Adonna Ebrahimi

As an artist committed to the transformative power of creativity, I wholeheartedly align with the mission of Studio Channel Islands. The dedication to fostering a connection between artists and the community reflects my own belief in the impact that art can have on enriching, educating, and entertaining individuals. I am sure we can all agree that art serves as a universal language that transcends boundaries, and speaks to the core of our shared human experience.

I am grateful for the opportunities presented to myself, by being able to work with children during Spring, Summer and Fall camps and hope that my efforts have helped to enrich the spirit of art-making to the area’s youth.

By uniting artists and the community, Through our collaborative efforts, we can continue to create art that not only beautifies our surroundings but also serves as a source of knowledge, inspiration, and joy for all.

Frances Elson

Biography

Welcome to my world of warm glass-a world both solid and fluid, craft and art, clarity and mystery, and always an element of surprise. As I continue to explore this exciting medium, my excitement grows with each new work, opening new doors all along the way.

From my birth in Kazakhstan, the child of holocaust survivors, I learned the lessons of survival and perseverance early and well. Throughout my professional careers as a social worker, administrator and interior designer I felt the unmistakable tug toward glass art, and after a brief introductory class, I gave myself over to this passion. For almost twenty years I have been exploring my art and honing my craft. The scope of my work is broad – fused glass landscapes, abstracts, vessels, character portraits, mixed media pieces, and my collection of glass flowers – with the emphasis always on the brilliant colors and exciting textures that are inherent in the material itself. My work has been featured in many group and solo shows, accompanied by awards and accolades. I am grateful to my many collectors for their support throughout my career.

Teaching has become a part of my practice that gives me great pleasure. Being able to light that first spark of interest, and to watch it grow as my students evolve in their own style, is a wonderful gift to receive, and l’m honored to be a part of that process.

Avery Falkner

My relationship with Studio Channel Islands began around 2013 or 2014 when I submitted work to an exhibition at the Blackboard Gallery. The name of the show was humorously entitled OVER THE COUCH. When you walked into the gallery, you met my painting, DAWN BREAKS hanging over a couch at the entrance. In 2015, I was fortunate to receive the first place award for two dimensional work in an exhibition entitled HARMONY AND MIRTH. In 2016, I had a painting entitled, SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS in the exhibition: DYNAMIC. Later that year, there was another piece in: THE NEXT BIG THING.

In January of 2018, Joe Cibere, Blossom Friel, and I, had an exhibition titled: TRIANGULATION in the Blackboard Gallery. Over the years, I have donated paintings to some of the big fund raising events. As a cultural center, Studio Channel Islands, has provided inspiration, education, and opportunities for artists, art lovers, and the whole community at large.

BiJian Fan

Blossom Friel

I’ve been a member longstanding member of SCIART. It has expanded my horizons, given me an outlet to show my art and an opportunity to meet many interesting people. It has been a source of enriching experiences.

Gale Fulton Ross

Two sisters walking and talking on a road in Ghana. I travelled there in my late twenties to paint the culture. I am an American of African Descent, a visual artist whose work demonstrates my overriding concerns on how to construct self, how to be an artist, a woman and mother. And how do I arrange all of these selves within one body. For the past seven years SCIART has afforded me the opportunity to work out the answers.

Biography

Born and raised in Malden, Gale Fulton Ross’ 50-year career took off after she moved to New York City in 1971. Since then, her art has taken her around the world, from NYC to Africa, with stays in California, Europe, France, Beijing, Tanzania, Germany and Italy.

For over fifty years Fulton Ross has made an impression on the world with her expansive skills as an artist. Her career ambitions formed at an early age under the influence of her father, a pioneer in the nascent days of industrial design who inspired her with his concept of the Cadillac “fin”. “My father worked as a body and fender man for a small Cadillac and Oldsmobile dealership in Malden, Massachusetts,” Fulton Ross writes. “His job was to knock the dents out of people’s vehicles and repair the damage. He was not a designer for the company but he was a frustrated artist. I was seven when he brought home a beat-up Oldsmobile and an equally beat-up Cadillac. He combined them into one car, a white Cadillac convertible with the grille from the Oldsmobile and fitted it with outrageously deliberate pointed fins in the back.”

