SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to the belief that the arts are an indispensable element of a thriving and meaningful community, and art events & education should be available to all.
Our exhibition programming is inspired by our energetic community, the geography in which our organization is situated, and the unique history of our region. When we are willing to consider ideas & art together, we are learning to acknowledge and respect the histories that bind us together, and the changing world that surrounds us.
current exhibits
The World is Astonishing with You in It
Exhibit Dates: July 10 – September 14, 2025
Opening Reception: July 17 from 5 PM to 7 PM
If we can count on nothing else, we can count on the natural occurrence of growth. All things—living, conceptual, and beyond—are bound to change and evolve into something new. Transformation is inevitable.
In celebration of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s 30th anniversary, The World is Astonishing with You in It invited Ventura County artists to submit photography, printmaking, drawing, painting, or 2D mixed media that captures transformation in all its forms. From the resilience of nature and the evolution of family and community to the unfolding journey of creative practice, we seek artwork that reflects the beauty, struggle, and profound moments of change that shape our lives.
For three decades, the Cultural Arts Center has been a space where artists, audiences, and the community have grown together. As we mark this milestone, we encourage submissions that not only explore transformation but also consider how art spaces like the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center play a role in personal and collective change. How does your work reflect growth in the everyday, the extraordinary, and everything in between?
The Juror for Upper Gallery
Peter Tyas
Executive Director - Studio Channel Islands
With over 25 years of experience managing arts organizations alongside local and national governments, community development, and education specialists, Peter is a strategic thinker and dedicated collaborator who crafts art programs to serve the cultural enrichment needs of families and students as well as academic and creative professionals. In 2016, Peter moved from the UK to Southern California to begin his work as Executive Director of SCIART. Within this role, he has refocused the organization to fortify its offerings and broaden its reach across California. Under Peter’s direction, SCIART has developed community engagement programs, arts education programs for K-adults, and built partnerships with agencies and individuals to deliver world class cultural experiences and unique interactions between artists and our communities.
The Jurors for DownStage Gallery
GALLERY COMMITTEE & STAFF PICKS
Summer Workshops at the Simi Valley Public Library!
July 29, 2025
from 2 PM to 5 PM
SUN PRINTING &
CONTEMPORARY COLLAGE
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FREE FOR THE COMMUNITY | ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED | ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE
For more information: smcgee@simivalley.org
CONNECTIONS
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and Moorpark College Presents:
Exhibit Dates: June 7 - July 31, 2025
AT THE SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Image by Ryan Interrante
Image by Pujan Wadhera
a Collaboration with SVCAC, SVPL and Moorpark College Photography Department
Featuring Student Artist Talk at the Simi Valley Public Library Community room: June 12th from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
The exhibit titled, "Connections" is a photographic exploration of the visible and invisible threads that link us to each other, to our environments, and to our histories. Through the lens of student photographers, this exhibit captures moments of human interaction, cultural intersections, and the subtle relationships between place and memory. Featuring work from the Photography Students at Moorpark College. This is a Free Community Event.
Exhibit Dates: June 7 - July 31, 2025
Please CLICK HERE to visit the Simi Valley Public Library website for open hours
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
This Exhibit is a partnership between SVCAC, Moorpark College and SVPL
SIMI VALLEY SENIOR CENTER & SVCAC
EXHIBIT DATES: MARCH 15 -MAY 10, 2025
Featuring work by the Artist Members of The Simi Valley Artist Associaton along with Joanne Kramer and Nadia Miller in the glass cases. For more info:
805-583-7901
art trek
Art Trek and Friends Showcase Group Exhibit
February 1 - June 7, 2025
Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 1 PM to 3 PM
Art Trek, Inc. is a nonprofit arts organization and arts center located in Newbury Park whose mission is to bring quality art experiences into the classroom and community. Active and serving Ventura County since 1992, Art Trek has been creating and fostering positive, confidence-building experiences for individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. From kindergarten to college classrooms, public venues, and our studio, to anywhere there is a need, we strive to make art accessible and meaningful. This exhibit showcases and celebrates the artwork of the incredible teaching artists and friends of Art Trek. The Art Trek staff represent a diverse group of talented, creative individuals, and this collection marks the first time their work has been shared collectively as part of the Art Trek team. We are deeply humbled by the depth and variety of talent within our community, and we are thrilled to present their inspirational work to you at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Thank you for joining us in celebrating their creativity and passion!
