SPRING 2024: Sprung

APRIL 1 - JUNE 30

Spring's here, and at VORTEX, we're totally sprung. You know the vibe – when you're head-over-heels for someone or something, and it's all you can think, dream, or talk about? Yeah, that electric buzz in the air isn't just from the season; it's from us diving deep into what gets us all lit up inside.

We're rolling with the theme of "Sprung," but this issue is not just about crushes (though they're always welcome). It's about anything and everything that has us hooked, obsessed, and daydreaming far more than we probably should. Maybe for you, it's that moment in Ojai where the sunset hits just right, a melody that's been playing on loop in your mind, or yes, even that special someone who makes your heart do backflips.

We're looking for the raw, the real, the ridiculously passionate. Got a tale, a pic, a piece of art, or a poem about what's got you sprung? We're all ears and eyes. Let's make this issue a wild ride of spring fever dreams, an ode to a passion, or a confession booth of our latest obsessions. Spill the beans, share the love, and let's craft an issue that's as unpredictable, vibrant, and heart-thumpingly exciting as the very feeling we're celebrating. Welcome to Sprung – let's make it unforgettable.

POCO FARM

Yosephina Peters takes us into the heart of Poco Farm, where Grace Bueti Malloy, her husband Dan Malloy, educator Darrell Forthe, and the dedicated Poco Farm crew embark on a groundbreaking nonprofit journey. Their story, beautifully documented through the photography of Liam Pickhardt, reveals a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and educational outreach in Ojai. Discover Poco's unique teaching philosophy rooted in inquiry learning, shaping a future where community and environment flourish together.

“Does Agriculture Have a Future in the Ojai Valley?” an immersive new exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum, is a heartfelt exploration of the land, the people, and the challenges they face. With captivating soil samples from local farms, poignant portraits of the Valley’s farmers, and a revealing look at the water management strategies. Read our article for a glimpse into the exhibit, and then visit the Ojai Valley Museum before August 4 to see this vital conversation unfold in person.

Relive the magic of Sound+Walk, where art, sound, and light converged for a captivating experience amidst lush grounds on Ojai's East End. Guests were treated to a dynamic blend of whimsical soundscapes, interactive installations, and ethereal performances that combined the magic of music and art. This unforgettable event was thanks to the vibrant community fostered by the Ojai Music Festival, an annual celebration of artistic innovation and collective experience. Stay tuned for more inspiring moments at the upcoming festival and discover the innovative brilliance of Alexi Kenney's 'Shifting Ground,' a unique musical journey that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Villanova sent an email the other day, letting all its subscribers know that its Alumni Relations guy was retiring. Tim Bunce is retiring? Lord knows how he found me, but yadda yadda yadda, I ended up donating a few pieces over the years to the school's annual auction. Did they even sell? I always looked forward to his visits. In one such visit, I discovered he was Joel's Fox's teacher — way back. At one point, I started to make a little comic strip about Tim's stories of Joel, but I ran out of time. I never finished the drawings and have since lost the words, but anyway. Cheers to Mr. Bunce. Happy retirement!

A GRAVE SITUATION

Drew Mashburn's back with another tale from the past. Follow the story of a young team of gravediggers as they face the formidable task of manually excavating in the waterlogged earth of Nordhoff Cemetery. What begins as a chance to earn some extra money quickly turns into an unexpected adventure with eerie discoveries beneath the mud-soaked ground. There's even a cameo by a building recently in the news. Find out what it once was!

VORTEX COVER ARTIST: CAROL SHAW SUTTON

Carol Shaw-Sutton is a renowned fiber artist known for her intricate and expressive textile sculptures that explore themes of nature, human connection, and the passage of time. Her work, characterized by the use of organic materials and traditional fiber techniques, has been exhibited internationally, earning her a respected place in the contemporary art world.

READ ALL ABOUT HER

NEW CONTRIBUTOR ALERT!

Sarah Rennix brings us the scoop on Queers in the Valley’s Ojai Pride 2024; the 33rd Annual Pride Walk around Downtown has extended programming, performance, picnics, and Pride events all over town.

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SPRING FILM SERIES AT OVM

Ojai Film Society continues its program at the Ojai Valley Museum, where groundbreaking films await in the serene outdoor courtyard. This adults-only series kicks off with captivating stories that claim a space in the Americas, offering an intimate cinematic experience under the stars. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to reserve their free tickets early and bring their own chairs. Join OFS for these unique screenings and enjoy selections from local drink vendors, enhancing your film night with the best of Ojai's local flavors. Don't miss out on this exclusive springtime event – secure your spot today!

OLO Members-Only:

EVENTS CALENDAR

A curated list of regular and special events from Ojai, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara.

OLO TEA PARTY

Around Town, Real Estate, Food Scene, City Council Recaps, Quick Takes 🤦🏻♥️🤡😻and more!

Culture

Gallery shows
thru June:

OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM

OJAI ART CENTER

SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM

BEATRICE WOOD CENTER

CANVAS + PAPER

CAROLYN GLASOE BAILEY FOUNDATION

SPORE SPACE

UCSB A.S. BIKE SHOP

FOX FINE JEWELRY

WHAT HAS YOUR SPRUNG?