Vita Art Center Presents
"From the Camera to the Archive"
Donna Granata: Over Two
Decades of Photography
July 6 • 29, 2012
Opening Reception:
Friday, July 6 from 6-9 p.m.
VITA ART CENTER
432 Ventura Ave. Studio 30, Ventura
805.644.9214
Gallery Hours:
Mon-Fri. from 10-5, and by appointment
www.VitaArtCenter.com
Ventura's Westside ArtWalk Names
Donna Granata 2012, "Artist of Distinction"
A special selection committee of Ventura's Westside ArtWalk has named Donna Granata as the recipient of its Westside ArtWalk Artist of Distinction Award. Westside ArtWalk organizers present the Artist of Distinction award annually for a distinguished body of work, combined with outstanding service to the arts and to the larger Ventura community. The award will be presented on July 6th during the opening reception of From the Camera to the Archive at Vita Art Center. The exhibit is a featured event during the July 21-22 ArtWalk.
The month long exhibit and ArtWalk weekend will come to a close with Focus on the Masters' ArtWalk After Party & Auction for the Arts July 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring artwork donated by FOTM documented artists and community minded artists and businesses. The live auction and weekend showcase will be held at 89 South California St. in Ventura.
“Art is the ultimate communication and artists are powerful communicators.” Granata shares with Mary Perez, Vita Art Center Director and ArtWalk Committee member. “Some use words, some use brushes, even welding torches. I use a camera. With each portrait I capture an artist in a particular space and time, searching for the essence of that individual.”
From the Camera to the Archive traces the genesis of FOTM. The exhibition includes early experimental work, long before FOTM was established, to the most recent portraits taken in 2012. Founded in 1994, FOTM is a non-profit arts education organization and archive whose mission is to bring highly accomplished artists to the forefront of the community. FOTM unites art lovers, patrons and educators to provide the public with a first-hand experience with accomplished artists.
“My passion for portraiture is the foundation on which FOTM was built. As I focus on each artist I am also focusing on those life experiences that have changed me and changed the artist.” Granata continues, “It is a courageous act to put your art out into the world, to subject yourself to praise or criticism, to understanding or ignorance.”
“I created FOTM to help our community truly understand the importance of the arts and the essential role artists play in helping us understand the world around us and ourselves. There is a healing and unity that takes place in sharing one's art. An artistic expression is as unique to an individual as a signature. There is such a beautiful lesson in that. We must look at the uniqueness in all of us and celebrate our differences.”
All auction proceeds benefit FOTM education outreach programs.
For tickets and information please visit
www.FocusOnTheMasters.com .
For information on the Vita Art Center please visit
www.VitaArtCenter.com .
Focus on the Masters Auction for the Arts is sponsored by:
The Jessica and Stanley Prescott Trust, Aloha Steakhouse and Savory Cafe & Bakery
Additional sponsorship is available.