Visits to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Gary Thomas Gallery are by appointment only Wednesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM. Please contact Cassaundra Rachal to make your appointment: crachal@simivalley.org.
FREE ADMISSION
to Gallery and Opening Reception. Visits are by appointment only.
Hold On Jules!
by Jessica Koenig
Acrylic on Canvas
It’s the 80’s! By Artist Crystal Castaneda, Acrylic on canvas
Musical Dreams
by Corey Klass,
Acrylic on Wood
Past Exhibits & Gallery Events
September 28 - November 12, 2024
Opening: September 28, 2024
A Group Exhibit Titled Tesoro
Curated by Lilia Ramirez
"Tesoro," meaning "Treasure" in Spanish, is the title for an exhibit that celebrates the rich cultural expressions of Chicano and Indigenous artists. By centering their cultural identities, these artists highlight the value of their heritage, traditions, and stories, offering viewers a precious insight into their experiences and perspectives. This exhibit explores themes of resilience, legacy, community, and the intersection of contemporary and traditional art forms, revealing the cultural treasures that are often overlooked or undervalued, yet whose fabric and tapestry comprises the very foundation and light of our shared world.
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Bridges: Art & Community
A group exhibit featuring artwork by the members of the Simi Valley Art Association
Exhibit Dates: April 6 - June 2, 2024
Opening Reception:
April 18, 2024
from 5 PM to 7 PM
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center | UPPER GALLERY Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12- 5 pm by appointment only: 805-583-7900
Bridges: Art & Community Exhibit showcases the stunning artwork of local artists and celebrates the Simi Valley Art Association (SVAA), which has been serving Simi Valley for nearly 60 years. The SVAA is a non-profit arts organization consisting of individuals 18 years of age or older who share a passion in exploring and promoting the visual arts in the Simi Valley community. The SVAA operates with a mission to encourage young artists in the Simi Valley Community. Grants are awarded by the SVAA to the Art Departments of local Simi Valley high schools each year. These grants are funded by donations from the community and fundraising events hosted by the SVAA throughout the year.
Admission to the Exhibit, Artist Talk and Poetry Reading is free of charge and open to the public! Light refreshments will be served.
A Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Upper Gallery & Mainstage Event
3050 E. Los Angeles Avenue Simi Valley, CA 93065
This event is sponsored the generosity of the following community partners:
FINDING OUR VOICES
A NIGHT OF THE ARTS: A CELBRATION OF VENTURA COUNTY'S 150th ANNIVERSARY!
Please join us on November 1st from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center for FINDING OUR VOICES. This special evening will feature an opening reception and art exhibit by students of the Moorpark College Photography Department, an artist panel discussion, live music from Simi Valley’s own classic rock and jazz band, Liquid Indigo, and poetry readings from three of Ventura County Arts Council’s Youth Poet Laureate and Ambassadors program.
Finding Our Voices features students and artists from Ventura County using the mediums of photography and poetry to find their voice as they navigate private and public life in this exploration of self, time and place.
About the Poetry:
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is proud partner with the Ventura County Arts Council to feature live poetry readings featuring three local youth poets including Anya Shah, the 2023-24 Ventura County Poet Laureate ; Lili Lang, a Youth Poet Ambassador; and Sofia Noriega, a recent county Poetry Out Loud champion and a Youth Poet Laureate ambassador. The Ventura County Youth Poet Laureate program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, and human relations, diversity and social justice across Ventura County. The laureateship is an honorary position held by an emerging poet between the ages of 13 and 19 who is a Ventura County resident with an established presence and history of involvement in the Ventura county literary arts community, in volunteer and community service, and in clubs, sports, or other co-curricular activities.
