Town Throws Its Support to Potter

Joe Pelka has always been fascinated by the grace of fish.

Now, they dominate his art, primarily on formal crimson and turquoise vases the 38-year-old makes in his Ojai studio. Pelka’s work is on display at the Ojai Valley Museum through July 30, along with nature prints by F.G. Hochberg of Santa Barbara.

The vases, mostly with koi themes, have earned Pelka a spot at some of the West Coast’s top juried arts festivals, and sell for $160 to $1,000 apiece.

After moving to Ojai from Orange County eight years ago, Pelka has found his niche.

“The attitude in Orange County was: potter . . . bum,” he said. “But here the community supports artists. If you’re a potter, they like you. The Chamber of Commerce wants you to be a member.”

And your art becomes prominently displayed.

The Ojai Valley Museum, 130 W. Ojai Ave., is open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 640-1390.