Her innate artistic talent won awards in high school and placement in art college. Thereafter she embarked on a career path that has taken her throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, during which she developed her skills under the mentorship of established artists such as Pierre Parsus of France and Cleveland Bellow of California. Along the way she has established studios in New York, Florida and, most recently, California.

Fulton Ross creates from within, driven by the emotions borne of many diverse cultural experiences; she is a passionate voice of the Black experience in America. Her prolific body of work reflects both the abstract and the figurative. She currently works from a studio in Camarillo, California where, inspired by the racial justice movement resulting from the tumultuous events of 2020, she is creating an exhibition in homage to the black activist artists and thinkers of the 60s.

Yuliya Greben

I am an emerging artist and I highly value the artistic community that surrounds me. Here, I can receive valuable feedback, discuss art, and listen to the stories from more experienced local artists. I joined SCIART last October, and visiting the gallery, receptions, and art studios has always been a meaningful experience for me. I sincerely appreciate our local community of diverse artists who come from different backgrounds and have varying levels of experience.

Biography

Yuliya was born in Ukraine in 1971 and now lives in Camarillo, CA. She has always been passionate about both nursing and art, but she thought she could never pursue them together. As she continued to learn and grow as a nurse, she realized that her artistic skills could be used to help others in a different way. So, she works as a nurse and creates art in her free time. In spite of her busy schedule, she loves being able to use both her passions to make a difference in people’s lives. Yuliya has a Master’s Degree in Nurse Education and studied art at Milan Art Institute through its Art Mastery Program. As an emerging artist, she is a member of several associations, including the Studio Channel Islands Artists, Westlake Village Art Guild, and Buenaventura Art Association.

Maria Laura Hendrix

As an emerging artist, my relationship with Studio Channel Islands Art Center is important not only as the 2020 inaugural Roxie Ray Emerging Artist Award Recipient which awarded me access to a studio space. But also for the opportunity to continue gaining teaching experience as a teaching artist helping build the teen master class painting course. These past three years as an artist in residence at SCIART have been filled with wonderful experiences where I have continued building community connections.

Erwin Hesz

As a proud resident of Camarillo, it’s an honor to be included in a retrospective of such an inclusive gallery.

Biography

A world renowned jewelry designer and sculptor, Erwin has turned to watercolors and pens on paper to capture the inner workings of his artist’s mind. Fractal, elemental, emotional- his latest work is part captured thoughts combined with memories and inspirations. At 88 years of age, Erwin continues his life as an artist without hesitation in the hopes that his life’s works will inspire and create happiness for those who make and appreciate art in all its forms.

Judith Hopkins

This painting was inspired by watching a herd of goats clear the hillsides near my home a year after the Woolsey Fire. It is both an image of hope, as well as a warning of the times in which we live. My studio at Studio Channel Islands not only gives me a space to make large scale paintings, but more importantly, it provides a safe and supportive place for art making.

Charles Karp

SCIART has been central to my journey as an oil painter from the very beginning. I began oil painting in 2007, and sought out an accomplished painter as a tutor. Noble Powell, a resident SCIART artist, graciously agreed to take me on. It was a good fit and my art journey began. Noble was also active in supporting SCIART, and introduced me to other local artists and the opportunities SCIART provided. I fondly remember painting a formidable tree in the inner courtyard on the campus of CSUCI, where SCIART was then located, and getting to know Roxie Ray, an influential painter and member of SCIART.

In the years since, SCIART has provided a wonderful ongoing opportunity for artists to show their work in dozens of juried shows. This kind of open opportunity is critical for developing artists, and was certainly critical for me. I’ve been a grateful Artist Member of SCIART ever since. Thank you, SCIART!

Susan R. Kaufman

My relationship with Studio Channel Islands is important to me because it is a place where I find others with the same interest in art as I have and I had made good friends here. It is a place where we can all give back to the community with the art education classes we give here as well as the artists educating the public on art during first Saturdays and during our events. We teach, we interact with our community, and we get reinforcements on our work that we love to do. We have an amazing big gallery that not only provides top notch art shows, but also music performance and comedy etc. We have classes in many forms of art and the public benefits as much as we do.

