Point Broadcasting presents, Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Arts Archive & Library, For the Love of Art 30th Anniversary Celebration Benefit for the Arts Education on Sunday, September 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at The Victorian House, 211 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura.  The Garden Party celebration will begin with an art preview gathering of event sponsors and FOTM members from 2 to 3 p.m. Click HERE to view all our amazing supporters, sponsors, donors and volunteers.  We are so grateful. All proceeds benefit FOTM’s award-winning arts education programs including the Learning To See Outreach, a sequential in-school and community outreach art program for at-risk youth and Title 1 schools.

“Our 30thAnniversary is such a tremendous milestone!” exclaims Founder and Executive Director Donna Granata. “Our gathering will be celebration all of the extraordinary artists, volunteers, patrons, collaborators, board members and staff who have played an important role in developing our rare resource library and archive.”

The FUNdraising garden party will be full of “art for all” including FOTM’s famed $30 Mystery Boxes filled with all kinds of art related treasures worth at least $50, a fine art raffle, silent auction, and fun activities including a photo booth, hat decorating contest, scavenger hunt, quick draw, and more!

FOTM has served the community for over thirty years through their educational arts programming. Since that time, their Learning To See program has brought compelling lessons to over 275,000 students throughout Ventura County.  The integrative lessons are inspired by the artwork and life stories of extraordinary FOTM documented artists.

Program director Aimee French explains, “The local artists featured in every Learning To See lesson serve as strong role models.  Students learn that every artist has their own story and that they persevered in pursuit of their passions.  As our students dive into each hands-on lesson, they gain confidence in their own and others’ unique expression.”

“The arts must be incorporated into our daily lives – now more than ever.” Comments, FOTM Founder, Donna Granata.  “Art builds empathy and understanding of our fellow human beings.  No two artistic expressions are alike – just as no two human beings are alike.”

“Each artists’ documentation culminates with the Artist Spotlight interview held in front of a live audience.” Granata adds. “The Spotlight gives the public an opportunity to hear the artist’s story firsthand, as they share their evolution and development. Sharing and listening to personal stories is so inspiring!”

Everyone will enjoy the great comradery, delicious food, beer, wine, music, raffle items, silent auction, and fun activities all For the Love of Art in support of FOTM’s community outreach.  FOTM  Tickets for the event are available at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or by calling 805.653.2501. Members $150, non-members $175.

The FOTM Archive & Library houses a rare collection of resource materials chronicling our cultural community including over 2,500 hours of oral histories, videotaped interviews, a digital library of the artists’ work, publications, and ephemera.  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.

Major sponsors of For the Love of Art include Point Broadcasting, the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts, James & Mary Galbraith, The Victorian House, and Stirred Event Planning.