Art and Soul

Recognizing National Black History Month, a variety of arts and entertainment activities are scheduled around Ventura County to celebrate the diversity of African-American culture. Here’s a rundown:

* Young Artists Ensemble will present a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Conejo Valley Adult Center, 1025 Old Farm Road, Thousand Oaks, featuring a vocal recital of gospel, Negro spirituals and sacred music. Baritone-tenor Jesse Washington and alto Wayola Mitchell are accompanied by pianists Marian Bessette and Ruth Demby. Tickets are $6, $4 senior citizens and students. Reservations suggested. Call 499-4344.

* Author-illustrator Faith Ringgold will sign and read from her new book, “Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky,” 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at Adventures for Kids Bookstore in Ventura. The fictitious children’s book retraces the path of slaves trying to escape to freedom during the 19th Century. Call 650-9688.

* Oxnard Public Library, 251 South A St., exhibits “1% Wall” by artist Yvette L. Sutton. The exhibit features a collection of old photos, newspaper clippings and drawings focusing on the African-American community. Sutton chose the title to reflect the percentage of the African-American population in Ventura County. Call 385-7500.

* Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, exhibits works by artist Cheryl Riley in Gallery 2. Riley’s “World Culture Influences in Decorative Art” features the many cultures prevalent in the U.S., focusing on the African-American influence on design and art. Call 654-6468.

Cal Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks, will host the following events:

* Dr. Russell Stockard will present a free lecture, “People of Color in the Media,” 10 a.m. Feb. 22 in the Preus-Brandt Forum.

* An art exhibit by Imani Artworks, featuring the paintings of Lorrie Dawson, will open Feb. 22 in the Pearson Library and continue through March 5. Artist reception: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24.

* Preus-Brandt Forum will host a film series, featuring works by African-American filmmakers, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 22 and 23.

* “Celebration in Black Dance,” 8 p.m. to midnight Feb. 26 in the auditorium-gym; the evening will include recorded music played by a deejay.

* The Fire Choir will present “Voices,” a musical revue of African-American history in song and dance, 8 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Preus-Brandt Forum. The 15-member group, backed by a piano trio, portray famous African-Americans. Admission is $5, free with CLU identification.

* “Celebration in Black” culminates CLU’s activities at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Preus-Brandt Forum. Students will present music, dance, readings and group productions.

For more information on these events, call 493-3302.