Bank Is Also a Gallery for Youngsters’ Art

Nine-year-old Cody Rutland never figured his art would be on public display and for sale to anyone with $20 and a penchant for pencil drawings.

If he had, the fourth-grader said he would have picked something other than his old basketball shoe to draw in art class at Sheridan Way School.

Nevertheless, Cody’s drawing joined 43 other works on display Monday during the grand opening of a children’s gallery at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust in midtown Ventura.

“I was excited,” said Cody, hanging around the punch bowl as dozens of parents, children and educators viewed the artwork. “It’s a lot of fun to draw. I get a real thrill out of it.”

Launched by Ventura artist Patricia Robinson, in conjunction with the Ventura Unified School District, the gallery will allow students to sell their artwork during year-round exhibitions.

Proceeds will be shared by the artist, the school and a fund for abused children administered by Interface Children Family Services.

Robinson, who began offering art lessons in local schools nine years ago, used to run a similar gallery at the Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Ventura until that branch shut down in August.

She went hunting for a new place to hang the artwork and was invited to set up the gallery at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.

“I thought it was important that the public see what these kids are doing,” Robinson said. “Hopefully, this will help demonstrate the importance of fine art programs in the local schools.”

New art will be rotated regularly into the exhibit, Robinson said. That will give students throughout Ventura an opportunity to show their work.

Ventura teachers or parents interested in displaying art should contact Robinson at 644-9422.