Esoteric Survey

Peaking out of the greenery in beautiful Ojai is the Bald House by Richard Neutra. Built for Howard and Lois Bald in 1941. Howard was a horsemaster at a nearby school. The two-acre site overlooks the Ojai Valley to the west and the mountains to the east. This is one of just two houses Neutra designed in Ojai. The current owners purchased it 35 years ago. Sydney was a fan of Neutra's work and saw the ad in Variety magazine. They have been excellent caretakers, which included reversing a number of changes made by a previous owner. Luckily the cabinetry and hardware were never altered. As you'll see in the photos below, it's in remarkable original condition. Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10) Stucco with redwood is alternated around the house. Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10) Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty...

Lecture Series & Documentary Screening Join the Museum of Ventura County on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 2—4:00PM for an afternoon about modernist design, fine arts and crafts, and the creative individuals who made a lasting impact in design history. First, Guest Curators Eric Huff, Jordan Downs and Steve Aldana will participate in an insightful conversation with the Museum’s Chief Curator Anna Bermudez about their collaboration on the California Cool: Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast exhibit. Following the discussion, Laura Ackerman-Shaw will share recollections about her parents’ personal and professional lives that intertwined during their 64-year marriage. Through their combined complementary talents and temperaments, the Ackermans forged a prolific partnership that produced a wide range of timeless designs including ceramics, mosaics, tapestries, woodcarvings, and hardware, an unusual cross-disciplinary approach for designer-craftsmen. Rounding out th...

California Cool: Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast Opening Reception : September 20th California Cool looks at contributions to the era focusing on the landmark architecture, design and art from Ventura and neighboring Central Coast areas. This includes buildings by Rodney Walker, Carl Maston and Richard Neutra. Artists and designers who worked in the area include Paul Tuttle, Kipp Stewart, Stewart MacDougall, Vivika and Otto Heino, Tom McMillin, Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, Stan Bitters and Beatrice Wood. Companies such as Architectural Fiberglass, Forms + Surfaces and Panelcarve were also based in the area.    The Museum of Ventura County collaborated with guest curators Eric Huff, Jordan Downs and Steve Aldana for the exhibition. On view September 21, 2019—February 23, 2020 More information is here .