Maggie Kildee

As we worked together in the early days to create an art center on what would become the CSUCI campus I always thought of it as a place for other artists to work, and as a way to show the university the importance of art to the County of Ventura. I had a lovely studio in my home and did not move it to the college campus. It was only later when we moved to Old Town that Studio became personal to me. The joy of working, surrounded by other artists, the fun of sitting around a fire in the evening, having a barbecue, all of these things combined to make it a really important part of my life. And while I cannot be there now, I am so proud of what it’s become, the way Peter and the artists have reached out into the community to all ages, not only through art, but now through music. It makes me really proud of what we began so many years ago.

Statement

“The Morning Stretch” is an early piece (2002), inspired by the work of Francisco Zúñiga. She is a woman, grounded to the Earth, and ready to face the day.

Pamela Price Klebaum

Statement

This piece was a part of a solo show at Studio Channel Islands in 2014. It evokes vast ice mountains in Greenland, as described in a 1951 diary. The pristine white and blue ice are from a time before we knew this beauty would be threatened.

Biography

My art life began after my career as an attorney and college professor. I have studied kilnformed glass for over a decade, and have had three solo shows. My work explores the basic elements of ice and fire and stone and how we interact with them. Over time, my work has addressed the beauty of these elements as well as the threats to them presented by climate change.

Gerd Koch

Elana Kundell

Linda Legman

Being an artist member of Studio Channel Islands Art Center for the past eight years has been an important part of my life. From the beginning I participated in Collectors Choice, The Next Big Thing, donated art for other fundraisers and helped with events. Attending Opening Receptions and other events introduced me to the extended SCIART community. I got to know the AIRs by being part of the events and by going to their studios during Open Studios until I had one of my own.

I thoroughly enjoy the fun and inspiring cultural events, fundraisers, art exhibitions, lectures, concerts and other activities. I particularly enjoy the wonderful people who make SCIART such a vibrant community.

I am grateful to SCIART for the opportunity to have a studio outside my home. I was so fortunate to move into my studio in the O building in 2019 (Studio O-2). Having a studio away from home is a blessing. My career has grown because I have a dedicated work space in which to make art.

Friendships are an important part of our SCIART community. I love how we support each other’s growth as artists and help each other in life. Sometimes we artists get stuck and having other artists to talk with helps get us moving forward again. When we have an event, people show up to help. We can count on each other for support.

Studio Channel Islands Art Center is a such a gift in my life. I am grateful to the people who make it possible: Peter Tyas, Jamie Dilbeck, the Board of Directors, the artist and community volunteers who serve on committees, the interns, and the amazing artists who create magic in their studios on campus or elsewhere.

Andy Lepe

My relationship with SCIART started with an award given to me by this community, specifically Pat Richards-Dodds. While at CSUCI, I applied to be part of a show called Emergence. After receiving Best of Show, I felt supported by all the artists and the organization I met that day. I am thrilled now that I can be part of this supportive community for so many up-and-coming local artists.

Biography

I’ve cultivated a creative mindset practice called “Color Flow,” designed to quiet my hyperactive mind and enhance clarity while retaining information. Drawn to tranquil vibes in my surroundings, stimuli, and emotional energy, I’ve discovered an untapped focus through slowing down, translating it into a rhythmic, calming flow that infuses my art. This nurturing, meditative practice is centered around serene, minimalist paintings, showcasing simple shapes and subtle color transitions. “Color Flow” encourages tuning into a harmonizing creative stream, facilitating a shift in frequency and unlocking inner greatness.

Charles Magallanes

My relationship with Studio Channel Islands Art Center is very important to me. I consider my art to be my career. Since becoming a resident artist here, I feel a great loyalty and kinship toward my fellow artists and enjoy the opportunities to present my art to a wide community of like minded people and those who are new to the art experience.

Mary McGill

I have been a resident artist here at SCIART since 2013. My studio is where I go to take a breath… work, experiment, find my flow. I am most happy amongst the many stages of clay in my studio. I wake up each day eager to go to work, and feel blessed to have found my bliss here. I have found a community of like minded individuals and have loved participating in the growth and elevation of this organization.

Arlene Mead

Studio Channel Islands has been my happy place to work for the past 24 years! From color palettes to materials to impromptu critiques, from new inspiring work in the gallery to inspiring conversations in the hall, sharing studio space with other talented artists has inspired me in innumerable ways over the years. I am truly grateful to have a beautiful studio in a place filled with great people.

