VENTURA : Women to Share Cultural Traditions

Women of the world will bring their cultural traditions to Ventura next month, sharing everything from Mexican and Jewish foods to Indian hand painting and African dance.

In three-hour classes offered Thursdays beginning this week, area women will explore new customs at the Barranca Vista Center.

“I think when you are with someone from another culture, it opens up a whole new world,” said Gienne Gabriels, an Ojai resident who organized the class. “Our culture is so rich in Southern California. We live with people from everywhere.”

Gabriels said she developed the idea for her class after meeting women of other cultures. The city of Ventura is co-sponsoring the event and will receive half the proceeds.

“We need to just learn about each other, and this is my way of doing it,” Gabriels said.

Most of the classes will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays at 7050 E. Ralston St. until Nov. 8. One will be 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. The fee is $40.

Classes include:

Thursday--A Chumash Indian woman will share the history of her tribe, her language and songs.

Oct. 11--A woman of Mexican descent will share a Death Day celebration to honor ancestors.

Oct. 18--A professor at Ventura College who traveled to Africa will speak about her ancestors and share African dancing and costumes.

Oct. 25--An Indian woman will demonstrate traditional hand painting.

Nov. 2--Women will share a Shabbat meal, a Hebrew tradition, through song, food and candle lighting. This will be the only class held on a Friday.

Nov. 8--Gabriels will lead a celebration of friendship.