It's a little bit exclusive, because if you're not into photography, maybe this isn't your cup of tea."

Twenty galleries will feature thousands of photographs through Nov. 3. The premier event for PhotoVentura 2007 will be the "Gallery Crawl" of receptions from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Participating artists and galleries will offer maps and schedules intended to bring patrons and photography lovers out for an evening of reception-hopping.

"This event is unique because it features themed exhibits of one media," Schafer said. "The community will see the tremendous talent of photographers in the area, while contributors will share in the publicity and synergy of having multiple venues open."

While some exhibits feature traditional black-and-white landscapes and color portraits, others are more edgy, Schafer said. For example, the Digital Diversity Exhibit at the Ventura Artists' Union Gallery features digital art and digital photography, and "Kidz Snap!" showcases the work of child photo artists at the Bell Arts Factory.

Other exhibits will feature insect and nature photography at Oasis Garden & Patio, color abstract c-prints at Fox Fine Jewelry, black-and-white silver prints at the Accolades Gallery, color chromogenic photos at the Ventura Visitors Bureau and underwater photography at the Red Brick Gallery.

"The art scene is really thriving here," said Schafer. "After the success of PhotoVentura 2005, people just kept asking me, When's the next PhotoVentura?'"

The event is co-sponsored by the Buenaventura Gallery and the San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts. The Buenaventura Gallery has supported member artists since it was founded 51 years ago. Back then, gallery members didn't consider photography an art form worthy of exhibition, but now photographers make up a large percentage of the members, Schafer said.

"Another thing that's changed in Ventura is that 50 years ago, there was no arts scene and no other galleries to partner with for an event," said Schafer, pointing out that now there's a gallery on every block in the city's downtown cultural district.

"A photo-themed event was an obvious next step because of the phenomenal photographic talent in the area," he said. "With the Brooks Institute of Photography campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura and the fabulous photo program at Ventura College, art photography is everywhere."

For the schedule, map and other information, visit www.PhotoVentura.com.