Margie Murray

Sigrid Orlet

After longing and yearning to spread my creative wings, Studio Channel Islands offered a vibrant community overflowing with creativity, joy, and generosity. Like an afternoon breeze from the Pacific, the creative life on campus felt like a breath of fresh air. Excitement, energy, and dedication lived behind every single studio door. While I had the privilege to be part of the Studio Channel Islands community, this infectious creative energy of the place supported my creative growth in countless ways.

In 2016, I left the studios for family reasons. I now live and work in Europe. Yet, no matter where life will take me, Studio Channel Islands is always going to hold a special place in my heart. Thank you and warmest congratulations to all. And last, but not least, a big shout out to fellow artists Nurit Avesar and Janet Neuwalder for moving heaven and earth to get this work to the show on time. Thank you.

Sigrid Orlet, Artist-of-Residence 2012 -2016, Studio O2

Julia Pinkham

Being part of a dynamic artist group fuels my desire to create and show my art. SCIART helps me get my work in front of the public and to maintain a professional presence in the art world.

Having a studio to go to work in every day allows me to set aside distractions and just focus on my art.

Jordan Poe

Statement

The background to the piece and the series is what inspired my aesthetic and storytelling method throughout a series of photographs. I started to capture liminal spaces at sites with interesting and obscure histories. Medicine Lake is one of the most northeastern towns in Montana with a population just over 200 that my great grandfather founded in 1910 and was the town’s first mayor and pharmacist. My grandfather took over the roles after WW2 until he retired in 1985. Since it was founded, there have severe unique stories from the time my great grandfather was called out to to a homesteader’s ranch in the middle of the night to treat the rancher who had been kicked in the head by livestock (one of the locals would return an empty bottle of ether to my dad at one of the local bars a few years back from that night) to the time the local daredevil landed his plane in front of that very same bar on main street to settle a bet. The color mixing and film grain I use for each series matches the tone of each location’s history.

Peggy Pownall

Being accepted as a SCIART Artist-in-Residence some sixteen years ago was a dream-come-true. From day one, my studio has been my sacred space, filled with creative possibilities, infused with energy from the incredible artists working all around me and others who offer so much in support because they believe in the power of art. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside them, as a board member, and serving on various committees. Through these years, SCIART has weathered storms and opportunities with grace and vitality. Likewise, my life has shifted in monumental ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Through it all, my studio has always offered soulful sanctuary and endless creative energy. And then there are my fellow artists and friends — always inspiring, encouraging, and eager to explore new ideas.

Bob Privitt

This organization provides aesthetic/artistic experiences to the general community and the region, and also provides excellent opportunities for children to enhance their artistic abilities. The Blackboard Gallery is becoming an increasingly important art venue for the area.

Bonnie Raphael

Pat Richards Dodds

In 1989 a small group of artist met in the old art therapy unit of the former California State Hospital to create a professional artists enclave, serving the region of SoCal, from Malibu and Agoura Hills, north to Ojai and east to Moorpark, Santa Paula and Fillmore. This opportunity was given to the artists by the Planning President of newly established CSUCI. J. Handel Evans was interested in establishing an arts program on the newly developing university so he asked a small group of us to create a cultural hub on the campus. That vision quickly became a reality. Famed artists, such as John Nava, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Gerd Koch and others were exhibiting in the galleries that the founders created in what was once a sad and rundown building. My time there as an artist in residence was a turning point in my life as an artist. We became close friends, offering friendly critiques and sharing talents. Today SCIART has grown beyond what even the founders had envisioned. It is an honor to be a working artist in my wonderful studio and to be associated with such a fine organization.

Michael Rohde

I’ve been involved with the organization from near the beginning, initially as friend of many of the founders, as an exhibitor in many of their exhibitions, later as a committee member of the Standards Committee and on the Board of the organization. It continues to be a very pleasant and nurturing place. I’m ever grateful and amazed at how it has survived with strength and growth to this twenty-fifth milestone.

Melanie Roschko

I joined Studio Channel Islands as an Artist In Residence in 2013. Having my own space, a fabulous studio mate and so many experienced and professional artists in close proximity has been a rewarding experience. My creative mind has been continually challenged and my work has grown because of it. I can’t imagine not being a part of this community.

