Ojai, California is famous for its “spiritual energy,” and stunning pink sunsets, commonly known as “Pink Moment.” The community is intensely loyal to its small-town restaurants and boutiques, so if you like chain restaurants and big box stores, Ojai may not be the place for you. But if you long to surround yourself with the peaceful tranquility of a picturesque mountain town, you've come to the right place. And if you enjoy viewing art in a charming downtown walkable city, you're also in luck.

Considered one of the most desirable places to visit in California, Ojai is about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. It is nestled in a gorgeous valley north of Ventura and east of Santa Barbara. But unlike the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Ojai is slower-paced, decidedly non-conformist, and reminiscent of the carefree California days of yore.

Ojai residents embrace every opportunity to share their city's beauty and spiritual enlightenment with visitors. One great thing about the city is its local art scene. In this article, we will explore Ojai's impressive array of galleries, art centers, museums, and more.

Beatrice Wood Center For The Arts

This art center honors the legacy of Beatrice Wood, a renowned artist, potter, and writer. Her biography reads like a literary masterpiece, with a back story so compelling it is a work of art all on its own.

A Life Of Art And Defiance

In the early 1900s, a young and rebellious Wood defied her parents' wishes and abandoned a fortunate upbringing for a somewhat alternative lifestyle as an artist. Never one settle for one pursuit, she began as a theater actress in New York before becoming an abstract artist under the guidance of Marcel Duchamp. Wood later moved to Los Angeles and eventually to the city of Ojai to become a potter and a writer. She remained active until her death at the age of 105.

Explore The Center's Rich Collection

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts collection showcases her many talents and tells the tale of her incredible life. During your visit, you will see a glimpse at some of her most intimate relationships (such as with Duchamp) and how they influenced her work. The permanent collection includes Wood's art, her collection of folk art and memorabilia, and her library, all housed within her former studio as a living museum. It also presents exhibitions on contemporary art.

A Thriving Cultural Hub

The art center offers educational opportunities and workshops to aspiring artists. It also hosts live musical performances for locals and tourists to enjoy.

8585 Ojai Road, Ojai, CA

https://www.beatricewood.com/index.html

Ojai Art Center

Located in downtown Ojai, the OAC is the longest-operating multidisciplinary and non-profit center for the art in California. It welcomes local talent and visitors alike to celebrate creativity in its 120-seat theater, art gallery, dance studio, and open spaces. For outdoor enthusiasts, you can visit Libbey Park and participate in the Ojai Storytelling Festival.

The Story Of OAC

Back in 1936, Dr. Charles Butler, a local physician and financier, proposed the idea of bringing Ojai's five independent and struggling art organizations into one. By 1939, the art center opened its doors to artists looking for a place to unleash their creativity and seek inspiration. Currently, the Ojai Art Center has eight branches: art, dance, film, literary, music, photography, theater, and youth.

113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai CA 93023

https://www.ojaiartcenter.org/

Ojai Valley Museum

As the only museum in Ojai, the institution's singular focus is to collect, preserve, and share the history, art, and culture of the Ojai Valley through museum exhibits, programs, and events.

Historic Building

The museum is currently in its third location after it moved into a former catholic church in 1996. A fire in 1997 caused significant damage to the structure, leading to a rebuild that used the Mission Revival architecture.

Honoring The Past

Chumash, a Native American people, were the first inhabitants of Ojai, and the museum stands within their unceded ancestral land. To honor and preserve the culture and history of the Chumash people, the Ojai Valley Museum documents and shares their story. You can visit the back of the museum to find plants that are important to the Chumash community.

Commitment To Art

The museum displays the collected art, artifacts, photographs, and ephemera relating to the city of Ojai. Apart from that, the Ojai Valley Museum holds small exhibitions on various history topics and features local artists. The museum also operates a research library and a visitor center.

130 W Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA

https://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/

Porch Gallery

Voted as the best art gallery in Ojai, the Porch Gallery features art from established and emerging contemporary artists. The gallery is located in a white historic building built in 1874 with a welcoming wrap-around porch.

Unique Gifts

After admiring their sophisticated art collection, you can visit their store and buy creative gifts and mementos that feature the works of local artists. The famous Beato chocolates honor the legacy of Beatrice Wood, known as "Mama of Dada" and one of the few women to pioneer an avant-garde movement. A visit to the Porch Gallery storefront won't take a lot of time away from your more traditional gallery hopping excursion but is a fun pit stop along the route.

310 E Matilija Street, Ojai, CA

https://www.porchgalleryojai.com

Canvas and Paper

With its clean, simple style absent a lot of fanfare, a visit to Canvas and Paper feels like a cleansing deep breath. Their non-profit exhibition space is a gift to the community and was established for the simple joy of experiencing beautiful and interesting art.

A Collector's Treasure Trove

Unlike the other art galleries we've highlighted, Canvas and Paper hosts exhibitions but doesn't sell anything that they display. Founder and owner Neil Kreitman is a long-time art collector. The gallery exhibits paintings and drawings from his collection and typically features works from the modern 20th century or earlier. They rotate their collection every three months, displaying it through thematic and single-artist exhibits.

311 N Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA

https://www.canvasandpaper.org/

Final Thoughts

We are big fans of Ojai and its artsy, laid-back bohemian vibe. From its glorious landscapes and thriving culture and art scene, it is heaven for art lovers and spiritual seekers. We urge you to add Ojai to your list when you visit Southern California, it's definitely worth it!

And if you aren't quite ready to make the trip, you can check out the one-of-a-kind original artworks on UGallery. It is like visiting a gallery but from the comfort of your home.