Gaze at the Galleries
Gaze at the Galleries ranks 2nd on the list of best things to do in Ojai. If you enjoy art, you'll enjoy Ojai. The delightful Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts (8585 Ojai Road), located in a beautiful mountain setting about 10 minutes from downtown Ojai, should be at the top of your list of places to visit for artistic inspiration. You can visit this charismatic artist's home and studio, where you can admire her fascinating collection of modern and folk art from around the world, as well as ethnic jewelry and Wood's own contemporary ceramic creations. Her collection is as unique and endearing as the artist, author, and activist herself. The center is open for limited hours on Fridays and Sundays, and guided tours are available for a small fee.
Dan Schultz Fine Art Gallery and Studio should be your next stop on your art exploration (106 N. Signal Street). The main focus of this award-winning California artist's gallery is plein air Ojai landscapes in oil, but there are also figure paintings and portraits. This is a great place to find that one-of-a-kind Ojai souvenir. Hours vary, and visits are only available by appointment on some days.
OVA Arts (238 E. Ojai Ave), a kaleidoscope of vibrant pottery, pillows, and contemporary fine art pieces created by local artists; Porch Gallery Ojai (310 E. Matilija Street), housed in a historic house; and Primavera Gallery (214 E Ojai Ave), featuring contemporary art, American craft, and jewelry. Do you want to roll up your sleeves and make your own art? Firestick Pottery (1804 E. Ojai Ave), a working ceramics studio, hosts workshops for aspiring potters and provides free tours of master potters at work.
