Members of the Ventura County community are using art and music to raise money and bring fun to those affected by the Thomas Fire.
Members of the community are using art and music to raise money and bring fun to those affected by the Thomas Fire.
On Saturday, the Thomas Arts Festival will raise money for artists affected by the fire. Maybe they lost art supplies or instruments, or art pieces planned for future sale were destroyed in the flames. Whatever the situation, the artists might be eligible to receive money, organizers said.
The goal is to “assist those who might not qualify for traditional assistance,” said Ariel Palmieri, a volunteer helping organize the event.
Then on Feb. 25, the Ventura Music Festival will offer a free Concert for Ventura at Mission Park.
Organizers said the hope for the 90-minute concert is to provide unity through music.
Greg Gillis-Smith was inspired to launch the Thomas Arts Festival after hearing about the losses of those who work in the creative economy.
“Through donated art being auctioned, and through local sponsors, we are raising funds for those who are struggling to get their lives, families and creativity back on track,” he said in a news release announcing the event.
Organizers have been receiving nominations for people who may qualify for help. At the event, there will be a hospitality table where attendees can submit more names or nominate themselves, Palmieri said.
The Thomas Arts Festival will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Ventura Unified School District offices, 255 W. Stanley Ave. in Ventura.
Any money donated, after the costs to put on the event, will go to help artists. For those who can’t attend but want to help, Palmieri said tax-deductible donations can be made online at theartistsoutlet.org. The Artists Outlet is a nonprofit affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
Organizers are also seeking donated art or gift cards for the auction. It’s free to attend.
The lineup for the Concert for Ventura on Feb. 25 will include Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla and two Grammy winners: guitarist Diego Garcia and the jazz fusion band Tom Scott & the LA Express. Ventura Music Festival Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta and the Ventura College Singers, led by Brent Wilson, will also attend, as will secret guests.
“We hope our special family-friendly Concert for Ventura is another communal activity and important healing tool that celebrates the best in our community as neighbors come together to relax, listen and share the experience,” Ventura Music Festival Executive Director Susan Scott said in a news release announcing the event.
Scott encouraged people to visit the Museum of Ventura County, which is next to the park, while they’re downtown. Mission Park is at 185 E. Santa Clara St. and the museum is at 100 E. Main St.
No tickets are required for either event.
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April 6, 2019, 11:20 p.m.