Cultural Movement

You’ve trekked to downtown Ventura for a cultural trip through its numerous galleries only to discover--some are open, some are not. A likely possibility because gallery viewing hours vary.

The solution to such a quandary? “Downtown Ventura Gallery Walk.”

Nine galleries in the downtown area will coordinate their schedules Aug. 2 and provide visitors with a chance to enjoy the unique qualities of each. “It’s nice to have all the galleries open on one night so people can enjoy them all at once,” said Yvonne Havey, Buenaventura Art Assn. president.

Sonia Tower, Ventura parks and recreation cultural arts coordinator, said a similar event held last year was a great success. “It’s exciting to get a flavor for what each gallery is all about,” she said. “These places have a lot of diversity and quality art to enjoy.”

Besides the art walk, visitors are invited to attend an artists’ reception and awards ceremony for the Buenaventura Art Assn.’s sixth juried competition at the Buenaventura Gallery. Featured in this exhibit--which continues through Aug. 24--are two- and three-dimensional artworks.

Each participating gallery will hold a reception with complimentary refreshments. Brochures at each location will list participating galleries. “The public can simply follow the map and enjoy the tour at their own pace,” Havey said.

The art walk will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. For information, call 658-4736.

A good spot to start your tour might be the Buenaventura Gallery at 700 E. Santa Clara St. Others are Palm Street Gallery, Ventura City Hall Gallery West/East Wing Gallery, Momentum Gallery, Art City I, Art City II, Pacific Rim Gallery, Sacred Visions Fine Art Gallery and Ventura County Museum of History and Art’s Hoffman Gallery.