Sebastian Sarti

I like the organization because of the many opportunities it hast to offer, from classes, to events, and exhibition calls. I love also the fact that there are so many artists working in different media. I’m inspired by all of them and the way they are able to express their ideas in the space. I’ve been a fan since 2017 and hope it continues to grow and becomes more recognized in the near future.

Carolyn Schlam

Carolyn Schlam was a resident artist at SCIART from April, 2017, when she moved to California from New Mexico, until January, 2020. Living in California and being part of this artistic community brought much success to Carolyn, both as an artist and writer. She published two books on art during her residency and has two more being released this year. Carolyn enjoyed her sojourn at SCIART tremendously, and is happy to make a contribution of this very recent work,” Looking Back.” It seems so appropriate as she now looks back to the camaraderie and fellowship of her fellow artists and a happy time at SCIART. Sending thanks and good wishes to all involved in this wonderful organization.

Sherron Sheppard

Statement

My scratchboard art is a blend of creativity, imagination and a drive to capture beauty with texture created with my etching tools”. With each delicate and precise stroke of my scratchboard tools, I try to bring to life landscape scenes and realistic renditions of animals”. For those who aren’t familiar, scratchboard is a form of etching on a clay-coated board that allows the use of tools to scratch away the black layer and reveal an intricate and detailed scratched piece of art. I also dabble in paintings and photography, but there’s something about the delicate process of scratchboard that draws me in. I love to explore the interplay between light and shadow in my pieces. Each scratch on the board is a deliberate and calculated stroke that helps me express my artistic vision.

Biography

From an early age Sherron had a love of painting and drawing and over the years she has studied and practiced many different mediums. Even though she has had little formal art training, she has studied under numerous award-winning instructors in multiple mediums.

When it comes to art, one of Sherron’s greatest enjoyments is trying different art mediums and experimenting with new techniques. One of Sherron’s passions is Scratchboard. She finds the detailed textures and the resulting expressive strokes exciting and very soothing. Over time Sherron has developed her own unique, painterly scratchboard style that resembles other traditional painting strokes. In 2023 Sherron achieved the level of Signature Scratchboard Artist with the International Society of Scratchboard Artists for exemplary technique and skills in the Scratchboard medium and was asked to speak at the 2023 International Scratchboard Society conference. In addition to Scratchboard, other mediums that Sherron enjoys are colored pencils, oil paints and acrylic paints and fine art jewelry design.

Sherron is also an award-winning photographer. She has won numerous awards including, California’s (PPC) Photographer of the Year (5 times), Canon Par Excellence Award, 2 PPA “Platinum Photographer of the Year” awards, 4 Fuji Masterpiece awards, 3 Kodak Gallery Awards, and 7 Judges Awards. Sherron is a Master Photographer, Master of Electronic Imaging, and Photographic Craftsman. Sherron’s photography and paintings have won several awards including an Honorable Mention in the Colored Pencil Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter “Pencil Paintings” 2021 Exhibition for her “Cascading Water” colored pencil painting and an Award of Excellence for her scratchboard “Living on the Edge” from the 2022 International Society of Scratchboard Artists Exhibition.

Sherron has taught numerous painting classes including eight years as a seasonal art instructor at Yosemite National Park’s Art Center. Currently she is teaching Photoshop and Composition workshops to artists and photographers.

Regina Vorgang

Red My Mind is an early weaving I did just after I moved into the studio in 2012. I followed and admired many of the SCI artists and appreciated the organization and how everyone worked together. When the opportunity came up to move my studio here I jumped at it. You Red My Mind.

Biography

A professional graphic designer since 1980, Regina Vorgang garnered awards for her design projects and built a successful graphic design studio in Stamford, Connecticut. She and her husband, photographer W. Scott Miles, joined their businesses together in 1996 to make a creative services studio that offered a variety of advertising and marketing services for their clients.

After many years as a graphic designer working on a computer, Regina longed to get back to creating artworks by hand. Trained in traditional arts along with graphic design, she was always intrigued by the art and craft of weaving. She participated in a variety of weaving workshops and classes in Connecticut and New Mexico until she found her love of weaving functional, artistic wool rugs, table runners and tapestries.

