July 10 – September 5, 2023
Ventura County Government Center

September 11 – November 6
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Corporate & Individual Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!
See form and details below. Or, PRINT out a sponsorship packet.

Major sponsorship deadline June 16, 2023.

History Is Now, 2023 features selections from the Focus on the Masters Portrait Series by FOTM Founder Donna Granata. This unique photographic exhibition captures more than likenesses; her lens reaches to the soul of each artist.

From the cutting-edge work of Ojai artist Cassandra C. Jones to the emotionally charged abstracts of revered painter Gerd Koch, these portraits vividly demonstrate the depth and breadth of Ventura County’s arts community. A selection of original artworks by FOTM artists will also be on display.

“The lives and works of Ventura County artists have great relevance to all of us, young and old, artists and non-artist. 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.” – Donna Granata

Much admired for her penetrating interviews of artists, Donna will give a special talk and discuss her development as an artist and historian, as well as addressing the growth and future of Focus on the Masters with her successor Chelsea Cody.

Guided tours of the exhibition are available by appointment, with priority given to youth groups. To book a tour, please submit your preferred date and time via email.


Ventura County Government Center
July 10 – September 5

Exhibit Reception
Thursday, July 13
5:30 – 7:30PM

Focus on the Future
A Talk with the FOTM Directors
Thursday, August 3
5:30 – 7:00PM

Panel Discussion: Creative Shared Memory
Artists on Archives & History
Thursday, August 17
5:30 – 7:30PM

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
September 11 – November 6

Focus on the Future
A Talk with the FOTM Directors
Sunday September 17
2:00 – 3:00PM

Exhibit Reception
Sunday, September 17
3:00 – 5:00PM