About the Exhibit and Artist Panel Discussion:
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is proud to partner with Moorpark College to bring to our community Finding Our Voices: A Group Exhibit. Finding Our Voices Art Exhibit showcases photographic artworks by current and recently graduated students of the Moorpark Community College’s Photography Department. Students are using the medium of photography to find their voice as they navigate private and public life in this exploration of self, time, and place. This exhibit features the thoughtful artwork of 23 artists including Brooke Andraus, Felipe Araneda, Gabrielle Biasi, Kat DeGuzman, Gerardo Delgado, Blake Fagan, Richard Gonzalez, Karissa Haff, Cameron Han, Ryan Interrrante, Jesus Isabeles, Mary Maki, Victoria McLaughlin, Joseph Mercado, Joseph Moche, Rolla Parks, Chistopher Pineda, Olivia Ricketts, Ruth Salazar, Madeleine Salvay, Becky Savell, Cristina Serrano, and Kaela Watso. The artist panel discussion will feature several of the artists in this exhibit. The artist panel discussion will take place at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Mainstage at 6:45 pm.
FINDING OUR VOICES
A Pop Up Art Exhibit:
September 2 - October 1, 2023
In Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's Upper Gallery
featuring artwork by
Moorpark Community College Photography students!
Finding Our Voices is a group exhibit which features artworks made by current and recently graduated students of the Moorpark Community College Photography Department. Students use the medium of photography to find their voice as they navigate private and public life in this exploration of self, time and place.
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and the City of Simi Valley have partnered with the Moorpark Community College Photography Department and the Simi Valley Public Library to bring the exhibit titled Finding Our Voices to the Simi Valley community. This exhibit has been moved to Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's Upper Gallery!
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center | UPPER GALLERY Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12- 5 pm by appointment only: 805-583-7900
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BOUNDLESS ENCOUNTERS
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center proudly celebrates and showcases artwork by the Simi Valley Art Association (SVAA) in our UPPER GALLERY!
EXHIBIT DATES: May 11 - June 25, 2023
OPENING RECEPTION: May 18, 2023 from 5 - 7 pm
FREE ADMISSION to Gallery and Reception
Image credit: Silk, Photograph by Ian Lewis
Of My Blood / De Mi Sangre
Exhibit Dates: July 6 - September 3, 2023
Opening Reception and Artist Talk:
July 6, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: At Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's Upper Gallery
The paintings in the Of My Blood\De Mi Sangre exhibit are an invitation for the viewer to reflect upon the struggles and the triumphs of the human experience. Galan’s artwork dives into the subconscious, pulling at the many layers of what makes us human. In his ongoing series, Galan portrays memories through cultural traditions rooted in indigenous healing practices. The pieces illustrate the body’s connection to mental health and its ability to heal through natural remedies passed down by the artist’s ancestors.
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center | UPPER GALLERY Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12- 5 pm by appointment only: 805-583-7900
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center proudly partners with the Simi Valley Art Association for this Exhibit.
Admission to the Gallery & Opening is open to the public and free of charge!
About Simi Valley Art Association (SVAA):
A non-profit organization, the Simi Valley Art Association (SVAA) consists of individuals 18 years of age or older, who share a passion in exploring and promoting the visual arts in the Simi Valley community.
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center | UPPER GALLERY
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12- 5 pm by appointment only: 805-583-7900
NATURE AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Kindling Studios at the Simi Valley Town Center
Pop up Gallery Exhibit & Artist Residency
Exhibit Dates:
May 2 - August 31, 2023
Location:
1555 Simi Town Ctr Way,
Simi Valley, CA 93065, Space# 240
FREE Admission to Gallery and Reception
LIFELINES: Handwoven Rhythms of Form & Function
NOT OF THE HANDS, BUT OF THE HEART
The Not of the Hands, but of the Heart exhibit opens on Friday, September 30, 2022 with a special Gallery Opening Reception held in the Galleries at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center from 5 PM to 7 PM. The public is invited to come and meet many of the featured artists who will be in attendance at this reception with a Master Class with John Gray held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 3pm. Admission to the Gallery Opening Reception and Masterclass is free and is open to the public
“John M. Grzywacz-Gray has been a tremendous force in the development of Photography and Visual Communication in Ventura County and beyond. His passion and dedication for inspiring ideas, curiosity, and thoughtful discourse have encouraged many, including myself, to pursue their dreams. This exhibit is a tribute to the person we know as our Mentor and our Friend.”
–Becky Savell
Artist Talk and Master Class
with John Gray
Photos of Cultural Arts Center by Jon Neftali Photography
