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Join us as we continue to push forward in making Ventura, California a haven for great artists and creative spirits from every walk of life. We’re proud to be a partner and friend to all artists around!

We honored our ancestors and loved ones on Día de Los Muertos Nov. 1 & 2 2025. Our community gathered and celebrated together. Thank you to VC Plant Swap, live music by The Crystal Tears and dancers from Resistencia Mexicayotl Chalchiuhtlicue, and vendors. It was a weekend of sharing our art and stories with each other.

First Friday February 7th 2025 we celebrates Black History Month and honored the life and art of Warren Lee Gauvin.

Photo by Cole Smothers

ArtWalk 2010

Warren Lee Gauvin (gauvin) was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He was raised by a young single mother, and then by his maternal grandmother in Detroit, MI. A gifted child who grew into a multi-talented artist. In the late 1980s a search for his long absent father brought him west to San Francisco, then on to Los Angeles. In the early 1990s gauvin arrived in Ventura and made it his home.

gauvin’s poetry, performance and mixed media art was distinct, groundbreaking and incredibly personal. During the two decades that gauvin resided in Ventura, he created a cultural legacy that demands to be remembered and revered. His presence changed the face of the artistic community in Ventura. His words and imagery are gifts he bestowed upon us with grace and ferocity. His art lives on in the lives of all who knew him.

Thank you to all who joined us Friday, December 6th 2024. Our community of 30+ artists had their studios open with snacks and work for sale! We are excited to have met you, no matter what your interest in art is!

Artists and children from Bell Arts sold 122 cranes ornaments for in our community room! Thank you for supporting the arts. We saw people of all ages, it was great to see your family and friends! We hoped you enjoyed Ventura’s amazing art scene. All profits go towards BAF's programs and classes! Thank you for those who also supported on Giving Tuesday! Your supports goes a long way!

Youtube Recap of the Cranes Project!