Artists

Maribel Hernández, born in Michoacán, Mexico, exhibited a creative passion from a young age, making hopscotch designs by four and marveling at bird migrations by eight. Her first colored pencil set, gifted by her grandmother, ignited her love for vibrant colors. After moving to California, she began expressing her artistry on canvas. Maribel’s distinctive style encompasses graphic design, interior design, fashion accessories, photography, ceramics, and painting, reflecting her passion for life’s rhythms and emotional landscapes.

For 17 years, she has been a resident artist at Bell Arts Factory, serving as an art teacher and, since June 2023, is the Executive Director at Bell Arts Factory.

Rêves de Sabine offers 100% natural skincare, body care, and perfumes rooted in the French tradition of celebrating beauty at every age. Born in Franche-Comté, France, Sabine grew up surrounded by meadows, wildflowers, and forests, inspiring her to create natural products that truly care for your skin. She crafts each small batch to be microbiome-friendly and free of preservatives, parabens, and synthetics. Her slow beauty philosophy embraces simple, restorative rituals that nurture your skin, uplift your senses, and enhance well-being. Sabine reminds us that true beauty blooms when we respect ourselves and the environment.

I’m a Graphic Designer, Artist and the creative force behind Kasleberry Upcycled, my upcycled clothing business. As a mother, artist, and nature enthusiast, I pour my heart and soul into crafting sustainable upcycled clothing and art. My passion stems from a deep love for our planet and a commitment to conserving its resources. 

In my artistic pursuits, I strive to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Whether I’m scouring local swap meets and thrift stores for second-hand treasures or chasing after my energetic boys, I’m constantly inspired by the beauty of repurposing and giving new life to pre-loved items.

Devine Health Spa is a private health spa that specializes in natural alternative therapies to detoxing physically, mentally, and spiritually.  We are registered respiratory therapists that find practical and natural combinations of Western and naturopathic remedies. Some of our services include chest physiotherapy,  ionic foot bath, myofascial decompression cup therapy, pet therapy and infrared sauna.

Started my digital retouching career at Electric Paint, Hollywood, California, under Tony Redhead on a Quantel Graphic Paintbox. Spent two years learning what I thought was all I needed to know, but the real stuff was about to begin…

Studio 37 is a photographic darkroom featuring artists Abeeree Alexander, Ava Hall, Dylan Meyer, Angelo Partemi, and Abigail Sucsy. From street photography to portraiture, Studio 37 is a place where these artists work to develop, print, experiment, and play. Each artist’s uniquely personal approach shows just how versatile the media of film photography is and the works developed are intensely personal windows into the intimate and ephemeral moments that make up our world.

Photograph by Dylan Meyer

Raised in Ventura, Celeste loves creating projects beaming with colors and vibrancy. This includes collages, painting/drawing, and soon, sewing! A few types of art media she enjoys include: weaving, animation, jewelry, sculptures and glasswork. 

She attended University of San Francisco with a degree in History and Environmental Studies, and even took a couple animation courses! 

Celeste is working for BAF doing administrative work and is assisting Maribel with the kid’s Spanish art class. 

Guatemalteca. 24.

Ahzriel Addams, Lead artist at Ahz Unlimited Studios. Studied at Ventura College. Lover of all animals, incorporating the real and the mystical.

Artist at large in Ventura California since 1989.

Multimedia sculptor, mural painter, educator, photo maker, Illustrator, Public Art and Community Artist.

BA: UC Santa Cruz

MA :  Humboldt State University

Current 2024 selected bio:

Recent Public Projects: 2024 restoration of WestPark Mural @ ReCreation/ Let it Be Known” 1995-1996 60’x16’ 1

DinoTanks- AERA/CRC commission 8/24. 2  24’ watertanks, North Ventura Ave. Ventura CA

The Projects- a Tortilla Flats Legacy Mural 10/25. With Moses Mora. @ VHA Westview Village Ventura Ca

Sister city Artist 2024-25

“I weave with yarns on a loom the way a painter applies paint to canvas.” Working in both realistic landscapes and abstract styles, Suzanne’s inventive compositions are lyrical yet complex interpretations of her personal experiences. Taking inspiration from the ocean, beach, hillsides, mountains and sky of her hometown Ventura California, she intentionally works with repurposed yarns, threads and fibers while incorporating natural earth/beach elements and found objects into her tapestries.

Alfredo Gonzalez, known as Dofre, is an artist based in Oxnard, California, whose work bridges the worlds of street art and traditional oil painting. With roots in graffiti, Gonzalez’s style has evolved into a unique form of “disrupted realism”, characterized by dynamic figurative art and portraits. His pieces reflect a deep psychological exploration, often blending urban influences with the classic techniques of fine art. By combining the energy of street art with the depth and nuance of oil painting, Gonzalez creates compelling, thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of both genres.

Mike Fonte is a professional studio guitarist with over 25 years professional recording experience, He has recorded for film composers including Clint Mansell, Basil Poledouris, Adam Berry, Carly Paradis and more.

