Artists teach us to see the world. With refreshed vision, they force us to ask questions about society, they console us and even enrage us. But, above all, they engage us and remind us of our own role in the world.
Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Arts Archive & Library is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), art appreciation and education program that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished contemporary artists. We emphasize the importance of the arts to a healthy society.
Our archive includes oral histories, videotaped interviews, photographic portraits and examples of the artists’ work. We incorporate our research into community outreach projects including our cross-curricular in-school program, Learning To See. FOTM is the only biographical resource project of its kind in the country. The documentation, consisting of visual, written and oral history, is comprised of multiple projects linked by a common mission. The goal of FOTM is to demonstrate the full significance of the arts to society by bringing highly accomplished artists to the forefront of the community.
The Focus on the Masters Mission
To document and archive extraordinary artists and their work through photographic portraits, audio and video interviews and biographical research that encompass each artist’s experiences, artistic reflections and development.
To present this work to a broad public through extensive education outreach to all ages including at-risk youth through our Learning to See Youth Outreach program, public Artist Spotlight Series, exhibitions, publications, website and an extensive resource library.
Learning to See Program
Focus on the Masters’ Learning To See Outreach is an award-winning, in-school, cross-curricular program with an emphasis on critical thinking, innovation and diversity. Each lesson is inspired by the artwork and life stories of extraordinary artists in our community.
Artist Spotlight Series
This educational outreach interview series provides the public with an opportunity to meet master artists and experience their work first hand. The artists exhibit their original work, share their personal experiences and give advice to the gathered audience.
Arts Archive & Library
FOTM’s resources are available to the museum community, scholars, historians and the media. The FOTM Archive & Library is open to the public Monday through Thursday 10am to 4pm and by appointment. Library services are available by appointment only.
Free & Open to the PublicSpecial Exhibition WalkthroughThursday, October 26, 2023 12PM-2PM
FOTM Founder and History Is Now Portrait Photographer Donna Granata will lead a walkthrough of the collection on display at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. This is a unique opportunity to learn about Ventura County artists and the process of historical documentation.
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