@TO-Cal Stand Out hed:Diverse palette DE COLORES ART SHOW AND FESTIVAL, VENTURA Santa Paula artist-musician Xavier Montes, pictured, has always felt compelled to creatively express not only what he feels and sees, but also what he wishes he could feel and see. And in 1994, what he wished for most was a community event that celebrated Latino culture and history. He turned that wish into reality by starting the De Colores Art Show and Festival. The event is celebrating its 15th year this month with a wide-ranging art show at Bell Arts Factory, 432 Ventura Ave., Ventura. The exhibit, running through Aug. 16, features the work of more than 30 artists, including painters, sculptors and photographers. On Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. at Bell Arts, the De Colores Festival will be held. There will be music aplenty at this celebration, including performances by Conjunto Jardin, La Familia Peralta, Los Amigos and Montes' own group, Trio de Colores. Folklorico Mestizo, a dance troupe from Oxnard College, will also perform. For information, call 525-8961 or visit http://www.decoloresartshow.com. Joseph A. Garcia / Star staff file photo

galleries + Art Exhibits

Ventura County

ARTISTS' UNION GALLERY: Through July 20: Taboo Topics, an open juried show. Noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 330 S. California St., Ventura. 643-3012; http://www.venturaartistsunion.org.

ARTS & CRAFTS BY THE SEA: Ongoing: San Buenaventura Artists' Union outdoor sale of handcrafted items. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 330 S. California Street Plaza, Ventura. 421-9270.

BUENAVENTURA GALLERY: July 22 through Aug. 16: Painting Joy, nature paintings by Orvel A. Jones. Through July 19: Not Far From Here, paintings of the coastal region by Ron Zolkover. Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 700 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura. 648-1235; http://www.buenaventuragallery.org.

CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY: In the Kwan Fong Gallery, through Aug. 10: Mother's Child, a collection of paintings depicting mothers and their special-needs children. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, CLU, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. 493-3241; http://www.callutheran.edu.

CAMARILLO ART CENTER: Ray Ayers Perspective, paintings by the Art Center's former president, who died in May. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 3150 Ponderosa Drive. Free. 445-7061; http://www.camarilloartcenter.org.

capriccio: Through Aug. 1: floral expression watercolors by Phyllis Gubins. 298 E. Main St., Ventura. http://www.redbrickart.com.

discovery gallery: Through July 31: Illuminations, stained glass by Paula Castillo. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, inside the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, 101 S. California St., Ventura. 648-1235; http://www.buenaventuragallery.org.

Downtown Center for the Arts: Through Aug. 31: Transitions, abstract surreal paintings by Julia Pinkham, with a reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. July 18. 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, and by appointment, 329 N. Fifth St., Oxnard. 486-6947; http://www.downtowncenter.org.

FOX FINE JEWELRY: Through Sept. 8: From Mountains to Sea, paintings by Mark Thompson and Patricia Kuebler. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 210 E. Main St., Ventura. 652-1800; http://www.foxfinejewelry.com.

GARDENS OF THE WORLD: Through July 27: photographs by Rami Nadershahi. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 557-1135.

HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY: Through July 20: Local Scenes, a group show of watercolor, oil and acrylic works. Noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 117-C, Ventura. 644-2750; http://www.harborvillagegallery.com.

jonathan's at Peiranos: Through Aug. 1: oil landscapes and pears with personality by Joe LaCorte. At J's Tapas: surf-inspired abstract acrylics by Eric Abel. 204 E. Main St., Ventura. 648-4853; http://jonathansatpeiranos.com.

old town studio gallery: Through July 20: works by Frank Krifka, Chuck Trunks, Laura Leifield, John Webster and Dominique Hannaux. Ten percent of sales from the show will benefit Concerned People for Animals. Noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment, 2165 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. 818-749-5598.

red brick art gallery: Through Aug. 4: Summer's Heat, works that celebrate the colors and feelings of summer. 328 E. Main St., Ventura. 643-6400; http://www.redbrickart.com.

SCIART WEST: Through Aug. 16: Something Wrong About the Mouth, portraits by Johanna Spinks. 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, or by appointment, 519 South C St., Oxnard. 483-3148; http://www.studiochannelislands.org.

Sea breeze art gallery: Through Aug. 9: Mercury in Retrograde, paintings by Todd Bertola. 255 S. Laurel St., Ventura. Free. 643-3973; http://www.seabreezeartgallery.com.

Studio channel islands art center: In the J. Handel Evans Gallery, through Aug. 9: Print Matter(s): California Printmaking Now. In the Gerd Koch Gallery: Mr. Pearce's New Cabinet of Wonders, works by Michael Pearce. Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, or by appointment, CSU Channel Islands, Building 18, Ventura Street, Camarillo. 383-1368; http://www.studiochannelislands.org.

SYLviA WHITE GALLERY: Through July 19: Four Solo Exhibitions, artwork by winners of the gallery's National Juried Exhibition: Rebecca Rutstein, Thomas Jackson, Lori Cozen-Geller and Harrison Storms. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1783 E. Main St., Ventura. 643-8300.