D.Lisa is a dream doula, an atelier trained artist, and spiritual teacher and speaker. Her recent paintings are 5 feet by 5 feet, and feature images from old photo albums, and her dreams and imagination. Her inspirational courses are taught online and in person on the west coast. D. Lisa uses dream images and dream messages in her art and in her workshops. She regularly hosts digital detox sessions in the BellArts Studios, where artists of all skill levels can spend an afternoon, doodling, or painting, free from tech. 

YouTube, TikTok

Jackie Ivy is an artist, designer and writer. She loves integrating her design thinking within her art work, physical spaces as well as her mindfulness practice. Previously in her career, Jackie worked for brands such as Nike, rag & bone, Soho House and the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation as well as the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, Italy.

Marc L. Williams is an abstract cartoon artist based in Ventura, California. Known for his vibrant use of color, bold shapes, and dynamic compositions, he blends elements from art history with playful cartoonish imagery to create art that is both whimsical and thought provoking. With a style that draws inspiration from video games, illustration, and graffiti, Marc crafts visual narratives that engage the viewer in a dialogue between the unexpected and the familiar. These paintings invite viewers to explore the tension between order and chaos, while maintaining a sense of joy and lightheartedness.

Mary Christine Ballestero is a local artist who has worked her way through school and has returned home to discover a new adventure. After living and working in the Bay Area for over a decade Christine is now going back to her fine art roots. Having tried many disciplines she found her love of painting was what she kept returning to.

Belle Kim is a South Korean artist based in Ventura, California, whose work explores themes of time, space, and interconnectedness. Her journey from Korea to the USA deeply informs her art, blending personal experiences with surreal landscapes. Drawing inspiration from human relationships, nature, and daily encounters, she creates sacred spaces on canvas that challenge perceptions and evoke introspection. Through bold compositions of humans, animals, and plants, Belle invites viewers to lose themselves in her dreamscapes and discover personal meaning. Her process emphasizes spontaneity and emotion, resulting in works that transcend boundaries and encourage limitless imagination.

B. Rubrecht is an artist and illustrator living on the central coast of California. She works primarily in pen and ink, but enjoys mixed media, particularly incorporating gouache, watercolor, and oil pastel. She studied oil painting with Evelyn Meck and looks forward to returning to that medium. She is inspired especially by the work of illustrators such as Sophie Blackall, Oliver Jeffers and Daniel Salmieri and the landscape art of the California Art Club.

Art featured: “Coastal Highway” Oil pastel on paper, 2021.

Suncat Creations is art by Dawn Reily. Here you will see pics of works in progress and the inside scoop on what I am creating in the studio.

Cesar Aldana is a skilled artist based in Ventura County who works with oils, acrylics, graphic design illustration, tattoos and printmaking. Born in Los Angeles but raised in Oxnard, Cesar gravitated to art at an early age through his love of cartoon images and comic books where he would spend countless hours recreating characters from his favorite artists such as Todd McFarlane and Walt Disney.

Margie began drawing and painting while accompanying her then small son to art classes taught by Brooke Gloger. Since then, she attended as many art classes and workshops as she has been able. Her teachers have included Albert Handell, Glenna Hartman, Jorgen Hansen, and Dorothy Bree.

Nathalie’s Atelier includes handmade Clay Earrings, Jewelry & Ceramics. Nathalie’s work is designed to bring joy to your everyday & uplift by incorporating colourful styles, using ethically made jewelry as a means of increasing self-confidence. The artist has German roots and acquired a B.A. in Global Studies minoring in Art, as she is passionate about advocacy for Women’s Rights & intercultural relations.

Megan is a returning artist at Bell and has been a Featured Artist for ArtWalk.

Jane Peterson grew up on a farm in Kansas. She declared herself to be an artist

at age 3, and hasn’t strayed far from that dream, to the present.

She earned her BFA (Kansas City Art Institute), and MA and MFA (University of

Iowa),in Art. In the 1980’s she was represented in NYC by Edelstein-Souza

Gallery. She showed at John Natsoulas Gallery in the 1990’s, and at TAG Gallery

in LA, and Gallery 102 in Ojai from early 2000”s2015. She is currently represented

by Dabart, and TAG Gallery in LA.

California Impressionist

Local acrylic painter with flare for California scenery.

Andrew grew up in Ventura County, where his mother taught him everything he knows about painting. Andrew’s inspiration comes from his many days spent surfing and backpacking the Golden State. His style closely resembles mid-century impressionism and public works art. Emphasis is on contrast of color and shape. Andrew is currently a pilot for an aerial advertisement company. He enjoys daily coffee and hot sauce

I draw form nature from many of my decorating ideas and porcelain is the perfect canvas. I use simple clean decorating techniques and like to make pieces that are functional as well as visually pleasing.

Dawne J. Fowkes Cushing is a studio potter who is an adherent to the traditions of making her own clay and glazes. Using porcelain and white stoneware clays, Dawne’s pottery focuses on the users’ sensual connection between a handmade object and the utilitarian aspect of everyday use.

Clay Parlor: Studio West location is a community ceramics studio offering 1 day classes and multi-week courses for adults and children as well as open studio time for returning students and experienced potters.