Looking Back on 2021
As we look back, it can always be interesting to reflect on what we thought was going to be and what actually came to fruition. At the beginning of the year we still felt compelled to keep our virtual programs alive – via zoom, but as the year progressed we were able to offer in-person programs and events again. Always keeping art high and the way it can help our community to stay vibrant and feeling alive is and will be one of our focuses. Let’s look back a bit and take a look at some highlights from this now almost completed year 2021.
Bell Arts Factory Art Programs
Even with so many ups and downs during this year 2021, the Art Program, Arte en Español and Creando en Casa con Bell Arts Factory (Facebook Group) were able to achieve the goal of providing the opportunity for the children of our community to be active either at home or at the Bell Arts Factory learning all about the arts. This year consisted of Virtual classes and also of face-to-face classes at Bell Arts Factory. The children were able to work on crafts and learn about ceramics, drawing, portraits, murals and much more. Overall it was a very successful year for Bell Arts Factory Art Programs.
Youth Art Program
Michele Foster leads the Youth Art Program. She is an artist, activist, and teacher living in Ventura, California. Centered at the Bell Arts Factory since the organization’s inception in 2006, she has served there as the lead teacher and coordinator of the youth program. She also has more than 20 years experience offering services and guidance to foster care and emancipation programs where she focuses on art as a key factor in the process of healing and helping women and children find their voices through creativity.
Programa de Arte en Español
& Creando en Casa con Bell Arts Factory
The Spanish Language Art Created and led by Maribel Hernandez, a bilingual artist from Mexico and the Executive Director of Bell Arts Factory. Arte en Español is a year-round series of art classes that provide children on the Avenue the opportunity to learn and create art. Since most of them go to one of two nearby elementary schools that do not offer art in their curriculum, we are often their only source of art instruction and exposure to the arts. Nearly all students come from low-income families who cannot afford our tuition, which is already subsidized by grants; this is why we provide scholarships that are funded in part through donations like yours!
Virtual Programming
At the beginning of the year 2021 there was still a bit of uncertainty about what the new year would offer us. In 2020 we had already gotten used to everything virtual, so it is not surprising that some of our programs carried on virtually. We had great demos from our inhouse artists and equally great conversations via Instagram LIVE. One of our favorite LIVES was in which we featured some Bell Arts Factory Alumni Artists. Check out the link below to revisit.
Fundraisers
A Heart for Bell Arts Factory 2021
Bell Arts Factory is proud to be able to provide art supplies for art students and children in our community throughout the year. At the time of Valentine’s Day and Love, Bell Arts Factory in exchange for impressions of mixed hearts made by our artists Maribel Hernandez and Cayetana Conrad was able to raise funds in this way. We have already been doing this project for several years and hopefully we can keep the tradition of a Heart for Bell Arts Factory alive.
To Frida Con Amor
By the month of June we were closer to opening our doors, especially since the anniversary of Frida’s birth was approaching in the month of July. So we decided to start our celebration by raising funds for Bell Arts Factory with the help of our artists and their artwork inspired by Frida’s art and life.
Day of the Dead Niches / Día de Muertos Nichos
One of our most successful fundraisers during the year was the one we did in November. What a difference it makes to be able to share and just be able to see each other face to face.
This Fundraiser consisted of a collaboration between Josiah Guzik, who crafted a variety of wooden niches and artists from our community who decorated and transformed the wooden niches into their own beautiful pieces of art. Our Day of the Dead Celebration would not have been the same without this collaboration. The Niches truly exemplified and gave so many representations of the meaning and value of the Day of the Dead tradition.
First Fridays & Art Exhibits
By July, Bell Arts Factory could once again open its doors to the public for First Friday and also be able to provide in-person Art Exhibitions and Events. Also for First Friday the inhouse Bell Arts Factory and Vendors could share what new and exciting projects they were working on.
To Frida Con Amor
The Art Exhibit Frida con Amor featured Frida Kahlo as the main subject and included our community artist’s artwork inspired by Frida’s art and life.
"La Danza de los Diablos" Photo Exhibit and Dance Performance
IN PERSON GALLERY: A photographic collection documenting dancers from the elegant Oaxaca tradition.
“La Danza De Los Diablos” or “The Dance of the Devils”, a project studying the history and culture of the famous indigenous danza that originated in Oaxaca, Mexico.
This series profiled the largest Ventura County group of its kind composed of +50 members: Los Elegidos de Asís, directed by Elibet Valencia Muñoz.