VENTURA COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER: Through July 29: Open Juried Exhibition. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Atrium Lobby, Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. Free. 658-2213.

ventura wine co.: Through Oct. 15: Pat and Cat Patterson's photographic images collected while circumnavigating the globe on bicycles. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 4435 McGrath St., Ventura. 642-9449; http://www.venturawineco.com.

events

+ workshops

Ventura County

MODEL SHIPBUILDING CLASSES: The Ventura County Maritime Museum is offering a two-Saturday class on how to put a ship in a bottle. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 and 26, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. $59. 984-6260.

"kids' creations": The Harbor Village Gallery is hosting free Sunday art workshops for kids. Materials will be supplied. No sign-ups necessary. Through Aug. 31, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 117-C, Ventura. Donations accepted. 644-2750; http://www.harborvillagegallery.com.

museums

+ Institutions

Ventura County

CALIFORNIA OIL MUSEUM: Through July 27: St. Francis Dam Disaster, 80th Anniversary uses vintage photographs, detailed drawings and more to examine the disaster's history. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 1001 E. Main St., Santa Paula. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children. 933-0076; http://www.oilmuseum.net.

CAMARILLO RANCH: The restored Queen Anne-style Victorian house, former home of the Adolfo Camarillo family, contains family correspondence, restoration photos, and silver saddles and uniforms worn on the original Camarillo white horses. Guided tours, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. $5 suggested donation. 389-8182; http://www.camarilloranch.org.

Carnegie art museum: Through Aug. 24: Surf Inspired, paintings, photography and sculptures inspired by the California surf. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, 424 South C St., Oxnard. $3. 385-8157; http://www.vcnet.com/carnart.

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER: Museum, bookstore, marine life displays and exhibits about each island. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. Programs offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekends and holidays. 658-5730; http://www.nps.gov/chis.

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WING WWII AVIATION MUSEUM: Historical aircraft, displays and artifacts about World War II. Donation requested. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Mondays and Wednesdays, Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo. 482-0064.

fillmore historical museum: The museum park includes a Craftsman-style 1905 Hinckley House, 1887 restored Southern Pacific depot and 1919 Rancho Sespe bunkhouse. 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Weekend tours by appointment. $4 adults, $2 students, free for children 12 and younger. 340 Main St., Fillmore. 524-0948.

HERITAGE SQUARE TOURS: Docents lead 45-minute tours of homes built from 1887 through 1912. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, 715 South A St., Oxnard. 483-7960.

MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM: Showcases cars from all decades. The Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club runs its model train setup at the museum. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. $9 adults and teens, $5 children 12 and younger. 487-4333; http://www.murphyautomuseum.com.

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY: Through Aug. 17: Windows in Time, glass mosaics by Larissa Strauss, including studies for a timeline mural to be included on the wall of the expanded museum. Through Aug. 17: The Past on a Plate, photos of Ventura County from 1874 to 1909, by John Calvin Brewster. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays; 89 S. California St., Ventura (temporary site while the Main Street location undergoes renovation). Free admission. 653-0323; http://www.venturamuseum.org.

OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM: Through Sept. 28: Smart and Sassy: Artistic Historic Women of Ojai, photographs, artifacts and stories about women who contributed to the culture of Ojai in the fields of art, architecture, theater and more. 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, 150 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai. $3 adults; free for students and children under 6. 640-1390; http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.

OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORICAL PARK: The adobe hacienda on the park grounds, built by Don Raymundo Olivas in 1847, features furnishings from the early California rancho era. Docents offer tours. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. For group tours, call 658-4728.

pleasant valley historical society museum: Exhibits on Chumash culture, local ranchos, historical photographs and more. 720 N. Las Posas Road, Camarillo. 482-3660; http://www.pleasantvalleyhistoricalsociety.org.

rancho camulos museum: National Historic Landmark preserves the early California lifestyle with adobe buildings, a cocina, chapel, schoolhouse and more. Tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 5164 E. Telegraph Road, Piru. $3-$5 donation. 521-1501; http://www.ranchocamulos.org.

REYES ADOBE HISTORICAL SITE: Docent tours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and 1 to 4 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays. 5464 Reyes Adobe Road, Agoura Hills. $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children 5 to 12, free for kids 4 and younger. 818-597-7361; http://www.reyesadobe.org.

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM: Through July 21: Special Baseball Exhibit, focuses on Reagan's love of the game with photos and signed caps, balls and bats from players. Through Nov. 10: Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style, items from the former first lady's wardrobe. Ongoing: exhibits about Ronald Reagan's youth, movie career and involvement in politics. The Boeing 707 that carried Reagan on 211 trips is on display. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. $12 adults, $3 youths 11 to 17, free for children 10 and younger. 800-410-8354; http://www.reaganfoundation.org.

SANTA SUSANA RAILROAD DEPOT & MUSEUM: The restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot contains railroad artifacts and model trains running through a miniature representation of Simi Valley. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 6503 Katherine Road, Simi Valley. $1 donation. 581-3462; http://santasusanadepot.org.

STAGECOACH INN MUSEUM: Exhibits from the Chumash, Spanish mission and Conejo Valley pioneer eras. 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. 498-9441.

STRATHEARN HISTORICAL PARK AND MUSEUM: State Historical Landmark No. 979, El Rancho Simi, is open for self- and docent-led tours. Docent tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Grounds open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley. $3 donation. 526-6453; http://www.simihistory.com.

VENTURA COUNTY MARITIME MUSEUM: Through July 30: Plein-Air Festival and Exhibit. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. Donations accepted. 984-6260.