Twenty-five years ago, three nationally recognized Ojai artists, Bert Collins, Marta Nelson, and Gayel Childress, were inspired to invite art lovers and collectors into the studios of Ojai’s numerous artists, sharing a weekend in celebration of art and creativity. The first year, 24 artists opened their studios and 20 more held a joint exhibition at the Ojai Art Center. From this core group, the Ojai Studio Artists group formed.
Since then, the prestige of OSA’s annual tour has grown. The second weekend in October has become a premier art experience as thousands tour the studios of the renowned Ojai Studio Artists, wandering at their own pace though the working studios and visiting with Ojai’s finest artists. To the visitors, it’s an uncommon experience to be able to meet and discuss the work with so many artists, to develop relationships and expand collections.
In 1993, the group began giving scholarships to local art students to help with their continuing education. These monies came from Tour ticket sales, private donations and proceeds from an auction of member’s artwork during the Tour. OSA has given more than $133,000 in art scholarships, purchased art books for local libraries, supported public art projects and art outreach for people of all ages, and worked within the community to promote the visual arts.
In late 2006, Ojai Studio Artists incorporated as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit community education organization working year round, to promote art awareness. With the decline in public money for arts education, OSA has taken up the cause of promoting the next generation of artists and bringing the love of art to the region.
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