Catherine Day Barroca Reception
February 7 | Museum of Ventura County
Catherine Day Barroca will discuss her new direction in bas-relief painting on wood and prints on paper at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at her artist’s reception. Day Barroca will also discuss her work in the museum’s current exhibition, With the Grain: Catherine Day Barroca. Museum visitors will be able to examine copper plates and woodblocks, and see prints she’s created using them. The reception also marks the opening of The Student Prints, a related exhibit of work by students taught by Day Barocca. It includes a decade of exceptional work from the Ventura College Print Shop, where Day Barroca was once a student herself. Both exhibitions are open through March 22. Free. 2 p.m. 89 S. California St. For more information call 805.653.0323 or visit VenturaMuseum.org.
Giselle: A Tale of Never-ending Love
February 12 | Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
The State Ballet Theater of Russia, which hails from the city of Voronezh, will perform one of ballet’s most famous stories of love and redemption. First performed by the Paris Opera in 1841, Giselle is regarded as a masterpiece of traditional romantic ballet. The story is about a simple peasant girl betrayed by love. She goes mad and dies of a broken heart. She becomes a ghost and is ordered to destroy the man who caused her pain, although she is still deeply in love with him. The ballet deals with the powerful forces of nature, including forest spirits and death. Tickets are $34 - $49 with group discounts available. 8 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre. Tickets available from Ticketmaster (805.583.8700 or TicketMaster.com) or the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
7th Annual Erotic Exhibit Opening Reception
February 13 | Artists' Union Gallery
"Some Like It HOT,” this year’s Artists' Union Gallery's 7th Annual Erotic Exhibit, is a richly diverse view of the sensual and the erotic as seen through an artist's intuitive gaze. A perennial favorite of artists and art patrons alike, the Erotic show is a unique artistic indulgence. The exhibit will be displayed February 13 - March 22. The opening reception is from 6-9 p.m. Free Admission. "The Vampire Who Makes Us Behave," an annual erotic poetry reading and fundraiser, is a companion event that takes place February 21 at 7 p.m. $10. Both events will be held at 330 S. California Street, Ventura. For more information about either event call 805.643.3012 or visit VenturaArtistsUnion.org.
C-Street Restaurant’s Valentines Dinner
February 14 | Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel
To celebrate the loveliest day of the year, C-Street executive chef Nic Manocchio will prepare a three-course dinner featuring the restaurant’s signature California tastes paired with a touch of romance. Some of the delicacies that will be served include Chefs Creek Oysters; Butter Poached Lobster Claw with Roasted Asparagus; Petite Filet Mignon accompanied by Wild Prawns; and the ultimate dessert: a Trio of Local Strawberries including Strawberries infused with Grand Marnier, Strawberries stuffed with Cheesecake, and Crème Brûlée Strawberry. $49 per person plus tax and gratuity. 5-10 p.m. 450 East Harbor Blvd., Ventura. For more information or to R.S.V.P. visit CPVentura.com or call 805.652.5151.
2nd Annual International Food & Wine Festival
February 18 | Herzog Wine Cellars
For the second year in a row, Herzog will host winemakers from around the globe in a celebration of wine and food. Participants can explore wines from countries such as France, Spain, Australia, Argentina, and Italy, as well as Herzog's own California wines. Chef Todd Aarons and Tierra Sur Restaurant will provide an equally impressive spread of eclectic cuisine influenced by flavors around the world. Special guest Daniel Rogov, Israel's renowned wine critic, will be available for a book signing of his latest 2009 edition of “Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines.” Advance tickets $100 per person (two or more $85/pp). 7 p.m., 3201 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard. For more information or to R.S.V.P. call 805.983.1560 x 305 or visit HerzogWinecellars.com.
Heart to Heart Luncheon
February 19 | Four Seasons Westlake Village
California Health & Longevity Institute Medical Director Jonathan Cole, M.D., presents a cutting edge review of heart health for 2009. Guests will experience a three-course menu of light cuisine created by director of nutrition Paulette Lambert, R.D., and executive chef Mario Alcocer. Those who arrive earlier can meet the experts in the fields of medicine, nutrition, life balance, and fitness to learn their tips for heart disease prevention. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the California Heart Center Foundation. $75. Reception at 11 a.m. Luncheon at 12 p.m. Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village. For more information or to R.S.V.P. call 818.575.3030.
Fashion Week Ventura
February 25 - 28 | Various Ventura Venues
This year’s Fashion Week Ventura promises to be as fashionably fun as ever. Events held to raise money for AIDS Project Ventura, an organization helping to improve the lives of people living with AIDS, include a kickoff party, movie night, Green Piece fashion show, and a Pop T’arts Fashion Tribute to Andy Warhol’s Sixties. For those looking to volunteer or be a sponsor, there’s still time. For more information visit FashionWeekVentura.com or call ArchiTexture salon at 805.641.3900.
Casino Royale 009 – A Night to Bond
March 7 | Ventura Beach Marriott
The National Charity League (NCL) Juniors of Ventura County will host their annual gala fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Program, whose goal is to provide pediatric hematology and oncology inpatient services locally. A gala affair from 5:30-11:30 p.m. at the Ventura Beach Marriott, “Casino Royale 009 – A Night to Bond” will include a hosted bar, casino, silent and live auctions, dinner, entertainment, and dancing. The Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Program is a partnership between the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children’s Hospital L.A., and the Ventura County Medical Center. Sponsors and supporters are encouraged to help by donating money or auction items. For details contact NCL Juniors of Ventura President Davina Husted at 805.218.5030 or log onto NCLVentura.org.
Come Travel With Us
March 7 | Pierpont Inn
The Nancy R. Brandt Auxiliary of Assistance League Ventura County will host their annual fundraiser "Come Travel With Us." This year’s theme, “Peking to Paris,” will feature Bill Erickson, a participant and finisher in the 2007 Peking to Paris historical 100-year race of 8,000 miles. Bill’s adventure was completed in a 1925 Buick Roadster Pickup, beginning at the Great Wall of China and ending in Paris. Proceeds will support philanthropic programs for children and adults in Ventura County. The event will include a live auction, silent auction, and a gourmet luncheon. There will also be a car show with Bantam and Austin cars on display. $50. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to R.S.V.P call 805.644.6017.
02-01-2009