In 2002 Regina and Scott moved to California where she was able to turn her focus to combining her unique graphic vision and weaving skills to create handwoven rugs, table runners, and tapestries. Regina merges her vision with traditional craft and contemporary color and design for one-of-a-kind pieces. Her work has won awards at fiber and craft exhibitions and gallery exhibits.

See more of Regina’s handwoven rugs, runners and tapestry designs on her website, www.ReginaDesign.com

Her studio is located at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo, CA. She shows and sells her work at her studio, gallery exhibits and her online shop.

Kathy Waggoner

I have been with Studio Channel Islands from very near the beginning. Helping to build the organization and being a member of the Board for many years gave me a great deal of satisfaction in watching it grow and become an important part of Ventura County and beyond. Personally it gave me a place to work, continue growing after finishing my Masters degree, exposure to the public and many wonderful friendships with artists and collectors.

Statement

Chetna is an East Indian word meaning consciousness rising. The work represents the pride and recognition of native women’s importance in their culture.

Biography

Kathleen Waggoner received a Master of Arts degree with emphasis in sculpture and Ceramics from California State University, Northridge. Her work has been widely exhibited in California and across the United States. Waggoner has worked with Akko Takamori, Tom McMillin, David Elder, Kevin Meyers and Bob Bassler.

Waggoner’s emotionally charged imagery explores the physically manifestations of emotion and human behavior. Myths, identity stereotypes are the issues that define and support her work. Her current series of seductively tactile figures are richly embellished with narrative fragments and intricate carving representing the artist’s experiences, memories and dreams. She is inspired by native cultures and indigenous art forms that are based more in the spiritual realm than the intellectual.

Daggi Wallace

Biography

Born and raised in Berlin, Germany (b. 1962), Daggi is a self -taught award winning painter specializing in contemporary figurative realism and portraiture. She spent more than 40 years living in the USA where she has reached the level of Eminent Pastelist of the International Association of Pastel Societies, Master Pastelist of the Pastel Society of America and Distinguished Pastelist of the Pastel Society of the West Coast.

Working primarily in pastel and charcoal she pushes the more traditional boundaries of the medium by incorporating other materials into her work and presentation. Inspired by her dual cultural life she mixes realism with abstraction and personal narrative with social and political undercurrents.

Her work has been shown at the National Arts Club and the Salmagundi Club in NYC, the Butler Institute of American Art, OH, The Zhou B. Art Center in Chicago, The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art and is in several permanent corporate collections as well as private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe including The Bennett Art Collection Of Women Realists and the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. Galleries that have shown her work include RJD Gallery, NY, 33 Contemporary, Chicago, Vose Galleries, Boston and Abend Gallery, Denver. She has won numerous awards in national and international exhibitions. Her work has been published in many magazines and books, including Poets and Artists Magazine, American Art Collector, Southwest Art, Professional Artist Magazine, International Artist Magazine, The Pastel Journal and Pratique Des Arts in France.

In 2021 several images of her work were selected for ‘The Peregrine Collection’ time capsule to be archived on The Moon via Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission One.

From 2012-2023 Daggi was an artist-in-residence at Studio Channel Islands and served on its board of directors for a time.

Besides creating work for exhibitions and teaching workshops Daggi accepts portrait commissions throughout the year.

Judy Winard

This piece represents both sides of life. The harshness and the fragile. Using clay that is coarse and then adding porcelain which is extremely smooth. Combining the two, which in theory should not work but does. Life. It was also made during covid and represents the spikes of the disease.

Marion Wood

For 12 years, this organization has provided me with a community to inspire me, a safe place for experimentation and exploration of my work, and an exciting place to watch grow and be a part of its expanding mission

Statement

I am totally enamored by the process and adventure of creating. The endless possibilities, the tranquility and sometimes distress of the journey. A roadless landscape where one can feel completely alone and very free. The work focusses on the simplest elements of artistic expression, where all representational elements are extracted and reduced to a momentary impression or deep expression. I love to experiment with color fields and texture, and allowing the paint to meander in rivulets through the cracks and crevices using only the force of gravity. There is something raw and beautiful about the process, and I strive for that connection in each painting until the work settles into its final completion.

Gerald Zwers