Día de los Muertos Celebration 2021
Bell Arts Factory is always looking forward to our annual Day of the Dead Celebration, this year we were able to put together some great events to celebrate together as a community which were a huge success. Activities included Art Exhibit & Fundraiser, Ofrendas / Altar Offerings, Dia de los Muertos Aztec Performance by Resistencia Mexicayotl Chalchiuhtlicue, Dance with music by DJ ( ) and last but not least a Ballet Folklórico performance. It was indeed one great celebration.
Verticality: PopUp Art Exhibition
Verticality: A group show of tall (no taller than 12ft), vertical, 3 dimensional works of art made from any material the artist chooses to convey their creativity within this format. The art varied from abstract to conceptual and realistic. Artists Included: Bernard Brunon, Lora Amara Eldred, Karen Atkinson, Jim Bess, CJ Browne, Diane Covington, Megan Flanders, Nani Grenell, Jane Jenny, Claudia Taylor, Mark Title. This was another exceptional exhibit.
Galería Cooperativa Grand Opening
With a worldwide awakening to the systematic oppression of people of color and those who are LGBTQIA+, it has become more pressing than ever for Bell Arts Factory to remain a force against racism and continue moving forward until all forms of prejudice are eradicated.
Bell Arts Factory recently opened Galería Cooperativa, a community art gallery, workspace and storefront on Ventura Avenue on November 5, 2021. Located in the studio 30 space of Bell Arts Factory, Galería Cooperativa, will create a space for local artists to engage with community members to develop collaborative solutions that address social problem that include racism and injustice; economic inequity; domestic and sexual violence against women; and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in minority communities.
Galería Cooperativa will feature BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ artists from Ventura and nearby cities. Confirmed artists include: Andrew Rodriguez, Ventura CA, Sergio Martinez, Santa Paula CA, Sue Franco, Ventura CA, Cesar Aldana, Oxnard CA, and Yumiko Glover from Goleta CA. In addition to using the gallery and studio space, each artist will develop a series of community workshops and classes designed to use art as a tool to create personal and social change.
Health and Wellness Through Art and Culture Classes and Workshops
From Capoeira Batuque Ventura, Ballet Folklórico, Danza Azteca with Resistencia Mexicayotl Chalchiuhtlicue, Yoga and meditation with Yoga at Bell Arts Factory and Primas Colectivas, to Circulo de Amigas, Bell Arts Factory is host to a range of dance and ancient forms of movement, and partners with local businesses and artists that help people stay physically and mentally healthy through art, culture, and a sense of belonging. It is our dream to support groups like this for free.
In the Company of... Blog Series
Iriany Sánchez has continued to assist Bell Arts Factory with her collaboration in order to getting to know our artists in a more intimate way with her blog series, In the Company of. This year she managed to sit down, on some occasions take pictures and have pleasant conversations with our artists. This year’s interviews included artists Porfirio Gutierrez (which by the way interview got to be published by LUM magazine), Nova Clite, Josiah Guzik and Ben Bibriesca. If you still haven’t managed to catch a glimpse of these inspiring interviews, take a look at the link.
Outdoor Artisan Markets
Our artists and vendors went to work to be able to supply their products in Bell arts Factory Outdoor Artisan Markets, one in Spring time and the other during the holidays. Always Bell Arts Factory is proud to be able to assist artists and vendors in offering not only space but also supporting them in any way to achieve their dreams with the sale of their art and products. Our Outdoor Markets are highly anticipated and welcomed by our community.
Spring Artisan Market
Holiday Market
Holiday Pictures at Bell Arts Factory
And what better way to end our year than as a family. Thanks to the help of our photographers Alondra Gaytan, Ben Bibriesca, Iriany Sanchez, Juan Cervantes and Wendy Guerrero and everyone that supported this event, we were able to offer Family Holiday Pictures to our community. We were able to capture memories and thus culminate this 2021 that has not been easy to overcome, together in community.
Wow, we were able to accomplish a lot. It is not until you look back that you realize that with the support of our community, our teachers and artists, our staff, and most importantly, our health and faith, anything is possible. As they say: in unity there is strength!
Bell Arts Factory thanks the community, the artists and vendors, and specially all of its sponsors. Without their help Bell Arts Factory would not be able to hold up high their mission in utilizing the arts as a means to encourage acts of greater good.
We hope this next year gives Bell Arts Factory the opportunity to continue offering programs, exhibitions and events, community activities and much more. Thank you always for the support you give us.
There are many more reasons why even small donations can help make a world of difference for the people in Ventura. From the families who need it most, to those who are curious about all the arts and cultures that exist within the peoples of Ventura, we are a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to improving the lives of every human we have the privilege to serve.
To support Bell Arts Factory